Week 12: Deep League Start 'em

As we approach week 12 of the NFL regular season, teams are still jockeying for position as the playoffs inch closer and the trade deadline has passed, making the free agent wire more important than ever. Here are my picks for Week 12 that could have a positive impact on your fantasy team if you are in a deep league and in need of an emergency start.

QB Chad Henne, MIA

Though Chad Henne has not been lighting up the fantasy scoreboard this season, of all the weeks to start the 2nd year quarterback, this may be the one. With RB Ronnie Brown out for season, the offense was forced to re-adjust. Ricky Williams is now the star of the wildcat, but Henne will have to be relied on more to pick-up the slack for Brown being out. Expect Henne to play well, managing the offense and taking his shots when they are available. Be sure to monitor the weather situation; weather permitting, expect 250 passing yards and a pair of touchdown tosses.

RB Rock Cartwright, WAS

If you own any player on the Washington Redskins, I am sorry. Jason Campbell has been benched twice, Clinton Portis was only having an average year and now has a concussion, Chris Cooley broke his ankle; the list goes on. Maybe the only positive that has come out of this mess is the emergence of Rock Cartwright. Cartwright entered the season as the team's 3rd running back. The "Rock" has been solid in kick returns and gives the Redskins immense depth at running back. Fortunately for Cartwright, the depth at running back has vanished, making him a good start in any league format, deep or shallow. The Redskins travel to Philadelphia to play the Eagles in what should be a one-sided affair. Cartwright does catch a lot of passes, so if you are in a PPR league, expect 5-6 catches, 100 all-purpose yards and a possible garbage time touchdown.

RB Bernard Scott, CIN

ESPN reported Cedric Benson may return from injury this weekend, meaning Bernard Scott would return to a back-up role. This may seem like a considerable downgrade, but depending on your scoring system, it could boost his projected output this Sunday against the lowly Cleveland Browns. Scott has been great on kick returns and with Benson probably not at full-speed, in addition to 3-4 kick returns Scott could get 12-15 carries. The Bengals are heavy favorites against the Browns, which gives Scott and Benson a chance to go over the century mark in rushing yards. Cleveland is that bad.

WR Jason Avant, PHI

With RB Brian Westbrook out, the Philadelphia Eagles have been forced to tweak their style of offense. QB Donovan McNabb has picked up the slack with his arm and with the talented receivers he has, McNabb should continue to thrive throwing the ball. One of those talented receivers is Jason Avant. Avant came out of nowhere during week 10 catching 8 passes for 156 yards and proved he is capable of moving the chains. With opposing defenses keying on DeSean Jackson and the speed of Maclin, Avant will be able to run more freely (especially in the slot or on plays where he catches the ball in the middle of the field). Do not count on 8 receptions, but expect a solid 5-6 catch game for Avant, as he is projected 40% above his average.

WR Kenny Britt, TEN

Vince Young and the Tennessee Titans are on fire! After a 0-6 start, Young has led the Titans to 4 straight wins and RB Chris Johnson leads the league in rushing. With a completely revamped offense, other Titans players could come on strong down the stretch. One of those players is rookie WR Kenny Britt. Britt has been very inconsistent this season, but came on strong last week in front of a national audience catching 4 passes for 42 yards and a touchdown in a big 20-17 win on the road versus the Houston Texans. This weekend the Titans play the Arizona Cardinals and could continue their winning ways. Expect Britt to have more targeted passes than last week. Anything less than 5 receptions for 60 yards is not likely due to the fact that the Titans play a talented Cardinals defense and should have to pass more than usual.