As Week 12 of the NFL season approaches, fantasy football managers face critical decisions regarding their quarterback lineups. Significant developments have unfolded recently, including injuries to key players such as Aaron Rodgers, Michael Penix Jr., and Dillon Gabriel. Additionally, the New York Jets have benched Justin Fields in favor of Tyrod Taylor, while Josh Allen has reasserted himself in the MVP conversation with a remarkable six-touchdown performance. With other notable players like Jaxson Dart and Joe Burrow nearing returns, here are four quarterbacks to consider as must-start options for the upcoming week.
Jacoby Brissett: Record-Breaking Performance
In a standout performance, Jacoby Brissett set a new NFL regular season record for completions in a single game with 47 during the Arizona Cardinals’ Week 11 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He accumulated 23.9 fantasy points thanks to a pass-heavy game strategy employed after the team fell behind. The 32-year-old quarterback has consistently scored 19 or more fantasy points in all five of his starts this season. With the Cardinals facing a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that has surrendered the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, Brissett is a strong candidate for fantasy lineups in Week 12.
Brock Purdy: Momentum from Week 11
Returning from a six-week absence, Brock Purdy demonstrated his capabilities by throwing for 200 yards and three touchdowns in just his third start of the season. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback will look to carry this momentum into Week 12 as he faces the Carolina Panthers. While the Panthers’ defense has performed well against quarterbacks, Purdy’s potential for a strong fantasy outing remains high. In eight games against quarterbacks other than Penix Jr. and Fields/Taylor, Carolina has allowed an average of 21 fantasy points per week.
Caleb Williams: A Chance for Redemption
Despite not scoring a touchdown in the Chicago Bears‘ Week 11 victory, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams continues to show promise. The first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft led a fourth-quarter game-winning drive, keeping Chicago at the top of the NFC North at 7-3. Williams has experienced fluctuations in his fantasy performance, with four games exceeding 24 fantasy points and four games falling below 13 fantasy points. Week 12 presents a favorable matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rank among the teams allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Sam Darnold: Aiming to Rebound
After a challenging Week 11 in which Sam Darnold threw four interceptions and managed only 8.3 fantasy points, expectations are low for the Seattle Seahawks quarterback. However, Darnold has previously demonstrated his ability to score, achieving over 16 fantasy points in six out of eight weeks prior to his recent struggles. With a matchup against the Tennessee Titans, the only remaining one-win team in the NFL, Darnold has the opportunity to regain his form and deliver a stronger performance for fantasy managers.
As teams continue to navigate injuries and changing dynamics, these four quarterbacks present exciting options for fantasy football lineups in Week 12. Whether seeking a record-setting performance or looking to capitalize on favorable matchups, managers should carefully consider these players as they finalize their rosters.
