Fantasy Football Rankings, Week 12: Quarterbacks

I love this week of the fantasy football season. Not only are the bye weeks finally over but we get a full slate of Thanksgiving Day football and the fantasy football playoffs are just around the corner. Hopefully you're solidifying your playoff spot over the next few weeks and looking to get a bye to the second round, if your league is set up that way. If this season has not been so favorable to your squad, look at the next few weeks as your playoffs and a chance to spoil some of the other teams seasons.

This past week had some real surprises at the quarterback position. First, Chad Henne came in to replace an injured Blaine Gabbert and smoked the Texans defense for 354 yards passing and four touchdowns. The Jacksonville offense showed a lot of life and Henne might have won himself the starting job for the remainder of the season. If you have a need at quarterback because of injury or subpar play, grab Henne off of your waiver wire. Also, Colin Kaepernick had a very good start despite facing the strong defense of the Chicago Bears. In standard scoring, he outscored Tony Romo and Aaron Rodgers. Kaepernick threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Alex Smith should be able to return this week from his concussion but if not, give Kaepernick a shot against the Saints pass defense.

Let's look at the injured quarterbacks:

Blaine Gabbert, Jaguars - As mentioned on the Jaguars website, Chad Henne will start this week. Gabbert is questionable with an elbow injury.

Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers - Big Ben has injuries to both his shoulder and ribs. He is out of this week's game but could return for Week 13.

Byron Leftwich, Steelers - Leftwich fractured his ribs in the Steelers loss to the Ravens and will be replaced at quarterback by Charlie Batch.

Michael Vick, Eagles - There is a chance that Vick could start on Monday night against the Panthers. His status will remain up in the air until he passes the concussion tests and is cleared for contact.

Jay Cutler, Bears - The Bears need Cutler back from his concussion after the Jason Campbell debacle on Monday night. He has a shot to play against the Vikings, so watch his availability.

Alex Smith, 49ers - Smith practiced last week but was held out of the game at the last minute. He should be able to play in Week 12 unless he experiences a major set back.

Kevin Kolb, Cardinals - Kolb's rib injury was expected to keep him out six to eight weeks and it's only been five weeks, so Kob will probably miss this week's game. The team thinks he'll be able to practice this week but I think they'll wait and start him in Week 13.

My predictions for sleeper quarterbacks for Week 12:

Jake Locker, Titans - The Jaguars just gave up 537 yards passing and five touchdowns to Houston. The Jaguars were effective stopping the run and I think Locker will have his opportunities. Expect about 275 yards and two touchdowns from Locker in this one.

Chad Henne, Jaguars - The Titans have a terrible pass defense and that will help Henne to his second strong game in a row. Jacksonville is not set at running back and will lean heavily on the pass.

Sam Bradford, Rams - He didn't light the world on fire in his first matchup against the Cardinals but did throw two touchdowns. Arizona to me has regressed since then, so I expect him to pass for at least 230 yards and two touchdowns.

Russell Wilson, Seahawks - Wilson has thrown seven touchdowns over his last three starts and I think he'll come out fresh after the team's bye week. Look for him to pass for 250 yards and two touchdowns.

Brandon Weeden, Browns - Weeden didn't play too badly against a tough Dallas pass defense. The Steelers will probably key on Trent Richardson, so it will be up to Weeden to make them pay through the air. I think he'll pass for 245 yards and two touchdowns.

For more fantasy info, head over to the SB Nation Fantasy War Room 4-8:30 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. Check out SB Nation's own Fantasy Football game, Pick 6!