Week 12 in the NFL was nothing short of thrilling, kicking off with a snow-filled showdown in Cleveland that, while entertaining, didn’t yield many fantasy points. As the week wrapped up, fans were treated to some wild finishes and impressive performances across the league. Among the highlights were standout stat lines from quarterbacks, including a bounce-back game from Caleb Williams and a former fantasy superstar making waves against Carolina. You might know him as Patrick Mahomes.
With so many storylines emerging, let’s dive into the key moments that defined this week. Here are my Fabs’ Five Storylines from Week 12 that stood out the most. And remember, for all the latest news and fantasy advice, be sure to check out Fantasy Dirt five days a week!
Is It Time to Worry About Justin Jefferson?
Jefferson was once a top-tier wide receiver, drafted early in most fantasy leagues. However, his recent performances have left many scratching their heads. Over the last three games, he’s managed to score in single digits twice, averaging a disappointing 9.5 points. This is a stark contrast to his previous eight games, where he averaged a robust 19.7 points. In Week 12, Jefferson could only muster 4.7 points, tying for the fourth-fewest PPR points in his career. To add salt to the wound, his Vikings teammate, Jordan Addison, exploded with 162 yards, a touchdown, and 30.2 points. While it’s hard to bench a player of Jefferson’s caliber, his recent struggles could be jeopardizing some fantasy playoff hopes.
Josh Jacobs Goes Off Against the 49ers
In a game against a beleaguered 49ers defense, Josh Jacobs truly shined. He scored an astonishing 28.6 fantasy points, thanks to three touchdowns that showcased his explosive playmaking ability. Jacobs wasn’t the only running back making waves; Jahmyr Gibbs also found the end zone multiple times, while Tony Pollard, De’Vone Achane, and Aaron Jones all put up solid numbers. The running back position was a goldmine this week, and fantasy managers who had these players in their lineups were surely smiling.
Where Is the Real Christian McCaffrey?
After a long-awaited return, Christian McCaffrey has struggled to find his groove. Once the consensus first-overall fantasy pick, he has averaged less than four yards per rush and hasn’t found the end zone since his return. In a disappointing outing against the Packers, McCaffrey finished with 14 touches for 68 yards, lost a fumble, and scored just 7.8 points. Playing without Brock Purdy certainly didn’t help, and his offensive line struggled to provide any support. As he heads into a matchup against the Bills, fantasy owners are left wondering if McCaffrey could be the biggest bust of the season at this rate.
Jayden Daniels Rebounds Against Dallas
In one of the season’s more bizarre games, the Cowboys and Commanders were locked in a 3-3 tie at halftime. However, the second half saw both offenses explode, combining for 54 points and a plethora of fantasy points. Jayden Daniels was a standout performer, finishing with 275 passing yards, 74 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns. Terry McLaurin also had a stellar day, with five catches for 102 yards and a touchdown, contributing 21.2 points to fantasy rosters. This performance was particularly encouraging for Daniels, who had only scored 22 fantasy points in his previous two games. Next up, he and McLaurin will face the Titans, and fantasy managers will be eager to see if they can keep the momentum going.
Tua Tagovailoa Heating Up in South Beach
After a slow start following a concussion, Tua Tagovailoa is finding his rhythm. He threw for 288 yards with two touchdowns and scored 23.5 fantasy points in Week 11, but he outdid himself this week with 317 yards, four touchdowns, and 28.5 points against the Patriots. His accuracy has been impressive, completing 77.3 percent of his passes over the last four games with a passer rating of 121.5. Jaylen Waddle benefited immensely from Tua’s success, posting eight catches, 144 yards, and a touchdown, scoring 28.4 points—his best game of the season! However, it’s worth noting that Tyreek Hill struggled, managing just 9.8 points and being held to 13.2 or fewer in four of his last five games. Miami will face the Packers on Thanksgiving, and fans will be watching closely.
Bucky Irving’s Fantasy Breakout Game
Bucky Irving has been quietly impressive leading up to this week, scoring 15-plus points in four of his last five games. But against the Giants, he truly broke out, posting six catches, 151 total yards, one touchdown, and an impressive 27.1 fantasy points. This was the best game of his rookie year, and he out-touched his backfield mate, Rachaad White, 18-13. While it may not happen every week, both Irving and White have proven to be valuable fantasy assets. With an enticing matchup against the Panthers on the horizon, fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on this duo.
As we move forward in the season, the stakes are getting higher, and every point counts. Keep your lineups sharp and stay tuned for more updates as we approach the fantasy playoffs!
