Fantasy football strategy, rankings, and podcasts

This year's bye weeks are finally a thing of the past, and while saying that your lineup is back to full strength may be a bit of a stretch, at least nobody is just sitting out a week. Don't forget that there's three games going on Thursday, and Sunday we get to see the Steelers @ Seahawks and Patriots @ Broncos - amazing! To top it all off, we get.....the Ravens @ Browns, ugh.

Philip Rivers has a good matchup against Jacksonville, who give up the 7th most points to opposing Quarterbacks. Malcom Floyd is trying to get back on the field as well, so go ahead and insert Rivers as a solid QB1 this week.

Don't expect a repeat of last week for Russell Wilson, who had an easy time against the 49ers. I expect Wilson to go back under 20 points vs the Steelers, where he's been almost the entire season.

Danny Woodhead is worthy of a standard league start this week, of course facing the Jags who give up the 10th most fantasy points to opposing RB's. Are you noticing a pattern here with a certain defense?

Eddie Lacy had a good game last week, but nothing he's done this year indicates he can sustain that output. I expect to see a lot more of the passing game from the Packers, so if you have an alternative, I'd go with them.

James Jones reappeared in the scoring column last week, and should stay there as the Pack have an easy matchup against the Bears. Jones has a nose for the end zone, and seems to be preferred over Davante Adams by Rodgers.

Brandon LaFell seems to have an OK stat line each week, but it's usually the result of a goofy long pass that salvages an otherwise bad game. Don't put him in the lineup against a tough defense like Denver.

If you need a streaming option at TE this week, look for Zach Miller on the waiver wire. He will be starting in place of Martellus Bennett and facing a Packers defense that gives up the 6th most points to opposing TE's.

The fantasy playoffs are nearly upon us, and the fantasy gods have granted us one week of no byes before they start (next week, the Titans and Browns are off). If you haven't clinched yet, then your playoffs basically start now, so take our advice on who to pick up on the waiver wire and then use our rankings to set your lineups later this week. This is Thanksgiving week, so make sure you check all your lineups on Wednesday night before heading off to the bar, the first game starts at 11:30am CST! The Vikings, Lions, Redskins, Cowboys, Steelers and Colts all play on turkey day.

This week, aside from keeping up with injuries, keep an eye on LeSean McCoy's status, he may be a sit if you're bold enough. Latavius Murray is worthy of a sit if you have other options - he's been splitting way too many carries for my comfort. Finally, look to get DeVante Parker and Mike Wallace in the lineup against bad defenses. Good Luck!

Week 12 is just around the corner, which means that there are precious few weeks left (2 in most leagues!) to make or solidify your place in the fantasy playoffs. Every decision at this point could be your most important! Listen to or watch the Fantasy Finish Line podcast to stay on top of the latest news and analysis - we broadcast live on YouTube weekly on Wednesdays at 9pm CT.

Guys that jump out to me this week to overperform expectations: Philip Rivers, Devin Singletary, Brandin Cooks, Tyler Eifert, and the Green Bay Packers.

Pay attention to these rankings throughout the season, as they will continue to evolve based on the latest injury updates, news, and player analysis. Have any specific lineup questions? Feel free to tweet us @drinkfive with any of your questions or comments!

Players I expect to perform at a higher level this week than other experts include: Tarik Cohen, Tyler Lockett, and Vance McDonald. Pay attention to these rankings throughout the week, as they will continue to evolve based on the latest injury updates, news, and player/matchup analysis. Good luck in Week 12 and remember, you can tweet us @drinkfive with any of your lineup questions!