Potential Fourth Quarter Killers For Week Twelve

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Carson Palmer
Carson has it going the way the Cardinals were hoping he would initially to start the season. Thankfully for Palmer the Cardinals have a winning record and are right in the mix of things for a possible wild card berth. To keep the critics silenced in searching for a replacement at quarterback in the offseason, Carson will need to continue to ignite the Cards offense with the passing attack. He gets another great matchup to do so against the Indianapolis Colts.

Ryan Matthews
San Diego has been a hot potato kind of team. A loss down in Miami and one in Oakland a month ago are going to be two losses that may cost the Chargers a chance at the playoffs. Even if they don’t make the playoffs they have to be pleased with the substantial improvement of the offense as a whole and Matthews. Matthews has been able to stay on the field and is coming off a big game against the Dolphins. With the Chiefs showing vulnerability against the run Matthews should see a heavy dose of carries once again.

Rashard Jennings
The dagger on the Texans season was likely a month ago. But it realistically came to a deafening blow with a home loss to the Oakland Raiders as twelve point favorites. Houston decided to take out Keenum after a subpar three quarters to see if Matt Schaub could revive the Texans. That did not work either. Oakland gets to head back home and play a Titans team that surrendered a commanding lead against the Indianapolis Colts. Oakland will attack the Titans the same way they did the Texans and that is to utilize Jennings heavily. I could see Jennings getting over 150 yards this time around.

Tavon Austin
Could the Rams play spoiler to the Bears recent climb back in contention of the NFC North? It would not surprise me. Chicago has struggled all season long at covering guys with speed at receiver. Austin is coming off his best rookie performance before the bye week with two long touchdown passes and a punt return. Expect the Rams to take a couple of shots with him against the Bears choppy secondary.

Vincent Jackson
Payroll doled out on the defensive side is being harped as a mistake in Dallas. Another team that deserves the hammer is the Detroit Lions. Detroit arguably boasts potentially the best front four in football. Yet they have not been consistent at stopping the run or sacking the quarterback. They allowed the Steelers to march down the field repeatedly, including after a fake field goal inside the ten yard line. After another failed offensive series the Steelers yet again scored a game sealing touchdown. Tampa Bay has newfound confidence and will aim to attack the Lions through the air.

Others: Pittsburgh’s Defense, Saints Defense, Ravens Defense, Marques Colston, Greg Olsen, and Jordy Nelson