NFL Fantasy Football Week 12: Percy Harvin and Five Players to Start This Week

For many of us football fanatics, it was another typical Thanksgiving day: we watched football, then we ate turkey, which was followed by watching more football.

There were many big story lines from the games played yesterday. The Green Bay Packers continue their run for perfection as they beat the Detroit Lions. Tony Romo once again led the Cowboys to a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter. Lastly, in the battle of the Harbaughs, it was older brother John that was victorious as Baltimore shut down the San Francisco 49ers.

Now many of us fantasy owners are in different situations. Some fantasy football owners are ahead, while others need to play catch up as the weekend approaches.

Here are five players that could prove to be influential in getting your fantasy football team this weekend.

Victor Cruz, New York Giants

There is only one word to describe Victor Cruz's performances for the previous four weeks: stellar. 

In his last four weeks, Cruz has averaged over 100 receiving yards per game and scored two touchdowns. He has become Eli Manning's go-to man in this recent stretch.

It was his performance against Philadelphia that has made many, including myself, buy into Cruz. 

Expect Cruz to continue his stellar season this week against the Saints. It's time to take him off of your bench and put him in your starting lineup. 

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

It seems that Matt Ryan's dismal start to the season has been a thing of the past.

He has stepped up in the past few weeks and he has thrown for over 300 yards in the past couple of weeks.

This week's matchup is very favorable to Ryan as he goes up against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have one of the worst pass defenses in the league and it is no secret this secondary has fallen apart with the loss of Antoine Winfield.

In their past five games, the Vikings' secondary has been torched, as they have allowed 13 passing touchdowns.

There are no more clearer signs I can give about starting Matt Ryan that I haven't mentioned.

Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers

Even though Phillip Rivers has struggled all season, Vincent Jackson has been an absolute stud this year.

However, his season has been very up and down this season because of Rivers struggling on a week-to-week basis. But, whenever he shines, Jackson shines in a big way.

This week, the Chargers go up against the Denver Broncos. In their previous matchup, Jackson struggled, but I believe he will be a difference maker this week, as San Diego's playoff chances are in jeopardy.

Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers

It has been clear that Jonathan Stewart has eclipsed DeAngelo Williams as Carolina's first-string running back this season.

This week the Panthers go up against the winless Indianapolis Colts.

The Panthers have too much firepower for the Colts to handle. Indianapolis can not stay toe-to-toe with Carolina, which means the Panthers will get a huge lead early in this game. That means that Stewart will get more touches than he has in the previous weeks, which means he will be a big factor for your team this week.

Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings

It is no secret that Percy Harvin has thrived under Christian Ponder as the starting quarterback.

With Ponder as the starter, Harvin has been more involved in the offense and has gotten more touches because of it. In the past two weeks, Harvin has caught 12 passes and caught his first touchdown of the season.

Adrian Peterson is still uncertain for this weekend against the Falcons, which means Harvin will be more involved in the run game.

Harvin is finally starting to live up to his fantasy potential, and he will be very influential for the Vikings' offense this week.

Attention! Need help with your fantasy team? Do you need any advice who to start or who to pick up? Leave a comment below with your questions and I will surely be glad to help give advice.

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