Let’s dive into some news and notes around the league, my top fantasy plays and favorite picks for Week 12.
Notes:
• Josh Allen made history this weekend after throwing three touchdowns and rushing for three more. The only other time that has happened for fantasy owners came in 2024, also by Allen. It was the second time this season he finished as QB1, and only twice this year has he finished outside the top 12 quarterbacks. He is living up to his predraft status as the top fantasy quarterback, averaging 25.4 points per game, second overall to only Jonathan Taylor. Sunday’s performance put him back into the MVP conversation.
• Jacoby Brissett also made history with an NFL-record 47 completions, accomplishing the feat on 57 attempts. Michael Wilson was the biggest beneficiary, reeling in 15 of 18 targets for 185 yards, the most receiving yards for any player this season. Brissett is QB4 in fantasy points per game since taking over as the Cardinals starter in Week 6 and is still available in more than 60 percent of fantasy leagues. I have him inside my top 10 quarterbacks for Week 12, and he is a high-value QB2 the rest of the season, depending on the matchup.
• The second-leading scorer in Week 11 was Sean Tucker. He took full advantage of his extended playing time, racking up 140 yards and three touchdowns on 21 touches. His time as the lead back might be limited as Bucky Irving could return soon, but Tucker is the guy until then. Even when Irving is back, Tucker is the handcuff to own.
• It was not all good news for fantasy owners, as the injuries stacked up in Week 11. Josh Jacobs and Drake London were both forced out of action with knee injuries, and there is no timeline on a return for either player. Jaylen Warren was sidelined with an ankle injury. Kimani Vidal exited with a thigh injury. Michael Penix, Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love also got banged up this weekend. Check my player rankings if you need injury replacements.
• Remember to check the weather heading into Sunday for your kicker selection. Target kickers playing in domes and fair weather conditions. The windy conditions on the East Coast in Week 11 are a prime example of why this is important.
Thursday Night Game: Bills vs. Texans
Sunday Night Game: Buccaneers vs. Rams
Monday Night Game: Panthers vs. 49ers
Start ‘Em:
Quarterback: Jacoby Brissett
Running Back: Kenneth Walker III
Wide Receiver: Jauan Jennings
Tight End: Theo Johnson
Defense: Bears
Sit ‘Em:
Quarterback: Jordan Love
Running Back: Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Wide Receiver: Xavier Worthy
Tight End: T.J. Hockenson
Defense: Buccaneers
Sleepers:
Quarterback: Kirk Cousins
Running Back: Tyler Allgeier
Wide Receiver: Xavier Legette
Tight End: AJ Barner
Defense: Panthers
NFL Picks for Week 12
All odds are from FanDuel Sportsbook at time of writing
Weekly Pick ‘Em (Season Record: 110-52-1)
Bills (at Texans)
Bears (vs. Steelers)
Ravens (vs. Jets)
Lions (vs. Giants)
Patriots (at Bengals)
Seahawks (at Titans)
Packers (vs. Vikings)
Chiefs (vs. Colts)
Cardinals (vs. Jaguars)
Raiders (vs. Browns)
Falcons (at Saints)
Eagles (at Cowboys)
Rams (vs. Buccaneers)
49ers (vs. Panthers)
Five Picks Against the Spread (Season Record: 27-27-1)
Bears -3 vs. Steelers
Bengals +8.5 vs. Patriots
Chiefs -3 vs. Colts
Cardinals +2.5 vs. Jaguars
Falcons +1.5 at Saints
Five Over-Under Totals (Season Record: 23-27)
Giants-Lions Over 50.5
Seahawks-Titans Over 40.5
Browns-Raiders Under 36.5
Eagles-Cowboys Under 49.5
Panthers-49ers Under 47.5
One Bold Prediction for the Week
Week 1: Trevor Lawrence finishes as a top-10 QB against the Panthers (miss)
Week 2: Zay Flowers remains the overall WR1 after torching the Browns (miss)
Week 3: Daniel Jones makes it three straight weeks finishing as a top-five fantasy quarterback (miss)
Week 4: Josh Allen accounts for five total touchdowns against the Saints (miss)
Week 5: A tight end leads all FLEX-worthy players in scoring (miss)
Week 6: Matthew Stafford finishes as a QB1 against the Ravens (miss)
Week 7: Quinshon Judkins is a top-10 RB against the Dolphins (finally got one!)
Week 8: Joe Flacco throws for more than 300 yards against the Jets (miss)
Week 9: Marvin Harrison Jr. records more than 150 receiving yards against the Cowboys (miss)
Week 10: Jalen Hurts throws for more than 300 yards against the Packers on “Monday Night Football” (miss)
Week 11: C.J. Stroud finishes as a QB1 against the Titans (miss)
Week 12: Michael Wilson has another game with more than 150 receiving yards
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox