Week 12 Start Em Sit Em: Who Are the Smart Matchup Plays?

We're eleven weeks into the 2011 fantasy football campaign, and with the bye weeks now in the rear view mirror only injuries (of which there are plenty) stand between fantasy owners and a full compliment of options to choose from when setting their lineups.

However, with many fantasy teams in full-on scramble mode in an effort to keep their playoff dreams alive every lineup decision, and even every fantasy point, becomes that much more important, so for those fantasy owners who don't have the luxury of choosing from the Top 10 Players at Each Position here's a look at 10 players with delicious matchups as we approach Thanksgiving.

Have a fantastic holiday everyone!

1. Carson Palmer: QB, Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer didn't post a big stat line in last week's win over the Minnesota Vikings, but the ninth-year veteran was efficient, completing over 70 percent of his passes, throwing a touchdown pass, and posting a quarterback rating of well over 100.

Palmer should be able to post a much better day from a fantasy perspective this week when the Raiders host the Chicago Bears, who are a favorable fantasy matchup for opposing quarterbacks and who rank 30th in the NFL against the pass.

2. Vince Young: QB, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. NE)

After being left for dead in the NFC East the Philadelphia Eagles once again have a pulse after Sunday night's surprising win over the New York Giants, due in large part to the solid performance of quarterback Vince Young, who threw a pair of touchdown passes in relief of the injured Michael Vick.

Young and the Eagles get the high-flying Patriots offense next, and not only does New England have a tendency to force opponents to the air early and often they have also allowed the third most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, so should Young get the nod again fantasy owners hurting at QB could do much worse.

3. Chris Johnson: RB, Tennessee Titans (vs. TB)

Stop looking at me like that.

Yes, Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson followed up his 174 total yards in Week 10 by laying yet another egg in Week 11 against the Atlanta Falcons, gaining a measly 13 yards on 12 carries.

However, if you're feeling lucky (or crazy, whatever) Johnson could be set to rebound this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are the second friendliest fantasy matchup in the NFL for opposing running backs and who have allowed a league-high 11 rushing touchdowns.

4. Rashard Mendenhall: RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (at KC)

It's been an up-and-down fourth season in the National Football League for Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall, as although the former Illinois standout has three scores over his past two games he's also topped 100 yards rushing only once this year and is averaging less than four yards a carry.

This week has the makings of an "up" one however, as Mendenhall and the Steelers travel to Kansas City to meet the Chiefs, who have surrendered the sixth most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs.

5. Jonathan Stewart: RB, Carolina Panthers (at IND)

Running back Jonathan Stewart of the Carolina Panthers hasn't been getting the touches on the ground this season, as evidenced by his 83 total carries this year, but the fourth-year pro has been doing damage as a receiver out of the backfield, as he did with 109 total yards in last week's loss to the Detroit Lions.

There should be plenty of carries and/or short passes to go around this week when Carolina travels to the LoserDome to do "battle" with the Indianapolis Chokes, who have allowed the third most fantasy points to opposing running backs and appear more concerned with 2012 draft position than winning.

6. Percy Harvin: WR, Minnesota Vikings (at ATL)

After being a non-factor for much of the 2011 season Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin had his best game of the season in last week's loss to the Oakland Raiders, tallying 77 total yards and scoring his second touchdown of the year.

Harvin could be in for another solid outing this week, as the ankle injury suffered by running back Adrian Peterson could mean more work on the ground for Harvin against the Atlanta Falcons, who also allow the eleventh most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers.

7. Brandon Lloyd: WR, St. Louis Rams (vs. ARI)

It hasn't taken long for wide receiver Brandon Lloyd to make himself comfortable in his new home as a member of the St. Louis Rams, as the ninth-year veteran has reeled in nine catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns over his past two games.

Lloyd should have an excellent opportunity to build on those numbers this week when the Rams face the Arizona Cardinals, who have given up the ninth most fantasy points per game in the National Football League this season to opposing wide receivers.

8. Laurent Robinson: WR, Dallas Cowboys (vs. MIA)

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

For the past three weeks, in this very space, I've recommended Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Laurent Robinson, and he's responded to the tune of 12 receptions for 149 yards and three scores over that stretch and faces a Miami Dolphins squad this week that's the seventh friendliest fantasy matchup for opposing wideouts.

Besides, he gives you someone to root for while you're stuffing your face.

9. Anthony Fasano: TE, Miami Dolphins (at DAL)

Miami Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano was pretty quiet in Sunday's big win over the Buffalo Bills, making only two receptions for eight yards, but the sixth-year pro made the most of one of those catches, scoring a touchdown.

Fasano should have a more productive outing when the Dolphins play the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day, as Dallas has surrendered the third most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this year.

10. Carolina Panthers Defense/Special Teams

At first glance the Carolina Panthers defense may not appear to be much to look at, ranking 27th overall in the National Football League, 30th against the run, and 17th against the pass.

However, there is one, and only one fact you need to know when considering whether the Panthers might be a viable fantasy start this week.

They play the Indianapolis Colts.

That is all.