Week 12 Start 'Em Sit 'Em: Andre Johnson and Others to Start

With Week 12 approaching quickly because of Thanksgiving, a few spots in the lineups need to be addressed.

That said, here are four players to give the green light this week in fantasy football.

Andre Johnson: WR, Texans (at Jacksonville)

According to Josh Katzowitz of CBS Sports, Andre Johnson is expected to suit up in Week 12:

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"It sounds like the long-awaited return of Texans receiver Andre Johnson will come this week—just in time for Matt Leinart to replace the injured Matt Schaub at quarterback for the rest of the season. 

"That’s what coach Gary Kubiak said today [Monday] when he shared the news that Johnson practiced with no problems."

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And even though Matt Leinart will be under center, Johnson will be his safety outlet. So, pretty much either go deep or throw the ball away.

Leinart also does have a strong arm, so don't be surprised if coach Gary Kubiak gives him the nod more than a few times.

Laurent Robinson: WR, Cowboys (vs. Dolphins)

Regardless of Miles Austin's situation, Laurent Robinson should get the fantasy football start once again. For one, he's already proven to be more durable than Austin, and he's easily just as productive and reliable.

Robinson knows how to find the end zone, and with other solid targets for Tony Romo in the passing game, Laurent won't see double coverage. And with a stout ground game, defenses can't afford to be leaving just six guys in the box.

Robinson will only see single coverage, so advantage Cowboys and advantage you, in fantasy football.

Carson Palmer: QB, Raiders (vs. Bears)

Although the Chicago Bears have been improving in pass defense, so has Raiders QB Carson Palmer in passing offense.

Oakland has a solid rushing attack that helps set up the pass and decent special teams to provide good field position. There's no doubt that Palmer looked abysmal when he first took the field because it takes time to get back into the flow of the game.

That said, the Raiders passing game has been gradually improving, and Palmer should get your start in Week 12.

Oakland needs to establish a respected passing game, anyway. Otherwise, they're not going far once the postseason begins.

Kevin Smith: RB, Lions (vs. Packers)

According to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, Kevin Smith appears to be getting the start on Turkey Day:

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"It's probably not a huge surprise after his performance Sunday against Carolina, but if the early part of practice Tuesday was any indication, Kevin Smith is going to make his first start at running back since the 2009 season.

"It's not set in stone, certainly, but it looks like Smith will start against the Packers."

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So, with this being a good possibility, you should give Mr. Smith the green light as well. Smith is easily the Lions' best option at RB, and lest we forget, he ran for almost 1,000 yards when the Lions went 0-16.

If Smith was a solid fantasy back during that season, you can imagine how much of a benefit he will be for the The Motor City for the remainder of 2011.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.