They say the only thing to fear is fear itself. But I would like to add injuries and frustrating players to the list of things to fear.
Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens sits in the frustration part as he has been widely ineffective this season yet his pedigree insists that you practically have to start him every week. In week 11 I bucked that thinking and didn't start Rice.
Well, it seems like that was all it took for Rice to wake up and contribute as he rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown. Rice owners should be glad to note that I am again going to help pad Rice's season stats by not starting him again in week 12 as I will go with Andre Brown of the New York Giants instead.
This is my Thanksgiving gift to all Rice owners out there.
You're welcome, and my condolences to any Brown owners out there.
Now on to my week 12 edition of Love-Hate.
James LeBeau is an avid fantasy sports participant and a sports contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on twitter @Jlebeau76 or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
Photo Credit: Getty
Week 12 Love Hate
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Cam Newton QB – Carolina
Coming off of a Monday night game against the New England Patriots where he threw three touchdown passes, Newton is in a good position to deliver again in week 12. The Panthers travel to Miami this week and should be in line for another good offensive game. Though usually a spotty start, Newton looks to be improving week by week and should be in line for a twenty point week.
LOVE
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Denarius Moore WR – Oakland
Moore is a very talented wideout. However, when quarterback Terrelle Pryor isn't under center, he loses value as he isn't targeted as much. With quarterback Matt McGloin making his second straight start for the Raiders against the Tennessee Titans this week, don't look for Moore to put up good numbers. Also a factor in sitting Moore is that he is nursing an injury and may be a game-time scratch.
HATE
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Harry Douglas WR – Atlanta
Though the Atlanta Falcons continue to struggle as a whole, Douglas has seen his fair share of recent success. In three of his last five games, Douglas has went over 100 receiving yards with two touchdowns. In week 12, the Falcons will need to score a good bit as they face the high powered New Orleans Saints. This matchup should allow Douglas to record yet another 100 yard game.
LOVE
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Lamar Miller RB – Miami
Another inconsistent player, Miller has been following that track as of late with two straight bad performances following two good ones. Does this mean he's up for a good outing this week? Don't count on it as the Dolphins are playing the hottest team in the NFL, the Carolina Panthers.
HATE
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Reggie Bush RB – Detroit
Bush is coming off of his worst start of the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 11 where he rushed for 31 yards on 11 carries. The Lions face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week and Bush is in line for a nice rebound game. Though Tampa has fared well against dual threat backs this season, expect Bush to be extra motivated to perform. This extra incentive should translate to a good day for Bush and his fantasy owners.
LOVE
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Robert Griffin III QB – Washington
I had a whole witty paragraph lined up about how frustrating a fantasy player Robert Griffin III has been this year, but I abandoned it because, well, owners of RGIII know the frustration all too well. Instead, I'm just going to say that as inconsistent as RG3 has been, starting him against an angry San Francisco 49ers team this week just isn't anything I would advise.
HATE
