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As we head into Week 12 of the NFL season and draw closer to the fantasy league playoffs, every decision matters for fantasy managers.
The NFL - and fantasy football - is a game of constantly moving parts, and just when you think you know everything, things can change.
In the interest of keeping fantasy GMs up to date and informed, I'll be putting some interesting nuggets in one convenient place. This info might be in the form of stats, trends, or injury news, but it's info that I believe can help fantasy managers win their matchups this week. Without further delay, here are 10 Things You Should Know Ahead of Week 12.
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#1. The Week Of The Running Back (Ups)
If you've been stashing away backup RBs on your bench this season, congratulations...it's your week.
In Week 12, we have the following backfield situations to consider:
- Leonard Fournette has been ruled out for Tampa Bay. Rookie Rachaad White will get the start and is coming off a Week 10 game in which he logged career-highs in both carries (22) and rushing yards (105). He faces a Cleveland Browns defense that ranks dead last in the NFL in Rush Defense DVOA.
- Raheem Mostert is listed as doubtful for the Miami Dolphins. Jeff Wilson Jr. has looked like a beast since being traded to Miami and draws a matchup against a Houston Texans squad that's allowed the league's most rushing yards, rushing TDs, and fantasy points to the RB position.
- Joe Mixon has been ruled out for the Cincinnati Bengals. Samaje Perine scored three TDs in relief of Mixon last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's in a tough spot against a Titans unit that grades out first in the NFL in Rush Defense DVOA.
- With Melvin Gordon waived and Chase Edmonds injured, 32-year-old Latavius Murray will be the workhorse in the Denver Broncos backfield this week against Carolina.
- Isiah Pacheco's ascension to the top of the Kansas City Chiefs backfield feels complete. Pacheco has totaled 31 carries and 189 yards over KC's last two, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire was placed on IR this week.
#2. The Chargers' Receiving Corps Remains In Flux
The Los Angeles Chargers have been perpetually banged-up in the receiving corps this season. Keenan Allen has missed seven games this year, while Mike Williams is set to miss his third this week.
The dynamic duo was on the field together for about five minutes in Week 11, though Williams went down just six plays into the game. Look for Joshua Palmer to pick up the slack yet again. Palmer showed out for 10/106/2 in relief of Williams last week.
#3. Justin Fields' Run Ends
With the legendary Nathan Peterman recently elevated from the Chicago Bears practice squad, things don't look promising for Justin Fields being active in Week 12. It's a shame for Fields' fantasy managers, who have enjoyed a fabulous ride over the last month or so.
A dislocated shoulder on his non-throwing side is likely going to put an end to a streak in which Fields has been a top-10 fantasy QB every week since Week 6. Even if he were to try to gut it out, the Jets' defense is playing some ball. New York has allowed just 27 combined points over their last two.
#4. Bengals Undermanned In Music City
The Bengals' passing attack will have to wait one more week for Ja'Marr Chase to return to the lineup, as he won't suit up in Nashville. With Joe Mixon also sidelined, Cincinnati will rely on Joe Burrow to shoulder a heavy load.
Joey B. will likely put the ball in the air early and often against a Titans' unit that is the definition of a pass-funnel defense. Tennessee ranks first in the NFL in Rush Defense DVOA but has allowed the fourth-most passing yards in the league.
#5. Davante Adams Is A Cheat Code
Although the Raiders are struggling mightily this season, the blame can't be laid on Davante Adams. Las Vegas' offseason acquisition has posted video-game numbers as of late. Adams has now caught seven or more passes, totaled 124 or more receiving yards, and caught at least one TD in three straight games.
Consistently playing out of his mind, the Vegas receiver leads the NFL in team target share with a massive 32.6% and he's averaged 14.3 targets per game over the Raiders' last three. They head to Seattle for a matchup that carries the highest projected point total (47.5) on the Week 12 main slate.
#6. Zach Wilson Gets Sent To His Room
After mustering just three points against New England last week, Jets' HC Robert Saleh has seen enough of Zach Wilson's act for the moment. Enter Mike White, who passed for 953 yards, five TDs, and eight INTs in four appearances last year.
Though Wilson will likely eventually find his way back into the Jets' lineup, White's insertion could provide a spark for Gang Green this week. Wilson's benching could be considered addition-by-subtraction for New York skill players like Garrett Wilson and Michael Carter.
#7. Can The GOAT Find His Groove?
The Bucs sit at a highly-publicized and underwhelming 5-5 as they head into a Week 12 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. Tampa Bay comes into this one rested and healthy off their bye. Can Tom Brady gets this offense going?
Brady hasn't been bad, he just hasn't been great. He quietly ranks fourth in the NFL in passing yards (2,805) and has tossed 12 TDs to just two INTs. However, we know that there's another gear that Brady and the Bucs just haven't been able to find in 2022.
With talented players such as Mike Evans and Chris Godwin - as well as an emerging rookie RB in Rachaad White - still on the roster, the Bucs have the weapons in place to make a run. Does it start this week in Cleveland?
#8. Lamar Jackson Stuck In A Rut
After displaying his fantasy ceiling with performances of over 40 points in two of Baltimore's first three this year, Jackson has topped 20 fantasy points just once in the Ravens' last seven.
A Week 12 matchup against Jacksonville looks like a possible breakout spot on paper, as the Jags rank 26th in the NFL in Total Defense DVOA and have allowed 218 rushing yards to the QB position this year. Unfortunately, Jackson missed a practice earlier this week with a hip injury and has logged just one rushing TD since Week 7.
Despite their QB's underwhelming statistical outings, Baltimore has won four straight and appears content to do it with a run-heavy scheme.
#9. Panthers Turn To Sam Darnold
We all know how ugly things have been in Carolina this year, and the Panthers have tried multiple head coaches and multiple quarterbacks as a result. Sam Darnold will get a turn under center in Week 12 against Denver. What could go wrong?
Darnold went 4-7 as Carolina's starter last season but has yet to see the field in 2022. His presence might give a sliver of hope to D.J. Moore's fantasy managers, who have watched Moore's production circle the drain while playing with the combination of Baker Mayfield and P.J. Walker.
#10. Super Bowl Hangover Lingers For Rams
Sporting a 3-7 record, with both Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp on the shelf for Week 12, the defending Super Bowl champs have passed the point of disaster. It's fair to wonder when the Rams will officially close up shop and look ahead to 2023.
They aren't likely to turn their season around this week, as a trip to Kansas City awaits. Bryce Perkins is primed to get the start at QB for the Rams, which means the pieces of this offense are borderline unplayable.
On the other side of this matchup, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce continue to roll, but can the Rams keep this one competitive enough to push the Chiefs in any fashion?
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