Week 12 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Brandon Jacobs and Others to Start

Whether a guy is coming off of an injury, has been unproductive recently or is filling in once again for the starter, it can be difficult figuring out who to start without some help.

Therefore, take a gander at the four players listed below to help guide you in Week 12 of fantasy football. At the very least, you'll be able to get the ball rolling before it's too late, thus upping your odds of winning.

Brandon Jacobs: RB, Giants (at Saints)

This week, if you have Brandon Jacobs, give him the nod. According to Mike Mazzeo of ESPN New York, Ahmad Bradshaw may be out this week:

"

"Bradshaw said last week that he would “definitely” try to come back for the Giants’ road game against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. But that appears in jeopardy. He missed the last three games with a broken bone in his foot, and Coughlin said Monday that he has not been cleared to practice by team doctors."

"

Therefore, regardless of what happens with Bradshaw in Week 12, Jacobs will be the Giants' main Brahma Bull. Also, for New York to have a chance against the Saints, running the football effectively and often is crucial.

So, not only will Jacobs be used, he will have to perform well for the Giants to have any shot at winning. Because their defense won't slow the Saints' offense down, the game tempo will therefore lie in the hands of New York's offense.

Ben Roethlisberger: QB, Steelers (at Chiefs)

Sure, Roethlisberger may seem like an obvious start, but the thumb on a QB's throwing hand is quite important. Definitely helps grip the ball, and getting a decent spiral is what makes for such a laser-esque throw.

The point being you can't ever underestimate a thumb injury to a QB, as it's more vital than most may believe. As for Roethlisberger, according to Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official website, Big Ben is suiting up on Sunday:

"

“He is going to be able to play,” said Tomlin. “Right now it is unknown how it’s going to affect him and his play. We are going to sort through those things as we practice. He practiced in a limited capacity yesterday."

"

So if you're concerned about his injury, just know that the Chiefs are vulnerable to the passing game, and Big Ben is most likely your best option anyway.

He may not completely dominate, but it'll be good enough to help get you a W.

Carson Palmer: QB, Raiders (vs Bears)

If there's an area where Oakland can really improve, it's obviously the pass offense. Thing is, the improvement may have only been gradual since acquiring Carson Palmer, but it has still made their ground game even more effective.

That said, Oakland hosts Chicago this week, and the Bears rank No. 30 in pass defense. Now, while Palmer does have a core of quick and fast WRs, they're not too well established just yet, either.

However, he will make them better—the question, though, is how much? Also, this game perhaps came at the right time, since Oakland (and most likely you yourself) are trying to make a playoff push.

Therefore, expect Palmer to be given a few more green lights, but don't expect sick numbers.

Carson and the Raiders' passing game isn't quite "there" yet. However, getting the Bears' weak pass defense at home this week will surely allow them to take another positive step toward becoming a more complete offense.

Andre Johnson: WR, Texans (at Jaguars)

No, it's not the most carved-in-stone start, but Andre Johnson should get your start this week. Despite having a different QB under center, he will perform better than the cynics think.

According to Dale Robertson of The Houston Chronicle, Johnson said he feels good:

"

"When I went out there today, I felt a lot better, a lot more comfortable. As the week goes on, it will continue to get better and better. “It was good to be back on the field with my teammates, running around, having fun, making plays. I’m excited.”

"

For one, Houston has a dominant rushing attack that will force the Jags to stack the box, thus leaving Johnson one-on-one. And all Matt Leinart will be asked to do is chuck it up. He does have a strong arm, and Johnson is fast enough to run under it.

In addition, Leinart won't be given any complex reads, so unless Johnson can be hit deep, he'll most likely just throw it away.

That said, Andre may not get a bunch of targets or receptions, but his yards will be solid.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27