NFL
Stud or Dud: Week 12 || Fantasy Football
Week 11 gave us one of the best pure football games in recent memory. The Rams outlasted the Chiefs 54-51 in one of the highest scoring games in NFL history. Quarterbacks Jared Goff and Patrick Mahomes traded touchdowns frequently, from start to finish. One particularly notable stat from the Monday Night thriller: more touchdowns were scored in that game than by the Buffalo Bills all season.
The Rams’ victory over the Chiefs also further solidified their status as Super Bowl favorites. The Chiefs still remain firmly in the conversation, though, along with the New Orleans Saints. Additionally, the Rams’ win ultimately came at a cost. Star running back Todd Gurley’s MVP chances took a hit, with a notably diminished workload resulting from injury. Looking forward to this week, most of the best games of the week were played on Thanksgiving. However, it still remains an important day for fantasy football with the playoffs fast approaching. So without further ado, let’s jump into Stud or Dud: Week 12.
Quarterback
Stud
Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck has had quite a resurgent season in his comeback from injury. Particularly in recent weeks, he has played exceptionally well. Luck has thrown 3 or more touchdown passes in seven straight games and will look to continue the trend this week against the Dolphins. The Dolphins, coming into this matchup, are allowing 250.3 passing yards per game on defense — 19th in the league. This is a highly exploitable matchup for a player of Luck’s talent. While it’s apparent that the touchdown numbers are off the charts for Luck, he has also been racking up considerable yardage. He is currently ranked 11th in the league in passing yards and 9th in passer rating (101.8). It is a good bet that Luck continues his touchdown streak this week and he should post very strong QB1 numbers.
Dud
Tom Brady, New England Patriots: Brady has struggled as of late and hasn’t quite looked his usual prolific self. He is no longer piling up large yardage totals or multi-touchdown games. In fact, he ranks only 12th in the league in passing yards. His scoring is similarly below-standard as well, with Brady currently tying Ryan Fitzpatrick and Matthew Stafford in the rankings at 15th — managing a mere 17 touchdowns on the season. These are hardly numbers that one would expect from one of the greatest quarterbacks of his generation. The Jets’ pass defense ranks 16th in the league, giving Brady a neutral matchup on paper. With all of these struggles considered, Tom Brady figures as more of high-end QB2 this week.
Running Back
Stud
Matt Breida, San Francisco 49ers: Breida is coming off one of his best games of the year, racking up 132 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. The 49ers have obviously committed to getting him the ball, shifting further away from Alfred Morris. The 49ers are also coming off a bye this week, which should further boost Breida’s expected production. Given his considerably heavy usage this season, having last week to return to full health should make a big difference for Breida. If his significant workload share continues in Week 12, he’s a good bet to be a solid fantasy asset for the rest of the season.
The 49ers are facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week. As has been noted in previous weeks, Tampa’s defense is one of the worst in the NFL. The Buccaneers allow 113.6 rush yards per game on average, which is about middle of the pack. However, Tampa also allows 32.9 points per game — the worst in the NFL. This should result in Breida getting plenty of action, including red zone looks. Matt Breida is a high-end RB2 this week with RB1 upside. He should also be considered a RB2 for the rest of the season.
Dud
Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers: Melvin Gordon is having one of the best seasons of his professional career. Unfortunately, though, it has been hampered by injury. Gordon has already missed one game this year and narrowly avoided an injury designation this week. While it is encouraging that he will be suiting up, he may not perform at his usual level. The Chargers will most likely limit his workload this week, as they have a capable backup in Austin Ekeler. Gordon is usually a good bet for 23-25 touches per game, at least. With this injury hampering him, it may look more like 10-15. This is a good matchup, though, as the Chargers are facing a very poor Cardinals defense. Ultimately, Melvin Gordon is more of a touchdown-dependent RB2 this week.
Wide Receiver
Stud
DJ Moore, Carolina Panthers: DJ Moore had his best game as a pro last week, posting 7 receptions for 157 yards and a touchdown. Moore has huge upside, with the first round pick finally being unleashed in the Panthers offense last week. The team will miss regular first-choice receiver Devin Funchess, as he is out with injury. With Funchess sidelined, Moore should see the majority of the already-increased target share. The Panthers are playing the Seahawks this week, who rannk in the top half of NFL defenses in terms of yards allowed. So, while this is not the most confidence-inspiring matchup, Moore should be a high-end WR2 with even more upside nonetheless. He is certainly a must-start for as long as Devin Funchess is out.
Dud
Emmanuel Sanders/Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos: Sanders and Sutton have both disappointed in recent weeks. Sanders hasn’t topped 57 yards or scored a touchdown in the past three weeks. Sutton, supposedly the reason the team traded Demaryious Thomas at the deadline, has not caught more than three passes in a game all season. Sutton has shown flashes of being a potential star, but still lacks the volume to get there. Another reason for these players’ struggles is Case Keenum, who has certainly not lived up expectations since joining Denver as a free agent. The Broncos are facing the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, ranked sixth-best in the NFL for passing yards allowed per game. Sutton is low-end flex option this week, while Sanders is low-end WR2.
Tight End
Stud
George Kittle, San Fransisco 49ers: Kittle has broken out this year, notably to the tune of five catches and 77.5 yards per game on average. He also has 3 touchdowns on the season. Kittle has performed especially well given the Niners’ shaky QB situation. Whether it’s been Jimmy Garoppolo, CJ Beathard, or undrafted rookie Nick Mullens under center, Kittle has remained consistent. He has quickly become a security blanket for Mullens and should sustain his high volume through the remainder of the season. This week, the 49ers are facing the Buccaneers. As mentioned earlier, Tampa Bay has one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Against tight ends, specifically, the Buccaneers rank third-from-last. They’ve allowed an average of 15.9 fantasy points per game to the position. Kittle is high-end TE1 this week and a must-start for the rest of the season.
Dud
Evan Engram, New York Giants: Engram is one, if not the most explosive tight end in the league right now. Getting him the ball in the first place, however, has been a struggle this year. Over the past two weeks, Engram has only 6 catches. Eli Manning is shell of himself this year and has struggled to push the ball downfield, where Engram thrives. Further dampening Engram’s role, the Giants offense runs through the success of running back Saquon Barkley. The Giants are facing an Eagles defense that is missing its top four starting corners this week. This is a good indication that the Giants will try to get the ball to their receivers, which could mean less targets for the talented tight end. Engram is a firm TE2 this week – and likely for the rest of the season – but could improve if the Giants start targeting him with more consistency.
Photo Credit: Keith Allison via Flickr
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