Your complete fantasy football guide to Week 12
Picking the right quarterback has become much more of a challenge for fantasy owners this season. From injuries to Aaron Rodgers and Deshaun Watson to inconsistent performances from Matt Ryan and Derek Carr.
With the fantasy playoffs just around the corner, a productive quarterback is even more important, considering his impact on the other skill players around him. Unfortunately, several NFL teams find themselves with question marks under center this week.
To help you sort everything out, as well as build your optimal daily fantasy lineup, we have assembled all our best offerings of the week into one location.
Let’s start with the one thing most fantasy owners want to know ...
Who should I start?
The most basic question of them all. The best thing to do is check our updated Week 12 rankings, courtesy of FantasySharks.com.
Fantasy football rankings: Week 12
Who’s in?
-- Tyrod Taylor. The Nathan Peterman experiment came to an abrupt end after one half -- and Taylor is back in as the starter. This week's matchup against the 28th-ranked Kansas City Chiefs pass defense is an enticing one, even though wideout Kelvin Benjamin has already been ruled out.
-- Matt Moore. Jay Cutler hasn't yet cleared the concussion protocol, so Moore gets another start. He and Kenny Stills have shown some serious chemistry, as last week's seven-catch, 180-yard outburst demonstrated. However, the New England Patriots defense has been much improved over the past several weeks.
-- Paxton Lynch. The Denver Broncos turn to their third different starting quarterback of the season. At least Lynch can take aim at the Oakland Raiders' 27th-ranked pass defense.
Who's out?
-- Devonta Freeman. It's another week on the sidelines for Freeman, who is still feeling lingering effects of a concussion he sustained in Week 10. Unlike last week's game at Seattle, Tevin Coleman should find more running room at home against Tampa Bay's 29th-ranked defense.
-- Chris Hogan. The Patriots will play things safe with Hogan's shoulder injury. They should still have plenty of options on offense against Miami ... but it's anyone's guess how the snap counts will be divided among running backs Dion Lewis, James White and Rex Burkhead. All three could pick up some of Hogan's missing targets.
-- Juju Smith-Schuster. Although coach Mike Tomlin described the receiver's hamstring injury as "small" during the week, it's enough to keep him out this week against Green Bay. Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown will still be the focus of the Steelers offense, but Martavis Bryant gets a little more interesting as a flex start.
Who’s questionable?
-- Rishard Matthews. The Tennessee Titans receiver, who had a season-high 113 receiving yards and a touchdown last week, is trending in the wrong direction with his hamstring injury -- seeing less and less practice time as the week progressed. He's a true game-time decision, which could be the impetus for a long-awaited Corey Davis breakout game.
-- Greg Olsen. The top-tier tight end returns this week from a broken foot he suffered in Week 2. But it's hard to know how much he'll play -- or how effective he'll be. Wait a week if you can, but expect Olsen to be a factor even in limited action.
Every week, we highlight the top injury concerns fantasy owners are facing. But remember, everything is subject to change, so be sure to make one final check before kickoff.
The best thing to do is keep an eye on Paste BN Sports' NFL home page and follow Paste BN Fantasy Sports on Twitter.
Where’s the extra edge?
– Still torn over which borderline players to sit or start? Marc Caviglia of Bruno Boys Fantasy Football examines some of this week’s tough calls.
Start or sit: Jeffery rising, Nelson falling
– Meanwhile, For The Win's Charles Curtis has a look at this week's best, worst and sneaky good fantasy plays.
Studs, duds, sleepers: Finally time for Kareem Hunt to rebound?
-- If you're looking for some players who could emerge unexpectedly this week and be worth starting in deep leagues ... or who could put you over the top in daily fantasy, check out these deep sleepers from Jamal Murphy of Ourlads.com.
Week 12 deep sleepers: Go deep with Bears' Inman, Rams' Watkins
-- We'll also answer your questions on Sunday morning before the games start on Facebook Live and in our weekly chat. Keep an eye on our fantasy sports home page for the chat link, which will be posted on Saturday evening, and get your questions in early.
How's the weather?
The conditions can have a major impact on how each game unfolds, especially at this point in the season. Keep up-to-date in real time with NFLWeather.com.