Fantasy Football Week 12: Sleepers, QBs, RBs, WRs, TEs To Watch For, And Rankings

So just who is Oakland Raiders super backup quarterback Matt McGloin?

Well, the player who emerged in Week 11 with 197 passing yards and three touchdowns against the NFL’s top secondary in Houston was actually a walk-on at Penn State.

McGloin garnered praise from his former Nittany Lions coach Bill O’Brien, who pointed to the 23-year-old’s smarts on the field more than his ability. Undrafted in April after tossing 24 touchdowns to nine interceptions in his senior season, Oakland signed McGloin in May and he rode the bench until Week Nine when he came in for some garbage time in a 49-20 blowout loss.

His performance against Houston earned McGloin a second straight start, and he does have the chance to supplant injured Terrelle Pryor in the coming weeks. During four preseason games, McGloin went 20-for-35 for 279 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. Not exactly stellar numbers, but the extra time on the bench was clearly beneficial to McGloin’s development.

For fantasy owners McGloin might seem like a one-week wonder, but his ability to spread the ball and make most of the throws asked of him, could mean more long-term success for the rookie.

McGloin meets another tough secondary in the Tennessee Titans in Week 12, but with running back Rashad Jennings behind him, and capable receivers in Rod Streater and Denarious Moore, he could have another solid week.

A more skeptical owner should pick McGloin off of waivers, and take the wait-and-see approach. He could turn into an excellent keeper down the road.

Below are several players at each position to consider in Week 12.

Byes: Buffalo, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Seattle

RBs

Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints

With Darren Sproles questionable, Ingram could see an uptick in touches against Atlanta’s 30th ranked rush defense. Pierre Thomas is another must start, especially in PPR leagues.

Ben Tate, Houston Texans

Tate surpassed Arian Foster as the Texans top rusher in Week 11 by one yard, and he doesn’t seem to be bothered by cracked ribs either. He’s only scored one touchdown this season, but that should change against Jacksonville this week.

Rashad Jennings, Oakland Raiders

‘McGloin under center means more touches for Jennings, who made the most of his opportunity with 150 yards and a touchdown in Week 11. Jennings has clearly earned the Raiders trust. He’s rushed 20 and 22 times in consecutive weeks, equaling his 20-plus attempt games from the previous four seasons combined.

QBs

Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Glennon quietly put together his best game of the season last week, completing 20 of 23 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. He’s very capable of torching a reeling Detroit secondary that’s let up 10 plays of 40-plus yards, the fourth worst mark in the NFL.

Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

A Super Bowl hangover might be the culprit for Flacco’s follow up season. Still against a New York Jets defense that’ll be gassed from too much time on the field thanks to turnovers from Geno Smith, Flacco will have plenty of opportunities for redemption. Use him a second QB option.

Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals

Palmer’s found the sweet spot to his season, leading Arizona to three straight wins against lowly Houston, Jacksonville, and Atlanta. The Indianapolis Colts would be a big challenge in Week 12, until you consider the numerous injuries littered amongst a secondary that’s ranked just No. 16 in the league.

WRs

Harry Douglas, Atlanta Falcons

Douglas deserves credit for stepping up for Julio Jones to the tune of 51 receptions for 754 yards and two scores. New Orleans pass defense is one of the best this season, but injuries will take a toll, especially on a short week.

Jarrett Boykin, Green Bay Packers

Like Douglas, Boykin has settled into his new role as an every down receiver quite well. In the last five games he’s averaged 5.6 receptions for 82 yards. Touchdowns have unfortunately been limited to one in that span, but Boykin is a solid fit as a third receiver or flex spot.

TEs

John Carlson, Minnesota Vikings

He’s led the Vikings in receiving for two straight weeks and that should continue against Green Bay, whose let up almost nine fantasy points a game to tight ends.

Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers

The matchup against Cleveland’s solid defense isn’t exactly favorable, but Miller has torched the Browns for 588 yards and five touchdowns over the years. The Steelers are also 13-2 against Cleveland during Miller’s career.