Fantasy Focus – Week 12 Matchups
Fantasy Focus – Week 12 Matchups
Another successful weekend of predictions with three out of three results. We now begin Thanksgiving weekend with three matchups made up of six teams with winning records. A huge NFC East derby, the Vikings being tested but good defences and a battle for high flying AFC teams. These three matchups as well as having three matchups on Thursday are all great reasons to be thankful this week. Here is your Week 12 Fantasy Focus.
Giants (7-3) @ Cowboys (7-3)
The Giants are forced into a quick turn around this week as they travel to Dallas for a Thanksgiving special. The Giants are coming off a humbling defeat to the Lions in week 11 and are in a precarious position with their season in the balance. The NFC East has been incredibly competitive this year and a loss here would almost certainly rule them out of the race for the NFC East. Dallas on the other hand are coming off their most significant win in the conference by beating the Vikings 40-3. Dallas will be wanting to put the pressure on the Eagles with them still to play this season.
Fantasy Factors
Toughest test yet for the Giants
The big news in Giants camp is the injury to Wan’Dale Robinson, coming off a 100 yard game. The Giants were playing from behind and incredibly the Lions kept Saquon in check. This week could well go down the same narrative against the Cowboys. The Giants will have to throw it, so expect Slayton and possibly even Kenny Golladay to have relevance. Whilst Saquon will do his best to keep them in the hunt.
Dak to keep up the heat on Philly
Tony Pollard had a career game last week against the Vikings with 80 rushing yards and an incredible 109 receiving yards with 2 receiving touchdowns. The Cowboys will most likely control the game with their ground and pound game and we should expect Elliot and Pollard to both have big production. Lamb will be the receiving option for Dak, but the ground game should control the result.
My Predictions:
- Cowboys continue their pursuit of the NFC East with 5+ point victory
- Golladay 50+ receiving yards
- Zeke Elliot 100 rushing yards
Patriots (6-4) @ Vikings (8-2)
The Patriots won one of the more remarkable NFL matches of all time last week. As they returned a punt for touchdown in the dying seconds of the game to win 10-3 against the Jets. The Patriots defence is really carrying through difficult games and I would expect them having to turn up again in Minnesota. The Vikings are coming off an embarrassing rout against the Cowboys and will have to turn things around quickly to prove they are indeed an NFC Conference challenger.
Fantasy Factors
How far can the Pats defence carry their offence?
Mac Jones’ numbers of 23 completions from 27 attempts with 246 passing yards do not truly explain the issue the Patriots offence are having at the moment. As we can all expect with Bill Belichick the Patriots defence side of the ball and special teams is operating at an incredibly efficient level. However on the offensive side of things, they have to be more penetrating. Stevenson has to be productive on the ground to give them a chance of putting up points.
Was last week a one off for the Vikings?
The Vikings have a lot of questions and doubters to answer this week, as they come up against a very capable defence. Although Cook was effective last week the scoreboard dictated more passing attempts which were a lot less effective. Cousins will need to share the ball around and Thielen’s end zone presence will be paramount for this offence.
My Predictions:
- Vikings to be explosive at times but only win by <5 points
- Jakobi Meyers with 75+ receiving yards, and Stevenson with a rushing TD
- Thielen with a receiving TD and Cook 100+ rushing yards
Bengals (6-4) @ Titans (7-3)
The Bengals look like they are getting into their groove at the right time this season. As the race for the AFC North with the Ravens heats up. Burrow threw for 350+ yards in their win over their usual bogey side in Pittsburgh. Higgins was efficient in Chase’s absence and the other targets were well shared around for the Bengals.
The Titans too are coming into this week off an emphatic win. Going to Green Bay in prime time and winning comprehensively will do wonders for their confidence. Henry is his usual battering ram self and it was good to see rookie Treylon Burks finally show glimpses of his potential.
Fantasy Factors
Tough matchup for the Bengals receiving group
One thing needs to be pointed out in this matchup, and that is that the Titans have one of the best passing defences in the league. Their coverage has been incredible and this will be a real test for Burrow in a repeat of their spectacular win in the AFC Divisional round from last season. Mixon will need to be productive in both the run and receiving game, and with Perine coming off a triple TD game, Burrow will have the necessary weapons to put up points.
Titans to test the Bengals run defence
The Titans are a well coached, strong defence, run first side. These are all ingredients for a productive team. They will need to control the possession game and keep Burrow off the field. This is crucial to keep their own secondary fresh if they are to counter the Bengals pass efficient offence. Henry’s production and workload will be essential, but if the game narrative changes Burks and Woods along with Tannehill will have to bail them out.
My Predictions:
- Titans get revenge with <7 point victory
- Burrow 300+ passing yards and 3 passing TD’s in vain
- Henry 120+ rushing yards, Woods receiving TD
Nathan @mountaindrew92
