Fantasy football week 12: Booms & busts

Are week 11 injuries plaguing your team? With big fantasy players Fred Jackson, Jay Cutler, and other hurt, look for these players to be good options to fill your team.

Quarterbacks

Boom: Tim Tebow. Seriously? YES! Tebow is able to run the ball which becomes even more valuable in the red zone. He hasn't been a great passer but going against the struggling Chargers should help his value. Even Chicago linebacker Brian Urlacher likes the offense that the Broncos have put together around Tim Tebow. He's a must play if you need him.

Bust: Alex Smith. He's been promising as of late, but he faces a Baltimore defense that has only given up 7 passing touchdowns all season. The Ravens only surrender 211.3 yards per game, so look elsewhere this week.

Running Backs

Boom: Cedric Benson. He's been an up and down back all year, but going up against a Cleveland defense that allows 139.3 rushing yards a game should make Benson owners happy. Look for Ced to tear it up at home on Sunday.

Bust: Ray Rice. Tough match up against for Rice this week. The 49ers have yet to give up a rushing touchdown. They only allow 73.9 rushing yards a game. Tough week to play him.

Wide Receivers

Boom: Nate Burleson. The Packers give up 305.7 receiving yards a game. With a lot of focus on Megatron, Burleson should have a great match up this week. He's capable of making long catches down field, as well as getting a rush or two on an end around.

Bust: Andre Johnson. It looks like he'll be back in the line up this week. Without quarterback Matt Schaub, Johnson has to hope Matt Leinart can find him. With solid running backs in Arian Foster and Ben Tate, Johnson will struggle to see passes against a Jacksonville defense who allows only 205.5 receiving yards a game.

Tight Ends

Boom: Brent Celek. New England struggles against the pass allowing 314.7 receiving yards a game. Vince Young seemed to have some chemistry with Celek, so look for him to be a viable option in the passing game this week.

Bust: Kellen Winslow. Tough match up this week against the Titans. Tampa's improved running game, along with some boom wide receivers will make it hard for Winslow to get looks this week.

Kickers

Boom: David Akers. The 49ers have the most field goals attempted in the NFL. Look for Akers to have a big role in their game against the Ravens this week.

Bust: Graham Gano. He's been struggling as of late. Seattle will be a tough place to kick especially with predicted wind and rain.

Defenses

Boom: Jets. Rex Ryan's team has to be angry following a shocking loss to the Denver Broncos. The Bills will be without Fred Jackson. Look for the Jet's to play a ferocious game and maybe get a few statement penalties such as this:



Bust: San Francisco. I like the Ravens in this game. Ray Rice, Torrey Smith, and a solid defense will keep the 49ers on edge this week. Plus, this game is in Baltimore which is a tough place for any visiting team to win in especially on Thanksgiving evening.

Check back on Friday for my last minute booms!