The Yahoo team brings their strongest predictions for Week 12.
The rise continues for the Broncos rookie quarterback
It’s Week 12 and Bo Nix might be the most reliable rookie in the league.
Since Week 5, Nix has scored at least 14 fantasy points in every game, finished in the top 12 five times and threw just two hits. Combine a much-improved passing game with his quickness and you have an incredibly steady quarterback with high upside and limited risk. Nix has thrived in a wide variety of matchups, from dominating defensive systems like Carolina to putting in solid performances in tough matchups like Kansas City. He simply succeeds.
He faces a favorable matchup this week against the Las Vegas Raiders, who are allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Nix has a legitimate QB1 overall this week. — Tera Roberts
Saddle up Bucky Irving for a juicy match
Irving finds himself in a big game coming off his bye week. According to NFL Pro, he will take over a Giants defense that is allowing the most rushing yards per game this season. But it gets even better because Irving and the Bucs are five-way favorites against a Giants offense led by Tommy DeVito. There’s a good chance the Bucs will play with a lead in the second half, which could lead to even more attempts from Irving.
The Giants are also allowing the third most explosive runs of 10+ yards this season. That matters because Irving is one of the most dynamic defenders in the NFL. He’s averaging nearly six yards per touch this season and generating an explosive play on 11% of his touches, similar to Saquon Barkley’s explosive play rate of 12%. Irving has to start this week and has the advantage of finishing in the top five. — Sal Vetri
Justin Herbert could be one of the top scoring QBs in Week 12
First of all, I have to say that Sal just beat Bucky Irving to me, who is going to do such horrible things to the Giants defense. But hey, I’m a professional. Irving is not only a player I’m bullish on this week.
Justin Herbert is playing at an undeniably elite level and is going to cook the Ravens D, which of course has allowed the most passing yards per game this season (284.5). In fact, the QB1 overall finish is definitely in play for Herbert. He threw just one interception this year and posted career bests in yards per attempt (7.9) and completions (12.4). Ladd McConkey has been a ridiculous problem for opposing defenses to solve, and no team can keep Quentin Johnston out of the end zone.
In fact, there’s a decent chance Monday night’s game will feature the two highest-scoring fantasy quarterbacks from Week 12, so let’s hope you have plenty of Ravens and Bolts on the active roster. — Andy Behrens
Brian Robinson Jr. returns to the top 10
Robinson saw 17 opportunities during his return last week, including a goal score. He ranks in the top 10 in rushing TDs this season (seven) despite missing three games due to heavy work in the red zone. Robinson is out on the injury report this week so hopefully he’s closer to 100%.
The Cowboys were tied for NFL highs in EPA/rush and rushing touchdowns, while allowing the third-most points to running backs. Washington has the second-highest number of implied teams this week (28.5 points) and is a double-digit home favorite against a surging Cowboys team, so the game script should be very favorable. Robinson averaged 5.5 YPC at home this season, making him a top 10 hitter this week. — Dalton Del Don
If Bo Nix is going to have a big game, then the odds are high for his WR1 as well
As Tera pointed out above, Bo Nix has been playing great football lately. Statistics don’t lie; executes a well designed attack at a high level. But in reality, he only takes one player with him from a fantasy perspective.
Since Week 8, Cortland Sutton is the only Broncos player to run a route on more than 60% of Nix’s snaps. It dominates in volume with a 29% goal share and a 46% share in the air. Sutton is established as the X-receiver in this offense and has always been a good fit for what Sean Payton wants from the position. Now, he’s working with a quarterback who has significant overlap with his skills beyond right receptions. Sutton will get a matchup against a Raiders defense that allows for the type of vertical targets that Nix and Sutton have developed serious chemistry on. With so many proven receivers on bye, Sutton is a lock for a top-15 pick. —Matt Harmon
Put the penguin on ice at 12 weeks
I know the vibes are usually positive in this column, but you also need to know who to build (and maybe cut). Jaylen Waddle’s managers need to talk.
He’s been held to one touchdown all year and hasn’t seen 60 yards since Opening Day. When does a bad start become a bad season? It’s almost Thanksgiving, players. The Patriots’ secondary is competitive, and it’s clear the Dolphins are more focused on managing Tua Tagovailoa these days than using him as a throwing maestro. Waddle has limited upside entering Week 12, and not only should you bench him, but he’s eligible in some of the minor leagues. — Scott Pianowski