QBs to start in Week 12
Raiders’ Derek Carr (vs. Falcons): There’s a good chance that we are seeing the best version of Derek Carr we’ve seen since he came into the NFL in 2014. The former second-round pick is playing extremely efficient, completing 69.7 percent of his passes for 2,431 yards, 19 touchdowns, and three interceptions as he just posted 21.6 fantasy points versus the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11. Carr will get a chance to get back in the win column against an Atlanta Falcons defense that has failed to slow down QBs this season. Atlanta’s defense — despite preventing Taysom Hill from throwing a touchdown in Week 11 — that has allowed 22 passing touchdowns and 25.86 fantasy points per week to QBs, which are both the most or second-most in the NFL.
Patriots’ Cam Newton (vs. Cardinals): Yes, Cam Newton hasn’t displayed the best of his passing abilities this season with the New England Patriots. Nevertheless, Newton has recorded 18+ fantasy points in six of his nine starts this season. Newton has the second-most rushing touchdowns among QBs, with only Kyler Murray having more than him. Ironically enough, Newton will face Murray’s Arizona Cardinals in Week 12. Arizona’s defense is allowing 19.93 fantasy points per game (eighth-most in the league) and 269 rushing yards to QBs (third-most in the NFL) this season.
Washington’s Alex Smith (vs. Cowboys): Arguably the greatest story of the 2020 season is Alex Smith returning to the gridiron after the trials he went through since he suffered his devastating leg injury in 2018. The likely Comeback Player of the Year Award winner was able to win his first game since being back in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Smith appears to be getting more comfortable in his role as the starting QB in Washington and gets a juicy matchup for fantasy football in Week 12. The veteran signal-caller gets an opportunity to square off with the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving against a defense that has conceded the most passing touchdowns with 23 so far.
Other QBs to consider in Week 12: Giants’ Daniel Jones (vs. Bengals), Panthers’ Teddy Bridgewater (if active vs. Vikings), Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa (vs. Jets), Lions’ Matthew Stafford (vs. Texans)
QBs to sit in Week 12
Broncos’ Drew Lock (vs. Saints): It’s been tough to evaluate Drew Lock this season as some weeks, he looks like he’s turning a corner in his development. But in other weeks, he looks like he’s still got plenty of growth to accomplish before he’s considered a franchise quarterback. In the past two weeks, Lock has combined for only 18.08 fantasy points against the Las Vegas Raiders and the Miami Dolphins. Things likely won’t get much easier for Lock as he takes on a New Orleans Saints defense that seems to be hitting their groove in recent weeks. New Orleans held opposing QBs to one touchdown and seven interceptions in their past three games.
Bears’ Nick Foles (vs. Packers): I shouldn’t have to do much convincing to get everyone to refrain from starting Nick Foles in fantasy football. The Chicago Bears are a mess on offense and Foles is dealing with a hip injury. Matt Nagy has been reluctant to name a starting QB for the Bears in their upcoming tilt with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football. Even if Foles starts, the Packers are holding opposing QBs to the fifth-fewest fantasy points per week (16.57) this season.
