The quarterback position has seen a multitude of changes with recent injuries to Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, and Kirk Cousins, which has fantasy football managers having to go in different directions than originally anticipated heading into their fantasy playoffs. Let’s take a closer look at some of my start/sit candidates at the QB position for Week 12 of NFL action.
Which QBs Should You Start in Fantasy This Week?
Joshua Dobbs, QB, Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings QB Joshua Dobbs may have had his worst performance with his new team, but he still managed to produce 18+ fantasy points for a third straight game. Dobbs did fumble three times and threw an interception against an improved Denver defense that gave both Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen problems in their previous two wins.
This week, Dobbs and the Vikings will return home to take on the Chicago Bears and could even get All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson back into the fold. Dobbs has proven to have a reliable fantasy floor with an enticing ceiling as the leading man of the Vikings. Expect another productive outing in Week 12.
Gardner Minshew, QB, Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts’ passing game has cooled off a bit over the last three games after back-to-back 300+ yard performances. What cures an ailing passing game in 2023? Well, playing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary that is giving up an average of 270 passing yards per game, that’s what.
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Expect both Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs to give the Buccaneers’ banged-up secondary — which may be without starting cornerback Jamel Dean, who picked up a foot/ankle injury — that has given up over 300 yards through the air to three of their last four opponents.
Minshew is a fringe top-15 play in Week 12.
Which QBs Should You Sit in Fantasy This Week?
Russell Wilson, QB, Denver Broncos
Before I tell you why you should consider sitting Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson this week, allow me to give him some well-deserved flowers for taking this 1-5 team on a four-game winning streak.
Wilson has thrown for seven touchdown passes with no interceptions over the last four games, which has resurrected the Broncos’ seemingly lost season. However, his fantasy outlook heading into a matchup against the vaunted Browns defense is one that I want to avoid at all costs.
Trending Searches for QB Start/Sit
Did you know that we have a Start/Sit Optimizer here at Pro Football Network?! It’s completely free to use, and it allows you to enter in up to six players to find the best option to plug into your starting lineup!
It also allows us to see the most popular trending searches, which we’ve jotted some of them down here to help provide some clarity on.
Should You Start Joshua Dobbs or Baker Mayfield?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield has consistently thrown well over 240 yards and a score for the past four weeks. Unfortunately, his numbers could’ve been even better if it weren’t for some untimely drops in the end zone from Mike Evans and Cade Otton over the last couple of games.
MORE: Buy Low, Sell High Week 12
The reason I would rather go with Dobbs this week stems from his plus contributions in the running game — a rushing score in five straight games — and Jefferson’s potential return in Week 12.
Should You Start Russell Wilson or Jordan Love?
Don’t look now, but Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love has quietly strung together two consecutive games with 280+ yards passing and two scores. During that stretch, Love has thrown the ball 40 times in each of those games.
After Packers RB Aaron Jones suffered a knee injury against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Green Bay may continue to lean on Love’s arm to produce points in Week 12 against the Lions.
I’d rather roll with Love against Detroit than hope Wilson finds success against a stingy Browns defense.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!