Fantasy News for NFL Week 12
While Thanksgiving Day is a great time for football fans, it’s also a treacherous time for fantasy managers. Short turnarounds for eight teams – four NFL games are scheduled either Thursday or Friday – leave fantasy owners scrambling for last-minute additions.
Read on to see what injuries and replacement players fantasy owners should evaluate for NFL Week 12.
Green Bay Packers RB A.J. Dillon Expects Larger Role
With both RBs Aaron Jones and Emanuel Wilson out this week nursing injuries, Green Bay back-up RB A.J. Dillon expects a larger role within the Packers offense on Thanksgiving Day against the Detroit Lions. Green Bay also elevated James Robinson while signing Patrick Taylor as insurance at the RB position.
Fantasy Impact: Although officially listed as “Questionable,” Dillon is in line for a strong fantasy showing and should be immediately rostered for Jones’ fantasy owners. Dillon has 405 rushing yards this season and one TD while also recording 16 receptions for 146 yards in his limited role thus far.
Seattle Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III Could Miss Multiple Games
In his Monday press conference, Seattle HC Pete Carroll acknowledged that RB Kenneth Walker III could miss multiple games as he recovers from an oblique muscle injury he experienced Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. Carroll noted that Walker wasn’t a candidate for the Injured Reserve (IR) list as of Monday, however, suggesting he may only miss 1-3 games.
Fantasy Impact: In his absence, the Seahawks will rely on Zach Charbonnet. The rookie out of UCLA has 261 rushing yards and 92 receiving yards in limited opportunities this week. However, do not expect Charbonnet to have a breakthrough performance against the San Francisco 49ers and their stingy defense in this Week 12 matchup.
New England Patriots To Name Starting QB Sunday
When asked Tuesday about his team’s starting QB for the Week 12 matchup against the New York Giants, Patriots HC Bill Belichick told reporters that four different players – Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, Will Grier, and Malik Cunningham – were preparing as if they would be the starter this week. When pressed further about the issue, Belichick said, “I’ll let you know Sunday.”
Fantasy Impact: New England’s players have been irrelevant for fantasy owners this season. After his first game – a 316-yard, 3 TD performance against Philadelphia – Jones has been a disappointment. No matter which QB gets the nod, exercise caution before inserting them into your fantasy lineup in spite of the appetizing Sunday matchup.
Los Angeles Rams WRs Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp Day-To-Day
After getting QB Matthew Stafford back in Week 11, his top two targets – WRs Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp – both suffered injuries during the team’s 17-16 victory over Seattle Sunday. Puka (shoulder) and Kupp (ankle) are day-to-day, according to multiple team reports.
Fantasy Impact: With Stafford under center, expect one or both players to suit up in their Week 12 matchup against the Cardinals. Fantasy owners should monitor the situation throughout the week as both would be fantasy-relevant when the Rams travel to Arizona.
Baltimore Ravens TE Mark Andrews Could Return This Season
In his Monday press conference, Baltimore HC John Harbaugh announced that TE Mark Andrews could return before the end of the season. The initial diagnosis for Andrews’ injuries to his left fibula and ankle was season-ending, giving Ravens’ fans an outside chance of seeing their star receiver return for a playoff run.
Fantasy Impact: While Ravens’ fans will rejoice, fantasy owners will not. Expect reserve TE Isaiah Likely to see more targets than his current 12, but do not assume Likely will benefit from Andrews’ absence. Instead, lean on WRs Odell Beckham Jr and Zay Flowers to receive the majority of QB Lamar Jackson’s passes.
