NFL Week 12 Predictions: Projecting the Top Fantasy Football Performances

In Week 12 of the NFL season, the following players should have the biggest fantasy performances:

Aaron Rodgers, Packers: Ready for a shootout on Thanksgiving? We might get one at Ford Field, especially with Rodgers bringing his explosive offense to Detroit. Rodgers has historically been very good against the Lions, and he's still playing at a historic level in 2011. Big fantasy points should follow.  

Matthew Stafford, Lions: Stafford will lead the other side of the shootout. He's fresh off a five-touchdown game against the Panthers last Sunday, and the Packers defense hasn't shown the ability to stop opposing quarterbacks in 2011. 

Matt Forte, Bears: With Jay Cutler on the sidelines, the Bears will need Forte to carry the load on offense. He's shown that he can do that this season, but that was with the threat of Cutler still there. Luckily for the Bears, Oakland has been one of the worst fantasy defenses against the run this season.  

Drew Brees, Saints: Brees and the Saints have had a week to rest up and prepare for the New York Giants, who have faltered at times against the pass in 2011. They've allowed at least 240 yards and a score in three straight weeks. Brees should make that four in a row on Sunday.

Calvin Johnson, Lions: Johnson has "cooled" a bit in the past two weeks, as he's failed to go over 100 yards or score a touchdown during that stretch. We're banking on both those trends ending on Thursday against the Packers. 

LeSean McCoy, Eagles: The formula has been pretty simple for the Eagles on offense this season. When they get the ball to McCoy consistently, the offense moves the sticks and scores points. Against a still-shaky Patriots defense this week, that formula needs to again be executed.  

Steve Smith, Panthers: Carolina takes on the NFL's second-worst fantasy defense against receivers this week in Indianapolis, and Smith is due for another huge game. Over the past two weeks, he's been held under 100 total yards. In Week 12, Smith goes well over the century mark with a couple of scores.

Cam Newton, Panthers: Part of Smith's recent struggles has been the play of Newton, but we're thinking he can turn it around this week against the Colts. Like we stated above, few have been as bad against the pass this season than Indy. 

Tom Brady, Patriots: You can't leave Brady off any list like this, especially with the way he's played over the past two weeks. And while the Eagles' secondary has some playmakers who can make life more difficult for Brady this week, expect him to eventually exploit a group that's given up the 20th most points to fantasy quarterbacks this season.