Big names, not many stops (USP)

Once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away, the 2012 Philadelphia Eagles were a team on the cusp of playoff contention. They headed into their bye week with a 3-3 mark; three dramatic and close wins offset by a couple of heartbreaking losses. The Week 6 defeat to Detroit was particularly painful; Philly blew a late 10-point lead in that game, ultimately losing in overtime.

The bye week came in Week 7, and with that, a tipping point. Embattled and controversial defensive coordinator Juan Castillo was fired. Todd Bowles took over the defense on an interim basis.

I'm not sure the Eagles have stopped anyone or anything since. Coincidentally or not, the Philadelphia secondary has turned into the biggest sieve in the league under Bowles's direction.

Cam Newton became the latest quarterback to punish the Eagles, posting four touchdowns in Monday's 30-22 victory. Newton threw for two scores, ran for two more, and finished with a week-high 37.44 fantasy points in standard Yahoo! leagues. It reminded you of the superstar Newton we saw regularly in 2011 (especially in the beginning of his rookie year).

Happy Jags? Happy Jags (USP)

It's too late for Chad Henne to save Jacksonville's season, but it's not too late for him to save yours — at least in a neighborhood play sort of way.

Many observers promptly tossed Henne's Week 11 breakout at Houston into the fluke file, and you can't blame them. That crazy 43-37 game might go down as the strangest result of the entire season, and Henne has earned his journeyman tag for a reason. But Henne's strong play against Tennessee on Sunday (17-for-26, 261 yards, two touchdowns, one interception) is something to build on, something to be optimistic about.

And optimism is the key word if you have a piece of the Jacksonville passing game. Cecil Shorts, come on down. Justin Blackmon, all is forgiven. Heck, Marcedes Lewis is looking viable of late, too. You're no longer stuck in the clutches of Blaine Gabbert.

Let's hear it for New York (USP)

We've got Packers and Giants to watch, and we've got a day's worth of events to discuss. Come watch the second half with the Arcadians and let's try to figure it out.

That's all the sell job you're getting here. That should be enough. I know you're in. Make the jump for the chat applet.

Where does Baltimore go from here? (USP)

What does a handicapper do when the going gets ugly?

You go even uglier.

If you've followed any of the Throwing Darts series at Yahoo! since it began in 2010, you know there's an underdog lean to the column. Many of the picks will be contrarian plays, and many of the picks will be "hold your nose" selections on teams only a mother could love. We live in a world of favorite chasers and bandwagon riders, and more often than not you're going to get a better value if you take the points.

At least, that's the general theory here. You're most welcome to disagree.

Starvin for Harvin (USP)Injuries are a fact of life in this tackle football game. Grab your clipboard and your copay and let's sort through the Week 12 story.

• The Vikings are going to face an angry bunch of Bears this weekend, and they'll probably be doing it without their best downfield weapon. Percy Harvin (ankle) didn't practice Friday and he's considered doubtful for Week 12. Barring some sort of holiday miracle, he won't be on the field Sunday. The absence of Harvin might push some targets to tight end Kyle Rudolph, and keep your eyes on Jarius Wright, who collected 65 yards and a touchdown in the Week 10 win over Detroit.

• Danny Amendola (foot) missed the full practice week and the Rams consider him doubtful for Week 12. If you're desperate for a St. Louis wideout, your primary options are Brandon Gibson and Chris Givens.

• Although the 49ers have yet to make an official announcement, a handful of published reports are declaring Colin Kaepernick the Week 12 starter at New Orleans. You get the idea Jim Harbaugh is trying to stay coy and vague simply as a smokescreen, but at this point it would be a shock if Alex Smith (post concussion) picked up the assignment. Kaepernick is still largely an unknown commodity, but off a sterling Week 11 effort and up against a horrendous defense, it's easy to be bullish on his potential here.

[Also: Robert Griffin III has Thanksgiving debut to remember]

• Julio Jones (ankle) had limited workouts Thursday and Friday and he's carrying the questionable tag for Week 12. Even if Jones is able to start this game, how confident can we be in him finishing it? The matchup at least is tasty: Tampa Bay's secondary is a mess, and the Bucs play on a natural surface (easier on the ankle, even if some speed is sacrificed).

• Greg Jennings (groin) is listed as questionable, and with the Packers looking at a Sunday night game, I'd look for different options.

• Although context clues point to Jay Cutler (post concussion) starting against Minnesota, the Bears probably won't make an official announcement until Saturday. He still needs to be cleared from an independent neurologist.

Just cover, baby (USP)

Five picks against the number every week, that's how it works here. While you're having another piece of pie or thinking about a turkey sandwich, consider this selection below. We'll add four more picks before the Sunday slate kicks off.

Jets +7 vs. Patriots: Nothing too tricky on this one. The line is too high. The Jets should have won the first meeting in Foxboro, and New York has won two of the last three home games in this series.

Next man up in Cleveland (USP)You've got the turkey defrosted and ready to go. Stuffing, cranberry sauce, a couple of pies, everything is in place. Looks like you can close up shop for the night.

Okay, pick up Jeremy Pargo first. After that, gamer, you can shut it down.

The Cavaliers have backcourt minutes to go around now that Kyrie Irving (finger) is down for a month, and the unheralded Pargo took full advantage of the opening on Wednesday. The second-year pro out of Gonzaga exploded for 28 points, five rebounds and four assists in 38:52 against Philadelphia, adding a 4-for-8 showing from behind the arc. Heady stuff from someone who had all of 134 professional points over 47 games entering the night. Pargo's performance was so impressive, Donald Sloan never got off the bench.

The hoopsters in Yahoo! Nation have responded, quickly pushing Pargo's ownership tag up to 12 percent. That still leaves a lot of room on the bandwagon, of course.

When does Snoop get here? (USP)

I'm not here to give anyone a history lesson on the genesis of Thanksgiving. I assume we all know it dates back to at least 1969, when Led Zeppelin released its second record. (Hat tip to you, lads. Give my regards to Gerrod Street.)

Today's assignment is thanks with a fantasy spin: who are the fake football players most worthy of a hearty Thursday salute? We've collected the Fantasy Staff and we're in a friendly, positive mood. Raise those glasses high and let's appreciate the gladiators who sacrifice their bodies for our pretend glory.

It's time to say thank you.