Fantasy Football's Week 12 "Dark Horses"

By John Arias

There is only a matter of weeks until the playoffs. It is critical to start players who have favorable matchups that are not household names, which leads to this week’s Dark Horses.

Matt Cassel, QB, New England Patriots

Tom who? Cassel threw for 400 yards and three touchdowns in the loss to the Jets last Thursday night against one of the top defenses in the leagues.

What is more impressive was, after being down 24-6, he was able to rally his team back into contention.

The Patriots will travel to Miami, which is a critical game for each team. The Dolphins rank 20th against the pass and Cassel should be able to find the end zone.

Prediction: 278 yards and two touchdowns.

Warrick Dunn, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With the injury to Earnest Graham, Dunn automatically becomes a No. 2 running back. Dunn could not have chosen a better time to start, because the Bucs will travel to winless Detroit.

Dunn is having a very productive year with 476 yards and a 4.4 per rush. Look for him to very well against one of the worst rush defenses.

Prediction: 23 carries for 105 yards with three receptions for 26 yards.

Bernard Berrian, WR, Minnesota Vikings

After recording at least five receptions in four games in a row, Berrian has struggled in his last three games. In his last three games, he only has five receptions. Things should get much better this week against the Jaguars.

Although the Jaguars are in the middle of the pack against the pass defense (18), they have surrender 18 touchdowns through the air, which is 31st in the NFL.

Prediction: Five receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown.

Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants

Alright, he has not thrown for 200 yards in his last six games and that hurts for fantasy owners. However, in that span, he has nine touchdowns and six interceptions. Nothing screams for him to start until one takes a closer look at his opponent. The Cardinals have...

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