Fantasy Outlook - Week 12

As we creep closer to the playoffs, the pressure is growing for those of you with 5-6 or 6-5 records. Chances are that you're on the bubble of making the playoffs and need a win this week to ensure your post-season birth.

If you haven't taken my advice about the Packers' studs the last, couple weeks I beg you to do so this week! The Pack travels to Minnesota on Sunday to face the Vikings. We all know how this went down last time.

Aaron Rodgers is currently projected as the #2 fantasy quarterback this week at 21.5 points. That number comes out to about 300 yards passing, two touchdowns.

Take into account the productivity of Eddie Lacy last time he faced the Vikings, it's understandable that Rodgers is only predicted for two. Back in Week 5, Lacy racked up 105 rush yards and two touchdowns. He's projected or 85 yards and touchdown this week as well.

What about the receivers? Jordy Nelson is currently predicted for about 90 yards and a touchdown. (Guessing it's another 50+ yarder too.) Randall Cobb is projected for 13.4 fantasy points, which could come out to 74 yards and a touchdown, or just 134 receiving yards, which isn't out of the realm of possibility after last week's showing.

ESPN.com even has Davante Adams projected for 9.3 points! Needless to say, everyone expects Rodgers' air assault to continue against the Vikings who just gave up 330 yards and three touchdowns to Jay Cutler last week.

The Packers D/ST is a great start for this week as well. After playing well against the up-tempo Eagles defense, they shouldn't have much issue with Teddy Bridgewater and the Vikings. They probably won't have three touchdowns again, but I'm guessing they'll be able to manage a few sacks and a couple takeaways.

As for the rest of the league, Andrew Luck and the Colts passing game is facing Jacksonville. Make sure he and his top receivers are in your starting roster, but temper your expectations for Trent Richardson. With Ahmad Bradshaw out with a broken ankle, Trent may get the bulk of the carries. However, he had a majority of the carries last season as well and was not productive. I'd use him as a Flex or RB2 at most.

Even though he had a rough outing against the Packers, Mark Sanchez should have a much better time against a poor Tennesee Titans defense. Look for him to connect with Jordan Matthews and Jeremy Maclin for a couple touchdowns. Ravens running back Justin Forsett also has a favorable match-up at New Orleans this week. The Saints are giving up an average of 114 yards rushing per game.

With Ben Tate off the Browns roster, look for Isaiah Crowell and Terrence West to put up good numbers against the Falcons. Josh Gordon is also making his return for Cleveland this week after his ten-game suspension. While there may be some rust that needs to get knocked off, look for Brian Hoyer to target Gordon 12-15 times. Those looks could translate into a good chunk of yards.

On the negative side of things, targets for Julian Edelman have dropped off in New England as of late. Look for low numbers against an impressive Detroit defense this week. Don't expect insane numbers from breakout running back Jonas Gray either.

Detroit is the #1 defense in the league against the run, and have only allowed four rushing touchdowns all season. In that same game, be careful not to expect big numbers from Lions QB Matthew Stafford. He averages only 17 fantasy points on the road this season, including only a 5-point performance last week against Arizona.