As Week 12 wraps up, fantasy managers are either celebrating unexpected heroes or lamenting underwhelming performances.
There are way more booms than true busts, but there were a few donuts in the stat sheet for a few players that likely cost you your week. We will get to that, but another likely league winner is shattering records weekly for the Seahawks with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, as he had another 30-point week.
Let’s break down the biggest surprises and disappointments from this week’s action in Week 12.
Surprises of Week 12
- Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
Fantasy Points: 55.4- PPR
Why It’s Surprising: It isn’t that shocking against the Giants’ run defense, but it does juxtapose anything Dan Campbell has said about “using David Montgomery” more or “splitting the carries” more. It’s clear Jahmyr Gibbs is the guy moving forward in Detroit and has the highest chance to score for the Lions in any given game.
Fantasy Impact:Â Gibbs is a top 3-4 PPR running back for fantasy any given week, regardless of the matchup.
- Emanuel Wilson, RB, Green Bay Packers
Fantasy Points: 26.5- PPR
Why It’s Surprising: Even in a “tough” matchup against the Vikings, Emanuel Wilson had a career game just off waivers for most leagues. He took over as the workhorse in Green Bay and was involved in the red zone while being a valuable receiver for the Packers.
Fantasy Impact: This is likely a one-week performance, as Josh Jacobs is set to return the following week. But it is good to know the direct handcuff is Wilson and should be stashed on the benches moving forward, despite out-producing Jacobs in a single game surprisingly so far this season as a three-down starter.
- Bonus Surprises: Jameis Winston (QB) and Wan’Dale Robinson (WR) New York Giants, Hunter Henry (TE) New England Patriots, Michael Wilson (WR) Arizona Cardinals, Cam Ward (QB) and Chimere Dike (WR) Tennessee Titans
Disappointments of Week 12
- D’Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears
Fantasy Points: 1.9- PPR
Why It’s Disappointing: With just 1 catch and 8 carries for just 15 yards, the days of D’Andre Swift as the lead ballcarrier might be over. Although the Steelers‘ run defense is respectable, this was a terrible outing, as he failed to even see the 15-20 touches he normally has. This is a bad sign for things to come for Swift as a starting fantasy running back for the Bears.
Fantasy Impact: His teammate, Kyle Monangai, scored a rushing touchdown in Week 11 as the red-zone back. It seems like the rookie could be taking more of the share in carries and volume compared to before the bye.
- Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions
Fantasy Points: 0- PPR
Why It’s Disappointing: This was a smash spot for Jameson Williams against the Giants‘ secondary in a shootout and without Sam LaPorta, but only Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown took advantage.
Fantasy Impact: After three straight double-digit fantasy games, Jamo duded like he did four weeks ago. This makes him hard to trust as anything more than a desperation flex week to week for the Lions.
- Bonus Busts: Lamar Jackson (QB) and Mark Andrews (TE) Baltimore Ravens, Stefon Diggs (WR) New England Patriots, Jordan Addison (WR) Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Goedert (TE) Philadelphia Eagles
