Fantasy Football Week 12: Big-Play Performers Sure To Be Point Machines
Fantasy football Week 12 is already already well under way thanks to today's Thanksgiving slate of three games (all glory to the NFL).
We've already seen Tom Brady pull out a brilliant performance against the Lions, passing for 341 yards and four touchdowns, and no doubt all you Brady owners are having your best Thanksgiving in years.
For the rest of you, we've compiled a list of 20 guys that you absolutely must insert into your starting lineup before it's too late. And with the fantasy playoffs looming, no doubt you need all the help you can get.
Start the slideshow for some knowledge that could save your season.
20. Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings
1 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Sure, he's been rotten this year. But a new head coach could very well be the remedy he needs.
Who’s the Matchup: Favre is going to be facing the Washington Redskins on the road, where they are 2-3. The Skins also allow over 280 passing yards per game and have been victimized by 18 touchdowns.
The Verdict: Definitely going out on a limb by telling you to start Favre. No doubt many of you don't even have him any more. But he does have every excuse to break out of his funk. He has to sooner or later, right?
Count on 225 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick.
19. Jacob Tamme, TE, Indianapolis Colts
2 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Because he's the featured tight end in an offense run by Peyton Manning. What more do you want?
Who’s the Matchup: The Colts host the Chargers on Sunday, who don't necessarily pose a favorable matchups. But Tamme has been the best tight end one could hope for in November, as he leads all tight ends with 305 yards receiving this month.
The Verdict: Not sure why you would be sitting him, but don't.
Count on 65 yards, and he's due for a touchdown.
18. Rob Bironas, K, Tennessee Titans
3 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Bironas is one of the most reliable kickers in fantasy, as he has made 19 of his 20 field goal tries.
Who’s the Matchup: The Titans face Houston, but that's not the issue here. The Titans offense promises to sputter under Rusty Smith, which could mean some long tries for Bironas. And he's 12 of 13 from beyond 30 yards, including 7/7 from beyond 40.
The Verdict: In case you were thinking about another kicker, don't.
Count on three field goals, at least one of which is from beyond 40 yards.
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17. Brandon Jacobs, RB, New York Giants
4 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Jacobs is finally out of Tom Coughlin's dog house and will get the start against Jacksonville. He's had just five carries each of the last two weeks, but will get an extended amount on Sunday.
Who’s the Matchup: The Jaguars only give up about 112 rushing yards per game, but have allowed 12 rushing touchdowns this season. Only Denver has allowed more.
The Verdict: If you've been holding on to Jacobs, go ahead and plug him in there. You'll be glad you did if he gets as many as 10 points.
Count on 75 yards and a touchdown.
16. Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets
5 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Sanchez is usually only good for around 15 or 16 points at the most, but he's had multiple touchdowns in each of his last two games, and he definitely has some mojo going with Santonio Holmes.
Who’s the Matchup: The Jets will be kicking off against the Bengals in just a short while. The stats tell us that the Bengals pass defense is actually pretty decent, as they have given up an average of just 223 pass yards per game. But they got torched by Ryan Fitzpatrick for 316 yards and four touchdowns. Sanchez could build on that.
The Verdict: Sanchez is getting better and better, and he figures to be a big scorer in what should be a beatdown of Cincinnati.
Count on 250 yards and at least two touchdowns.
15. Mario Manningham, WR, New York Giants
6 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: With Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith battling injuries, Manningham becomes the de facto number one target for Eli Manning.
Who’s the Matchup: The Giants host Jacksonville on Sunday, who have allowed a league-high 20 touchdown receptions. They also allow an average of 279 receiving yards per game, and Manningham promises to see plenty of targets.
The Verdict: You probably already have him, but this slide should serve as a reminder to avoid being a numbskull. Start him.
Count on 75 yards and a touchdown.
14. Mike Tolbert, RB, San Diego Chargers
7 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Tolbert was a trendy pickup with Ryan Mathews out against Denver, and he responded with 111 yards and a touchdown. With Mathews iffy for the Bolts' game against Indianapolis, Tolbert should once again be started.
Who’s the Matchup: The Colts may be a good team, but they're not very good against the rush. They're allowing 136.7 yards rushing per game, and Arian Foster's huge game against them on opening day should have set a precedent for fantasy owners everywhere.
The Verdict: The Chargers are hot, and Tolbert is one of their guys that you should ride until proven otherwise.
Count on 95 yards.
13. Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens
8 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: It's been a down year for Rice after a stellar 2009 campaign, but he's still a hard guy to risk benching.
Who’s the Matchup: The Ravens host the Buccaneers, who are giving up an average of 136.5 yards rushing per game. They stuffed Frank Gore in San Francisco last week, but you have to think that one game does not equal a trend.
The Verdict: Rice is iffy week in and week out, but he and the Ravens are just too good to sit him down.
Count on 85 yards rushing and 30 receiving yards.
12. Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
9 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Cassel has been very successful almost under the radar in the last two weeks, and has a very favorable matchup this weekend.
Who’s the Matchup: The Chiefs are playing at Seattle on Sunday, and the Seahawks have one of the worst pass defenses in the league. They allow over 283 yards passing per game, and Cassel has thrown for 662 yards and six touchdowns in his last two games, with no picks.
The Verdict: If you have Cassel backing up somebody with a tough matchup (i.e. Mike Vick against the Bears or Matt Ryan against the Packers), I would honestly think about starting him.
Count on 225 yards and two touchdowns.
11. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams
10 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Jackson is in a minor slump, but he's still a top 10 running back who should probably never be benched.
Who’s the Matchup: The Rams hit the road to play Denver, whose rush defense is notoriously bad. They allow over 143 yards rushing per game, second to last in the NFL.
The Verdict: Because Jackson has been pretty human in his last three games after topping 100 yards in the three games before that, this looks like a good slump-busting opportunity.
Count on 110 yards.
10. Cleveland Browns Defense
11 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: They're obviously not the best unit in the league, as they give up over 20 points and close to 360 yards per game, but they have a favorable matchup.
Who’s the Matchup: They're playing Carolina. Nuff said.
The Verdict: If you have them, start 'em. If not, pick 'em up, then start 'em.
Count on 0-10 points allowed, two sacks, a pick, and a forced fumble.
9. Terrell Owens, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
12 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: He's been Carson Palmer's most consistent target this year, which makes him a better start than Chad Ochocinco.
Who’s the Matchup: The Bengals kick off with the Jets very soon, so hurry up. Owens may have pissed off Darrelle Revis by calling him an "average corner," but Owens usually does s good job of backing his trash talk up. Besides, the Jets pass defense is nothing special. They allow more than 230 receiving yards per game.
The Verdict: Don't let his talk of Revis deter you. If you benched him, unbench him quickly.
Count on 85 yards and a touchdown.
8. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
13 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: After scoring four touchdowns in his first four games, Mendenhall has a been a mite unpredictable ever since. But he's still rushed for 811 yards on the season.
Who’s the Matchup: Pittsburgh will travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills this Sunday. The Bills, for your information, allow over 160 rushing yards per game. You may feel free to start salivating.
The Verdict: Start him, you fool.
Count on 110 yards and at least one touchdown.
7. Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego Chargers
14 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Jackson will be making his 2010 debut and promises to be the main cog in a banged up San Diego receiving corps.
Who’s the Matchup: The Bolts are playing the Colts, who give up a respectable 207.7 yards through the air every game. But this is Philip Rivers we're talking here, and it would make sense that he would want to involve Jackson early and often.
The Verdict: If you've been holding on to him in anticipation of this day, well done.
Count on 85 yards and a touchdown.
6. Peyton Hillis, RB, Cleveland Browns
15 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Hillis has rushed for 774 yards and eight touchdowns on the season, and the latter figure is tied for third most in the NFL.
Who’s the Matchup: Cleveland has the benefit of hosting the Panthers, who are easily the worst team in the NFL. They also allow nearly 130 yards rushing per game, and Hillis averages 86 yards in home games, including 133 a game in his last two.
The Verdict: You shouldn't be sitting Hillis anyway, but definitely don't against Carolina.
Count on 90 yards and a touchdown.
5. Darren McFadden , RB, Oakland Raiders
16 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: McFadden had an awful game at Pittsburgh, tallying just 14 yards on 10 carries. But if you're thinking about sitting him this week, you should be slapped. He's still averaging 96.4 yards per game.
Who’s the Matchup: The Miami Dolphins come into the black hole with a solid rush defense, as they also allow barely over 112 rushing yards per game. But McFadden has been a beast at home, as he averages 98 yards per game at home, and 115 in Oakland's three home wins.
The Verdict: Oakland's offense goes as Run DMC goes. He'll get carries, and he'll get points.
Bet on 100 yards and a touchdown.
4. Santonio Holmes, WR, New York Jets
17 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Many people are kicking themselves right now for not adding Holmes when they had the chance (me included). He's fifth in receiving in the month of November, and once again has a good thing going with Mark Sanchez.
Who’s the Matchup: The Jets face the Bengals very shortly, who gave up 137 yards and three touchdowns to Buffalo's Steve Johnson on Sunday. Holmes has 316 yards and three touchdowns in his last three games. Good matchup.
The Verdict: Congrats on picking him up. Now never sit him again.
Count on 80 yards and a touchdown.
3. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
18 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Because this goes without saying. He's had at least one touchdown catch in six straight games, and leads the NFL with 11 touchdown catches.
Who’s the Matchup: The Chiefs hit the road to take on the Seattle Seahawks, who are absolutely awful despite their 5-5 record. They also give up over 300 receiving yards per game, and have allowed 16 touchdown receptions.
The Verdict: Well, you weren't about to sit him, were you?
Count on 95 receiving yards and a touchdown.
2. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
19 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Gore looked like a strong candidate last week against the Buccaneers and their soft run defense. He ended up with 23 yards on 12 carries. That won't happen again (crosses fingers).
Who’s the Matchup: The good news for Gore is that he gets a crack at yet another soft rush defense. Arizona allows about 135 yards rushing per game, and has also allowed 12 rushing touchdowns, which is second only to Denver.
The Verdict: You should never sit Gore, even if he did let you down last week.
Count on 90 yards rushing, 25 yards receiving, and one touchdown.
1. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
20 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Because he's Aaron Rodgers.
Who’s the Matchup: It's an epic NFC showdown between the Pack and the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday, and both Rodgers and Matt Ryan are great starts this week. But more so Rodgers, who has seven touchdowns and no picks in his last two, the last of which was a four touchdown effort in a dome.
The Verdict: There are plenty of quarterbacks that will score big this weekend, but Rodgers could very well be the cream of the proverbial crop.
Count on 300 yards and three touchdowns, with maybe one pick. He's due for one.
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