Week 12: Sit 'Em
Sit'em articles can vary widely across fantasy websites. Some weeks you might see consistency among experts and other weeks you might not find one match between articles. Sit'em picks are focused on selecting usually solid players that are not worth starting in any given week. Circumstances might include match-up, injury watch, RBBC approach, passing vs. rushing focus, past performance, etc.
Sit'ems include some tough calls. We all have doubts each week and have to consider our options. It is a difficult decision to sit your stud or solid player, but occaisonally you must in order to win that match-up.
This week's list includes a QB coming off of a bust week, three running backs receiving less work, three wide outs and a tight end. Now is the time to dig deep and make your run to the playoffs. Consider your options and good luck.
QB Joe Flacco, BAL
Flacco went from his greatest fantasy production week right into his bust week. In Week 11 we watched Flacco complete 20 out of 32 passes and gain a mere 164 yards without throwing a touchdown. You do have to note that Pittsburgh's pass defense was ranked number one. This week he faces a solid middle of the pack San Diego defense that can limit opponents. San Diego lost to Denver in Week 11, but showed that their defensive units could force fumbles and take in interceptions. I expect Flacco's performance to be better than his last outing, although nothing special either. Denver ran for over 120 yards on SD last week and I think Ray Rice will shred them this week. I think owners can realistically look for 12-14 pts. from Flacco in Week 12. If you need Flacco because of other QB issues, I suggest evaluating your options.
RB Jackie Battle, ---
Battle produced earlier in the season when Ryan Mathews was out. Many owners expected that Battle would see some additional touches and yardage this past week. We were surprised to see Battle do much of anything, except lose yardage. Battle started the game vs. Denver, but Mathews received more carries. It now appears Mathews will see more of his normal workload despite his ailing neck injury. Chalk this one up to a missed opportunity by Battle. This week look for northing of note from Battle. He might put up a modest 2-3 pts. with around 20 rushing yards. Unless Mathews is completly out, Battle does not look to be an option.
RB Andre Brown, NYG
It appears that Ahmad Bradshaw is healthy and cleared his recent battery of tests. This means that Brown and Brashaw are now working in tandem again. They are productive in this fashion, but fantasy owners would greatly appreciate a huge game from one or the other or for that matter both. Brown has scored a touchdown in his last four games and scored seven on the season. I like these statistics, but also have to wonder if Green Bay's upper tier run defense will keep Brown out of the end zone this week. If he is kept scoreless, Brown's fantasy value is negligible. I think Green Bay can hold Brown to 25-30 rushing yards with a few short yardage receptions. Look for 4-5 fantasy points this week. I have a feeling Bradshaw will find the end zone this week.
Injury Status: Injured ReserveRB Alex Green, GB
Alex Green is a sit'em candidate until further notice. Green went from starting back to back-up, soon to be back-up-back-up duty if Cedric Benson returns in early December. Green did see some action this past week after returning from his knee injury, but he did not do anything for fantasy owners. James Starks is the new starting back in Green Bay. The number of carries Starks received showed he can carry the workload. Green is an afterthought at this stage and we will wait to see if he gets another chance due to injury or lack of production. Keep Green stashed if you have doubts for the health of Starks or Benson. If Green gets any time in Week 12 vs. New York, it will be hard fought yardage. Keep expectations low moving forward.
WR Pierre Garcon, WAS
Garcon finally returned to the lineup after missing four weeks with his foot injury. His return was basically unnoticed by fantasy owners. The good news is that Garcon is playing and did not have any set backs after playing Week 11. In Week 12 he faces a Dallas defense that could soon slide into the top ten ranking against opponent wide outs. Garcon's status will likely be probable given his recent return to action, but I would expect to see him suit up this week. That does not mean that I would start him. I think Washington has a tough stretch ahead with their schedule and we will see Garcon's role limited. I own Garcon in one league and have to keep him benched in favor of some other surprise wide outs this season. Look for 1-2 receptions for 25-30 yards this week.
