Fantasy: Start, Sit, Stash, Quit - Week 12

SSSQ is a weekly look at the under-the-radar fantasy players you should consider starting, and the potential busts you should leave on your bench. We also identify breakout candidates to stash on your roster and players you can safely cut. For the rest of your lineup decisions, consult our weekly rankings.

Start

Colin Kaepernick, QB, 49ers

vs. Redskins

Kaepernick has been a big disappointment for fantasy owners this season, but he's a good play this week against a Redskins defense that ranks among the league's worst in defending the pass. Josh McCown and Mike Evans ate Redskins cornerbacks alive last week. Look for Kaepernick, Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin to have similar success. 

Fearless prediction: 242 yards passing, 2 TDs, 54 yards rushing

Isaiah Crowell, RB, Browns

at Falcons

The Browns haven't officially named a new starter after the release of Ben Tate - they're sticking with their plan of choosing a starter on a week-by-week basis - but the expectation is Crowell and fellow rookie Terrance West will split carries roughly 50-50. If that's the case, look for Crowell to emerge as the better fantasy option, as he's the more dynamic runner. The Falcons are terrible against the run, making Crowell a strong bet to pile up yardage and take at least one trip across the stripe this week.

Fearless prediction: 113 yards rushing, TD

Josh Gordon, WR, Browns

at Falcons

You squatted on Gordon's rights all season and now you're questioning whether to insert him into your lineup in his first game back from suspension because reports say he'll be limited. It's fair to assume Gordon won't see his 2013 volume this week, both because the Browns will cautiously ease him back into the mix and also because Kyle Shanahan's offense is far more run-heavy than Norv Turner's. But Gordon is a special talent, who can produce WR1 numbers even on limited targets. There are two weeks left until the fantasy playoffs begin in most leagues. If you waited this long for Gordon, it's time to get some return on your investment. 

Fearless prediction: 76 yards receiving, TD

Coby Fleener, TE, Colts

vs. Jaguars

Fleener had a huge game Sunday night after Dwayne Allen went down to injury. Look for more of the same from Fleener against a woeful Jaguars defense that ceded 49 yards and a touchdown to him back in Week 3. 

Fearless prediction: 61 yards receiving, TD

Sit

Robert Griffin III, QB, Redskins

at 49ers

To say Griffin is a shell of his rookie self is probably unfair to shells. None of the elements that made Griffin a nightmare for defenses remain. He can't execute basic passing plays and is either physically unable to run or mentally unwilling to expose himself to the punishment that comes with it. He's no longer a fantasy starter. 

Jonas Gray, RB, Patriots

vs. Lions

If you left Gray's 200-yard, four-touchdown performance on your bench last week like everyone else, it hurts. Inserting him into your starting lineup this week won't make it hurt any less. Gray gashed the Colts' awful run defense, but he won't find much running room against the Lions' top unit. This could be a game where Bill Belichick, who's always one step ahead, opts to feature Shane Vereen as a receiver out of the backfield. 

Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals

at Seahawks

After a slow start to the season, Fitzgerald has come on strong, looking like the explosive player of years past. However, don't expect that trend to continue this week. Fitzgerald is reportedly planning to play through an MCL injury, so he's no lock to make it through the game and he's not likely to have his usual speed and cutting ability. He's also facing a Seattle defense whose pride has been wounded in recent weeks. 

Martellus Bennett, TE, Bears

vs. Buccaneers

Bennett started the season hot, catching four touchdowns in September. Since then, he has one touchdown catch and has topped 60 yards receiving just once. The Buccaneers aren't a scary defense, but Bennett just isn't trustworthy.

Stash

Knile Davis, RB, Chiefs

We've reached the point in the season where it's difficult to find stashes to get excited about. If rookies and other upside players aren't contributing by now (I'm looking at you, Justin Hunter), it probably isn't going to happen this season. If you have a spare roster spot to play with, your best move is to grab a backup running back who would inherit a large workload in an effective rushing attack should the starter get injured. If Knile Davis is a free agent in your league, he should be at the top of your list.

Joseph Randle, RB, Cowboys

If DeMarco Murray was to get injured, Randle would likely inherit the larger half of a timeshare with Lance Dunbar. The Cowboys' offensive line is good enough to make even a mediocre talent like Randle a useful fantasy starter. 

Quit

Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings

Peterson is suspended for the rest of the season and his request to have his appeal heard by an independent arbitrator was denied. That means Roger Goodell is likely to handle Peterson's appeal. There's no chance of Goodell overruling his own decision and reinstating Peterson, which means the former 2,000-yard rusher won't be back on a football field until 2015 at the earliest. Peterson is safe to drop.