Week 12 of the NFL season is a mixed bag for fantasy football owners.
On the one hand, there are no more byes remaining and owners should theoretically have a full roster to work with for the first time since September. There are also three Thursday games, so there is plenty of opportunity to jump out to an early lead.
The problem is the list of injured playmakers continues to grow, and Marshawn Lynch, Joe Flacco, Justin Forsett, Devonta Freeman and Charcandrick West were among those who went down in Week 11. The physical setbacks have left fantasy owners scrambling, although at least West and Freeman could be back on the field in Week 12.
With that in mind, here is a list of rounded projections for the top players in Week 12 that will help with difficult decisions, such as who to insert in the flex position. The projections are based on a points-per-reception scoring system.
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers sports a 13-3 career record against the Chicago Bears and has been a nightmare for his archrivals. That won’t change Thursday.
Rodgers discussed the matchup after an early-season win, per Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune: “It’s always fun beating the Bears. It’s always ramped up a little bit more because of the rivalry and the history.”
Rodgers got his team back on track Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in a game for first place in the NFC North, and he will keep the momentum rolling in Week 12. He found a rhythm again with James Jones, who finished with 109 yards and touchdown, and will rack up serious fantasy points against a Bears team that is 22nd in the league in scoring defense after Sunday’s action.
Running Back
According to ESPN.com, the San Diego Chargers allow the most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Prepare yourself for the T.J. Yeldon show Sunday.
Yeldon is quietly putting together an impressive season without much fanfare because he plays in Jacksonville. He has 585 rushing yards and cracked the century mark two different times in his rookie campaign.
He will reach 100 yards for the third time Sunday against a vulnerable Chargers defensive unit.
Wide Receiver
Calvin Johnson has not been the usual sure thing in fantasy this season with only one game topping 100 receiving yards, but the Philadelphia Eagles defense was an absolute mess against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11. It allowed 45 points and five passing touchdowns, and now Johnson gets a crack at the struggling secondary.
The track record is still in place for Megatron, and he’s been far from a disaster with 828 receiving yards in 10 games. KC Joyner of ESPN.com had Johnson atop of his high-upside trade target list because of the pass-catcher’s potential in matchups like Thursday’s against the Eagles.
Make sure you take advantage.
Tight End
According to ESPN.com, the Oakland Raiders allow the most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends; Delanie Walker will make sure that continues in Week 12.
Walker is quickly becoming one of Marcus Mariota’s favorite targets and is fresh off 109 receiving yards against the Jaguars. The tight end also has at least 50 receiving yards in six straight games and cracked the 90-yard mark three times in that span.
Ride with the red-hot tight end against a defense that struggles to stop the position.
Kicker
The Bears offense stalled in the red zone Sunday against the Denver Broncos with only one touchdown in four tries. While the lack of touchdowns frustrated Chicago fans, Robbie Gould came through with three field goals. He will once again put up solid fantasy numbers against the Packers Thursday.
Chicago will move the ball against a Packers defense that ranks 21st in the league in yards allowed per game (after Sunday), but the red-zone issues will rear their ugly head for the second straight game. That is great news for fantasy owners relying on Gould.
Defense
According to ESPN.com, the San Francisco 49ers allow the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. While quarterback Blaine Gabbert has actually been solid for San Francisco over the last two games, he still only has 26 touchdowns to 26 interceptions in his career. What’s more, Carlos Hyde is dealing with injury, which limits the rushing attack that is already missing Reggie Bush.
Even though the Arizona Cardinals struggled at times against the Cincinnati Bengals, they are third in the league in yards allowed per game after Sunday’s win. They will look dominant against the 49ers offense in Week 12.
*Stats collected before Monday night’s game between the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.
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