Week 12 of fantasy football has arrived, with managers required to make difficult lineup decisions. Sometimes, players who are viewed as fringe starters can produce unexpectedly big performances. These can often make or break fantasy football matchups. Below is a list of players, one from each position, who carry upside this week and should be placed in fantasy starting lineups.
Week 11 Upside Plays was modestly successful. Taysom Hill proved to be an incredible prediction, scoring a whopping 37 fantasy points. Jaylen Warren also exceeded his weekly projection, but C.J Stroud and Calvin Ridley were both underwhelming.
Week 12 Fantasy Football – Upside Plays of the Week
Quarterback – Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield has had a superb season thus far. The former number one pick currently ranks as the QB5 in half-PPR formats, despite being drafted well outside the top-12. Although Mayfield had a disappointing outing in Week 10, expect a bounce-back performance from the quarterback this week against the Giants.
Mayfield will get a big boost this week as top receiver Mike Evans is expected to return from injury. The Giants defense ranks middle of the road against QBs, allowing 18.4 fantasy points per game (FPPG) to the position. With six teams on bye in Week 12, Mayfield is a great start this week and should produce QB1 numbers for fantasy managers.
Running Back – James Conner
James Conner has been an ultra consistent fantasy player this season. The Cardinals running-back has scored single-digit fantasy points in just two games this season. Conner and the Cardinals have a crucial divisional game against the Seahawks in Week 12, a matchup that he should smash.
The Seahawks run defense is allowing the third-most rushing yards per game and 19.4 FPPG to running-backs this season. Additionally, Conner has dominated the Seahawks in previous meetings, averaging nearly 70 rushing yards and scoring four touchdowns in five games. Expect the Cardinals to lean heavily on Conner this week in what should be a closely contested affair.
Wide Receiver – Rome Odunze
Rome Odunze is slowly becoming Caleb Williams’ preferred target. Odunze saw ten targets in Week 11, as he led the Bears in receiving yards and is seeing his usage increase. Odunze and the Bears play the Vikings in Week 12, who rank bottom-five against opposing wide receivers. The Vikings defense is allowing 184 receiving yards per game and have been particularly susceptible to perimeter wideouts.
While his production hinges on the play of his rookie quarterback, Odunze has the opportunity to break out this week. Rookie wide receivers often come on strong during the latter half of the season, as Odunze could prove to be a difference maker down the stretch for fantasy managers.
Tight End – Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz has quietly been a top-12 tight end this season. The 34-year old veteran has had at least seven targets in 3/4 games and scored a touchdown last week. Ertz and the Commanders have an advantageous matchup against a depleted Cowboys team in Week 12.
The Cowboys rank 20th against tight-ends and have allowed five receiving touchdowns to the position this season. Ertz should continue to operate as one of Jayden Daniels’ favorite targets and should serve as a great bye week fill-in for fantasy managers this week.
Main Photo Courtesy of Joe Camporeale – Imagn Images
