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After an exciting three-game Thanksgiving slate, Week 12 is far from over, as 10 games will be available for FanDuel's "Main Slate." As the regular season begins to wind down, some of the matchups featured on Sunday could have significant ramifications heading toward the postseason.
We also have some injuries to consider, with Aaron Rodgers presently dealing with a broken left pinkie toe, an issue that may result in surgery for the reigning MVP. Still, all signs point toward Rodgers being active, despite a chance it could impact his performance on the field. In addition, there are a ton of running backs currently carrying injury designations, so the door could be wide open for others to see an uptick in production while also allowing fantasy managers room to afford the high-priced options.
In this article, I will be providing you with my Week 12 daily fantasy football lineup picks for FanDuel’s “Main Slate.” These lineups can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel. Be sure to also check out our weekly DraftKings DFS lineup picks and lots of other great NFL DFS articles and NFL DFS tools to help you win big! Also, feel free to give me a follow on Twitter @DennisMClausen.
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FanDuel Quarterbacks - Week 12 DFS Lineup Picks
Justin Herbert, QB - @ DEN ($7,800)
Herbert was fantastic in Week 11, and he finished with a season-high 35.28 fantasy points to show for it. With the Chargers looking to gain ground on the surging Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West, it will have to get through the Broncos in the Mile High City. Fortunately for Herbert, Denver hasn't played the best on its home turf and is allowing more points inside the confines of Empower Field than away from it. Coincidentally, the sophomore signal-caller is currently sitting on a 68.5 completion percentage along with a 100.6 passer rating on the road, which are better numbers than the ones posted during his games in Los Angeles this season.
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB - vs. MIN ($6,500)
Garoppolo has been a serviceable fantasy option over the last few weeks. He's thrown five touchdowns during his previous three games, doing so against the Cardinals, Rams, and Jaguars. His uptick in productivity has directly correlated with the return of George Kittle, who's accounted for 19 targets and three trips to the end zone since returning from a calf injury. It also just so happens that the Vikings have struggled against opposing quarterbacks, allowing a second-worst 23.31 fantasy points per game (default NFL-Managed scoring) throughout the last four weeks. Yes, Jimmy G is a risky option. Yet, those looking for a bargain option should keep him in mind, especially since he has so many weapons in his arsenal.
FanDuel Running Backs - Week 12 DFS Lineup Picks
Jonathan Taylor, RB - vs. TB ($9,800)
Taylor has been incredible, so it's not surprising that he gets yet another mention. His name will also likely will be featured in other industry-wide articles leading up to Sunday, and it's for a good reason. He's had at least one touchdown in each of his previous eight games, and he will be entering Week 12 fresh off a dominant five-touchdown outing against the Buffalo Bills. The matchup against the Buccaneers shouldn't be an easy one by any means. Yet, Taylor has been doing damage versus opposing defenses during most of the 2021-22 campaign, many of which were ranked in the top-10 against the run.
Christian McCaffrey, RB - @ MIA ($9,700)
McCaffrey finds himself in unfamiliar territory in Week 12 as it's not often he isn't the most expensive choice available. Still, while McCaffrey played three straight seasons without missing a game, injuries throughout the last two have certainly lessened his fantasy outlook. However, the 25-year-old appears to be looking to reclaim his designation as the top back in the league, and he has looked good since returning from a hamstring issue that relegated him to just three games to start the year before his eventual return in Week 9. Since then, he's compiled 21 catches for 180 yards, more than anyone at the position. McCaffrey also played 90 percent of the Panther's snaps in Week 11, nearly more than his previous two games combined, and with Cam Newton back under center, it could spell good news moving ahead.
Dalvin Cook, RB - @ SF ($8,100)
Setting aside nearly $10,000 for Jonathan Taylor is a commitment, without a doubt. Yet, Cook is available for $1,700 less, and his Vegas prop bets are slightly more favorable, suggesting he could be in store for a comparable showing against the 49ers. As forecasted, these two teams are expected to put up some points in Week 12, and even if fantasy managers remain set on rolling with Taylor--or even Christian McCaffrey, Cook's rostering cost leaves room in the lineup for at least two of them. We know the fifth-year pro hasn't been as productive this year as last, and his troubles in the red zone have been acknowledged. However, the 49ers' defense hasn't been the best in that area, either, and as a result, he commands some attention in DFS contests.
FanDuel Wide Receivers - Week 12 DFS Lineup Picks
Deebo Samuel, WR - vs. MIN ($8,000)
Samuel has exploded this season. While Cooper Kupp continues to get rave reviews from the fantasy community, and rightfully so, Samuel has emerged as arguably the league's top wideout. He's been a focal point of his team's offensive attack and a big reason why the 49ers remain in the hunt for a playoff spot. Between Weeks 7 and 11, the 25-year-old is leading all others at the position in half-point PPR formats, mainly due to his ability to get it done in multiple areas on the offensive end. Things shouldn't change against the Vikings, as Samuel should remain plenty involved in this potential high-scoring affair.
Chris Godwin, WR - @ IND ($7,600)
Antonio Brown has already been ruled out ahead of Week 12. Yet, things may get even worse if Mike Evans, who is currently battling a back injury, doesn't go against the Colts. However, even if he does, he may be limited in some capacity. As a result, Tom Brady will need to rely even more on Goodwin. The wideout has three touchdowns in three of his previous four appearances, and he's also received a combined 26 targets during that time frame. It's feasible he gets even more attention from the future Hall of Fame signal-caller on Sunday, especially if things don't work out for Evans regarding his availability.
Keenan Allen, WR - @ DEN ($7,000)
Allen's rostering cost must be a mistake because he certainly commands a heftier price tag based on his recent play. We've already established that Justin Herbert could be in store for an effective showing against the Broncos. However, to do that, he will need to depend on his wideouts. The long-time Charger has been on a roll, receiving at least 11 looks from Herbert in each of his last four games. Allen has also totaled 35 catches for 391 yards during that span, and he will have a fantastic opportunity to do some damage against an inconsistent Broncos defense.
FanDuel Tight Ends - Week 12 DFS Lineup Picks
George Kittle, TE - vs. MIN ($6,700)
Since returning in Week 9 against the Cardinals, Kittle reminded everyone just how impactful he could be. Only Travis Kelce has more fantasy points than Kittle over the last three weeks at the position, although the former has fewer touchdowns. The veteran may cause a ton of problems for Minnesota, especially with the Vikings banged up on the defensive side of the ball.
Rob Gronkowski, TE - @ IND ($6,500)
Just like in Chris Godwin's case, Gronkowski may be in line for more opportunities in Week 12. Since getting off to a fantastic start to begin the year, Gronk has battled injuries and missed a bunch of games, though he was back in the lineup and caught six balls for 71 yards during Monday Night Football versus the Giants. He is currently listed on the injury report. However, after logging two consecutive full practices, fantasy managers should expect him to be available for Sunday's festivities.
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