Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 12: Last-Minute Fantasy Football Advice for Sunday

The pressure is on. Only a few weeks are left in the fantasy football regular season. For many owners that means the lineup decisions they make now will determine whether they qualify for the playoffs or get sent to the dreaded consolation bracket.

A couple of notes about Week 12. First, it's the final week that features byes as the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers get some rest. Then there's the switch of the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets to Monday night, which causes a downgrade for players with injury concerns.

Otherwise, it's another typical week of fantasy football action, aside from the postseason races helping to spice things up. Let's take a closer look at some players on the fringe and decide whether to insert them in starting lineups or place them on the bench.

Start 'Em

Position	Player	Team
QB	Jay Cutler	CHI
RB	Jerick McKinnon	MIN
WR	Kenny Stills	NO
TE	Jason Witten	DAL
D/ST	Colts	IND
K	Patrick Murray	TB

Jay Cutler is a prime example of the difference between the real world and the fantasy realm. He takes a lot of heat in Chicago, but he checks in as the No. 8 fantasy quarterback. Expect him to crack 20 points for the second straight week, this time against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 30th-ranked pass defense.

After some initial success, Jerick McKinnon has faded a bit as of late. He hasn't scored more than eight points over the past three games. But facing a Green Bay Packers defense that rates 29th against the run in a game where ball control will be important is a golden opportunity to get back on track.

Furthermore, Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press passed along comments from Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner about the running back's status. He said the team remains committed to him despite the addition of Ben Tate.

"We're excited about Jerick and what he's done and I see him as our running back," Turner said. "He's been limited in practice last week and couldn't practice (Wednesday). So you got to protect yourself, obviously with Matt not being able to practice (Wednesday) and in doubt as to whether he'll play or not."

While the loss of Brandin Cooks is a setback to the New Orleans Saints offense, it provides a boost to Kenny Stills' value. Previously a touchdown-dependent, boom-or-bust option, now he should see enough targets to start across the board against a mediocre Baltimore Ravens secondary.

Jason Witten has emerged from a dormant period at the start of the season to become valuable again. He's tallied 28 points over the past three weeks, highlighted by a pair of touchdowns. Though he's not yet back in the must-start category, ride the wave of increased production while it lasts.

Yes, the Indianapolis Colts defense is coming off a week in which it scored minus-five. That said, it all comes down to matchups. And given the struggles of the Jacksonville Jaguars on the offensive side of the ball, the Colts scored be started after scoring 17 in an earlier meeting between the sides.

Patrick Murray is trending in the right direction with at least seven points in three of the Bucs' four games since their bye week. He should receive quite a few scoring chances as they battle a struggling Chicago Bears defense on Sunday.

Sit 'Em

Position	Player	Team
QB	Russell Wilson	SEA
RB	Frank Gore	SF
WR	Andre Johnson	HOU
TE	Jermaine Gresham	CIN
D/ST	Lions	DET
K	Greg Zuerlein	STL

Russell Wilson has exceeded most expectations by rating inside the top five of quarterbacks at this stage of the season. He should remain a rock-solid option down the stretch. Just not this week in what will likely be a low-scoring slugfest against an improving Arizona Cardinals defense.

Frank Gore has been so reliable for so long that it's a surprise to see his production drop off, even with the age factor. He's averaging barely over six points per contest over the past six and can be safely benched as he faces a Washington Redskins defense that gave up just two yards per carry last week.

Although there were some encouraging signs for Andre Johnson in the first game with Ryan Mallett leading the offense, it's too soon to buy back in completely. The Houston Texans are still a run-first team and the veteran wideout isn't getting enough looks in the red zone.

ESPN Stats and Info provided a stat that showcases that and illustrates why Johnson is left on the bench for the time being:

Jermaine Gresham is a popular free-agent target after finding the end zone twice last week. At a position as weak as tight end, that warrants attention. Don't expect him to match that performance, however, as he stares down a strong Texans linebacker group.

The Detroit Lions have been terrific on the defensive side for a majority of the campaign. Alas, it's impossible to recommend starting a defense that's going up Tom Brady and the New England Patriots after three straight outings with at least 40 points.

Greg Zuerlein is coming off a monster game that saw him tally 20 points. The bigger picture shows he ranks 23rd among kickers and has reached double digits just twice. Expect him to return to his usual subpar level of scoring in a road clash with the San Diego Chargers.