What Is Better Than This??
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Firstly, before we dive into the fantasy fun for Week 12, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Yes indeed, food, family and football – I can’t think of anything better than that. I only ask that when you sit down and give thanks, that you remember the less fortunate and especially the folks in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York still struggling in the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy.
Since it is a short week for most of us and we have three games set to kick off on Thursday, I’ll get right to it!
So let’s take a look at some potential fantasy busts (or Turkeys for that matter) for Week 12:
Quarterbacks
Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III
QB Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins – While he is coming off a stellar performance against the Eagles in week eleven, aside from the Detroit Lions, Thanksgiving Day football belongs to the Dallas Cowboys. This is a key game for QB Tony Romo and the Cowboys and I think their defense will be on high alert and keep Griffin in check for the most part.
QB Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams – Many were high on Bradford in the second half, but the caveat was some rough match ups the Rams would face in the latter part of the season. I’d have to say that this would be one of those match ups.
Running Backs
RB Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns – With injuries to QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Antonio Brown and other cogs in the offensive wheel for the Steelers, the defense has really stepped up in recent weeks. Despite Richardson’s wealth of talent, I would look for the Pittsburgh defense to be more than ready for the rookie.
Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson
RB Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams – You really can’t ignore the fact that Jackson has cranked up the effort in recent weeks, but I see the train stalling just a bit this week against the Arizona Cardinals. Given his status on most fantasy rosters he may prove difficult to sit out this week, but I would actually lean to RB Daryl Richardson the more productive back when all is said and done.
RB Pierre Thomas / RB Chris Ivory, New Orleans Saints – The strength of the San Francisco defense really lies in its ability to stop the run more than the pass, so it may come as no surprise that the passing game will rule the day for the Saints. I wouldn’t look for too much in the way of production from the position at all, although RB Mark Ingram may surprise with some combined love.
Wide Receivers
Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald
WR Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals – There is no denying that Fitz is a world-class talent. But quite frankly he needs quality and consistency at the quarterback position to ultimately get him the ball. Couple that in with going up against a largely underrated defensive unit in the St. Louis Rams, that unfortunately spells trouble for Fitzgerald this weekend.
WR Brian Hartline, Miami Dolphins – It wasn’t that long ago that Hartline was on everyone’s lips after his 253 yard, one touchdown performance against the Arizona Cardinals. Well truth be told that was in week four and Hartline hasn’t registered a touchdown since. The luster has most definitely faded. This week against the Seattle Seahawks, expect the mediocrity to continue.
WR Plaxico Burress, Pittsburgh Steelers – Wait. Is this the FP911 Time Machine??? Yes it is pretty cool that the Steelers brought Burress back to where it all started way back in 2000. But don’t be so quick to grab the former New York Jet, despite his eight touchdown receptions in 2011. He’ll need to learn a new system, get settled in physically and that will take a few weeks.
Tight Ends
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates
TE Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers – Don’t look now but there maybe be a new sheriff in town capturing QB Phillip Rivers heart and his name is WR Danario Alexander. Since his emergence, Gates has been more of an afterthought when you consider his role in the past.
TE Visanthe Shiancoe, New England Patriots – You might have noticed the former Viking creeping up the weekly rankings and while that’s nice, I’m not convinced he’ll benefit the most from the injury to TE Rob Gronkowski. I still strongly believe that will be former Bronco TE Daniel Fels. Can you say deep sleeper?
TE Dennis Pitta, Baltimore Ravens – Reports are he is fine after dealing with some post-concussion symptoms this week, but look for TE Ed Dickson to be more involved against the San Diego Chargers in Week 12.
Enjoy the Turkey-Day Games and a Happy Thanksgiving to all!!
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2012 Fantasy Football : Busts For Week 12 http://t.co/kyJIouhb yep, some possible fantasy turkeys for this week!