As you get ready to finalize your lineups for Week 12 of the NFL season, here are 11 random and last-minute fantasy football thoughts:
11. Eddy Pineiro will bounce back
The Chicago kicker is under a lot of heat after missing five kicks in his last four games. Things hit a low point last week against the Rams. Pineiro missed two field-goal attempts and the Bears elected to pass on him trying another one and went for it on fourth down. But the Bears have been uncommonly patient and supportive of their kicker. He’ll reward them with a big day against the Giants.
10. Stay away from Carson Wentz
I’m not saying this just because the Philadelphia quarterback completed only 50% of his passes against New England last week. I’m saying it because Wentz could be running for his life most of the day against the Seahawks. Right tackle Lane Johnson is in concussion protocol. Unless he’s cleared, the Eagles will start rookie Andre Dillard in his spot. That means Dillard will be lining up against Seattle defensive end Jadeveon Clowney most of the day and that’s a huge mismatch.
9. Le’Veon Bell is way overdue
The New York Jets running back has had a quiet season after arriving from Pittsburgh. He hasn’t rushed for more than 70 yards in a game. That’s going to change against the Raiders. He’ll crack 100 yards.
8. Start Ryan Fitzpatrick
Normally, I would advise against starting the Miami quarterback. But this week is different. The Dolphins are playing the Browns, who have a depleted defensive line. Myles Garrett, Larry Oguniobi and Olivier Vernon are out. Fitzpatrick should have lots of time to throw the ball.
7. Benny Snell has the mismatch of the week
Ordinarily, I would say stay away from a rookie running back who has missed the past three games with a knee injury. But the Pittsburgh running back is a major exception. James Conner is dealing with a shoulder injury and Snell should get most of the carries. Look out because he’ll be facing a Cincinnati team that allows a league-worst 167 rushing yards per game.
6. Zach Ertz will continue his roll
The Philadelphia tight end has caught nine passes in each of his last two games. Part of that is because the rest of the Philadelphia offense has been so banged up. But the hot streak by Ertz should continue against a Seattle defense that has struggled to stop tight ends.
5. Start the Atlanta defense
The Falcons’ pass rush has been on a roll the last three games. They’ve recorded 13 sacks in that span. Now, they’ll go against Tampa Bay’s Jameis Winston, who has been sacked a league-high 36 times and has thrown a league-leading 18 interceptions.
4. Lightning doesn’t strike the same spot twice
The Jaguars held Tennessee’s Derrick Henry to 44 rushing yards in their previous meeting. That was a fluke and won’t happen again. The Jaguars rank 29 in rushing defense. Henry will rush for 100 yards.
3. Dak Prescott is in for a long day
Yes, Prescott threw for 444 yards last week and the Cowboys lead the league in total offense. But they’re playing the Patriots, a great equalizer. New England leads the league in total defense. When in doubt, go with the Patriots.
2. Josh Allen will shine
The Buffalo quarterback has what may look like a tough matchup. The Broncos rank No. 4 in pass defense. But that stat is a bit misleading. The Broncos are allowing opponents to complete 66% of their passes. If Allen can stay above 60%, he’ll have a big day.
1. Julio Jones will have a breakout day
The Atlanta receiver hasn’t caught a touchdown pass in the last seven games. That streak’s about to end because he’ll be going against a young and struggling Tampa Bay secondary. The Bucs are allowing 371.8 passing yards per game. Jones could have multiple touchdowns.
Pat Yasinskas has covered the NFL since 1993. He has worked for The Tampa Tribune, The Charlotte Observer and ESPN.com and writes for numerous national magazines and websites. He also has served as a voter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
