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10 Fantasy Football Must-Starts In Week 12

Fantasy Football Must-Starts For Week 12

Fantasy Football Week 12
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We’re just over 11 weeks into the 2014 fantasy football season and the playoffs are in sight. Week 12 offers many favorable matchups for players who are questionable fantasy starters. This list features three quarterbacks, three running backs, three wide receivers and one tight end who should be starting this week. All statistical references are based on standard scoring.

10. Ryan Tannehill

Miami Dolphins Ryan Tannehill
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10. Ryan Tannehill

Miami Dolphins Ryan Tannehill
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

After a rocky start to the season, Tannehill has been an extremely consistent fantasy quarterback. This week the Dolphins face Denver, a defense ranked 27th in the NFL in points allowed to quarterbacks. There’s also always the threat of Peyton Manning putting up big numbers, so Tannehill may be forced to throw the ball throughout the game to keep up with the Broncos.

9. LeSean McCoy

Philadelphia Eagles LeSean McCoy
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9. LeSean McCoy

Philadelphia Eagles LeSean McCoy
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

McCoy’s fantasy owners have been understandably frustrated with the play of their top running back so far this year. However, he should have a huge game this week when the Eagles play the Titans and their defense which is ranked 30th in points allowed to running backs. Tennessee is also coming off a game in which it gave up over 200 yards rushing to Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell.

8. Brandon Marshall

Chicago Bears Brandon Marshall
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

8. Brandon Marshall

Chicago Bears Brandon Marshall
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

After putting up inconsistent numbers for most of the season, the Bears’ wide receiver is coming off two straight games of at least 17.2 points and appears to be healthy. Chicago plays Tampa Bay at home this week, a team ranked 30th in points allowed to wide receivers. Marshall should have another huge day against this secondary.

7. Colin Kaepernick

San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

7. Colin Kaepernick

San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers' quarterback has been a little inconsistent this season and hasn’t fared well in his last three games statistically. However, San Francisco plays Washington in Week 12, which is ranked 30th in points allowed to quarterbacks. Kaepernick should play very well in this matchup and put up a lot of points.

6. Eddie Lacy

Green Bay Packers Eddie Lacy
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

6. Eddie Lacy

Green Bay Packers Eddie Lacy
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers’ running back has been on a tear recently after struggling to start the season. He should definitely be starting again this week when the Packers face the Vikings defense, which is ranked 25th in points allowed to running backs. Lacy also had a monster game in their first matchup, when he posted his season-high of 25.2 points.

5. Jordan Matthews

Philadelphia Eagles Jordan Matthews
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jordan Matthews

Philadelphia Eagles Jordan Matthews
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been tough to trust the rookie wide receiver enough to start him all season, but Week 12 is finally the week to do it. Matthews has shown great chemistry with new Eagles starting quarterback Mark Sanchez, as he’s put up 42.5 points combined in his last two games. The Titans have been pretty good against opposing wide receivers, but Sanchez’ favorite target is clearly Matthews at this point and will consistently put the ball in his hands.

4. Coby Fleener

Indianapolis Colts Coby Fleener
Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

4. Coby Fleener

Indianapolis Colts Coby Fleener
Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports

Dwayne Allen has proven to be the better Colts tight end throughout the season, but he’s injured and most likely going to miss this game with a concussion. Fleener has put up 28.1 points in his last two games combined and will see a lot of action on Sunday against a Jacksonville defense which is ranked 22nd in the NFL in points allowed to tight ends.

3. Jay Cutler

Chicago Bears Jay Cutler
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jay Cutler

Chicago Bears Jay Cutler
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Quietly, Cutler has posted a very good statistical season in terms of fantasy scoring. He’s averaged 18.2 points per game and has been great in all but two games this year. He should be starting this week when he faces a Buccaneers defense which is ranked 24th in the NFL in points allowed to quarterbacks.

2. Trent Richardson

Indianapolis Colts Trent Richardson
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2. Trent Richardson

Indianapolis Colts Trent Richardson
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

This choice will likely come as a surprise, but look for Richardson to have a solid game against the Jaguars on Sunday. Jacksonville is ranked 24th in the NFL in points allowed to opposing running backs and fellow Indianapolis running back Ahmad Bradshaw is now out for the season. Richardson will get the bulk of the touches and should have countless opportunities to put up points.

1. Kendall Wright

Tennessee Titans Kendall Wright
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

1. Kendall Wright

Tennessee Titans Kendall Wright
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The Titans’ wide receiver has shown the ability to be a solid fantasy wide receiver several times this season, but just hasn’t been consistent enough. The Titans will face the Eagles defense in Week 12, which is ranked 31st in points allowed to wide receivers. Wright is a must-start this week based on the matchup and the fact that the Titans might need to score a lot of points to keep up with Philadelphia’s offense.

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