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When it comes to fantasy football, make sure to start these top 10 players as they have favorable match-ups heading into Week 12 NFL action.
Nov 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome to Week 12! Wow, where did the season go? We enter Week 12 with no teams on a bye, and this week we get enjoy my favorite four F’s; FAMILY, FRIENDS, FOOD and FOOTBALL!
Who needs Thursday night football when this week we have three Thursday games; Philadelphia Eagles vs. Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers (divisional showdown).
The undefeated Panthers strive for another win while the Packers try to mimic their Week 11 fantasy explosion. Matthew Stafford attempts to keep his winning streak going and the Philadelphia Eagles just want to forget about Week 11.
These three match-ups not only give us another opportunity to partake in a fierce fantasy week, but this means we need to set our line-ups sooner than later. Let’s take a look at these hungry top 10 players to start in Week 12’s match-ups starting on Thanksgiving Day.
Next: 10. Keep an eye on this Panther
Oct 25, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) runs after making a catch during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Philadelphia 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
10. Greg Olsen
If you own Greg Olsen you know that Week 11 was almost a tragedy. Olsen saw almost no play time in the second half of the game.
Olsen caught 3-of-6 targets for 54 yards. His one touchdown saved fantasy owners in the Carolina Panthers Week 11 win over the Washington Redskins.
In this Thanksgiving match-up against America’s team, Olsen is expected to see at least 8 targets. Week after week this TE1 offers fantasy owner’s double-digit points, and is a definite play this week.
Next: 9. This Cowboy wants to make a big impression
Oct 4, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams (83) dives in the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
9. Terrance Williams
Tony Romo returned last week, and so did the Dallas Cowboys. Wide receiver Terrance Williams definitely benefited from this quarterback return tremendously.
Williams caught 4-of-4 targets for 79 yards. He also scored a touchdown in last week’s win over the Miami Dolphins.
Compared to other receivers in Dallas, Williams ranks 2nd in receiving yards and 1st in receiving touchdowns. Although Dallas is entering Week 12 against the undefeated Panthers, Williams is projected double-digit points and is a sure play with quarterback Romo back on the field.
Next: 8. Take a risk with this tight end sleeper
Nov 8, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) takes on Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Walter Thurmond (26) during fourth quarter of a game at AT&T Stadium. Eagles won 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
8. Jason Witten
This next pick may shock some of you, as he earned less than 8 points in Week 11. Jason Witten had one of his more quiet games of the season, even with his quarterback Romo back in action.
Witten caught 2-of-3 targets for 27 yards in his Week 11 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Ranked a TE1, Witten prepares to take on the Panthers in this Thanksgiving battle.
Although Carolina is entering Week 12 undefeated, they are ranked 16 against blocking tight ends. With Romo on deck, and Carolina’s lacking tight end defense, Witten seems like a promising fantasy option, and is projected double-digit points this week.
Next: 7. This Lion wants to deliver on Thanksgiving
Nov 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
7. Matthew Stafford
This year I am thankful for Matthew Stafford. Although Stafford may not be your number one fantasy quarterback pick, he has still manage to earn double-digit points week after week; he even earned over 20 points per game in multiple weeks.
In Week 11, Stafford completed 22-of-35 passes for 282 yards. Stafford also added six rushes for 31 yards and a touchdown in his Week 11 win over the Oakland Raiders.
Stafford enters this Thanksgiving battle a QB1, and is projected over 20 fantasy points depending on your league. Stafford’s Week 12 match-up against the Philadelphia Eagles seems almost too good to be true as, Philadelphia ranks 21st against quarterbacks. Be thankful for this match-up.
Next: 6. Keep your eye on this Packer
Nov 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph (98) tackles Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) on a run in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Packers win 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
6. Eddie Lacy
Eddie Lacy is a running back to keep your eye on coming into Week 12. Lacy’s health is uncertain however, he is capable of earning low ranged double-digit points after his great Week 11 performance.
Lacy rushed 22 times for a whopping 100 yards. He caught 1-of-2 targets for six yards in his Week 11 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Last week offered Lacy his season-high performance which makes it difficult to not believe in this Packer. This Thanksgiving he goes face to face with the Chicago Bears, who don’t seem like they will be a problem for this running back. As long as Lacy remains healthy in the next couple of days, he a must play.
Next: 5. This Eagle is taking on a bigger role this Thanksgiving
Oct 25, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek (87) reacts in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
5. Brent Celek
Brent Celek is by no means a popular fantasy draft pick. But, this week’s Thanksgiving game against the Lions seems almost flawless for Celek.
Celek caught 7-of-10 targets for a little under 80 yards in the Eagles Week 11 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He earned fantasy owners double-digit points and may have an opportunity to excel once again this Thanksgiving.
Zach Ertz is questionable for Thursday’s match-up but with concussion protocols it is looking doubtful. With Ertz out, Celek is expected to see more action as Ertz receives over 6 targets per game. Celek is a must start in this Week 12 match-up.
Next: 4. This Lion is on fire
Nov 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) carries the ball as Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) defends at Ford Field. The Lions won 18-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
4. Theo Riddick
Last week Theo Riddick offered fantasy owners double-digit fantasy points. Riddick is a reliable back for the Lions and is a good start for this Thanksgiving game against the Eagles.
In Week 11, Riddick caught 5-of-6 targets for 72 yards. He offered 6 rushes for 14 yards in their victory over the Oakland Raiders.
Riddick has the most catches of any running back in the league. He is a great value to PPR leagues and is projected double-digit points in Thursday’s game against the Eagles.
Next: 3. This Panther is ready to take over
Nov 8, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess (17) reacts after catching a long pass in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
3. Devin Funchess
The Panthers come into this Thanksgiving face off undefeated. Wide receiver Devin Funchess is worth a pick up or start in this battle against the Cowboys.
In Week 11, Funchess caught 4-of-8 targets for 64 yards. He also had a touchdown in last week’s win over the Washington Redskins.
Wide receiver Corey Brown is listed as doubtful in this Thanksgiving game against Dallas. With Brown out, Funchess should have more targets and is projected double-digit points this week depending on your league.
Next: 2. This Bear is finally back and will dominate
Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) carries the ball as Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) defends during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
2. Matt Forte
The Chicago Bears cannot be more thankful for the return of Matt Forte this Thanksgiving. After not playing for the last 3 weeks, this running back is ready to get back on the field and dominate.
Forte is ranked the sixth in rushing yards per game this season. He is projected double-digit fantasy points in this week’s match-up against the Packers. Although Forte is coming off injury, he is a sure Week 12 fantasy success.
It’s risky but one better believe Forte will be playing with much determination to continue exactly where he left off before his injury.
Next: 1. Megatron will be unleashed
Nov 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; [Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) carries to ball to become the first player in franchise history to record 700 career receptions as Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) and strong safety T.J. Carrie (38) defend during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
1. Calvin Johnson
As the Lions prepare for their annual Thanksgiving game, wide receiver Calvin Johnson strives to achieve outstanding statistics in this match-up.
Johnson caught 5-of-9 targets for 88 yards in Detroit’s Week 11 win over the Oakland Raiders. He looked great and ran all his routes well while his team secured victory.
Next: Top 10 fantasy football players to sit for Week 12
Johnson enters Week 12 ranked as a WR1 and is projected to do wonders in this week’s fantasy line-up. The Eagles ranks 32 against wide receivers among the league. This dwindling Eagles’ defense is no match-up for Johnson. He is a valuable fantasy pick up in this week’s Thanksgiving game and will once again prove why he’s called Megatron.