Week 12: Start 'Em

Usually by week 11 there aren't so many question marks, but last week was full of them. With all the regular starters (Westbrook, Benson, Turner, Brown, amongst others) sitting out, no one knew what to expect. Well the back ups came to play: Ricky Williams blew up for 3 touchdowns, LeSean McCoy scored a TD, so did Jason Snelling, while Bernard Scott rushed for over 100 yards. None of the starters are sure bets to play this week, so make sure to start all these guys again. If you are in need of any other starters take a look at these guys.

QB Matt Ryan, ATL

After a great rookie season, there was a lot of hope that Matt Ryan would take the next step and become a top 10 fantasy QB, especially with the addition of Tony Gonzalez. He already has as many TD passes (16) as he did last year, but he also already has more interceptions then he had all of last year (12 and counting). If he keeps up the same pace (227 yards passing per game), he should eclipse his rookie season totals. His problem has been a lack of consistency, leaving him out of the top 12 amongst fantasy QB's. This week Ryan faces Tampa Bay, who have been getting burned all season. They have given up at least 2 passing TD's in every game so far this season but two. Start Ryan and enjoy the show.

RB Rock Cartwright, OAK

Things keep getting worse and worse for the Redskins, first it was Clinton Portis who went down with a concussion, then Ladell Betts went down last week for the season with a torn MCL and ACL. Not to worry, Rock Cartwright to rescue. Yes I did just say Rock Cartwright. The Redskins haven't been very good at all this season and that doesn't look to change any time soon, but if last week is any indication, Cartwright will play a big role in the offence. After replacing Betts last week, Cartwright rushed the ball 13 times for 67 yards to go along with 7 receptions for 73 yards. The fact that Cartwright is great at catching the ball out of the backfield and doesn't come out on 3^rd down means he will be in line for a whole lot of receptions. Cartwright makes a very solid low end RB2 and a very good flex start this week.

RB Fred Jackson, BUF

In case anyone forgets, Fred Jackson was a beast the first 3 weeks of the season when Marshawn Lynch was out due to a suspension. During those 3 weeks, Jackson rushed for 291 yards, as well as 15 receptions for 134 yards and 1 TD. Since then he has gone back to being Lynch's back up and has not really been suitable for a fantasy line up. How quickly things change in the world of fantasy football. Lynch left last week's game with an injury and the Bills aren't sure if he will be able to play this weekend, opening up the door for Jackson to step right in. Follow the injury report; if Lynch is out, make sure Jackson is in your line up.

RB Bernard Scott, CIN

The most surprising part to the Bengals' fast start to the season was how good the running game was. The lack of a running game and therefore lack of balance to the offence hurt the Bengals a lot over the past few seasons. Cedric Benson, who was a bust until he came to the Bengals, was running wild until he went down with an injury 2 weeks ago. In came rookie Bernard Scott to replace him, and by his totals you might have thought Benson was still playing. Scott dashed the Raiders for 112 yards on the ground and another 32 yards through the air on 3 receptions. Follow Benson's injury status this week; if he is out, then Scott is a MUST start as Cincinnati faces the Cleveland Browns.

WR Michael Crabtree, SF

Michael Crabtree has had a real roller coaster of a first season so far. Crabtree sat out the first 5 games of the season in a hold out. He finally signed and the 49ers got him on the field very quickly and over his first 5 games he has averaged 4.5 receptions for an average of 58.4 yards per game and he finally scored a TD in his last game. Most importantly he has been targeted at least 6 times every week, which means he is a major part of the offence. This week Crabtree has a great match-up as he faces the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are giving up on average 13 receptions for 181 yards to opponents' receivers, not to mention the Jags have given up at least 1 TD reception to opponents' receivers each week of the season.