Week 12 was packed with primetime match-ups and exciting games. The Denver Broncos stunned the New England Patriots in overtime, and the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Cleveland Browns on a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown as time expired. As per usual, there were some big performances across the league, accompanied by a few notable injuries. Let’s take a look at the key fantasy football takeaways:
A Bronco breaks lose
Broncos running back CJ Anderson experienced a revival in Sunday night’s triumph over the previously undefeated Patriots. Anderson rushed 15 times for 113 yards and two touchdowns, the second of which was the overtime game-winner. The effort should help him regain the starting job in Week 13 with the San Diego Chargers. Treat Anderson as a high-upside second running back.
Jeremy Maclin’s big day
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin’s stats have suffered with ultra-conservative quarterback Alex Smith at the helm. He hadn’t broken 50 receiving yards in four straight games, and wasn’t being targeted like he was in his prime. However, Week 12 was a whole different story for the former Eagles wideout, as he snagged nine catches for 160 yards and a score in the Chiefs’ 30-22 win over the Buffalo Bills. Maclin will look to stay hot next week against the Oakland Raiders, a bottom-four defensive unit in passing yards allowed per game.
Gronk and Graham, God damn
The already paper-thin tight end position suffered more casualties on Sunday, as the Seattle Seahawks’ Jimmy Graham and Patriots’ super-human Rob Gronkowski left the games with lower-body injuries. The Seahawks later announced that Graham would be sent to Injured Reserve with a torn patellar tendon, a lengthy and possibly career-threatening injury. Gronk’s injury initially looked like an ACL tear, but early reports are suggesting he escaped with a minor bruise. Patriots backup tight end Scott Chandler would become an instant fantasy asset should Gronk miss significant time.
Abandon Private Ryan
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan once again let down fantasy football owners and teammates alike in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Ryan completed 22 of 31 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown while throwing two interceptions. Ryan has now thrown a league-worst four red-zone picks, and the Falcons have dropped five of their last six games. He’ll be a shaky option in Week 13, even against a lackluster Tampa Bay Buccaneers defence.
