NFL Week 12 Predictions: Projecting the Top Breakout Performances

Whether it's a rookie who has yet to showcase his skills, a vet in a slump or a backup just now getting an opportunity, breakout performances can be a cleansing feel for the player.

And whether you are a fan of that particular team or decided to start the guy in fantasy football, it can be a feeling of vindication.

That said, here are four players who will have breakout performances in Week 12.

Brandon Jacobs (RB): New York Giants (at Saints)

According to Mike Mazzeo of ESPN New York, it looks like Ahmad Bradshaw may be out this week:

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"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."

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Regardless of Bradshaw's status, we now have to expect that Brandon Jacobs will be Tom Coughlin's main Brahma Bull come Sunday.

And with New York playing at New Orleans, the Saints offense will dominate the Giants defense. Therefore, if the G-Men want any shot at winning, Jacobs must play well.

The Giants have the No. 5 ranked pass offense, but they must be balanced. New Orleans' defense doesn't rank any better than No. 19 against the rush or pass, so keeping the Saints offense off the field is key.

Anticipate Jacobs bowling through the Big Easy all game, even if New York comes up short. He has yet to account for more than 100 total yards (he hit that number exactly in New England), so he will be called on a lot this week.

Prediction: 20 carries for 75 yards, five receptions for 40 yards, two touchdowns

Tim Tebow (QB): Denver Broncos (at Chargers)

Despite continuing to win games, Tim Tebow has yet to really have an illustrious performance. He has yet to have a completion percentage of more than 50% and hasn't completed more than 10 passes since the beginning of November.

Now yes, all he does is win games, but at some point the passing game must take affect. And although the Chargers have a solid pass defense, they will stack the box to try and stop Tebow on the ground.

That is his strength, but it will also open up some passing lanes compared to last week, as the New York Jets are much better at defending the pass than San Diego.

Also, the Bolts don't have an effective pass rush, so Tebow will get some good rush yards via scramble as opposed to designed runs. It may look like an ugly game in terms of executing the play calling, but his yards will prove otherwise.

Also, the Denver defense will provide him with more possessions, as Philip Rivers has been interception-prone, and the Broncos are great at getting sacks and forcing punts.

Prediction: 180 pass yards, 70 rush yards, three touchdowns (two pass, one rush), no interceptions

C.J. Spiller (RB): Buffalo Bills (at Jets)

According to the Associated Press in The New York Times, the Bills are now without RB Fred Jackson:

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"The Buffalo Bills placed running back Fred Jackson on season-ending injured reserve Wednesday because of a broken right leg. The move was made hours after Coach Chan Gailey said Jackson would not play Sunday against the Jets."

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If Buffalo wants any shot at making the playoffs, backup running back C.J. Spiller must step up. And he will, because although Spiller is a versatile back, no one really expects anything since he's had limited playing time thanks to Jackson's success.

To that end, however, the Bills play at the New York Jets this week. The Jets allow almost 120 rush yards per game. Now, they do have a solid pass defense, and Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has been in a recent funk. This is Spiller's moment to shine.

He has the ability to be a reliable check-down and screen-pass target, and if sent on a normal route, no linebacker is quick or fast enough to cover him.

As long as Spiller can be somewhat effective on the ground, it will open up Buffalo's playbook just enough to position themselves to win. Spiller will have a breakout performance regardless, but he is the Bills' best chance at defeating New York on the road.

Prediction: 80 rush yards, 40 receiving yards, one touchdown

Chaz Schilens (WR): Oakland Raiders (vs. Bears)

The Chicago Bears have the No. 30 ranked pass defense, and Oakland has gradually begun to develop their passing attack.

Hence, the Raiders will need to throw the ball but not overdo it, because they do have the No. 3 ranked rush offense. In any event, the Silver and Black will need to be balanced if they want to beat the Bears, because the Monsters of the Midway also rank No. 10 against the run.

All this being said, wide receiver Chaz Schilens must have a breakout performance.

According to Vittorio Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle, Oakland is depleted at wide receiver:

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"Four receivers missed practice Wednesday, including rookie Denarius Moore - a surprise newcomer to the list of banged-up players as he was wearing a protective walking boot on his right foot."

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Last week, Schilens had just one catch against Minnesota, but it was for a touchdown, and earlier this year he caught four passes for 31 yards in a home win over the New York Jets.

Standing at 6'4" and weighing 225 pounds, Schilens will out-jump any Bears defensive back in the red zone, so although his yards won't be extremely high, he'll be Carson Palmer's fade, post and back-shoulder out-route target.

Prediction: Six catches, 75 yards, two touchdowns

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27