News and notes from around the league, including fantasy watch.
Week 12 of the NFL season is upon us, and many fantasy players are going to have to a game plan for some high-powered offenses finally catching their bye weeks.
The Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals are all off.
So you’ll need to find fill-ins for fantasy stars like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Dalvin Cook, Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, Melvin Gordon, Austin Ekeler and Kyler Murray. To that list you can add Colts running back Marlon Mack, who is out indefinitely with a broken hand.
Week 12 value picks
• QB: Sam Darnold: The Jets quarterback is coming off a four touchdown performance against Washington. This week he gets the Raiders, who despite last week’s shutdown of Cincinnati’s passing game, are sixth worst against the pass in the league.
• QB: Carson Wentz: A major fantasy disappointment. But, the Eagles quarterback gets the Seahawks, fifth worst in the league against the pass.
• RB: Bo Scarbrough: Who? The former University of Alabama star is the latest Detroit running back to get a chance at the workhorse role. He gets to do so against Washington, fifth worst against the run.
• RB: Benny Snell: The banged-up Steelers might get the rookie back against the Bengals, the worst defense against the run in the NFL. Don’t play Snell if James Conner suits up.
• WR: Allen Robinson: Every team takes advantage of the Giants, who are giving up 29 points a game. Even the brutal Bears passing game should be able to capitalize.
• WR: D.K. Metcalf: He goes up against the Eagles who are fourth best against the run in the league. Expect the Seahawks to throw against the Philadelphia secondary.
• WR: Calvin Ridley: Expect a high-scoring affair against the Bucs, the second worst against the pass in the league.
• WR: Terry McLaurin: The Washington wide receiver goes up against the Lions, who have given up 2.2 touchdown passes per game, the fifth most in the league.
• WR: Robby Anderson: He’s been a disappointment this season. Fellow receiver Jamison Crowder has been getting more balls thrown his way, but Anderson may get a deep one in this contest.
• TE: Cameron Brate: Tampa Bay tight ends have been pretty much nonexistent this year until last week when Brate hauled in 10 catches. Counting on that becoming a trend.
• TE: Jacob Hollister: The Seahawk has been one of the best fantasy tight ends the past few weeks with three touchdowns in his last two games.