QB Philip Rivers, Chargers at Jaguars – “The Machine” projection: 22.2

Philip Rivers is projected to be the fourth highest scoring fantasy quarterback in Week 12.

Rivers and the Chargers are trending in the wrong direction.  They’ve made sporting news by losing six straight and Rivers has thrown one touchdown pass over the last two weeks.  Luckily, Rivers has a favorable matchup in Week 12 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.  The Jaguars are allowing 263 passing yards per game and have surrendered 17 passing touchdowns.  Rivers should have a decent week but his recent struggles are worrisome.  Keep in mind his best receiver is Stevie Johnson…  I wouldn’t count on him to crack the top-five this week.

RB Mark Ingram, Saints at Texans – “The Machine” projection: 16.2

“The Machine” projects Mark Ingram to be the third best fantasy running back.

Mark Ingram and company will head to Houston to face the red-hot Texans in Week 12.  The Texans are on a three game winning streak and are tied for first in the AFC South.  During this streak, the Texans’ defense has allowed approximately 76 total rushing yards per game.  Over the last two weeks, Ingram has been absent from fantasy updates as he has not produced.  He averaged just 65.5 rushing yards per game and failed to reach the end zone.  If the Saints are going to win on Sunday, expect it to be through the air.  Houston’s defense has given up 17 passing touchdowns this season.

WR Demaryius Thomas, Patriots at Broncos – “The Machine” projection: 17.7

Demaryius Thomas is projected to be the sixth highest scoring fantasy wide receiver in Week 12.

Demaryius Thomas’ first game with Brock Osweiler went pretty well.  He made fantasy news by catching three passes for 59 yards and scored a touchdown.  In Week 12, Thomas will face the unbeaten New England Patriots.  The Patriots are 10-0 and are coming off of a Monday night win against Rex Ryan’s Buffalo Bills.  This season, the Pats have sack quarterbacks a total of 32 times – good for second in the NFL.  They’ve also surrendered just 14 passing touchdowns.  Don’t expect Osweiler to achieve much success against the defending Super Bowl Champions.  Brady is on a mission and Osweiler simply doesn’t have enough reps.

TE Jimmy Graham, Steelers at Seahawks – “The Machine” projection: 15.5

“The Machine” projects Graham to be the fourth highest scoring fantasy tight end.

The Seahawks’ ‘Jimmy Graham Project’ has been a disaster.  Not only is the offensive line struggling but Graham hasn’t caught a touchdown pass since Week 3.  The once ‘go-to red zone target’ is no longer a threat.  While he still gives you a positional advantages, Graham is no longer a reliable fantasy tight end.  It’s hard to see him scoring or achieving 100+ receiving yards.