Fantasy Football Week 12 Sleepers, Who to Start, & Who to Sit
Running Backs
Start: With Arian Foster a gametime decision again this week and trending toward missing Sunday’s game, get ready for another major dose of Alfred Blue this week for the Texans. Houston gave Blue 36 carries last week and he ran for 156 yards. This week, he’ll face the Bengals defense who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing RB’s this year and have struggled even more recently. If Foster is out, Blue is a low-end RB1. Another RB1 to make sure is in your lineup is coming off his bye into a great matchup. Justin Forsett is a solid RB1 this week against the Saints run defense which has been getting beaten by opposing running backs that pose a dual-threat just like Forsett. Although he’s even better in PPR leagues, Forsett has at least nine fantasy points in every week since week four even in non-PPR leagues and is coming off his best game of the season before Baltimore’s bye as he ran for 112 yards on 20 carries and scored a pair of touchdowns. The Colts run defense got crushed last week by the Patriots which could mean another big week for Denard Robinson, and I also really like Isaiah Crowell as he takes over as lead back in the Browns backfield after Ben Tate was shown the door. (last week: Frank Gore, Ryan Mathews, Jeremy Hill, Alfred Blue)
Sit: Despite their inconsistencies in other aspects of the game, the Ravens have shut down opposing running backs allowing only three rushing scores against them all season. That doesn’t bode well for Mark Ingram as he faces the Ravens D tomorrow night in the Big Easy. I would also stay away from last week’s hero Jonas Gray unless you have no other options. Gray missed practice Friday and the Patriots brought in LeGarrette Blount this week as well. Gray probably won’t get the workload he did last week in his breakout game. (last week: Tre Mason, Joique Bell)
Sleeper: We can start with LeGarrette Blount who I think will jump right back in to the Patriots offense and be a big part of their attack in the coming weeks. Blount is extremely high-risk and could do nothing against a good Detroit front, but it will be interesting to see his playing time. If you can still get him, Daniel Herron will be stepping into a bigger role with the Colts after Ahmad Bradshaw’s injury. Herron will only be behind the inconsistent Trent Richardson and could quickly gain fantasy value. Due to his undefined role, he’s high-risk but worth a look if you’re desperate. (last week: Jonas Gray, Charles Sims)