It is about that time in the week where you need to lock in who is going to be in your fantasy football lineups going into this weekend’s slate of games in the NFL. Whether you are trying to end a losing skid or making a push for a playoff spot, it is important to put in the players that will get you the maximum number of points. Here are the players you should start heading into week 12:
Quarterback Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks
Geno Smith has been a surprise to many this season as he currently ranks as the QB7 in fantasy football and has been able to take over the reigns after Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos. Seattle spent week 11 on the bye week, but the Seahawks will be back in action in week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The veteran quarterback has ways to provide fantasy owners but points through the air and on the ground. He will go up against a Raiders defense that has struggled against opposing quarterbacks. Las Vegas gives up the third most fantasy points per game against the opposing quarterback (21.1).
Smith has been consistent to receive a must start heading into week 12’s matchup against a Raiders defense that opposing quarterbacks have been able to have success against that unit.
Running Back Jeff Wilson, Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins backfield has turned into a two-headed monster with Jeff Wilson leading the way and Raheem Mostert being a reliable RB2. Wilson and the Dolphins were able to rest up during their bye week in week 11 as they will now turn their attention to the Houston Texans.
Ever since being traded from the 49ers to the the Dolphins, Wilson has been able to find the endzone. In the last game out, he was able to rack up 119 yards on the ground and added 24 yards through the air. This week, Wilson will face off against a Texans defense that has had their issues defending the rush.
Houston have allowed the most rushing yards and have allowed the most fantasy points per game against the running back position (31.03). Wilson will be in for a big game on the ground against Houston and receives the nod this week to earn a spot in your starting lineup.
Wide Receiver Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin has benefitted from the quarterback change in Washington as Taylor Heinicke as taking the reigns as QB1 for the Commanders. In the 23-10 win on the road last week against the Texans, McLaurin hauled in four receptions for 55 yards through the air. It hasn’t been consistent numbers for the star wide receiver, but it is just a matter of time before he breaks out.
He has seen his target share increase with the switch at quarterback and that should provide confidence for those that have McLaurin on their roster. In week 12, McLaurin will have a favorable matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons defense have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to receivers (41.8).
Opposing receivers have been able to showcase their talent against the young Falcons secondary and look for McLaurin to exploit that in week 12. McLaurin is a must-start this week against Atlanta.
Tight End Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints offense has been a hit-and-miss throughout the season, but Juwan Johnson has been consistent in finding the endzone as of late. Johnson was able to haul in a touchdown to extend his streak of finding the endzone five times in the past five games. He also added three receptions for 47 yards through the air in the Saints 27-20 against the Los Angeles Rams.
This week the Saints will travel to take on the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers defense has been tough against the tight end position, but it is hard to bench Johnson with how consistent he has been of finding the endzone. New Orleans will need their offense to travel out west if they want to pull off the road upset and Johnson has become one of Andy Dalton’s favorite targets once the Saints get into the redzone.
Even with the tough matchup, there aren’t many tight ends out there that can bring you consistent upside that Johnson brings every week. Plug him into your lineups this week against the 49ers.
Comments