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The dilemma facing many Fantasy owners this week is what to do about Tom Brady heading into a showdown with the Broncos defense in Denver. For the first time all season, it's not a slam dunk to start him across the board.

There are several things working against Brady this week. His offensive line is banged up, and he was hit often against the Bills in Week 11. His receiving corps is a mess with Dion Lewis (knee) and Julian Edelman (foot) out, and Danny Amendola (knee) and Aaron Dobson (ankle) battling injuries. And the Broncos defense is the best in the NFL.

Now, we're not saying to sit Brady. He's still No. 10 in my rankings, and his outlook will definitely improve if Amendola is active. But this is easily his toughest matchup to date, and the Broncos have been amazing against opposing quarterbacks, especially at home.

Andrew Luck in Week 9 is the only quarterback with more than 17 Fantasy points against Denver, including matchups with Matthew Stafford, Derek Carr, Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler. None of those quarterbacks are Brady, who has been assaulting the NFL all season, but he did struggle in his first game without Edelman and Lewis against the Bills with a season-low 15 Fantasy points.

And Rodgers, who compares favorably to Brady as an elite quarterback, came into Denver in Week 8 and passed for just 77 yards with no touchdowns and finished with six Fantasy points. We expect Brady to do better, but you might consider starting other quarterbacks like Eli Manning (at WAS), Stafford (vs. PHI) and Blake Bortles (vs. SD) over him this week given their easier matchups. Even Brian Hoyer could be better than Brady with his matchup against the lowly Saints.

We realize it's difficult to bench Brady, and we would still start Rob Gronkowski in all leagues even though he could struggle as well. Gary Barnidge in Week 6 is the lone tight end with double digits in Fantasy points against the Broncos, so Gronkowski could have a tough time in this matchup as well.

But it's not easy to find a tight end you can start with confidence over Gronkowski. You might say the same thing about Brady, but there are options out there you might consider if you're concerned about this game at Denver. We hope Brady comes through, which has happened more times than not, but this might be one of his worst games of the season given the injuries on offense and the matchup with the Broncos.

Start of the Week: T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jaguars

It's been a rough stretch for Fantasy owners when it comes to running backs heading into Week 12, and at this point you need to find out who you can trust. Marshawn Lynch (hernia surgery) and Justin Forsett (broken arm) are out, and Devonta Freeman (concussion), Charcandrick West (hamstring) and Frank Gore (knee) could miss time.

The backup running backs for those respective players have a great opportunity this week, specifically Thomas Rawls (vs. PIT), Spencer Ware (vs. BUF) and Javorius Allen (at CLE). And T.J. Yeldon is a running back you might have been hesitant to trust this season, but this is a good week to rely on him against the Chargers at home.

Yeldon has some good moments this season with double digits in Fantasy points against the Colts in Week 4, the Buccaneers in Week 5 and the Bills in Week 7. He only has two total touchdowns on the season, but his workload has been consistent with at least 15 touches in eight of nine games.

He's struggled of late with single digits in Fantasy points in three straight games, but he should end that streak this week against San Diego. The Chargers come into this game having allowed 10 running backs to score double digits in Fantasy points, and the only team that failed to have a running back reach that total was Baltimore in Week 8. Last week, Ware came on for the injured West and had 11 carries for 96 yards and two touchdowns at San Diego.

The Chargers have to make the long road trip for a 1 p.m. ET start, which is never good for West Coast teams. And we expect Yeldon to exploit this matchup with one of his best games of the season. He is worth trusting in all leagues as a Top 10 running back this week.

I'm starting Yeldon over: LeSean McCoy (at KC), DeAngelo Williams (at SEA), Latavius Murray (at TEN), Jeremy Hill (vs. STL) and Lamar Miller (at NYJ)

Quarterback

Start 'Em

Ben Roethlisberger PIT • QB • 7 at SEA Projections PROJECTION 13.6 Start a quarterback at Seattle? Is that safe? With Roethlisberger, and how the Seahawks have played defensively this season against good quarterbacks, the answer is yes. Seattle has allowed five quarterbacks to score at least 20 Fantasy points this season, including two at home in Cam Newton and Carson Palmer. Even Blaine Gabbert had 18 Fantasy points in Seattle in Week 11. We'll see if Roethlisberger can follow suit, but he should be rested and healthy coming off his bye week. Like the other quality quarterbacks who have had success against the Seahawks this season - Rodgers, Andy Dalton, Newton and Palmer - he will attack this defense with standout weapons in Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant (Heath Miller is also a sleeper) and should have success. View Profile

Blake Bortles LAR • QB • vs. SD Projections PROJECTION 20.3 Bortles has failed to deliver in two plus matchups the past two weeks against Baltimore and Tennessee with fewer than 20 Fantasy points in both games, but we expect a bounce-back game against the Chargers at home. San Diego has allowed four of the past five opposing quarterbacks to score at least 21 Fantasy points, and in three road trips to Cincinnati, Green Bay and Baltimore, the Chargers have allowed at least 23 points. Bortles should be rested since he last played Thursday night in Week 11 against the Titans, and the Jaguars have the chance for plenty of production as a team in this matchup. Bortles is worth trusting again with the expectation he'll rebound against the Chargers, and he scored at least 24 Fantasy points in two of his past three games in Jacksonville. View Profile

Matthew Stafford DET • QB • 9 vs. PHI Projections PROJECTION 21 There are two streaks at play here that should favor Stafford this week on Thanksgiving Day. The first is Stafford's production at home. He's scored at least 20 Fantasy points in a standard league in three consecutive games in Detroit against Chicago, Minnesota and Oakland, with the latter coming in Week 11. And the Eagles come into this game allowing three quarterbacks in a row to score at least 20 Fantasy points with Matt Cassel, Ryan Tannehill and Jameis Winston, with the latter throwing five touchdowns for 39 Fantasy points last week. In his past three games on Thanksgiving, Stafford has scored at least 22 Fantasy points in each outing, so he likes playing on the holiday at home. And the short week should hurt a tired Eagles defense this week. View Profile

Brian Hoyer NE • QB • 2 vs. NO Projections PROJECTION 22.4 Here's what we know: the Saints defense has been terrible all season, especially against opposing quarterbacks. Here's what we don't know: how will getting rid of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan impact the defense. We're going to find out this week if the Saints had a bad system or just bad players, but it's worth the risk to trust Hoyer given the track record for New Orleans this season. Every quarterback to face the Saints this season has either had their best game of the year or their second-best outing, and the past three opposing passers in Eli Manning, Marcus Mariota and Kirk Cousins have all scored at least 36 Fantasy points in a standard league. Hoyer scored at least 21 Fantasy points in five consecutive games before suffering a concussion against the Bengals in Week 10. If he sets his season high for Fantasy points this week that would be at least 30, and his second-best mark in 26, so we could be looking at a big performance if the trend with the Saints defense holds in this matchup. View Profile

Eli Manning NYG • QB • 10 at WAS Projections PROJECTION 22.7 Manning has been exceptional coming off a bye week in his career, so he should be ready to go against the Redskins. He's scored at least 25 Fantasy points in five of his past six games after a bye, and he also has a nice three-game streak of at least 23 Fantasy points against the Redskins. He scored 23 points against Washington in Week 3, and the Redskins have allowed four of the past five opposing quarterbacks to score at least 21 Fantasy points coming into this matchup. Newton just threw five touchdowns against this secondary in Week 11, and seven quarterbacks have multiple touchdowns against Washington. We like Manning's chances for another quality outing this week on the road. View Profile

Sleepers

Jameis Winston (at IND): He's averaging 23.4 Fantasy points on the road.

Josh McCown (vs. BAL): He scored 39 Fantasy points at BAL in Week 5.

Marcus Mariota (vs. OAK): Eight quarterbacks have 20 Fantasy points vs. OAK.

Sit 'Em

Matt Ryan ATL • QB • 2 vs. MIN Projections PROJECTION 19.6 Ryan obviously has the potential to play well this week. He has five games this season with at least 20 Fantasy points, but he also has five games with 19 points or fewer. He's been good at home of late with 23 Fantasy points in consecutive games against Tampa Bay in Week 8 and against Indianapolis in Week 11, but he also has eight interceptions in five games in Atlanta. The Vikings have allowed at least 21 Fantasy points to four of their past five opposing quarterbacks, but Ryan's best games have come against less-than stellar opponents in the Saints, Giants, Colts and Buccaneers. Ryan should only be started in two-quarterback leagues this week. View Profile

Jay Cutler MIA • QB • at GB Projections PROJECTION 16.9 As expected, Cutler had his first bad game since Week 2 in last week's matchup with the Broncos, as he finished with a season-low eight Fantasy points. It's hard to blame him since Alshon Jeffery (groin), Eddie Royal (knee) and Matt Forte (knee) were out, and Martellus Bennett (ribs) played hurt. We'll see who is able to return for the Bears on Thursday night (Bennett and Royal have already been ruled out), but Lambeau Field has been a house of horrors for Cutler in his career. In four games at Green Bay, Cutler is averaging just 211 passing yards with three total touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a fumble. He also scored only 16 Fantasy points against the Packers at home in Week 1, and Green Bay's defense was back to getting after the quarterback in Week 11 with six sacks against the Vikings. Even if Cutler gets reinforcements this week with his weapons getting healthy, he's not worth trusting on the short week at Green Bay. View Profile

Tyrod Taylor LAC • QB • 5 at KC Projections PROJECTION 12.4 When the season started, the Chiefs defense couldn't stop anyone in the passing game, as four of the first five opposing quarterbacks scored at least 21 Fantasy points. But in the past five games, no quarterback has scored more than 11 points in a standard league against Kansas City, and last week Philip Rivers was held to five Fantasy points at home. Taylor hurt his shoulder in Week 11 at New England, but he's expected to play this week. And maybe he's showing why he's never had a starting job prior to this season with his performance in the past two games against the Jets and Patriots. Yes, those are two solid defenses, but Taylor has missed throws and has combined for just 22 Fantasy points over that span. This matchup is equally is tough with how Kansas City has played of late, and Taylor is only worth using in two-quarterback leagues this week. View Profile

Ryan Fitzpatrick MIA • QB • 14 vs. MIA Projections PROJECTION 19.9 As my colleague Pete Prisco likes to say about average players, especially quarterbacks, "you are who you are," which means that even after some standout performances you eventually show your warts. And that could be what's happened to Fitzpatrick of late. Turnovers have become a problem with four interceptions in his past two games against Buffalo and Houston, both losses. He's scored multiple touchdowns in those outings, but he hasn't scored more than 18 Fantasy points in a standard league. Coach Todd Bowles had to reiterate that Fitzpatrick remains the Jets starter over Geno Smith, so the rumblings of a replacement are already starting in New York. Fitzpatrick only had 15 Fantasy points against the Dolphins in London in Week 4 when Chris Ivory carried the offense, and we expect a similar game plan this week. Miami also hasn't allowed a quarterback to score more than 19 Fantasy points in three consecutive games. Our only hope with Fitzpatrick is he continues to get Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker the ball, and both should still be started with confidence. But the turnovers and lack of overall quality play have hurt Fitzpatrick of late, and he's not worth trusting in most standard leagues. View Profile

Brock Osweiler MIA • QB • 8 vs. NE Projections PROJECTION 17.7 Osweiler deserves plenty of credit for his performance in Week 11 at Chicago. Making his first career start for the injured Peyton Manning (foot), he passed for 250 yards and two touchdowns, and Gary Kubiak finally was able to run his offense instead of trying to accommodate Manning. We'll see if Osweiler can play at a high level for two weeks in a row against a standout New England defense. The Patriots have allowed just Eli Manning to score more than 12 Fantasy points in a standard league in the past four games, with three touchdowns and three interceptions total over that span. It will help Osweiler if Emmanuel Sanders (ankle) is back for this game, but we would only start Osweiler in two-quarterback leagues in this matchup against New England at home. View Profile

Tony Romo GOLF • QB • 0 vs. CAR Projections PROJECTION 15.5 Romo returned to action in Week 11 at Miami, and he was decent with 227 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for 17 Fantasy points in a standard league. He should have shaken off any rust from his seven-game layoff from a broken left clavicle, and hopefully he's ready to go for the rest of the season. But this is a tough matchup for Romo on a short week, even at home. Carolina allows the third-fewest Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, and only Russell Wilson in Week 6 and Rodgers in Week 9 have scored more than 20 Fantasy points. Romo could easily be the third name on that list, but the Panthers have allowed 12 touchdowns to 15 interceptions. This game should feature plenty of rushing from both teams, and Romo's production should be limited. He is a risky starting option in the majority of leagues. View Profile

Running back

Start 'Em

Thomas Rawls JAC • RB • 34 vs. PIT Projections PROJECTION 14.7 Rawls takes over for the injured Lynch, and he could be the starting running back for the Seahawks for the rest of the regular season. He has a good track record so far with an extended workload since there have been four games where he's had at least 16 carries, and he's averaging 18 Fantasy points in a standard league in those games. He's scored double digits in Fantasy points in three of those outings, and he should definitely have the chance for another heavy workload this week. The Steelers have been great in run defense this season and come into this game allowing the second-fewest Fantasy points to opposing running backs, but three of their past six opponents have either 90 total yards or a touchdown. I'll buy into Seattle's running game at home, and Rawls has the chance to deliver a Top 10 performance this week. View Profile

Spencer Ware KC • RB • 39 vs. BUF Projections PROJECTION 8.8 Whether it's been Jamaal Charles, West or Ware, the Chiefs have had plenty of production from their running backs this season. Kansas City has had a running back score double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league in eight of 10 games this year, including West three times and Ware reaching that total last week when West got hurt at San Diego. Andy Reid's system is great for running backs, and Ware is the next man up. Keep an eye on West's status heading into this game, but the Bills have allowed a running back to score or gain over 100 total yards in seven games in a row and eight of 10 outings this season. Ware should get a hefty workload in this matchup, and we expect him to succeed thanks to Reid. He has the potential to be a Top 10 Fantasy running back this week. View Profile

Javorius Allen NYG • RB • 37 at CLE Projections PROJECTION 11.8 Much like Rawls and Ware, Allen has the chance to deliver a solid stat line as the new starter for the Ravens in place of Forsett. He got a heavy workload in Week 11 against the Rams after Forsett went down with 22 carries for 67 yards and five catches for 48 yards. We could see him reaching double digits in Fantasy points again this week against the Browns, who have struggled with running backs all season. Only Cincinnati and Pittsburgh in the past two games failed to have a running back score double digits in Fantasy points against Cleveland, including Forsett getting 22 Fantasy points against the Browns in Week 5. Allen had eight carries for 58 yards in that game, and we'd love to see him average 7.3 yards per carry again in the rematch because that would be outstanding production given his expected workload. He should be considered a high-end No. 2 running back in all leagues this week. View Profile

Chris Johnson ARI • RB • 23 at SF Projections PROJECTION 9.2 The last time Johnson faced the 49ers in Week 3 he went off for his best game of the season with 22 carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns and one catch for 40 yards. He's only scored double digits in Fantasy points twice since then and hasn't reached that mark since Week 7 against the Ravens, so he's due for a big game. San Francisco has continued to struggle with running backs all season. In the seven games since facing Johnson, the 49ers have allowed seven running backs to either score or gain 90 total yards. And Lynch, Todd Gurley, Freeman and Rawls have mauled this defense for at least 13 Fantasy points in each outing, with Lynch, Gurley and Rawls scoring more than 18 points in a standard league. Johnson has six games this season with at least 19 total touches, including three in a row, so the Cardinals will continue to lean on him. And in a favorable matchup we expect him to deliver with one of his best games of the season. View Profile

Alfred Blue JAC • RB • 23 vs. NO Projections PROJECTION 9.5 As we said above, this is a tough time for running backs following all the injuries, so Blue could be a valuable commodity given his matchup with the Saints. It's going to take him getting a heavy workload because the only time he's scored double digits in Fantasy points this season has been the two times he's had at least 20 touches, which were Week 3 against Tampa Bay and Week 11 against the Jets. New Orleans has allowed a running back to score double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league in three games in a row and in five of the past seven outings. Blue is risky to trust and better suited as a flex option in most formats, but this could be a week where he delivers for you given the matchup with the Saints at home. View Profile

Sleepers

Antonio Andrews (vs. OAK): He should again lead TEN in touches.

Ahmad Bradshaw (vs. TB): He could be a nice option if Gore is out.

Ameer Abdullah (vs. PHI): PHI has been terrible against the run of late.

Tevin Coleman (vs. MIN): He'll get a heavy workload if Freeman is out.

Darren Sproles (at DET): He gets extra touches with Ryan Mathews out.

Sit 'Em

Karlos Williams PIT • RB • at KC Projections PROJECTION 7.7 It was only a matter of time before Williams was going to see his touchdown streak end, and it happened in Week 11 at New England. And you saw the result of his minimal Fantasy production with six carries for 11 yards. He had scored in each of his previous six games, but his touches were limited whenever LeSean McCoy was healthy. McCoy is playing at a high level right now, and Williams hasn't had more than nine touches in each of his past three games against Miami, the Jets and New England. He likely won't see a big workload this week barring an injury to McCoy, and the Chiefs have been great against running backs all season. Only five running backs have reached double digits in Fantasy points against Kansas City, and we would trust McCoy this week based on his recent level of play. But Williams is too risky because if he fails to score again he will leave you disappointed. View Profile

Jeremy Hill NE • RB • 33 vs. STL Projections PROJECTION 9.8 It was great to see Hill score twice last week at Arizona, and he had double digits in Fantasy points for the fourth time this season. But he had just 13 carries for 45 yards and no catches against the Cardinals, so you see what his Fantasy production would be if he didn't find the end zone. In three previous games prior to Week 11, Hill combined for 12 Fantasy points, and it remains risky to trust him in the majority of leagues. Now, if you think he's going to score this week against the Rams then start him with confidence, and St. Louis has allowed three touchdowns to running backs in the past three games. But I would only use Hill as a flex option in standard formats, and there's no way you can start him in PPR leagues with just eight catches on the year. View Profile

Frank Gore NYJ • RB • 20 vs. TB Projections PROJECTION 11.2 It used to be a slam dunk to start running backs against the Buccaneers, but those days are long gone. Gore could certainly play well against Tampa Bay this week if he's able to play through his knee injury, but the Buccaneers haven't allowed a running back to score on the ground since Week 3, and only Freeman and DeMarco Murray have topped 50 rushing yards in the past seven games, with neither going over 90 rushing yards. Tampa Bay has allowed three receiving touchdowns to running backs in the past six games, which should benefit Bradshaw, and Gore could start losing work to Bradshaw after he's scored three receiving touchdowns in the past two outings. It's hard to bench Gore, especially if he's healthy, but he will likely be at less than 100 percent and sharing touches with Bradshaw in a tough matchup. View Profile

Shaun Draughn (vs. ARI)

Projection: 6.8 Fantasy points

Draughn has done a nice job the past two games for the 49ers filling in for the injured Carlos Hyde (foot). He had 16 carries for 58 yards and four catches for 38 yards against Atlanta in Week 9 and 12 carries for 37 yards and eight catches for 40 yards in Week 11 at Seattle. Given the way running backs have failed to perform of late, his production, especially in PPR leagues, has been serviceable. But that still doesn't mean you need to start him in standard leagues this week. It's been five games since a running back scored for the 49ers, and they've only had two games where a running back scored this year. The Cardinals did allow Hill to score twice last week, and Arizona has allowed a running back to score double digits in Fantasy points in three of the past four games. But even at home it will be hard to trust Draughn as anything more than a flex option in PPR leagues. The 49ers should be chasing points in this game, and Draughn will have to make plenty of plays as a receiver to give him a productive game.

James White NE • RB • 28 at DEN Projections PROJECTION 5.7 White did a great job last week to score 16 Fantasy points against Buffalo with a 20-yard touchdown reception and a 6-yard touchdown run, but he barely touched the ball in the game. He had two carries for 14 yards and two catches for 32 yards on three targets, and he hasn't had more than five touches in any game this year. He could see a bigger role this week with all the injuries to New England's receiving corps, but we still expect LeGarrette Blount to lead this backfield in touches (consider Blount a No. 2 running back this week). Until White starts to get more involved in the offense he'll be a risky starting option in the majority of leagues. We'd like to see him get more touches because Lewis was such a vital part of this offense, but it's clear, for now, the Patriots don't feel he's ready to be a significant contributor. View Profile

Latavius Murray NO • RB • 28 at TEN Projections PROJECTION 10.3 Murray scored in Week 11 at Detroit, but his workload has been troubling of late. He had no catches against the Lions, which is the first time that happened this season, and he's been at 13 carries or less the past two games. He's also been held to fewer than 50 rushing yards, and a big reason could be standout center Rodney Hudson dealing with an ankle injury, which he sustained in Week 9 at Pittsburgh. He missed Week 10 against Minnesota when Murray had 12 carries for 48 yards and five catches for 29 yards, and he reinjured his ankle against the Lions. He will likely be out against the Titans, who have only allowed Jonathan Stewart to score double digits in Fantasy points in the past four games against Houston, New Orleans, Carolina and Jacksonville. If Hudson plays then start Murray with confidence, but if he's out then consider Murray just a low-end No. 2 running back this week. View Profile

Wide receiver

Start 'Em

Brandin Cooks HOU • WR • 13 at HOU Projections PROJECTION 9.6 We hope the bye week didn't slow down the momentum Cooks started to build heading into Week 11 because he was on fire in the previous three games. He went into Week 11 averaging 18 Fantasy points in a standard league with five touchdowns over that span, and he finally started to deliver on his preseason hype after a slow start. The Texans have allowed 11 touchdowns to receivers this season and nine have reached double digits in Fantasy points, and Cooks has done well on the road recently with at least 81 receiving yards in his past three games away from New Orleans with three total touchdowns. We hope Cooks can stay hot and finish the season strong as a must-start receiver in the majority of leagues. View Profile

James Jones LAC • WR • 89 vs. CHI Projections PROJECTION 10.9 Maybe Jones is the key to Rodgers getting back on track because he peppered him with targets in Week 11 at Minnesota, and it was the best Rodgers has looked in four games. Jones had 12 targets against the Vikings, which was a season high, and he finished with six catches for 109 yards and a touchdown. Randall Cobb is also worth starting this week, but we would avoid Davante Adams since he's again battling an ankle injury and has struggled of late. Jones beat up the Bears in Week 1 with four catches for 51 yards and two touchdowns, and he's scored in four of five home games this year. We hope Rodgers continues to lean on Jones, and Chicago has allowed 14 touchdowns to receivers this season. View Profile

Martavis Bryant LV • WR • 12 at SEA Projections PROJECTION 6.7 It would be surprising to see the Steelers and Roethlisberger shy away from challenging this Seahawks secondary, and Antonio Brown and Bryant should have the chance to make plenty of plays. Brown is a must-start receiver no matter the opponent or location, but Fantasy owners have questions about starting Bryant. Well, his stats are encouraging with five touchdowns in five games, including two with more than 137 yards, and he's averaging eight targets a game. He could see plenty of Richard Sherman, which is tough, but Bryant could also have a big outing like Michael Floyd in Week 10 when he went into Seattle and had seven catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns on nine targets. The Seahawks defense is still great, but if Roethlisberger attacks this secondary down the field with Brown and Bryant they should have success, and Bryant is worth trusting as a No. 2 Fantasy receiver this week. View Profile

Amari Cooper DAL • WR • 19 at TEN Projections PROJECTION 8.7 Cooper is due for a big game this week after being locked down by Darius Slay in Week 11 at Detroit. He was held to one catch for 4 yards on four targets, which is the worst game of his rookie season, and he's had single digits in Fantasy points in three of his past four outings. The Titans don't have a cornerback like Slay, and No. 1 receivers have taken advantage of this secondary. Travis Benjamin, T.Y. Hilton, Julio Jones, DeAndre Hopkins, Cooks and Allen Robinson have all scored at least nine Fantasy points in a standard league against Tennessee, and we expect Cooper to follow suit. He's scored double digits in Fantasy points in four of five games on the road prior to facing the Lions, and he should get back on track with another strong road performance this week. View Profile

Vincent Jackson TB • WR • 83 at IND Projections PROJECTION 8.1 Jackson returned from a three-game absence due to a knee injury with a solid performance in Week 11 at the Eagles with four catches for 56 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. He should be poised for another quality outing this week. Secondary receivers have done well against the Colts all season, with Decker, Dorial Green-Beckham, Allen Hurns, Jaelen Strong, Amendola, Corey Brown, Sanders and Leonard Hankerson all scoring or going over 100 yards. That's not to say No. 1 receivers have struggled, so start Mike Evans with confidence, but there's a good track record here to make you feel confident in starting Jackson this week. View Profile

Sleepers

Travis Benjamin (vs. BAL): He had 83 receiving yards at BAL in Week 5.

Devin Funchess (at DAL): He's scored twice in his past three games.

Kendall Wright (vs. OAK): His return to action will help PPR owners.

Cecil Shorts (vs. NO): Shorts or Nate Washington are worth a flier here.

Dwayne Harris (at WAS): When he gets six targets he scores seven points.

Sit 'Em

Donte Moncrief NYJ • WR • vs. TB Projections PROJECTION 7.4 Moncrief again had a poor outing with Matt Hasselbeck starting in Week 11 at Atlanta with five catches for 41 yards on eight targets. This is now three games playing with Hasselbeck where Moncrief has scored fewer than seven Fantasy points in a standard league, and he's now gone three games in a row overall without scoring a touchdown. Atlanta has only allowed three touchdowns to an opposing wide receiver this year, which makes T.Y. Hilton also a risky starter. But you can take your chances with Hilton based on his upside, and clearly Moncrief will be limited until Andrew Luck (kidney) returns. View Profile

Jeremy Maclin BAL • WR • 18 vs. BUF Projections PROJECTION 8.1 Maclin is getting close to being on the drop list for Fantasy owners with the way he's failed to deliver in the majority of leagues for the past five games. He hasn't scored double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league since Week 4, and he only has two games with double digits in points for the season. In his past two games against Denver and San Diego he's combined for six catches, 46 yards and no touchdowns on 12 targets. Our fears of him playing with Alex Smith have been realized, and there's little reason to start him in the majority of leagues. View Profile

Brandon LaFell LV • WR • 19 at DEN Projections PROJECTION 7.1 The Patriots are going to need someone to step up in the passing game if Amendola is out, and LaFell is the likely candidate. But he's not exactly someone Fantasy owners should trust with this matchup at Denver. He has yet to score a touchdown in five games this season, and his best outing was in a favorable matchup against Washington in Week 9 when he had five catches for 102 yards. Otherwise he's been held to six Fantasy points or less, and he should struggle this week against the Broncos secondary. Only three receivers have scored double digits in Fantasy points against Denver in a standard league with one touchdown allowed, and LaFell should have a tough time in this game on the road. He's a low-end No. 3 Fantasy receiver at best this week. View Profile

Tavon Austin SF • WR • 10 at CIN Projections PROJECTION 6 Another game outdoors should mean another bad outing for Austin, and I'm shocked that he's still owned in 81 percent of leagues on CBS Sports. He's only had two games this season with double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league, and in his past two games outdoors at Minnesota and Baltimore he's combined for six Fantasy points. This is now 11 games outdoors going back to last season, and he's averaged less than four Fantasy points a game in those outings. The Bengals have allowed 10 touchdowns to receivers this year, but Austin has just one receiving touchdown in his past five games. He is only worth using in leagues where you get special teams points, but in standard formats he should be left on the waiver wire. View Profile

Jordan Matthews SF • WR • 81 at DET Projections PROJECTION 6.6 I got suckered into thinking Matthews would play well last week with the matchup against Tampa Bay at home and having Mark Sanchez start for the injured Sam Bradford (concussion) since the two had success last year. Instead, it was more of the same poor play from Matthews that we've seen all season with four catches for 13 yards on four targets. He's now scored in single digits in Fantasy points in seven of his past eight games, and he only has two touchdowns on the season. The Lions have shut out the Packers and Raiders receivers in consecutive weeks, and Slay could shut down Matthews if the two square off against each other. Sanchez is expected to start again on Thanksgiving Day, but Matthews should remain on your bench in the majority of leagues. View Profile

Sammy Watkins KC • WR • 14 at KC Projections PROJECTION 6 I've been all over the place with my thoughts on Watkins for this week. At first, I thought getting away from facing Darrelle Revis and Malcolm Butler in consecutive games would help Watkins, especially since the Chiefs have struggled in pass defense this season with 14 touchdowns allowed to opposing receivers. But in the past three games against Detroit, Denver and San Diego, Kansas City has been tough against Calvin Johnson (eight Fantasy points in a standard league), Demaryius Thomas (seven points) and Steve Johnson (five points). Watkins was held to four Fantasy points combined against the Jets and Patriots, and he has just seven Fantasy points combined in three road games. He should play better this week against the Chiefs, but based on how Kansas City has limited elite receivers like Calvin Johnson and Thomas, it's hard to expect Watkins to score double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league. He's a No. 3 Fantasy receiver at best in Week 12. View Profile

Tight end

Start 'Em

Delanie Walker TEN • TE • 82 vs. OAK Projections PROJECTION 5.8 Walker was excellent last week at Jacksonville with eight catches for 109 yards on 10 targets. He's had five games this season with at least eight targets, and he's scored at least nine Fantasy points in a standard league in three of them. You've been hearing us say this all season, but the Raiders have been terrible against tight ends. They didn't allow a Detroit tight end to score in Week 11, but that's because Eric Ebron dropped a touchdown. Prior to last week, Oakland allowed a touchdown to a tight end in four consecutive games, and five tight ends have scored double digits in Fantasy points against the Raiders. This is a great week to trust Walker in the majority of leagues. View Profile

Gary Barnidge CLE • TE • 82 vs. BAL Projections PROJECTION 9.2 Barnidge comes back from his bye looking to stay hot, and he gets the quarterback who has made him a star this season starting again with McCown replacing Johnny Manziel. The last time Barnidge faced the Ravens he had eight receptions for 139 yards and the famous butt catch for a touchdown on 10 targets. That was part of a stretch of six games in a row with double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league. It ended in Week 9 at Cincinnati, but Barnidge was back at it again in Week 10 at Pittsburgh with 12 Fantasy points, which hopefully is the start of another successful run. Barnidge and Lance Kendricks are the only tight ends to score against the Ravens this year, but it's hard to bet against him with McCown starting. Barndige should be a must-start tight end for the rest of the year. View Profile

Julius Thomas MIA • TE • 89 vs. SD Projections PROJECTION 6.2 Thomas has been a disappointment this season because of injuries and poor play, but he has the chance to redeem himself after scoring in Week 11 against Tennessee and then his matchup this week. Thomas had five catches for 28 yards and a touchdown against the Titans, and he had eight targets for the second time in three games. The Jaguars want to get Thomas going, and he has a favorable opponent this week at home against the Chargers. San Diego has struggled with tight ends all season with seven touchdowns allowed to the position and five scoring double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league. This should be four weeks in a row where a tight end has scored against the Chargers, but Travis Kelce had what appeared to be a touchdown overturned by replay. We hope Thomas doesn't have the same luck and can score for the second week in a row. View Profile

Sleepers

Brent Celek (at DET): He has 20 Fantasy points in his past two games.

Kyle Rudolph (at ATL): ATL has allowed seven touchdowns to tight ends.

Crockett Gillmore (at CLE): He's stepped up when Steve Smith went down.

Sit 'Em

Eric Ebron PIT • TE • 85 vs. PHI Projections PROJECTION 7.4 Ebron has left some points on the board the past two games against the Packers and Raiders, and those are two teams that have struggled against tight ends this season. He had eight targets against Green Bay but finished with just four catches for 28 yards, and he failed to record a catch on only two targets against Oakland. One of those targets was in the end zone, and he couldn't come down with the touchdown. This is a tough matchup against the Eagles, who have allowed just two touchdowns to tight ends this year with Benjamin Watson in Week 5 and Cameron Brate in Week 11. Ebron, based on his recent poor production, is not worth the risk this week on Thanksgiving Day. View Profile

Charles Clay ARI • TE • 85 at KC Projections PROJECTION 5.1 The Chiefs have been the best team at defending tight ends this season, mostly because of the return of Eric Berry. Only two tight ends have scored against Kansas City this season, and none have scored double digits in Fantasy points. Clay dealt with a neck injury in Week 11 at New England and finished with one catch for 14 yards on three targets. He's expected to play this week, but he should not be started in the majority of leagues. He hasn't scored double digits in Fantasy points since Week 4, and he's combined for six Fantasy points in his past three games against the Dolphins, Jets and Patriots. There's no reason to trust him in this matchup. View Profile

Vernon Davis WAS • TE • 85 vs. NE Projections PROJECTION 5.6 It was great to see Davis so involved in Week 11 at Chicago when he had six catches for 68 yards on six targets. It was the most targets he's had since joining the Broncos in trade from the 49ers prior to Week 9, but it's not like Owen Daniels is going away. He also played well against the Bears with four catches for 69 yards on five targets. On top of Davis sharing targets, the Patriots have been great against tight ends. New England has allowed just three touchdowns to opposing tight ends this year, but none have scored double digits in Fantasy points. We'll see if Osweiler can continue to connect with Davis, but he should be held to single digits in Fantasy points again this week. View Profile

Benjamin Watson NE • TE • 84 at HOU Projections PROJECTION 4.6 The Texans had some rough performances against tight ends earlier this season with Kelce and Thomas each scoring at least 13 Fantasy points in two of the first six games. But since then Houston has locked down every tight end on the opposite side of the field. Jordan Cameron, Walker and Tyler Eifert have combined for 11 catches for 111 yards and no touchdowns, and Watson should also struggle in this matchup on the road. Watson scored on the road at Philadelphia in Week 5, but he's been bad away from New Orleans this season with 18 Fantasy points combined in five games. With the way Houston has done against tight ends and how Watson has played on the road, you should plan to avoid him in the majority of leagues this week. View Profile

Defense/Special teams

Start 'Em

Chiefs (vs. BUF): The Chiefs DST has been impressive over the past three games, and they should be able to carry it over this week. Kansas City has scored at least 18 Fantasy points in a standard league in three games against Detroit, Denver and San Diego with 13 points or less allowed in each outing, 14 sacks and eight interceptions over that span. The Bills actually have one fumble and no interceptions in the past three games against Miami, the Jets and New England, but Taylor has been sacked nine times in those outings. It's also a short week for the Bills after playing the Patriots on Monday night with a long road trip. And after this week, Kansas City still plays San Diego, Baltimore and Cleveland, and even the two remaining games with Oakland can be favorable. The Chiefs DST could be a standout unit to close the season.

Sleepers

Packers (vs. CHI): Cutler has 12 interceptions in four games at Lambeau.

Lions (vs. PHI): DET held GB and OAK to 29 points the past two weeks.

Patriots (vs. DEN): NE has allowed 13 points or less in three of four games.

Sit 'Em

Falcons (vs. MIN): The Falcons DST has failed to take advantage of some great matchups of late against the Titans with Zach Mettenberger in Week 7, San Francisco in Week 9 with Gabbert and the Colts last week with Hasselbeck. Their best total in those outings was Week 11 with 12 Fantasy points. The Vikings don't have a juggernaut offense coming into this matchup, but Minnesota has only allowed the Packers DST to score double digits in Fantasy points in the past five games. Teddy Bridgewater only has two interceptions over that span, and prior to last week the Vikings averaged 26 points a game against Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis and Oakland. Minnesota should score enough and limit the turnovers this week against Atlanta to make the Falcons DST a low-end option in the majority of leagues.

Kicker

Start 'Em

Josh Brown (at WAS): Get Brown back in your lineup with the Giants coming off their bye week, and hopefully he continues to play at a high level. He has yet to miss a field goal this season, and he's made four field goals in consecutive games against Tampa Bay in Week 9 and New England in Week 10. Brown has seven games with multiple field goals, including two on the road, and he had three made field goals and three extra points against the Redskins in Week 3. Washington has allowed six kickers to make multiple field goals this season, including Graham Gano in Week 11 with three field goals and five extra points for 14 Fantasy points in a standard league.

Sleepers

Connor Barth (at IND): Seven kickers have multiple field goals vs. IND.

Nick Novak (vs. NO): NO has allowed six field goals the past two games.

Mike Nugent (vs. STL): STL has allowed six field goals the past two games.

Sit 'Em

Greg Zuerlein (at CIN): When you look at the game log for how opposing kickers have done against the Bengals this season there are two guys that jump out in Cairo Santos in Week 4 (seven field goals) and Chandler Catanzaro in Week 11 (two field goals and four extra points). Those are the lone kickers to score double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league against Cincinnati this year, and Josh Lambo in Week 2 is the only other kicker to make multiple field goals against the Bengals. Zuerlein only has two games this season with double digits in Fantasy points, and he's 7-of-12 on field goals on the road. With the Rams offense sputtering heading into this matchup, you should avoid Zuerlein in the majority of leagues.

Full Disclosure from Week 11

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for Carson Palmer having a great game as the Start of the Week in Week 11 because without him I would have had a rough week with my picks. There's really no way to sugarcoat it.

Palmer delivered 32 Fantasy points against the Bengals and finished as the No. 3 quarterback in standard leagues. And I also had quality start suggestions, including sleepers, in Matt Ryan, Matthew Stafford, Jonathan Stewart, Darren McFadden, Ronnie Hillman, Jeremy Langford, Danny Amendola, Delanie Walker, Crockett Gillmore, the Chiefs DST and Graham Gano.

But the bad calls were far more obvious than the good, and that stings a little bit. I had Doug Martin and Tyler Eifert as bust alerts, and both had big games. I also said to sit Andy Dalton, Jeremy Hill, Eddie Lacy, James Jones, DeSean Jackson and Kyle Rudolph, which was a mistake.

Full Disclosure from Week 11 Start of the Week Player Sportsline projected Pts. Actual Fantasy Pts. Start % Pos. rank Carson Palmer, QB, Cardinals 21.7 32 84 3 Recommended starts who made us look good Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons 21.1 23 75 6 Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers 11.1 17 87 5 Delanie Walker, TE, Titans 5.9 10 60 5 Recommended sits who made us look good Jay Cutler, QB, Bears 15.8 8 22 25 A.J. Green, WR, Bengals 9.8 7 94 32 Donte Moncrief, WR, Colts 7.4 4 27 50 Recommended starts who made us look bad Blake Bortles, QB, Jaguars 19.9 11 61 22 Sammy Watkins, WR, Bills 7.9 3 68 54 Eric Ebron, TE, Lions 7.8 0 52 37 Recommended sits who made us look bad Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers 9.4 23 73 2 Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals 17.2 25 53 5 James Jones, WR, Packers 7.4 18 34 3

And I missed on a few start suggestions, including Blake Bortles, Sammy Watkins and Eric Ebron. At least I was right on sitting A.J. Green, but there are clearly a few predictions I would like to change based on what happened in Week 11.