Week 12 Fantasy Football Recap: Thoughts and Observations Moving Forward

Ah yes, another week in the books, but it just wouldn't be complete without a MNF scoring barrage. Yup, plenty of fantasy football implications going on right now with the Packers and the Saints. For the record, I watched two potential victories explode early on. However, what did I really expect clinging to a small margin and having to face Greg Jennings and Ryan Grant in one league and Pierre Thomas in another?

Deep sigh, but at least there's always next week. And for some of us next week might mean the playoffs. Yes, we're talking playoffs. Of course, there just may be one more week for survival and/or the last chance to make the playoffs for others. It's been a fun ride thus far, but brace yourself for the intensity and/or anxiety to pick up starting this Thursday. Yet, for now, it's time to take a tour as we do on Monday night and let the dust settle. Let's check the pulse of the fantasy football world and dish out some thoughts moving forward.

Big Bullets to mention right off the bat...

Michael Turner simply won't be denied. Sure, he sprinkles in a few duds here and there, but he's certainly arrived as someone you must trust at all times. Are you kidding me? Four TD's... don't be shocked when he finishes in the top three backs this season. How's that working out for his buddy back in San Diego?

Matt Cassel is legit and he simply proves the notion we've all been dying to say... Tom Brady is just a system QB. I kid, I kid. Seriously, Cassel has been a pleasant surprise and you may have heard – he's channeling the ghost of Billy Volek circa 2004. Just remind yourself what happened to Billy Volek during those same fantasy playoffs.

Welcome back Randy Moss and Terrell Owens. Yup, I was a bit off on Randy Moss igniting down the stretch, but was almost certain T.O was due for the breakout game of his season.

Ah yes, those pesky Ravens and their running backs – if you haven't figured it out by now – you can't trust any of them.

You can however trust Kevin Walter each and every week. One thing to consider; if Andre Johnson just scored a few more TD's here and there – he'd be the hands down No. 1 fantasy WR. However, he's only managed three TD's on the season. Meanwhile, Walter has managed four TD's in his past five games.

Can you imagine just how dominant Calvin Johnson would be with a decent QB and a decent team surrounding him? Um, three passes is just not enough. He scores every single game it seems and he's unstoppable.

And then there's Kevin Smith. At least the Lions don't have to invest in the RB position again.

Warrick Dunn appears to be the go-to-guy for the Bucs down the stretch. I'm just not ready to buy into the Cadillac Williams bandwagon. Being away from football this long - I can't trust him.

Trent Edwards. Enough said.

Why did Larry Johnson only manage seven carries? I never thought I'd say this, but I like everyone on Kansas City moving forward. The schedule ain't all that tough and everyone from Mark Bradley, Tony Gonzalez, Dwayne Bowe and even LJ is benefiting from Tyler Thigpen's emergence.

Welcome back to fantasy football Lee Evans, now you can go back into hiding just in time to kill your owners dreams.

Can we start calling Steven Jackson a bust... now? Injury or not - this is back-to-back seasons he's missed at least four games due to a nagging injury. So, yes I'd say the hype needs to simmer down on Jacko next season.

Yup, Matt Forte is the man and will continue to be the man from here on out. The rookie wall just got knocked down.

Speaking of rookie walls - relax about Chris Johnson already. You do realize he gets Detroit on Thursday... right?

The Jets offense is really, really coming together and that's because of the offensive line and Brett Favre playing more patient. Oh yeah, Thomas Jones might just make a run at the top RB honors.

The ghost of Frank Gore made an appearance on Sunday in Dallas. However, his owners should relax - these games happen.

Worth the mention that Shaun Hill is serviceable as a starting QB in fantasy football.

Jay Cutler is kind of a disaster these days. He's really only given us the gem against Cleveland and outside of that he's been a bust. The schedule should pay dividends, but the gunslinger is slinging it in all the wrong places lately.

My vote this week for fantasy MVP still resides with Anquan Boldin.

It's been nice letting Jonathan Stewart ride my bench, but now it might be time to bid farewell. The Panthers RB gig belongs to DeAngelo Williams. If Stewart ever gets love - he's probably going to be sitting on your bench anyway.

Well, I guess Eli Manning didn't like the fact that I suggested you sink him. Oh well, I still say he's just not reliable as a fantasy QB.

Goodbye Julius Jones. Your time in Seattle is now on the clock. Feel free to pick up Maurice Morris.

Yawn. AP. Yawn. Clinton Portis.

Where is in the world is Reggie Wayne?

Worth the mention L.T looks like he might be coming around and the schedule beckons for dominance... just saying.