A bye-free slate gives our Week 12 fantasy QB rankings a much-needed boost in dire times. Another passing week led to even more bad news with Joe Burrow (wrist) going on the shelf for the remainder of the season and Geno Smith (elbow) getting banged up ahead of a short week. While competent QB play has been hard to find this season, there are formidable options out there for those in need of a new QB1 for the playoff push.
While no one saw Tommy DeVito's QB1 finish coming, quarterback has mostly played true to form. This week's set of rankings serves as a strong projection for what's likely to transpire on the gridiron.
With that in mind, let's break down the signal-callers and see who stands out in this stacked week.
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Which QBs are on bye in Week 12?
Every team is in action during Thanksgiving weekend, which means all 32 quarterbacks are listed in this week's rankings.
WEEK 12 PPR RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
While the injury situation is getting worse by the week, on the bright side, even fantasy owners in deep leagues have viable streaming options, especially with every favorable matchup back on the table.
WEEK 12 STANDARD RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Who are the best fantasy QBs in Week 12?
Dak Prescott (vs. Commanders in Week 12) vaults into the top spot for Week 12, as the Cowboys' offense should feast on Thanksgiving afternoon against a putrid Commanders pass defense. The Commanders just allowed Tommy DeVito to put up monster numbers against them, so all signs point toward Prescott maintaining his strong fantasy stretch.
Lamar Jackson (@ Chargers) returned to form in Baltimore's Week 11 win over Cincinnati and now faces a Chargers defense that entered Week 11 allowing the second-most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to QBs. He should thrive, as should Patrick Mahomes (@ Raiders). He hasn't exactly put up gaudy fantasy numbers this season, but with Kansas City projected as sizable road favorites, he profiles as a top-five play.
Jalen Hurts (vs. Bills) faces a reeling Buffalo coverage unit that entered Week 11 ranking 31st in dropback success rate since Week 5 (51.1%), and C.J. Stroud (vs. Jaguars) will look to continue his hot play as he rises up the MVP odds board. This week's contest against a sound Jaguars defense isn't as favorable as some of his previous matchups, but he's still an undisputed top-end QB1.
Josh Allen (@ Eagles) got his revenge against the Jets and now faces an exploitable Eagles pass defense in a potential shootout, making him a safe play.
WEEK 12 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start-sit
Who are the best fantasy QB sleepers, waiver pickups in Week 12?
Even though every team is in action, streamers remain a trending topic. This week's top sleepers include Derek Carr (@ Falcons), Matthew Stafford (@ Cardinals), Gardner Minshew (vs. Buccaneers), and Baker Mayfield (@ Colts).
Given how injury-depleted the QB pool is, Carr (@ Falcons) is worthy of a waiver claim against a Falcons defense that entered Week 11 allowing the fifth-most FPPG to QBs -- assuming he's over his own ailments, that is.
Stafford struggled to find his rhythm in his first game back from injury, but a bounce-back effort against a subpar Cardinals stop unit gives him sleeper appeal. It would help if Cooper Kupp (ankle) plays, but Stafford proved he could get it done without Kupp earlier in the year. Minshew faces a Buccaneers defense that's been shredded in the past several weeks, allowing 300-plus passing yards in four of their past six games.
Finally, Mayfield will likely need to dial up passes at a high clip considering his defense is in bad form, likely resulting in a decent fantasy day for Tampa's QB1.
WEEK 12 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
Who are the biggest potential QB busts in Week 12?
Justin Herbert (vs. Ravens) put up top-end QB1 numbers in Week 11, but a much tougher challenge awaits against a Ravens defense that has kept QBs in check all season. It's tough to bench someone like Herbert, but temper your expectations.
Sam Howell (@ Cowboys) is always a threat to attempt 40-plus passes, but a likely lopsided contest against the surging Cowboys makes him a prime bust candidate on Thursday. Similarly, Geno Smith (vs. 49ers) came back on the final drive to lead the Seahawks after missing most of the second half with an elbow injury, but now he faces a reliable 49ers defense that's likely to keep him in check.
Russell Wilson (vs. Browns) faces an elite Browns defense that has allowed the fewest FPPG to the position, so fantasy owners should continue to leave DangerRuss on their bench.
What are the biggest QB injuries in Week 12?
We saw Justin Fields and Matthew Stafford return from thumb injuries in Week 11, but we lost Deshaun Watson (shoulder) and Joe Burrow (wrist) for the season.
Additionally, Derek Carr (head, shoulder) remains in the league's concussion protocol, but with the Saints on bye in Week 11, look for New Orleans' QB1 to return to game action. We'll also have to monitor Geno Smith (elbow), especially with a Thursday night game. If his injury lingers, we could see backup Drew Lock make the spot start.
We'll be updating these QB rankings throughout the week, so check back for the latest player movement and analysis.
Fantasy QB Rankings Week 12: Who to start, sit at quarterback
These rankings are based on four-point passing TD scoring
Rank Player
1 Dak Prescott, Cowboys vs. Commanders
2 Lamar Jackson, Ravens @ Chargers
3 Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs @ Raiders
4 Jalen Hurts, Eagles vs. Bills
5 Josh Allen, Bills @ Eagles
6 C.J. Stroud, Texans vs. Jaguars
7 Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins @ Jets
8 Brock Purdy, 49ers @ Seahawks
9 Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars @ Texans
10 Jared Goff, Lions vs. Packers
11 Justin Herbert, Chargers vs. Ravens
12 Justin Fields, Bears @ Vikings
13 Kyler Murray, Cardinals vs. Rams
14 Josh Dobbs, Vikings vs. Bears
15 Matthew Stafford, Rams @ Cardinals
16 Sam Howell, Commanders @ Cowboys
17 Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers @ Colts
18 Russell Wilson, Broncos vs. Browns
19 Gardner Minshew, Colts vs. Buccaneers
20 Derek Carr, Saints @ Falcons
21 Jordan Love, Packers @ Lions
22 Geno Smith, Seahawks vs. 49ers
23 Will Levis, Titans vs. Panthers
24 Desmond Ridder, Falcons vs. Saints
25 Bryce Young, Panthers @ Titans
26 Kenny Pickett, Steelers @ Bengals
27 Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Browns @ Broncos
28 Aidan O'Connell, Raiders vs. Chiefs
29 Mac Jones, Patriots @ Giants
30 Tommy DeVito, Giants vs. Patriots
31 Jake Browning, Bengals vs. Steelers
32 Tim Boyle, Jets vs. Dolphins
Week 12 QB fantasy projections, rankings from Draft Sharks
Draft Sharks projections for the new week will update every Tuesday and be constantly adjusted throughout the week
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