Week 12 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: 6 TD Machines You Must Start

Thanksgiving Day didn't disappoint from an NFL perspective, with a slate of mostly exciting action Thursday, but the statistical performances of the likes of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant and San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore left more than the stomachs of their fantasy owners grumbling.

As an antacid of sorts for this weekend, here's a look at half a dozen players who have matchups that make them worth strong consideration from fantasy owners in need of a Week 12 upside play.

1. Vince Young: QB, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. NE)

Sixth-year quarterback Vince Young played fairly well in his first start for the Philadelphia Eagles a week ago, completing 23 of 36 passes for 256 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in a victory over the New York Giants.

Young should find the sledding even easier this week against the New England Patriots' injury-ravaged secondary, which ranks dead last in the NFL against the pass and which allows the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.

2. LeGarrette Blount: RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at TEN)

It's been an up-and-down second season for Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount, but the former Oregon standout had one of his best games of the season last week against the Green Bay Packers, topping the 100-yard rushing mark in a game for only the second time this year.

Blount should have a solid chance at making it three this week when the Buccaneers travel to face the Tennessee Titans, who are the 10th-friendliest fantasy matchup in the National Football League for opposing running backs.

3. Darren Sproles: RB, New Orleans Saints (vs. NYG)

New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles has been a big part of the offensive success this year in the Big Easy, as the seventh-year veteran has racked up nearly 800 total yards, scored five touchdowns and ranks in the top 10 at his position in PPR fantasy football leagues.

Sproles should be able to continue to produce this week when the Saints host the New York Giants Monday night in a favorable fantasy matchup, as the diminutive back will pose more than a few matchup problems for the New York defense.

4. Vincent Brown: WR, San Diego Chargers (vs. DEN)

The loss of wide receiver Malcom Floyd for much of the season has barely been felt by the San Diego Chargers due in large part to the play of rookie wideout Vincent Brown, who has reeled in 10 catches for 184 yards and a score in three starts this season.

Brown has an excellent shot at notching his second touchdown of the season this week against the Denver Broncos, who have surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points per game to the position so far this year.

5. Brandon Lloyd: WR, St. Louis Rams (vs. ARI)

Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd of the St. Louis Rams has wasted no time in establishing himself as the top option in the Rams passing game since his arrival via trade earlier this season, with the ninth-year pro hauling in nine passes for 115 yards and two scores over the past two weeks.

Lloyd's hot streak will likely continue Sunday against a suspect Arizona Cardinals secondary that ranks a moribund 27th in the NFL against the pass and allows the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers.

6. Heath Miller: TE, Pittsburgh Steelers (at KC)

The impact made by Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller is usually felt more on the gridiron than in the box score, as the seventh-year veteran has tallied only a pedestrian 38 receptions for 465 yards and two scores so far this season.

That could well change, at least for a week, when the Steelers visit Kansas City on Sunday night, as the Chiefs have had issues defending tight ends this year, allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to the position.