Fantasy Football Week 12: Trends to Watch

Week 12 of the NFL season is here, and fantasy football owners need to stay sharp! Let's dive into some key trends and stats that could help you make better lineup decisions. First off, the Commanders are facing the Cowboys in a late-season matchup. While it might not seem like a fair fight, the Commanders have been playing at a fast pace this season, ranking high in plays per game and pace. This could lead to more scoring opportunities for fantasy players. The Cowboys, also known for their fast pace, might struggle with Cooper Rush at quarterback, giving the Commanders an edge. Betting on the Commanders to score over 27. 5 points isn’t a bad idea. Next, look at the Seattle Seahawks. They've been passing the ball less lately, which isn't great news for Tyler Lockett. His targets have dropped, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba's target volume has been more consistent. If the Seahawks revert to their pass-happy ways, Lockett could bounce back. For now, benching Lockett and holding onto Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf is smart. Brian Robinson is back in the game for the Commanders after an injury. With a high snap share and plenty of opportunities, he's looking good. Austin Ekeler, on the other hand, is commanding the high-value work, like receiving. Both backs are worth starting, especially with an easy schedule ahead. In Chicago, the backfield is a two-headed monster with D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. Johnson is getting more carries and goal-line touches, making him a solid buy. Swift’s routes run rate has dropped, which isn't great news for his fantasy value. The Patriots' offense got a jolt from rookie quarterback Drake Maye, but the wide receivers aren't benefiting much. Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas are the ones to watch, but don't expect consistent high scores from them. Over in Denver, Courtland Sutton is on fire, averaging almost 10 targets per game. If the Broncos keep passing more, he could be a solid WR2. Devaughn Vele is worth adding in deep leagues too, with his high routes run rate. Tight ends are also in the spotlight. Will Dissly has been getting consistent targets and could be a reliable tight end for the rest of the season. Tucker Kraft, however, isn’t getting the targets he needs, making him a risky start. Quick notes: Josh Jacobs is getting more involved in the passing game, which is great news for fantasy owners. Michael Pittman is struggling with target share volatility, and Mike Gesicki’s usage is still tied to Tee Higgins' presence.