NFL: Week 12 Fantasy Football Prediction, Analysis
On the other hand, Todd Gurley tied his season-high with 97 rushing yards on 25 carries and a touchdown, helping the Rams takedown the Bears 17-10. Mark Andrews scored the Ravens’ second touchdown en route to a 41-7 beatdown over the Texans. Greg Olsen and Julian Edelman performed right around their predictions, despite the Panthers and the Patriots struggles. All in all, it was not a complete disaster of a week. But hopefully, we can bounce back for the second to last regular season week for most fantasy leagues.
Favorites:
QB: Baker Mayfield(CLE)- Baker has been arguably the biggest bust at the QB position this season. However, Mayfield is starting to finally heat up with 17.1 points or more in his past three games. He has not thrown a single interception in the month of November and has lead the Browns to two consecutive wins. The Browns face the lowly pass defense of the Miami Dolphins. They rank 19th in passing yards allowed and are 31st in points allowed, so the Browns will score with ease. Mayfield is a great streaming option if you are a Mahomes, Rivers, Cousins, or Murray owner. Expect him to continue his recent success in week 12. My projection: 21 points
David Montgomery(CHI)- D-Mont has had an inconsistent rookie season throughout the year. But going against the New York Giants, who allow the 10th most yards on the ground, Montgomery is primed for 100 rushing yards in week 12. You can start him as an RB2 with the potential for a top-10 finish, especially if he can reach the end zone. My projection: 14.5 points
WR: Calvin Ridley(ATL)- Ridley blew up in week 11 with 8 receptions, 143 yards and a touchdown. He completed all eight of his total targets and proved to be a reliable option for Matt Ryan. The Falcons take on the divisional matchup against the Buccaneers. The Bucs rank dead last against the pass with just under 300 yards allowed per game, with the best run defense in the NFL. Teams can only beat them with the pass. Ridley is a top-20 receiver in all formats with the explosive ability to score two or three touchdowns in any given week. My projection: 15 points
TE: TJ Hockenson(DET)- Hockenson has had a very mediocre rookie season after an awesome first game that saw him tally 131 yards and a touchdown. He’s had plenty of red zone opportunities. And he’s dropped plenty of passes in the redzone all throughout the year. He was even a non-factor against Dallas last week, catching 1 pass for 6 yards.
Against the Redskins, who rank in the bottom of the league in points allowed to most positions, Hockenson can redeem his season and his performance of late. Five receptions and 50 yards would be enough for the rookie to make all teams in search of tight end help. My projection: 9.2 points
Least Favorites:
QB: Dak Prescott(DAL)- Prescott has been a weekly must-start this season, averaging 22.3 points per game, throwing for over 800 yards and three touchdowns total in the past two weeks. Week 12’s matchup against the Patriots is a huge test for this Cowboys squad (6-4), still sitting atop in the worst division in the NFC. Prescott is still a clear QB1 this week, but the Patriots defense will severely limit his upside to finish inside the top five. In most cases, you could start him with confidence. However, if you fear the Pats’ defense and have a good backup option, base your prediction on Prescott’s production vs. New England’s pass defense. My projection: 19 points
RB: Joe Mixon(CIN)- Mixon has been playing considerably better recently. He’s scored 17 points in each of the past three weeks, but all in favorable matchups. This week, he’s taking on the stout defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are the sixth toughest in scoring against running backs. Mixon has been considerably better after his slow start, but remains a high end flex and not a RB2 for week 12. My projection: 12.7 points
WR: Courtland Sutton(DEN)- Sutton remains an impact player for the struggling Broncos offense. He was over 100 yards again this past week against the Vikings, but will face a much tougher matchup against Tre’davious White and the Bills’ elite secondary. Denver will most likely attempt to establish the running game with the inexperienced Brandon Allen at quarterback. Sutton will see the most targets on Sunday for the Broncos, but that could be limited to six or fewer. He is a risky WR2 play. My projection: 13.2 points
TE: Jimmy Graham(GB)- Graham and the Packers take on the top seeded 49ers on Sunday Night Football. Rodgers will be fine against this elite defense. But for Jimmy Graham, this will be a tough matchup against one of the best teams at defending the tight end position. He’s normally a touchdown or bust tight end, but the opportunity for a touchdown is not likely when dealing with an elite-level defense. Consider Graham a low end streamer for the week. My projection: 7.5 points
Top 5 defensive streamers for week 12
Cleveland Browns: Home against Miami Dolphins
Detroit Lions: Away at Washington Redskins
Oakland Raiders: Away at New York Jets
Atlanta Falcons: Home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Denver Broncos: Away at Buffalo Bills