Week 12 Start Em Sit Em: CJ Spiller and Others You Must Start

With Week 12 approaching fast because of Thanksgiving and fantasy matchups following closely thereafter, making moves and starting/sitting the right players becomes extremely crucial.

That being said, injuries continue to affect some of these decisions. Being fully aware of the latest news is also important to fantasy football success.

Therefore, here are four players to start in Week 12.

CJ Spiller: RB, Bills (at Jets)

According to Josh Katzowitz of CBS Sports, Bills RB Fred Jackson is out this week against the Jets:

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"While meeting with reporters, Bills coach Chan Gailey said running back Fred Jackson, who left last week’s game with a leg injury, won’t play Sunday vs. the Jets. And it could be even worse than that."

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So with C.J. Spiller getting the nod this week, he is a viable fantasy option. Although Spiller's role has been limited, he is a much more diverse RB than given credit for.

He's a solid receiving RB, has good hands, hits the edge quick and is as athletic as they come. In addition, the New York Jets defense allows almost 120 rush yards per game so expect Spiller to slam between the tackles quite often, especially since QB Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn't played well recently.

Now, Spiller's not going to be your top RB choice or even the No. 2 RB but he is a solid flex option given his receiving ability. And to keep the Jets defense honest, Spiller will be used for screens and check-downs as well.

Rex Ryan may have a good pass defense but none of his LBs will be able to cover Spiller.

Laurent Robinson: WR, Cowboys (vs Dolphins)

According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas, don't expect WR Miles Austin (among others) to play in Week 12:

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"Fullback Tony Fiammetta, wide receiver Miles Austin, cornerback Mike Jenkins and free safety Gerald Sensabaugh did not practice Tuesday. Austin and Jenkins were not expected to return from hamstring injuries this week."

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What's interesting about Miles Austin, however, is that even if he was going to play, Laurent Robinson has been the more reliable target for Tony Romo this year.

Obviously, for those who have Robinson in fantasy, he's paid off well but in some respect, regardless of how healthy Austin feels whenever he returns, Robinson is the better guy.

He's proven to be more durable, just as dangerous of a receiver, and definitely just as, if not more, reliable. So start Laurent Robinson in Week 12 and even if Miles Austin returns before the end of fantasy football, Robinson should still get the nod.

The Dolphins have a weak pass defense and the Cowboys can run or throw the ball at will. With RB DeMarco Murray setting up a solid ground game, Robinson will surely get his numbers as well.

Kevin Smith: RB, Lions (vs Packers)

Kevin Smith may have just put on the pads again for Detroit a few weeks ago, but he's easily their best option at RB.

He's a lot more versatile than given credit for and after last week's performance against Carolina (201 total yards, three TDs), Smith is a clear start against the Packers. We know the Lions have the ability to throw the ball well, and they will against Green Bay.

However, Smith provides them an every-down back and has the potential to run the ball as good as anyone in the league. For not having really played yet in 2011 (limited against the Bears in Week 10), Smith displayed natural talent, football IQ, and general feel/instincts for the game against the Panthers.

Sure, we could say that it's just Carolina but still, this is pro football and what he did was damn impressive. So he provides another threat to the Packers vulnerable defense and will also take much needed pressure off QB Matthew Stafford.

Regardless of the game's outcome, Smith will have solid numbers, as he will be utilized on screens, draws, check-downs, and virtually every facet of their ground game.

Michael Bush: RB, Raiders (vs Bears)

According to Jerry McDonald of the Contra Costa Times, Raiders head coach Hue Jackson on RB Darren McFadden:

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"Jackson said McFadden is not being hidden nor does he have an injury worse than has been reported (mid-foot sprain). He said he simply doesn’t want to put McFadden on the field unless he’s 100 percent."

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And with that, starting Michael Bush this week is a must. Also, in relation to Laurent Robinson and Miles Austin in Dallas, Bush should still get a fantasy start no matter when McFadden returns.

Thing is, whenever Darren suits back up to take precautionary measures, we can't expect Oakland to give him the rock 20 or 30 times. If that were to happen it risks a re-injury so working him back in gradually will be the key for the Raiders.

Therefore, start Bush until McFadden is actually on the field and getting the bulk of the carries. As for Week 12, the Bears do have an improving defense but Oakland's becoming a more dimensional offense.

So expect Bush to get good numbers and be used to setup their improved passing game. Chicago's better than Minnesota; however, Bush has rolled over good rush defenses before and he will once again.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27