Fantasy Football Thursday Morning Start 'Em or Sit 'Em Decisions: Week 12

Just hours before the start of Week 12, I know many people have questions running through their heads.  Who should I start?  Who should I sit?

Let’s take a look at a few situations to try and settle things:

Jahvid Best – Detroit Lions – Running Back

Lions’ coach Jim Schwartz was quoted on mlive.com (click here for the article) earlier in the week as saying, “Jahvid’s been struggling with his toe since the Minnesota game, and it’s been something that has, rather than progressively get better, it’s progressively hampered him more and more.” 

Clearly, that’s not exactly what fantasy owners want to hear. The injury limited Best to just two yards on three carries in Week 11 against the Cowboys.  Instead, Maurice Morris led the way on the ground, with 31 yards on 10 carries.

While Best may dress, it is impossible to have faith in him since the beat reporters said that Best did not look good when he actually did practice this week. 

The team will likely limit his touches, as well as continue to rely on a passing game led by Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson and Brandon Pettigrew.

If you are absolutely desperate, look at Morris.  For the majority of fantasy owners, the Lions’ running backs should be ignored this week.  There is just too much instability and uncertainty.

Reggie Bush – New Orleans Saints – Running Back

Prior to Week 11, Reggie Bush thought he was ready to play, yet the Saints ultimately had him inactive for the game.  Again, his status is up in the air for this week after being listed as questionable on the injury report. 

James Varney of the New Orleans Times-Picayune (click here for the article) summed it up best, saying “Bush said he feels good but declined to make any predictions on whether he would play against the Cowboys. He felt ready to play against the Seahawks last Sunday, he said, and was scratched.”

With both Pierre Thomas and Ladell Betts out of action, you would think the Saints may be more apt to dress Bush, but that’s anyone’s guess.  Even if he were to dress (which does appear to be likely at the time of this writing), it’s hard to anticipate him being a viable option anyways. 

We have not seen Bush on the field since breaking his fibula in Week 2 and Chris Ivory is coming off a strong game (99 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries).

We have no clue how many snaps he would be allowed to play even if he was active.  That alone would be enough to push him to fantasy benches.  The fact that dressing is no guarantee makes it impossible to trust him.

Braylon Edwards – New York Jets – Wide Receiver

No injuries in this decision.  The question simply is whether he will produce enough to justify using.  Santonio Holmes has clearly entrenched himself as the top target, and the Jets aren't playing an awful Bengals pass defense, which is allowing a pedestrian 223.0 passing yards per game to go with 15 TD and 12 INT. 

Of course, this is the same defense that saw Ryan Fitzpatrick throw for 316 yards and four TD in Week 11 (led by Steve Johnson’s eight receptions for 137 yards and three touchdowns).

One of the major concerns with Edwards is his production, regardless of the matchup.  Yes, he does have six touchdowns, but he has not exceeded 90 yards in a game and he’s only had two games with as many as five catches.  Does that sound like the type of production you want to trust?

In three-wide receiver formats, depending on your other options, I can see using him.  The Jets passing game has been better then expected and Edwards does appear to have a nose for the end zone. 

However, in shallower formats, his lack of true breakout potential has to give you cause for concern.  In Week 11, Holmes was targeted by Mark Sanchez 12 times; Edwards had just six.  That really should sum it up.  Don’t simply chase the TD.

What are your thoughts of these players?  Who would you start?  Who would you sit?

Make sure to check out Rotoprofessor’s Week 12 Rankings:

• Top 25 Quarterbacks
• Top 40 Running Backs
• Top 60 Wide Receivers
• Top 20 Tight Ends 
• Top 15 Kickers
• Top 15 Defenses
• Waiver Worthy
• Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em
• Sunday Sleepers (coming soon)

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