Week 12 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Last-Minute Advice for Your Fantasy Football Team

Week 12 in the NFL is a little different than most other weeks, as we have already seen three games played on Thanksgiving. This means that you were forced to make some early decisions with your fantasy lineup.

Depending how those decisions played out, you could find yourself needing to make some tough decisions today. There are plenty of great fantasy options this week, as several teams have favorable matchups.

The next few slides show some players I feel you need to either start or sit. Some injuries have played a big role in fantasy hope for some players.

Start'em Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons

Roddy White and the Atlanta Falcons find themselves with a very favorable matchup today. They are facing the 2-8 Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings will also be without their top player, Adrian Peterson. Peterson has been ruled out because of an ankle injury.

This matchup is great for the Falcons as a team, but also great news for fantasy football owners. Roddy White is an especially strong fantasy option this week. Not only is he facing a Vikings' pass defense that is allowing 257 yards per game, but is likely to get more snaps because of the Vikings' struggling offense.

Minnesota doesn't have a defensive back capable of matching up with White. They also have suffered from mental breakdowns, especially at the safety position. Those breakdowns typically result in long touchdown passes.

All of this means that Roddy White is a must-start this weekend.

Start'em Vince Young, Philadelphia Eagles

It may be difficult, but when deciding your fantasy football lineup you have to block out the possible outcome of the game. There will not be many people that believe the Philadelphia Eagles will be able to upset the New England Patriots. However, that doesn't mean we won't see some good fantasy performances.

Vince Young is will get another start, and chance to prove his career is back on track. Michael Vick is out again this week with a rib injury. Young and the Eagles' offense will be facing one of the worst defenses in the NFL, the New England Patriots.

The Patriots' defense is allowing a league worst 298 passing yards per game. Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg will draw up a great game plan to take advantage of the Patriots' porous pass defense. Philadelphia might not win this game, but Vince Young will put up some really good fantasy numbers.

Start'em Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Carolina's Cam Newton is going through some growing pains, but he still remains a good fantasy option. Newton's ability to create with both his arm and legs makes him a strong fantasy starter. This week, Newton and the Panthers are facing the winless Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts are not just winless, but also playing terrible football. This team ranks near the bottom of the league in every major statical category. They especially struggle on defense, both stopping the run and pass.

Indianapolis is really going to struggle finding a way to slow down Cam Newton. I could easily see Newton registering three touchdowns and close to 300 total yards. Newton might not be a guaranteed starter every week, but this week he needs to be in your lineup.

Sit'em Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have been bitten by the injury bug this season. Jamaal Charles, Matt Cassel and Eric Berry are just a few of the guys that have been lost for the season. Each of these losses has really impacted the Chiefs' ability to play competitive football.

Charles' season-ending injury might have been the most devastating. He was the offense's biggest weapon, and opened things up for everyone else on the team. However, Matt Cassel's injury is also a major blow. Tyler Palko has taken over as the starter, and he doesn't have the ability to put up big numbers.

The injury to Cassel all but kills the fantasy value for Dwayne Bowe. Without consistent quarterback play, Bowe is nothing but a last resort fantasy starter, especially this week. Kansas City is facing the Pittsburgh Steelers and their terrific defense. I do not expect Bowe to have a very productive day.

Sit'em Philip Rivers

Philip Rivers is a terrific quarterback, but is suffering through a nightmare season. Rivers leads the NFL with 17 interceptions. His struggles can be attributed to a few things, but one of the major reasons has been the struggles of the offensive line.

The offensive line has suffered a string of injuries, forcing the Chargers to shuffle new starters in and out of the lineup. These injuries have made it difficult for Rivers to find the time necessary to locate an open target.

This week, the Chargers are facing the Denver Broncos. Denver features rookie sack-master Von Miller, who already has 9.5 sacks. Rivers is not going to have a lot of time in the pocket. This is going to result in hurried throws, and likely more interceptions.