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Here’s who I like and who I don’t like for Week 13:

Quarterbacks

IN: Matt Moore, Dolphins
Moore has been a pleasant surprise for Dolphins fans and fantasy owners alike — he’s coming off a good game against the Cowboys (288 yards) but has issues hanging onto the football (three fumbles in Week 12 but lost only one). Moore has been effective throwing down field, is building a rapport with Brandon Marshall and on Sunday he should take advantage of a Raiders pass defense that is ranked 19th in the league. Oakland is giving up the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.

OUT: Matt Ryan, Falcons
Ryan has been on a roll lately, putting up more than 250 yards in four straight games. But that came against the likes of the Vikings, Titans, Saints and Colts, defenses that don’t really scare anyone. But this week the Falcons will face the league’s top-ranked D in the Texans. Houston is giving up just shy of 176 passing yards per game so don’t be surprised if Atlanta uses a lot more Michael Turner (and therefore a lot less Matt Ryan) this week.

Running backs

IN: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Patriots  
There’s always a debate on whether or not to play Green-Ellis because of New England’s potent passing game, but don’t hesitate to put him in your lineup for Week 13. The Law Firm has combined to score 30 fantasy points in the last two weeks and is coming off a two touchdown performance against the Eagles. The Colts can’t stop much of anything these days — the defense is giving up around 150 rush yards per game. The Pats will score a lot of points on Sunday, as will BJGE.

OUT: Steven Jackson, Rams
Not only has Jackson been struggling (just 106 rushing yards combined over the last two games) but next up for the Rams is a date with the 49ers and their top-ranked rush D (75.5 yards per game). This is a horrible matchup. San Fran is giving up the least fantasy points to running backs — only three rushers have hit double-digit points against them. Plus, the unit still hasn’t allowed a rushing touchdown this season. Jackson may pick up some yards (via the run or pass) but temper your expectations.

Wide Receivers

IN: Percy Harvin, Vikings
With Adrian Peterson out Week 12, Harvin became the main offensive weapon for the Vikings and boy did he rise to the occasion — he had 95 yards receiving and a touchdown, returned a kickoff 104 yards and was also taking handoffs. But even with Peterson in the lineup, Minnesota was starting to involve Harvin more (he’s averaging almost seven catches per game over the last three weeks). AD could return Sunday (how limited will he be?) but it’s still safe to ride with Harvin.

OUT: Stevie Johnson, Bills
Johnson had a great stay on Revis Island last week (eight receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown) but will he be able to build on that performance? That was only his second touchdown in the last eight weeks, and prior to Week 12 he had just four receptions total in his last two games. It might be difficult for Johnson to put up big numbers on elite cornerbacks in back-to-back weeks (Cortland Finnegan will get the assignment Sunday). To boot, the Titans are giving up the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wideouts this season.

Tight Ends

IN: Fred Davis, Redskins
After three sub-par weeks, Davis had a bounce back game against the Seahawks in Week 12, where he found the end zone for the first time since Week 7. The Jets have had issues slowing down tight ends this year (giving up the fourth-most fantasy points to the position) and it’s likely that Darrell Revis will be covering Santana Moss, which means things could really open up for Davis on Sunday.

OUT: Dustin Keller, Jets
On the other hand, Keller might be in for a tough afternoon. The Jets tight end is coming off a two-touchdown performance but unlike the Bills, the Redskins have been able to stop tight ends this season (like Jason Witten and Vernon Davis). Last week aside, Keller hasn’t been putting up good numbers — that was his first touchdown since Week 2 and he hasn’t topped the 64-yard mark since Week 3. Might be a good idea to find another tight end this week.

Kickers

IN: Robbie Gould, Bears
Gould has been one of the most consistent kickers this season — he has only two misses and is perfect from 50 yards or more. Quarterback Caleb Hanie proved that he could move the football in Week 12 and after another week of practice, he could be even more effective on Sunday. The Bears will be able to score on Kansas City. Plus, the weather could be a factor in Chicago this weekend, which could mean more field goal attempts.

OUT: Jay Feely, Cardinals
Feely is coming off a solid performance in Week 12 which saw him put up 11 points on the Rams. But be warned, because that was Feely’s only double-digit game of the season. The Cardinals offense has been inconsistent to say the least and on Sunday they will be hosting a tough and well-rested Cowboys team. Feely won’t come close to last week’s numbers so you should keep him on the bench.

Defenses

IN: Cowboys
Speaking of the Cowboys, recently their secondary has been susceptible to the big play but on Sunday they could get a big boost if corner Mike Jenkins is able to return. Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb will be back under center, but who knows how effective he will be after missing the last four weeks with a toe injury. Opposing defenses are scoring an average of 13 points when facing the Cardinals and sacks are always a possibility with DeMarcus Ware lurking across the line. Points might be hard to come by for Arizona.

OUT: Saints
Even though they came away with the victory in Week 12, the Saints gave up 465 total yards of offense to the Giants, including 392 through the air (although most came in garbage time). The Lions are coming off a disappointing Thanksgiving Day performance against the Packers and will be looking to rebound. Detroit can score in bunches (especially with that passing game) so it might be best to give the New Orleans D a break this week.

Here’s who I like and who I don’t like for Week 12:

Quarterbacks

IN: Tim Tebow, Broncos
Despite not being a “traditional quarterback” Tebow is still getting it done from a fantasy perspective. The former Gator has won four of his five starts and has at least two touchdowns in three of those games. The Chargers (who rank 28th in the league in points allowed) have been struggling to stop anything these days and are giving up almost 19 fantasy points to QBs this season. Tebow came off the bench and scored two touchdowns against San Diego back in Week 5, and you can expect another good game from him Sunday.

OUT: Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
Big Ben has been on quite a roll these days, but unfortunately he now has an injured thumb on his throwing hand to contend with. Roethlisberger has had a week to rest but will be wearing a splint when the Steelers face the Chiefs on Monday night. Kansas City’s defense doesn’t scare anyone but the big question is how much will that thumb impact Roethlisberger’s performance? Don’t be surprised if Pittsburgh relies more on the running game in Week 12 (and that Steelers defense knows a thing or two about putting points on the board).

Running Backs

IN: Chris Johnson, Titans
Just when you thought CJ2K was finally turning things around, he has his worst game of the season (28 total yards with just 13 coming on the ground in Week 11). Johnson has struggled against good rush defenses, but the Bucs are not one of those teams. Tampa has allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs this year, including an astonishing 107 combined over the last three weeks. Look for Johnson to rebound in a big way in Week 12.

OUT: Reggie Bush, Dolphins
It looks like Miami has finally figured out the best way to use Bush and he’s rewarded his team by scoring a touchdown in each of the last three games (he has four in that span). The Cowboys rush defense presents a whole new challenge though.  The unit may be giving up over 101 yards per game on the ground, but Dallas has allowed only six rushing touchdowns this season. Bush is a dual back who could still rack up the yards, but the odds are against him finding the end zone for a fourth straight week.

Wide Receivers

IN: Brandon Lloyd, Rams
Much like Bush, Lloyd has been on a bit of a roll lately. Sure, the Rams receiver has averaged just 62 yards over the last four weeks, but he’s found the end zone in three of those games. The wideout is developing a nice rapport with quarterback Sam Bradford and has put up at least seven fantasy points in every single game since coming over from Denver five weeks ago. Lloyd has a nice matchup this week in the Cardinals, who are allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season.

OUT: Torrey Smith, Ravens
Smith is coming off an outstanding game last week against Cincinnati (165 yards and a touchdown) which saw him win AFC player of the week honors. But don’t expect a similar performance from him in Week 12. There’s a lot of risk in playing explosive receivers like Smith week in and week out, and next up for the Ravens is an opportunistic 49ers squad that knows how to clamp down on defense. This should be a grinding, hard-hitting game and points will be hard to come by, so don’t be surprised if Baltimore avoids the deep ball, which is where Smith excels.

Tight Ends

IN: Brandon Pettigrew, Lions
After a lengthy absence, Pettigrew finally found the end zone last week for the first time since Week 6. The tight end is more comfortable in the friendly confines of Ford Field (he has touchdowns in three of his last four home games) and this week the Lions are hosting a porous Packers secondary, which gave up 132 yards to Kellen Winslow last week. We could see a shootout between Green Bay and Detroit in Week 12 and Pettigrew should be a good goal-line target for Matthew Stafford.

OUT: Fred Davis, Redskins
The tight end’s production has been seriously hampered by Washington’s inability to put points on the board over the last few weeks. Davis hasn’t had more than 50 yards in any of the last three games (just eight fantasy points combined) and hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 7. The Redskins are in Seattle this week to face a Seahawks D that is giving up the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends, but I don’t think that’s enough to put Davis in your lineup.

Kickers

IN: Olindo Mare, Panthers
Carolina’s offense got back on track last week against Detroit and Mare was a big beneficiary of the outburst leaving the Lions with nine points. In Week 12 the Panthers have another juicy matchup and should be able to do some damage against the lowly Colts. Indianapolis is giving up almost nine fantasy points to kickers on the season, so there’s a good chance Mare will reach double digits for the fourth time this year.

OUT: Neil Rackers, Texans
Rackers has been one of the most consistent kickers this season and the only reason he makes the “out” list is because of Houston’s quarterback situation. It’s been almost two years since Matt Leinart played an NFL game so who knows what you’re going to get from him. Leinart may have issues converting in the red zone or he may struggle to move the ball period on Sunday. Either way, there’s too much uncertainty to play Rackers with any confidence.

Defenses

IN: Bengals
Cincinnati’s secondary has suffered since losing Leon Hall (the defense overall has just 20 fantasy points combined in the last three games) but a visit from Cleveland could be the perfect cure. The Browns haven’t scored more than 14 points in any of their past five games and have passed the 20-point plateau just once this season. The Bengals D has performed much better at home (averaging more than 10 fantasy points) so this squad is worth a gamble in Week 12.

OUT: Giants
New York gave up just 17 points and picked off Vince Young three times in a losing effort to the Eagles in Week 11 but this week the team is heading to New Orleans to face the high-flying (and well-rested) Saints. The Giants have not been getting to the quarterback with any regularity lately (only five sacks in the last three games) and are having issues stopping the run.  Opposing defenses have not had a lot of success against the Saints, averaging just five points against that explosive offense.

So, how’s life without Jay Cutler and Matt Schaub treating you? How about Ahmad Bradshaw and Darren McFadden (still), and now Adrian Peterson and Fred Jackson?

To soften the blow of that pain, our fantasy overlords have given us a batch of brutal running back matchups this week. But first, let’s see which healthy quarterback will disappoint us in Week 12.

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Here’s who I like and don’t like for Week 11:

Quarterbacks

IN: Carson Palmer, Raiders
After a slow start, Palmer has put up over 18 fantasy points in back-to-back weeks and his best game with the Silver and Black could be just around the corner. The Raiders will face the Vikings on Sunday, a team that’s not only ranked 30th in the league against the pass and has allowed the second-most passing touchdowns in the NFL (18), but is also missing one of its key players in the secondary (Antoine Winfield). On extra rest, look for Palmer to air it out and put up some nice fantasy numbers this week.

OUT: Joe Flacco, Ravens
Flacco has been as inconsistent as the Ravens these days, averaging just over 12 fantasy points in his last five games. His track record against this week’s opponent, the Bengals, doesn’t garner much confidence — in the last four matchups, Flacco hasn’t topped 200 yards and has  just two touchdowns while throwing nine interceptions. Cincinnati’s defense is giving up the sixth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, so Flacco could be in for another tough day.

Running backs

IN: Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks
Lynch has rewarded fantasy owners who have stuck by him — he’s scored a touchdown in each of his last five games and has notched 100-yard performances in back-to-back weeks (including against that tough Ravens D in Week 10). The Rams have had issues stopping the run all season, most recently giving up 126 yards to the Browns, who were missing their top two backs. Lynch will have a chance to put up some nice numbers again in Week 11.

OUT: LeGarrette Blount, Bucs
When Earnest Graham was lost for the year, many thought Blount would make the most of his increased workload, but the opposite happened. Since returning from injury, the Bucs back has produced single-digit fantasy points in each of the last three games and had only 34 yards last week against Houston. Tampa was trailing early in that game, and the same will be true this week against Green Bay. In all likelihood the Bucs will be throwing the ball to keep pace with the high-flying Packers, who are ranked eighth against the run this season.

Wide Receivers

IN: Jordy Nelson, Packers
Every Green Bay receiver has benefited from the outstanding play of Aaron Rodgers, but lately it’s been Nelson coming up big.  He’s ranked seventh among fantasy receivers and is coming off his first multi-touchdown game of the season. Nelson has become much more involved in the offense over the last couple of weeks (four touchdowns in four games and two 100-yard performances over that span) and his production should continue this week against the lowly Bucs, who are ranked 28th against the pass.

OUT: Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs
With Matt Cassel out for the foreseeable future, Tyler Palko takes over under center in Kansas City and will make his first career start against the Patriots on Sunday. Yes, New England is giving up the most fantasy points to wideouts this year, but who knows what you’re going to get from Palko. Bowe will still be his main target, but I think the risk is too great to play him with any confidence.

Tight Ends

IN: Greg Olsen, Panthers
Olsen’s numbers have been far from impressive lately — in his last five games, the tight end has hit double digit fantasy points just once and has recorded fewer than five three times. Olsen is coming off a tough game last week against the Titans where he had only 45 yards and a red-zone fumble, but I think he’s worth a play this week. The Lions have a good defense, but this game could be a shootout so Olsen and Cam Newton should reconnect Sunday at Ford Field.

OUT: Jermaine Gresham, Bengals
Gresham found the end zone last week in his return from a two-game absence with a hamstring injury. He has chemistry with Andy Dalton (four touchdowns in his seven games this season) and has become an every-week starter…well, except this week. The matchup is horrible for Gresham: the Ravens are giving up the fewest fantasy points to the position this season and are the only team in the league that hasn’t allowed a tight end to score a touchdown. Gresham will be hard-pressed to produce in Week 11.

Kickers

IN: Nick Novak, Chargers
Even though he missed a field goal last week against the Raiders, Novak has been very consistent (17-for-19) since taking over for the injured Nate Kaeding. The San Diego offense has stumbled lately, but Novak has still put up solid numbers — he has eight or more fantasy points in four of his last six games. The Chargers still have one of the most explosive offenses in the league which means Novak will get his chances Sunday against Chicago.

OUT: Phil Dawson, Browns
Dawson has recorded double-digit fantasy points twice in the last four games, including last week’s 12-point performance against the Rams (despite missing the game-winning field goal). Even though Dawson is reliable, the reality is Cleveland’s offense isn’t very good and Jacksonville has been effective against kickers this year (allowing fewer than six fantasy points to the position, the lowest in the league).  You might want to look for a different option this week.

Defenses

IN: Patriots
Yes, this unit still ranks dead last in the league, but the Pats are coming off a good performance against the Jets in Week 10: five sacks, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), a forced fumble and just 16 points allowed. New England’s defense is improving (especially by pressuring the quarterback more) and this week the Pats host Kansas City and new quarterback Tyler Palko, who, as mentioned, will be making his first career start. The Patriots’ defense could be in for another big fantasy day.

OUT: Eagles
In a losing effort last week against the Cardinals, the Eagles put up a respectable 14 points (Asante Samuel’s interception return for a touchdown did most of the damage), but there are some major cracks in the defensive armor. Philly has given up at least 370 yards of offense in each of its last two games, and more recently John Skelton was able to throw for 315 yards and three touchdowns in Week 10. When the Eagles faced the Giants back in Week 3, they scored only three fantasy points, and there’s no reason why Eli Manning and company won’t put up lots of points against this squad again on Sunday.

Somebody’s gonna get a hurtin’ real bad this week, and it’ll likely be your wide receiver corps. Your hair will turn several shades of white and/or gray while dealing with byes for Mike Wallace and Marques Colston, and injuries that could keep A.J. Green, Jeremy Maclin, and Stevie Johnson off the field, in addition to the continued absence of Miles Austin.

It doesn’t get much better at quarterback either. This is the first week we’re dealing with the reality that Matt Cassel and Matt Schaub are done for the year, and Michael Vick will likely sit too.

Thankfully, it’s the final week of byes. And thankfully, Keith Hernandez has a solution for that hair problem.

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Here’s who I like and don’t like for Week 10:

Quarterbacks

IN: Mark Sanchez, Jets
From a fantasy perspective, Sanchez hasn’t been the most reliable option week in and week out and is coming off a so-so performance last week against Buffalo (230 yards, one touchdown and an interception). But this week the Jets are facing the Patriots and their pitiful pass defense, which is still giving up an average of 314 yards per game. Sanchez has the weapons to attack that secondary and New England is giving up close to 20 points to opposing quarterbacks, so the Jets’ QB could come up big.

OUT: Josh Freeman, Bucs
Much like Sanchez, Freeman has been inconsistent this season. But unlike Sanchez, he doesn’t have a favorable matchup in Week 10. The Texans’ D is the top-ranked unit in the league and is second against the pass, allowing just shy of 183 yards per game through the air. Only two quarterbacks have thrown for multiple touchdowns against Houston this season, Jason Campbell being the last back in Week 5.  Freeman is ranked just 16th among fantasy QBs and he’ll be in tough to put up good numbers.

Running backs

IN: DeMarco Murray, Cowboys
Whether you think Murray is the second coming of Emmitt Smith or not, he should definitely be in your lineup this week. Murray ran for another 139 yards in Week 9 (and added 47 receiving yards) to notch his second 100-yard rushing performance in the last three games. He is averaging a ridiculous 8.4 yards per carry and could have a big day against the Bills, who have allowed 10 touchdowns to running backs this year. If the Cowboys can improve their red-zone play, expect Murray to spend a lot of time in the end zone on Sunday.

OUT: Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers
It will probably be difficult for you to bench a running back of Mendenhall’s caliber, but he hasn’t been much of a force the last few weeks. The Steelers back scored a touchdown last week for the first time since Week 6 and has just one 100-yard rushing game all season (also in Week 6). Pittsburgh has focused more on the passing game lately (Ben Roethlisberger has three straight 300-yard games) while this week’s opponent, the Bengals, has the second-best rush D in the league (allowing just 84.5 yards per game). Mendenhall will get carries, but he could be hard-pressed to get touchdowns.

Wide Receivers

IN: Brandon Marshall, Dolphins
Miami’s offense has been clicking and Marshall is coming off his best game of the season after recording 106 yards and scoring a touchdown Week 9 against the Chiefs. The last time Marshall faced Washington back in 2009, he had 134 yards and two touchdowns and he could be in for another big game this week. The Redskins have allowed only two touchdowns to wideouts this season, but with the way Matt Moore has been throwing the ball lately, Marshall is still worthy of a start.

OUT: A.J. Green, Bengals
The rookie duo of Andy Dalton and Green has been a revelation for Cincinnati this season, but don’t be surprised if the tandem struggles in Week 10 against the Steelers. Pittsburgh is allowing the least fantasy points to receivers this year — in fact no wideout has put up more than 82 yards in a game against that unit this season (including the likes of Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Wes Welker). Green has had a great first season but you might want to stick him on the bench this week against a tough opponent.

Tight Ends

IN: Jake Ballard, Giants
The tight end isn’t flying under the radar any longer after catching the game-winning touchdown in New York’s upset win over New England in Week 9. Quarterback Eli Manning and Ballard are starting to develop some chemistry (he was second on the team in targets behind Victor Cruz Sunday) and he’s ranked 10th in fantasy points at the position. San Fran has a good defense but has had issues stopping tight ends (77 catches allowed, tied for third-most in the league) so it’s safe for you to stick with the hot hand this week.

OUT: Scott Chandler, Bills
The up and down season continues for Chandler — after catching two touchdowns in Week 8, Chandler had just 24 yards last week against the Jets. Chandler has gone seven straight games with three or fewer catches, but is always a threat to find the end zone (six of his 18 catches this year have been for touchdowns). Throw in the fact that Ryan Fitzpatrick has been struggling lately (48.4 completion percentage last week) and Chandler is too much of a risk to play against a dangerous Cowboys D.

Kickers

IN: Billy Cundiff, Ravens
Even though Baltimore’s offense has struggled, Cundiff’s production hasn’t suffered (at least not in the last two weeks). Cundiff has kicked three field goals in back-to-back games and has multiple field goals in seven of his eight games this season. This week, the Ravens offense has the chance to put up some big numbers when they take on the Seahawks — Seattle doesn’t have the best defence and is giving up more than nine points to kickers this season.

OUT: Adam Vinatieri, Colts
It’s likely you haven’t had Vinatieri in your lineup for some time now, and this week should be no exception. The Colts offense has regressed over the last few weeks and therefore Vinatieri has had few opportunities to put points on the board (he has five points or fewer in each of the last three games). This week, the Colts face the Jaguars, who are giving up the second-fewest fantasy points to the position. So it might be best to look for another option.

Defenses

IN: Dolphins
Miami is coming off a great defensive performance against Kansas City, allowing just three points and sacking Matt Cassel five times. And while things appear to be on the upswing for the Dolphins, the same can’t be said for the Redskins. Over the last few games, Washington has developed a penchant for turning over the ball and is having issues protecting the quarterback (John Beck has been sacked 14 times in the last three games). The Dolphins D is a bit of a weird pick, but the unit could come up big for you this week.

OUT: Jets
After a tough start, the Jets defense is rounding into form after a suffocating performance against the Bills. But I still think it’s too risky to play this squad in Week 10. The Patriots may not be producing the same offensive numbers as they did at the start of the season, but they’re still capable of putting up a bunch of points in a hurry (averaging almost 28 points per game). Opposing defenses are averaging just 6.5 fantasy points per game against New England, so be cautious if you plan on playing New York’s D. There’s nothing more dangerous than a Pats team that has lost two straight and has something to prove.

Maurice Jones-Drew has been the lone bright spot offensively for the Jaguars, and this week he'll face the league's second-worst rush defense.

You’d think this would have been significantly easier during a week with no byes, and no concerns about unearthing sparkling diamonds to replace the gold that’s sitting on your bench.

It wasn’t, and that’s mostly because of the backlog of yummy matchups for the league’s premier quarterbacks and running backs as we steam ahead to the fantasy playoffs, which start in Week 14 for some leagues, and Week 15 for others.

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