Thanksgiving Football on Thursday has certainly shaped the weekend/Monday slate. But there are still some decisions that must be made. Allow CPGM to help with those Fantasy Football lineup decisions.
Fantasy Football Start/Sit – Week 12
Quarterbacks
Start – Phillip Rivers vs Texans
The Texans boast a formidable defense. In fact, the Texans have the 3rd ranked pass defense in the NFL, but don’t get cute unless you have a clear-cut, superior option to Rivers this week. Game flow should offer Rivers & Co. a couple extra possessions considering how poor the Texans offense has looked with Brock Osweiler at the helm. Despite their ability to limit the opposition’s passing game the Texans haven’t been able to produce a consistent pass rush (tied for 22nd in sacks) without J.J. Watt in the lineup. The Chargers had an extra week to prepare, get a bit healthier and if you give Rivers time he will make you pay.
Start
Carson Palmer vs Falcons
Carson Wentz vs Packers
Marcus Mariota vs Bears
Sit – Blake Bortles vs Bills
After a strong showing last season the duo of Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby have struggled mightily in 2016 which bodes well for WR Allen Robinson. But have you seen Blake Bortles play? If not read this.
Running Backs
Start – Rashad Jennings vs Browns
Healthy again, Jennings has settled back into a featured role in the Giants’ backfield with rookie RB Paul Perkins giving him a breather from time-to-time. The Browns are 2nd worst in rushing defense and have given up the third most rushing TDs (13) this season. Jennings has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career but when healthy and outfitted with volume has always produced. In fact, whenever Jennings has had 16 or more touches in a game he’s averaged more than 110 total yards. Volume is not a question.
Start
Jeremy Hill vs Ravens
Dion Lewis vs Jets
Spencer Ware vs Broncos
Thomas Rawls vs Buccaneers
Sit
Doug Martin vs Seahawks
Having Doug Martin in the lineup bodes well for the Bucs’ offense typically but it’ll be hard to trust Martin against the Seahawks 9th ranked run defense allowing only 3.5 yards per carry; good for 2nd best in the NFL. Russell Wilson is putting on his annual second-half magic show so game-flow may dictate that the Bucs abandon their running game in this contest. Even if the Seahawks stub their toe I would avoid starting Doug Martin where I can.
Wide Receivers
Start – Rishard Matthews vs Bears
Matthews is averaging 6/83/1 over his past three contests and has become Marcus Mariota’s favorite target outside of Delanie Walker. More importantly Mariota is playing with a ton of confidence and the Bears are simply trying to get to the offseason considering all of the injuries and suspensions they have had to endure. Down to their third string quarterback, and missing Alshon Jeffery, Kevin White and Zach Miller the Bears will be punting often. Extra possessions equal more opportunities (targets) for the likes of Matthews.
Start
Steve Smith Sr. vs Bengals
DeVante Parker vs 49ers
Julian Edelman vs Jets
Sterling Shepard vs Bears
Sit
Ty Montgomery vs Eagles
It was a good run for about two games but Montgomery is strictly a slot guy in terms of being a receiver and Randall Cobb is healthy so that’s a no go. James Starks is healthy and the Packers added Christine Michael to the backfield mix which severely limits Montgomery’s opportunities as a running back; not to mention he struggles in pass protection so outside of returning kicks Montgomery has little to no fantasy value as it stands. He probably shouldn’t be on fantasy rosters outside of dynasty leagues.
Tight Ends
Start – Gary Barnidge vs Giants
Barnidge hasn’t been able to recapture his 2015 form but finally found the end-zone last week for the first time this season. The 0-11 Browns will likely find themselves in the familiar position of trailing. The Giants have done well against receivers on the boundary but the opposition has found success attacking the Giants’ linebackers in coverage in the middle of the field. New York allows the 8th most yards per game to the tight end position and both Zach Miller and Tyler Eifert scored double-digit fantasy points in PPR leagues against those very same Giants in the last two weeks. Barnidge is in play.
Start
Tyler Eifert vs Ravens
Zach Ertz vs Packers
Will Tye vs Browns
Sit
Julius Thomas vs Bills
It wouldn’t have mattered if he was healthy. Thomas isn’t expected to suit up for this one.
Defense to stream
Tennessee Titans vs Bears
See the Rishard Matthews “Start” excerpt. Good luck!
