Young Guns - Week 12

Twitter @WhitestAsianEVR

All I can say is thank God we had an exciting MNF game. Looking at Week 12, all eyes will be on Sunday night in a much anticipated showdown between the Patriots and Broncos. On paper, a lot of the other games might look boring, but for Fantasy Football players, there are some really, really interesting matchups and a lot of those are...you got it...Young Guns.

YOUNG GUNS 3 STARS 

(*) EDDIE LACY- Finally. I get to star this kid. He's up against the Vikings this week and I can't help but think that as time goes on, the Packers offense will continue to improve, regardless of who is missing. That means a slightly less predictable playbook and a better chance for Lacy to break out.

(*)??? CASE KEENUM / DeANDRE HOPKINS- Ready for this? The question marks mean "if they play" I have no idea what is going on in Houston, but these two should get the reps, the targets, and the points against the Jags defense. This duo is the real deal...unfortunately their coaching isn't. Here's a classic example of risk/reward. Step lightly or skydive...whichever is more you.

(*) TAVON AUSTIN- I never doubted his talent, just his confidence and coaching. We all know what he did last game. After a bye week, I'll give him the star against the Bears and expect big things. He's just too good to ignore. Could be a great pick up while his fantasy equity is probably still fairly low.


WILD CARD 

Let's give my first Young Guns Wild Card ever to RG3. Griffin woke up in the 4th Quarter in a losing effort to the Eagles. No doubt he's still struggling, but struggling is an interesting term when it comes to RG3's expectations. He's the wild card because I expect the Skins to be playing down all game to the 49ers, and that, combined with how he IS still getting healthier, could combine for big Fantasy points. Like Keenum/Hopkins, you have to ask yourself- A.) How deep am I at this position? B.) What is my risk/reward tolerance? C.) Do I need to try and make a big Fantasy move this week?


YOUNG GUNS NOTABLES

KENNY STILLS- This kid has good fantasy upside this week against the atrocious Falcons defense. Brees spreads the ball around with the best of them though, so play accordingly.

MIKE GLENNON- This kid has proven he's legit. This week he has a chance to put up some nice numbers against the Lions secondary.

BOBBY RAINEY- I know, right? But his performance last week was no fluke, and I don't expect him to slow down against Detroit. 

JOSH GORDON- Did you watch the Steelers last week? They basically had Calvin in single coverage most of the time. Gordon is no Calvin, but he's just one level below, and if Pittsburgh plays him the same way, he could be in for a big day.

ZAC STACY- I completely missed this kid early on, but I'm a believer now. He's taken his opportunity and run straight to the end zone. And I don't expect the Bears to stop him.

ALSHON JEFFERY- He gets better and better and better. Consistently dangerous, Alshon should put up some nice numbers this week against the Rams.

BEN TATE- I've always liked him, and now he has the touches...against the Jags. I like those odds.

MONTE BALL- He had his best game of the year against a Top 2 Defense on MNF. As a Broncos fan, I'm hoping he can continue to play well against the Patriots on SNF. Just imagine a Broncos offense with a strong running game...downright scary.

AARON DOBSON- He's been much better of late, and Brady trusted him late in a nail-biter of a MNF dogfight. I expect decent numbers against a Denver defense that isn't afraid to give up points.

SHANE VEREEN- He exploded onto the scene early this year before getting hurt. He's back, and I'm betting he's going to play a dynamic part in New England's offense.

MATT McGLOIN- Last week was shocking. Very interested to see what he does against the Titans defense a week later.

RUEBEN RANDLE- This kid has been scoring TDs all year, and with the Giants starting to play much better football, he could have some good numbers against the Cowboys defense.

KENDALL WRIGHT- Underrated. Watch him shine against the Raiders secondary.

CORDARRELLE PATTERSON- This kid is extremely talented. He's just as good as DeAndre Hopkins or Tavon Austin from this year's rookie class. Even without a QB, he will have a chance to put up some numbers against the Packers defense.

MICHAEL FLOYD- Breakout game or terrible Jags defense? I've heard both, but there is no doubt this kid has the size and talent to become a legit NFL receiver. Remember that the Colts defense has been struggling this year.

TO YOUR BENCH: 

KEENAN ALLEN- Talented receiver as we all know, but KC still has an elite defense, and they'll be looking to bounce back and prove they're still the real deal after being exposed by Denver.

DeMARCO MURRAY- I love Murray, but the Giants run defense has been dominant of late. You also have to wonder just how healthy Murray is as well. Unless you're weak at the run position, I'd sit him.

T.Y. HILTON- Last time I benched this kid, he had 2 TDs. But what can I do? You have to play the odds, and the Cardinals defense is not good odds.

RYAN TANNEHILL- He had a strong game last week, but Week 12 has him pitted against the red hot Panthers, and that does not bode well for Fantasy owners.