Fantasy Football Week 12: Under-the-Radar Players Guaranteed to Thrive

Desperation is likely starting to set in for fantasy owners across the globe who are hoping to qualify for the playoffs. That means many may be willing to roll the dice on some risky lineup decisions in Week 12.

For those who are feeling lucky, there are several intriguing matchups worth taking advantage of. While some owners may want to stick with the players who got them to this point, preconceived notions from the preseason should no longer matter when setting a lineup.

Winning is the No. 1 priority with just a couple of weeks remaining in the fantasy regular season, and here is a look at three unheralded players who figure to contribute to a winning cause in Week 12.

Josh McCown

Unless you own someone like Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck or Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback position has been a bit of an enigma in fantasy this season. Attempting to ride the hot hand hasn't been a bad strategy since there is so much volatility, and that makes Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal-caller Josh McCown an intriguing option this week.

Since regaining the starting job a couple of weeks ago, McCown is averaging nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns per game in a pair of contests. He has developed a great rapport with rookie wide receiver Mike Evans, which makes him extremely dangerous in terms of making big plays down the field.

As surprising as it may be, McCown has been one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in the league this season when he plays, according to Mike Clay of Pro Football Focus:

In addition to that fact, McCown has a great matchup in Week 12 against a Chicago Bears defense that has given up the second-most passing scores in the NFL with 24. McCown may also have some added motivation, since the Bears chose to keep Jay Cutler over him.

Even Cutler himself is extremely complimentary of what McCown brings to the table, per ESPN.com's Michael C. Wright:

"

I think Josh is good for a lot of people. I think you could pair him up with probably most of the people in this room, and he'd find a way to help make you better. He's not going to make you worse. I know that. He's just one of those types of people. So I know he's doing good things for that quarterback room in Tampa, just like he did for us.

"

McCown may not admit it publicly, but there has to be some added motivation facing a team that let him walk. Add that to the statistical advantages in his favor, and it is easy to envision him turning in a huge fantasy performance.

Jerick McKinnon

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There is no question that the Minnesota Vikings suddenly have a very crowded backfield, but rookie Jerick McKinnon still has an excellent opportunity to separate himself from the pack and develop into a reliable fantasy asset.

McKinnon has been Minnesota's de facto starter for the past several weeks, and he has been quite effective to the tune of a 4.9 yards-per-carry average. His opportunities in the red zone have been somewhat limited, with Matt Asiata getting the bulk of those looks, but McKinnon will continue to rack up the bulk of the yardage.

One thing that bears watching is the fact that Minnesota claimed Ben Tate off waivers from the Cleveland Browns. Tate is a skilled back; however, he needs some time to get acclimated to the offense before becoming a big contributor.

Also, Vikes offensive coordinator Norv Turner insists that McKinnon is still the No. 1 back despite the acquisition of Tate, per Brian Hall of FoxSports.com:

"

I think we're excited about Jerick and what he's done, and I see him as our running back. ... He's a 210-pound guy who is put together pretty good. I'd like to see us get more carries, I'd like to see him get more carries. I know how that all goes, but games come up different and when we've been able to get in those situations and get him the ball, he's done well. I think he's going to be a very good back in this league.

"

Since Minnesota is facing the Green Bay Packers and their explosive offense, the best defense may be a ball-control offense. If the Vikings can run the ball well, then it will keep Rodgers off the field.

The Packers allow over 139 rushing yards per game, which may be their biggest weakness. Even if the Vikings fall behind, McKinnon has proved to be a capable pass-catcher, so he'll put up some stats one way or another.

Coby Fleener

Indianapolis Colts tight end Coby Fleener hasn't fully lived up to expectations during his three NFL seasons, but the former Stanford standout is in ideal position to dominate against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12.

Fleener enjoyed his best game of the season last week when he caught seven passes for 144 yards in the face of a strong New England Patriots secondary. Much of that came after fellow tight end Dwayne Allen left the game due to injury, and it just so happens that he will miss this week's game, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter:

With Allen on the shelf, Fleener is the unquestioned No. 1 tight end in Indy, and he is the No. 3 receiving option behind T.Y. Hilton and Reggie Wayne. Fleener also has the advantage of having played with Luck in college, so they have a strong, long-running rapport.

Perhaps above all else, the Jags simply aren't very good at stopping the pass. They give up nearly 262 yards per game through the air, and Luck threw for 370 yards and four touchdowns when they met earlier in the season. Fleener caught a touchdown in that game, and he will certainly be even more involved this time around.

The tight end position is thin from a fantasy perspective, which makes Fleener a top-five play in Week 12.

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