Running back by committees are the scourge of fantasy football, but the Giants’ backfield committee is actually working out early on Sunday.

The Giants could be getting more help at receiver as Steve Smith was reportedly running routes at practice on Wednesday according to coach Tom Coughlin and WR Hakeem Nicks told reporters that he wants to return soon, maybe as soon as Week 14 vs. the Vikings. A return by the receivers would coincide with the heart of the fantasy playoffs.

Pulling in a couple of fantasy thoughts from the Twitterverse.

Another week of film works brings the latest edition of Four Downs, with a look at a few things that caught my eye. Enjoy Week 12 everyone.

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs has been one of the more frustrating backs in fantasy football over recent seasons. You see him barrel over a guy like Redskins S LaRon Landry, and he seems like he should be a fantasy stud.

In continuing with our theme of talking with players about favorite Thanksgiving memories, we talked to emerging Green Bay Packers wide receiving threat James Jones, wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery of the New York Jets, and inside linebacker Bradie James of the Dallas Cowboys.

Giants QB Eli Manning has always lived in his brother’s shadow, but always seems to outperform Peyton. Now Eli gets a chance to do it again.

Every situation is a passing situation to the Manning brothers. And as fantasy enthusiasts, you have to appreciate that.

There were a fair number of fantasy disappointments in the — what we on the West Coast call — the 10 a.m. games. And a number of them are now on ‘the list.’

Raiders fans are known for their overreactions. Don’t believe me? Greyhound had to shutdown its servers last night because Raiders fans flooded the system booking travel to Dallas for the Super Bowl following Sunday’s beat down of the Broncos, which proved — beyond a shadow of a doubt — that greatness is in the future for the Silver & Black.

It’s no surprise that word from players around the league has started to filter out over the last 24 hours following the NFL’s crackdown on illegal helmet-to-helmet hits.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw said during a visit to the NFL Network studios on Tuesday that he didn’t think the league was over-reacting to the recent string of concussions, but the speed of the game dictates big hits are part of the game.

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs looked destined for the fantasy wood pile after disappearing in Week 2 and Week 3, but the bruising back has become a fantasy vulture after scoring his second touchdown of the game.

Finally, some good news. NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora is reporting that Texans WR Andre Johnson and Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw are expected to play on Sunday according to sources. Which is good because many are predicting a shootout in this one.

Remember that heady play last season when Maurice Jones-Drew cost fantasy enthusiasts a touchdown by falling on the 1-yard line, giving his team a win, but costing us valuable points? Remember that?