Each week I give you the fantasy “Booms and Busts” of the week. The first list will be players that I expect to perform at least 50% higher than their average week. This could be from a specific match-up, an injury to another player that moves them up the depth chart, or maybe just a gut feeling. The next list will be five players that I expect to perform at 50% or less of their weekly average. This could also be because of a match-up, a conflict with a coach, or even a weather issue. I don’t think you need help determining whether or not to start someone who is injured, so no questionable, doubtful, or out players will make the list. Here are your week 12 Booms and Busts – Thanksgiving edition.

Roddy White: White has struggled this year to find his groove. I personally thought he had a chance to be the top WR in the league. Last week he showed us what he is capable of and the Falcons won. This week ATL get the Vikings at home; a team that is allowing the fifth most passing yards per game. White is only averaging 8.9ppg but expect 140 receiving yards and a score (20 pts).

Dez Bryant: The Dolphins have won three in a row, but that streak comes to an end this week in Dallas. With Miles Austin still likely out this week, Dez will have a chance to shine on Thanksgiving. His 9.3ppg is solid, but expect around 120 receiving yards and a score this week (18 pts).

Brandon Lloyd: I’m going back to this stud who has found success with the Rams. He averages under 8ppg, but St. Louis is playing at home against the Cardinals, who allow the sixth most passing yards in the league. Lloyd should have a chance for a big day. Expect 100 receiving yards and a pair of scores (22 pts).

Cedric Benson: Benson has a nice match-up against the Browns, a team allowing nearly 140 rushing yards per game. The Bengals could be up early and ride Benson most of the second half. He averages 9ppg but found the end-zone twice last week against the run-stopping Ravens defense so don’t be surprised to see around 130 total yards and another two-TD day (25 pts).

Rashard Mendenhall: Perhaps one of the biggest frustrations for owners this year has been Mendy. This week though will change all of that. Mendenhall only averages around 10ppg but he plays a Chiefs team that is falling apart at the seams and allows over 136 rushing yards per game. Expect a blowout in this game and plan on Mendy seeing 140 all-purpose yards and a score (20 pts).

Steven Jackson: I know, you are only supposed to get five Booms, but I couldn’t pass on mentioning Jackson. While Lloyd dominates the passing game, Jackson will dominate the run. The Cardinals are allowing over 125 rushing yards per game and Jackson always gets his carries. He averages nearly 12ppg, but this week I expect something around 125 rushing yards and a score (18.5 pts).
 
 
Steve Johnson: Johnson is averaging around 8ppg, but things are not looking good for the Bills. Even worse? Johnson will be matched up with the great Revis. Revis shut down Decker as I expected last week and he will do the same with Johnson. Don’t expect much ovr 30 receiving yards (3 pts).

Ryan Fitzpatrick: Adding to the list of Bills players that will have a bad day, Fitzpatrick is not going to be happy on Sunday. The Jets allow the sixth fewest passing yards per game and will look to force some bad throws that end up as turnovers. Fitz won’t see anything close to his 17ppg average. Expect around 175 yards, a score, and three turnovers (7 pts).

Frank Gore: Gore is playing on the road against the Ravens this week and will face a very tough run defense. Gore averages over 12ppg, but I think this is a low scoring affair and Gore doesn’t find the end-zone. Expect around 60 total yards (6 pts).

Chris Ogbonnaya: Since becoming the starter in Cleveland CO is averaging around 9ppg. He just scored 19.4 points in week 11, but this week he goes on the road to play one of the best run defenses in the league: The Bengals. Expect Cleveland to be down early and pass the ball quite a bit, further limiting CO’s touches. Expect only 30 total yards and no scores (3 pts).

Rob Gronkowski: You have to start this guy, but temper your expectations a bit. Gronk is averaging 14 ppg and has ten scores on the year. If the Eagles have any chance of winning they will need to stop him. Expect double coverage (yes, on a tight end) for much of their game. Gronk should expect around 50 receiving yards, but no scores (5 pts).
 
Think someone deserves to be on either list? Tell me about it in the comments section below.
 

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