Lames: Large helping of stuffing could be in Murray’s future

Each week the Noise highlights 10 bold names who he believes are destined to torpedo your team. For those playing the Lames home edition, each player must be started in at least 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues to qualify. As an accountability advocate, results, whether genius or moronic, will post the following week using the revamped scoring system shown here . If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 12 Lames in the comments.

DeMarco Murray, Dal, RB (Noise Week 12 RB Rank: 13, 87-percent started)

Matchup: vs. Mia
Admittedly coming off the most-physical game of his young career, Dallas' newest star could again dim against a very underrated Miami frontline. Last week in Washington, the rookie and veteran Felix Jones combined for a measly 90 yards on 30 carries. The absence of hole-creator Tony Fiammetta led to an uncharacteristic amount of marginal gains. With the fullback still weakened by an unknown illness, likely sidelining him for the second-consecutive week, it could be tough-going for Murray yet again. Miami has routinely gobbled up opposing rushers. Cameron Wake, Karlos Dansby and Paul Soliai each rank in the top-20 at their respective positions defending the run per Pro Football Focus. Stats back it up. Since Week 7, the 'Fins have surrendered a lowly 3.4 yards per carry, 103.0 total yards per game and zero touchdowns to RBs, equal to the third-fewest fantasy points allowed. On the year, only Ben Tate and Ryan Mathews have surpassed the century mark against them. No question Murray is a talented drag-racer with plus versatility and surprising power. But sans the services of his lead-blocker and based on the matchup, his owners could suffer a nasty case of indigestion Thanksgiving Day.
Fearless Forecast: 22 carries, 80 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 19 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 12.9 fantasy points

Frank Gore, SF, RB (Noise Week 12 RB Rank: 23, 92-percent started)

Matchup: at Bal
In Baltimore, NFL's newest sibling rivalry takes center stage. Both Harbaugh-commanded teams, which have combined for 16 wins, are on a clear playoff path. But in the Harbowl, expect elder John to beat up on his little bro. The strength of the Ravens defense lies in the trenches. It's yielded just 3.4 yards per carry, 112.6 total yards per game and six scores to RBs this season, equal to the sixth-fewest fantasy points allowed. Keep in mind, just two backs, Marshawn Lynch and Maurice Jones-Drew, have surpassed 85 rushing yards against Baltimore in 10 games. And last week, Cedric Benson, despite finding the end-zone twice, mustered just 41 yards on 15 carries. Ray Lewis' potential absence for the second-consecutive week would sting, but there's enough muscle up front to make Gore's "Bore" side reappear. Though hindered by a pair of tender ankles and a bruised knee, the Gold Panner gutted out 24 carries last week for 88 yards against run-soft Arizona. However, in this week's cross-country affair he may not be as fortunate even with another heavy workload. Thanksgiving night, Haloti Ngata and friends smother Gore in gravy.

Fearless Forecast:

22 carries, 79 rushing yards, 1 receptions, 7 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 9.4 fantasy points

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jax, RB (Noise Week 12 RB Rank: 20, 93-percent started)

Matchup: vs. Hou
Remove MoJo and the Jags probably wouldn't be competitive against Big Ten whipping boy Indiana. Defensively, they've earned their keep, but offensively, outside the rusher, they are porn-acting bad, an outcome that's somewhat limited MJD. His per game total yardage output, though still quite good, has fallen from 117.1 a year ago to 108.0 this season. Used only sporadically in the pass game, he's also on pace for a career-worst 30 receptions. Houston's loss of Mario Williams definitely smarted, but it still boasts one of the league's finer run defenses. Brooks Reed and J.J. Watt in particular have done a tremendous job plugging gaps. Since Week 7, opposing rushers have crossed the chalk only once and averaged 3.3 yards per carry and 81 total yards per game, equal to the second-fewest fantasy points allowed. The Oompah Loompah totaled 74 yards (on 19 touches (3.8 ypt)) and a TD in his first tango with the Texans. But unless Blaine Gabbert suddenly exhibits the polish and poise of Mark Brunell '95, stacked boxes will again be commonplace. Tread lightly.
Fearless Forecast: 20 carries, 76 rushing yards, 1 receptions, 7 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 9.1 fantasy points

Brandon Marshall, Mia, WR (Noise Week 12 WR Rank: 20, 86-percent started)

Matchup: at Dal
The butter-fingered receiver should never be trusted with the turkey platter. After all, he's behind only Roddy White in drops this season. For owners desperately seeking a Week 12 win, he also shouldn't be counted on for banner numbers. Victorious in three-consecutive games, the 'Fins, collectively, may be playing with renewed "swagger" and "confidence" as Marshall recently said. But Kansas City, Washington and Buffalo, the teams Miami upended, pale in comparison defensively to Dallas. The 'Boys' secondary, specifically, has held its own. Since Week 6, only Jabar Gaffney has eclipsed the 80-yard mark against it. Terence Newman, Marshall's presumed shadow, has especially played well. His assignments have netted just 32.9 yards per game this year. Yes, Marshall will get his customary 8-10 targets and 5-6 catches, but don't expect an eye-popping yardage total. Similar to last year, the former Pro Bowler isn't getting past the first line of defense, evident in his No. 61 yards after catch per reception ranking. With PPR-heavy formats the exception, Marshall is a riskier than normal play this week.
Fearless Forecast: 6 receptions, 57 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 10.2 fantasy points

Andre Johnson, Hou, WR (Noise Week 12 WR rank: 23, 52-percent started)

Matchup: at Jac
It's been an eternity since the last time the consensus No. 1 wide receiver saw the field. Hobbled by a hamstring injury, he's remained a lump of worthlessness on owner benches for eight weeks. Surgically repaired and fully recovered, finally, Houston's rocket can again take-off. Or will he? Health-wise, Johnson is "all systems go" according to Gary Kubiak, but rust may have accumulated during his prolonged absence. Typically, receivers, no matter how talented, take a week or two to round into shape, especially when coming off a significant lower-body injury. Matt Leinart's presence is also a chief concern. Nick Lachey's former hot-tub bud has always possessed the physical tools to be a successful NFL quarterback, but poor mental preparation has stunted his growth as a professional. The passer has matured, putting in the necessary grunt work, but whether or not his in-game progressions and reads have improved remain uncertain. He bombed once in a favorable situation. It's possible it could happen again. Jacksonville's secondary is quite rigid even without Rashean Mathis. Corners Derek Cox (32.1 catch percentage allowed) and William Middleton (8.9 yards per catch allowed) are no stiffs. Keep in mind only two receivers have tallied 80-plus yards against the Jags this year. A heavy dose of Arian Foster and Ben Tate should be expected. Unquestionably, the Texans want Johnson to get back into the flow. But given the matchup and the fear of the unknown (Leinart), he could stay on the launching pad.
Fearless Forecast: 5 receptions, 60 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 9.8 fantasy points

BONUS WEEK 12 LAMES

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