Really Neat or Take a Seat: Week 12
When you start a new job, nobody really expects you to know everything about the company and your daily tasks during your first week. You get to work, meet new people, get acclimated to processes and slowly immerse yourself in your new environment.
As the weeks go by, expectations change. You slowly begin to understand what works, what doesn’t, who’s good at what and when the right time to go “number 2” is during the day.
By your twelfth week, well, you better know what you’re doing. You know that Tim, your colleague, always forgets to update the date in electronic documents. And you realize that, Jesse, the company lead IT guy, spends way too much time on inappropriate message forums. You can’t trust him.
The more information you obtain about something over a period of time, the better you can comprehend that something. And it’s no different with fantasy football.
The playoffs are approaching, and your start and sit decisions are more important than ever. But remember: You have eleven week’s worth of information. You can make some solid, sound decisions.
Really Neat Week 12 Players
Andy Dalton is really neat.
Dalton has seven touchdowns since the Bengals bye week three weeks ago, and is facing an Oakland defense who is giving up the third most points to opposing quarterbacks.
Tony Romo is really neat.
While the Redskins have done decently well over their last two games against quarterbacks, I expect Romo to have a good day versus a depleted defense.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is really neat.
Did you see what the Patriots did to the Colts’ defense last week? Well, divide Brady’s numbers in half and you still have a moderate starter at quarterback.
Andrew Luck is really neat.
This shouldn’t need to be said, but Luck has another juicy matchup against Buffalo this week.
Eli Manning is really neat.
Coming off the bye, I think the Giants get things back on track in a high scoring affair versus the Pack.
Vick Ballard is really neat.
Ballard is easily surpassing double-digit carries each week, and against the Bills awful rush defense, I could see a 100-plus yard rushing day.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis is really neat.
This is difficult for me to say because I’ve always been low on The Law Firm, but the matchup says he’ll get his touches and a potential score.
Ronnie Hillman, Bryce Brown and Jalen Parmele are really neat.
I’ll go out on a limb here and say that I think these three newcomers, given matchups, have solid fantasy weeks.
Marcel Reece is really neat.
He still has a lot of value with McFadden more than likely sidelined.
Michael Crabtree is really neat.
He’s silently had four touchdowns and 13 receptions over the last 3 weeks. Against New Orleans, I like his chances to get in the end zone again.
Hakeem Nicks is really neat.
Plenty of Nicks’ owners have been disappointed with his output this season, but against Green Bay and off the bye, Nicks should get back on track. Victor Cruz, of course, is a must start.
Jason Witten is really neat.
He may honestly top his 18 reception Week 8 performance. No, really. He might.
Tony Moeaki is really neat.
If you’re in a super deep league, Moeaki has a great matchup against Denver’s defense. I’ve been targeting this defense each week in this column with tight ends, and so far it’s worked well. Moeaki actually has 7 receptions over the last two games, so it’s not as though he’s been completely off the radar.
Brandon Myers is really neat.
The best tight end outside of Gronkowski and Graham over the last few weeks has been Brandon Myers. Cincinnati ranks 27th against opposing tight ends, so I’d expect Meyers to continue his pace.
The Broncos defense is really neat.
They lead the league in sacks over the past 5 weeks, and this week they face the struggling Kansas City offense. They’re in for a big day.
Other really neat players: Doug Martin, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Frank Gore, Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Aaron Hernandez, Jordy Nelson, Vernon Davis, Reggie Wayne, TY Hilton, Tony Gonzalez, AJ Green, Steve Smith
Take a Seat Week 12 Players
Joe Flacco should take a seat.
While the San Diego secondary is pretty average, Joe Flacco hasn’t had a multiple touchdown game on the road this season.
Non-Trent Richardson Cleveland Browns should take a seat.
The Steelers defense hasn’t given up a passing touchdown over the last 15 quarters. Are you kidding me?
Philip Rivers should take a seat.
While the Ravens defense isn’t the same as it has been over the last decade, they have done well against quarterbacks this season. Andy Dalton, Brandon Weeden (twice), Matt Cassel, and Byron Leftwich were all unable to throw a touchdown against them. And while that list of quarterbacks isn’t anything spectacular…is Philip Rivers that much better?
Saints running backs should take a seat.
Depending on Sproles’ status, you should consider benching all Saints’ running backs against the 49ers. While San Francisco did give up 159 yards to running backs in Week 10, they were true to form against Chicago last week.
Mikel Leshoure should take a seat.
Guess how many times the Texans gave up 100 yards to opposing running backs this season? Once (against Tennessee). Guess how many touchdowns they’ve allowed against backs? Zero.
Reggie Bush should take a seat.
His fantasy value has completely plummeted over the last few weeks, making him nothing more than a flex play in most leagues. I wouldn’t trust him against Seattle.
Tampa Bay wide receivers should take a seat.
Now, you should still start Vincent Jackson, but know this: The Falcons have not surrenedered more than a touchdown to opposing wide receivers in a single game this season. And, on the road, the Falcons have only surrendered two wide receiver touchdowns all season.
Justin Blackmon should take a seat.
If you’re in the playoffs and don’t need a spark, there’s no need to start him. The risk is still huge. I don’t care who they’re playing.
Oakland wide receivers should take a seat.
Carson Palmer could go to Cincinnati and really tear up his old team, but looking at the way the Bengals secondary has played, I don’t see it happening. They, after all, held the Giants and Chiefs to under 200 wide receiver yards combined over the last two weeks.
Dwayne Bowe should take a seat.
Uncertainty at quarterback plus Champ Bailey coverage equals lots of bench warming.
Heath Miller should take a seat.
Similar to Bowe, the Steelers’ quarterback situation is a little frightening. Also, the Browns are second in the NFL against tight ends.
The 49ers defense should take a seat.
While they’re one of the best units in the league, we have to remember that matchups are important when choosing a defense. The Saints are red hot, and I’d want nothing to do with the 49ers defense.
Other take a seat players: Brian Hartline, Lance Moore, Brandon Lloyd, Scott Chandler, Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Daniel Thomas, Peyton Hillis, Felix Jones, Ahmad Bradshaw, DeAngelo Williams