Fantasy Football Week 12: These 4 dark horse players could pay off in a big way

We’ve reached Thanksgiving week, which means we’re inching closer to the fantasy football playoffs.

Maybe you’re thankful for some advice I’ve provided throughout the season. Maybe you’re not as appreciative if you took my advice to play Austin Ekeler last week.

Hey, we can’t win them all.

If you haven’t been thinking “playoffs” (PLAYOFFS?!) in your Yahoo leagues, it’s time to get into that mindset. Week 11 gave us a lot of questions to ponder. Can we trust anyone on the Chiefs, given the high price tags? Are the Rams back? Is it worth considering some Giants (what..) players with Tommy DeVito at the helm?

And…are there some “must-play” Chicago Bears that should be picked up?

I’m cooking up some “dark horse” picks for this Thanksgiving main course. These players have low floors and high ceilings, they can make a big splash for your late-season push.

Week 12 QB Selection: Justin Fields (CHI) vs. MIN

Yes, I’m doing it.

Yes, Justin Fields is my quarterback to play in Week 12.

Whether it’s daily play or he’s on your Yahoo team, it’s a no-brainer to start Fields, who is on a mission to prove that he is the future of the Chicago Bears.

It started in Week 11 on the road in the hostile climate of Ford Field against a tough Detroit Lions team. It was a game that the Bears absolutely should have won. Fields had 169 passing yards with a touchdown and 100+ rushing yards. It was quite the return for Fields against one of the best teams in the NFC.

Justin Fields looked as locked in as ever on several throws and could have broken 200 passing yards had Tyler Scott not paused running mid-route. Despite the weak fourth-quarter play-calling and a defensive collapse resulting in a loss, everything appears to be trending upward for Fields as he ventures into a primetime game against the Vikings on Monday Night.

Week 12 RB Selection: Travis Etienne (JAC) vs. HOU

This one’s a bit of a “make or break,” but I like the risk.

Etienne has had a quiet couple of weeks. He was held to 57 yards last week and 35 yards the week before. He’ll look to return to his October ways when he notched two touchdowns against the Saints, two touchdowns against the Colts, AND two touchdowns against the Bills.

Where has that guy been?!

I like the matchup against Houston, and the Jaguars are certainly back on track after winning their Week 11 matchup against the Titans. A turnaround has to happen sooner or later for Etienne, and while this may seem like a “shot in the dark,” his daily play value will likely be more affordable, and that comes with a high ceiling.

Week 12 WR Selection: Courtland Sutton (DEN) vs. CLE

Are the Broncos … for real? Fresh off of four straight wins, Denver will look to continue their winning streak in a Week 12 matchup against the Browns.

Courtland Sutton obviously made the big play in the Broncos’ Week 11 victory over the Vikings, but he also has a touchdown in each of his last five games. He’s a reliable target for Russell Wilson and is a quiet name in DraftKings. He can snag double-digit points at a lower cost than some of your “spend-high, big risk” wide receivers.

I think Sutton will continue his touchdown streak, and the Broncos get their fifth win in a row.

Week 12 TE Selection: Trey McBride (ARI) vs. LAR

Kyler Murray comes back, and suddenly, the Cardinals are back to being an exciting team. They beat the Atlanta Falcons and lost a one-score game against a tough Texans team.

With Zach Ertz out, tight end Trey McBride has been getting all the tight end targets, and I see that continuing in the Cardinals’ division matchup on Sunday against the Rams.

McBride is, without a doubt, a low-price start with plenty of upside. He had over 130 yards two weeks ago in their victory over Atlanta. I think the Cardinals make this a closer game than some may think, and McBride gets a lot of looks.