QB Starts
Geno Smith – SEA
Week 10 stats: 275 YDS, 2 TD, 1 FUM – 19.2 PPR points
Week 11 stats: BYE
Week 12 matchup: vs LV
The league’s most accurate quarterback is coming off a bye week, and will matchup with a Raiders team allowing the third most points against opposing quarterbacks. With a soft matchup, and an extra week of preparation, Smith should be a comfortable start this week.
Jimmy Garoppolo – SF
Week 11 stats: 228 YDS, 4 TD – 25.42 PPR points
Week 12 matchup: vs NO
Jimmy G looked stellar last week in a Monday Night blowout of the Arizona Cardinals. The Niners boast perhaps the most electric set of weapons in the entire league, with CMC, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle all playing like stars this year. Their offensive line is dominant, and their defense is elite. All of this has turned Garoppolo into a legit threat as a low end QB-1, especially against a mediocre Saints team.
Dak Prescott – DAL
Week 11 stats: 276 YDS, 2 TD – 20.64 PPR points
Week 12 matchup: vs NYG
Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images
Prescott and the Cowboys found their footing together offensively, responding to a collapse against the Cowboys by destroying the NFC leading Vikings. That statement did more than cement the Cowboys as perhaps the best team in the NFC, it also proved that Prescott is back to being a lineup lock. Somehow projected as ESPN’s QB13 this week, Prescott should be universally started in his Thanksgiving Day tilt with the rival Giants.
Tom Brady – TB
Week 10 stats: 258 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT – 16.02 PPR points
Week 11 stats: BYE
Week 12 matchup: @ CLE
The Browns managed to get an uncharacteristically bad fantasy outing out of Josh Allen last week. The Bills offense controlled the game well, but struggled to get in sync nonetheless. Brady has not played like the fantasy QB1 he was last year, but he has seen his floor raise in recent weeks. I would trust the GOAT to be extra prepared to expose the weaknesses of the Browns defense. Brady’s methodical style of play has always been boosted by an effective run game, which he will likely get this week, as the Browns have the one of the worst run defenses in the league.
QB Sits
Kirk Cousins – MIN
Week 11 stats: 105 YDS, 0 TD, 1 FUM – 2.2 PPR points
Week 12 matchup: vs NE
Kirk Cousins was obliterated by the Cowboys last week, taking seven sacks in the 40-3 shellacking of the Vikings. On a short week, the Vikings depleted offensive line will have to get right quickly against one of the league’s best defenses. The Patriots will travel to U.S. Bank Stadium, with NFL sack leader Matthew Judon licking his chops. Even worse, the Thanksgiving Day game will be played in prime time as the Thanksgiving Day night cap – Cousins’ worst nightmare.
Daniel Jones – NYG
Week 11 stats: 341 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INT – 24.64 PPR points
Week 12 matchup: @ DAL
Daniel Jones’ offensive line was banged up, and it made things difficult for the Giants in their upset loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Similar to the Vikings, the Giants will now have to turn right around and hope that their injured offensive line holds up against an elite pass rush. The Cowboys just destroyed the Vikings, and it could be difficult for Jones to produce again this week. His fantasy numbers may have looked solid last week, but it was actually the worst game he has played this year. Now that an elite defense is on tap, Jones is nowhere near a surefire start this week.
