Week Twelve Automatic/Don’t Do Its
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Automatics
Ben Roethlisberger
Ben has had some solid performances even though the Lions allowed him to pick them apart. Having Ben sit back and throw forty plus times is almost the only possible way for the Steelers to win. Both coach Mike Tomlin and Todd Haley have come to the agreement that the defense isn’t what it used to be. Cleveland seems to be hitting that third string starting quarterback wall that is hitting the league hard right now.
Alex Smith
There aren’t many games that you can start Smith but this should be one. San Diego was defeated by the Dolphins last week with their own medicine. With Miami working with a patched line they made things simple for Ryan Tannehill. They gave him quick throwing lanes and three step drops to get rid of the football. It not only prevented Tannehill from multiple mistakes but it helped establish a running game and control the clock. That is Alex Smith’s forte.
Vincent Jackson
Unless Detroit’s defense holds a defensive only meeting nothing is going to be addressed to what is going on with their unit. Around the NFL the Cowboys are getting attacked as the worst defense, but it’s Detroit that has been letting their strong offense down week after week. Tampa Bay seems to have a bit of growing confidence and might be able to steal one on the road in Detroit. One thing is for sure is that Vincent Jackson should be on his way to another stout game.
Brandon LaFell
What Carolina has working revolves around a simplistic offense. The running backs, receivers, offensive line, and Cam Newton are all on the same page when it comes to handling the playbook correctly. Quietly LaFell is starting to get more targets his way as the team lessens the burden on aging wideout Steve Smith. Expect LaFell to continue to see a rise in targets this Sunday in Miami.
Alshon Jeffrey
This is a gut check game for the Bears. The room for error and losses at this point in the season is out the window. They know they are facing a young and hungry team led by head coach Jeff Fisher in the St. Louis Rams but this game boils down to which team has the better backup quarterback. That lies with the Bears who will attack heavily once again with Alshon Jeffrey’s and Brandon Marshall.
Others: MJD, Carson Palmer, Eli Manning, Hakeem Nicks, and Shane Vereen.
Don’t Do Its
Andrew Luck, Chris Johnson, Ryan Fitzpatrick, DeMarco Murray, Daniel Thomas, Adrian Peterson, Geno Smith, and Andre Johnson.