There aren’t many things better than Thanksgiving. Spending time with the family, all the food and all the football. There aren’t many things worse than working on Thanksgiving — which is exactly what I’ll be doing. The only thing that would make working on Thanksgiving somewhat bearable would be if the Eagles were playing on Thursday. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Instead, the dreadful Eagles will be on full display on Monday Night Football when they take on the 2-8 Carolina Panthers.
Another downside to working on Thanksgiving is not being able to follow your fantasy team. We’re coming down the home stretch of the fantasy season and, with playoff spots on the line, you want to be able to watch your players battle for your hopes of a fantasy football championship. With all that said, let’s see who will be eating large at the adult table and who will be stuck at the kids’ table.
QBs I Love In Week 12
Colin Kaepernick, 49ers: When asked who this week’s starting quarterback would be, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said he likes to ride “the hot hand.” Well, Kaepernick’s hand is just about on fire. With Alex Smith still nursing a concussion, it looks as if the second-year quarterback from Nevada will get his second career start this week against a poor Saints secondary.
Tony Romo, Cowboys: The Redskins’ pass defense has been awful all season long, allowing over 285 yards per game through the air and 20 passing touchdowns through ten games. Romo’s season has been a bit up-and-down, but he delivered big time last week, throwing for 313 yards and a touchdown in a clutch overtime victory against the Browns.
QBs I Hate In Week 12
Eli Manning, Giants: The Eli Manning we see in September is a lot different from the Eli Manning we see this time a year. Historically, his numbers plummet as the year drags on. In September throughout his career, he’s posted a 62.1 completion percentage and 47 touchdowns versus 26 interceptions. In November, his completion percentage is a mediocre 58.2, however, he has 46 touchdowns and an eye-popping 43 interceptions (32 games). I know he’s done well against the Packers recently, but Eli just isn’t the same in November and December.
RBs I Love In Week 12
Vick Ballard, Colts: Ballard has seemed to surpass Donald Brown for the starting spot, and if he can hold onto the job, he should provide some pretty solid performances. While Ballard has yet to find the end zone on the ground this year, that should change this week when Ballard takes on the Bills, which has allowed the most rushing touchdowns in the league (16).
Marcel Reece, Raiders: With McFadden sidelined with a high-ankle sprain, Reece has filled in nicely. Reece gathered over 100 rushing yards on 19 carries last week, and also reeled in four receptions for 90 yards. He’s a factor in both the running and passing game, and makes for a solid flex play this week.
Running Backs I Hate In Week 12
Michael Turner, Falcons: The Buccaneers run defense has been outstanding this season (allowing just 81.8 yards per game); Michael Turner, on the other hand, has been the exact opposite.
Reggie Bush, Dolphins: Bush and Daniel Thomas are now in a time share. Neither of the two has been very impressive over the last few weeks. Now, they have to face a sound Seahawks defense that is allowing barely over 100 rushing yards per game (100.6).
Beanie Wells, Cardinals: Oh, he’s back? How exciting.
Darren Sproles, Saints: See what the Niners did against Matt Forte last week? A mere 63 yards on 21 carries. You do the math.
Fred Jackson, Bills: C.J. Spiller is the new man in Buffalo.
Wide Receivers I Love In Week 12
Roddy White, Falcons: It doesn’t look like Julio Jones will be playing this week, and even if he does, I’d have to think he’d be limited to just a few plays. Did I mention the Falcons were playing the Buccaneers — the worst passing defense in football.
Michael Crabtree, 49ers: In his last three games, Crabtree has made his way into the end zone four times. This week, against a soft Saints secondary, Crabtree should be able to bump that total up to six or even seven.
Randall Cobb, Packers: What more do you need him to show you to prove that he’s for real?
Wide Receivers I Hate In Week 12
Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals: The new Arizona Cardinals quarterback? Ryan Lindley, the team’s 6th-round draft pick last year. Oh, boy. Poor Larry.
All Eagles Receivers: This team has given up, and it’s truly devastating to watch. Don’t let one of these guys ruin your chances to make the playoffs.
Tight Ends I Love In Week 12
Aaron Hernandez, Patriots: Gronk is out. If Hernandez is healthy, he should be in your lineup. End of story.
When it comes to deciding on your lineup, one minor slip-up could be that utterly frustrating difference between a win and a loss; choose wisely.
Have a happy Thanksgiving, everyone.