Fantasy Football Week 12: Top 5 quarterbacks to start

Week 12 is here and NFL fans everywhere will be in for a treat, as Thanksgiving games are the most fun. It could be a grueling week for many fantasy football owners, as many quarterbacks face tough matchups. This will be a good week for owners to explore other options.

Week 12 will most certainly be a fun week in the NFL and fantasy football alike. Fans everywhere will be treated to some classic Thanksgiving football.

This week could be a tough one when it comes to choosing a starting quarterback in fantasy. Many of the league’s top quarterbacks will face some unfavorable matchups, hence the number of sleepers in this week’s top 5.

If there’s anything we’ve learned from this season it’s that anything can happen in the NFL, and adversely anything can happen in fantasy football. Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan have both surprised fantasy owners in different ways.

The key here is to closely analyze each and every matchup. Each week you’ll see at least one or two unexpected names putting up big games. This will prove especially true in Week 12. These top five quarterbacks will all be certain to perform this week.

Next: 5. It's time to stop sleeping on him

5. Jacoby Brissett vs. Titans

Jacoby Brissett is often counted out when it comes to fantasy football consideration. Although over the past few weeks, he’s proven he can really play. Besides, he’s a product of Bill Belichick, which always means good things.

Brissett has thrown for multiple touchdowns in each of his past three games. His running ability, like all mobile quarterbacks, adds a small cushion to his floor, as he’ll be certain to gain some yards with his legs. He’s available in about 83 percent of ESPN leagues, so he’d be a great pickup off waivers.

This Sunday could be Brissett’s time to shine. He’s facing a weak Tennessee Titans pass defense which let up 28.7 points to Ben Roethlisberger last week. While Brissett is no Big Ben, the Titans have allowed some big games to capable quarterbacks. Brissett has proven he’s most certainly capable.

This will most certainly be a game to watch this weekend. Don’t be surprised if Brissett and the Colts pull off an upset. Fresh off a bye, he and his Colts should be fresh and ready to rock. Expect Brissett to continue his multiple-TD streak this weekend, making him a great start in fantasy.

Next: 4. He's hardly a sleeper anymore

4. Case Keenum vs. Lions

Case Keenum is another major sleeper in fantasy. News flash, it’s time to wake up, because Keenum is the real deal. He’s still available in about 64 percent of ESPN leagues, meaning you should grab him immediately; he’s a solid backup at worst.

Keenum is averaging 19.6 points per game in his past three games. With two star receivers in Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, Keenum is a threat to go off week in and week out.

While he’ll be facing the Lions, who’ve defended the pass well, owners shouldn’t worry too much. Considering Matthew Stafford‘s ability to sling the ball, this could become a battle between the two quarterbacks, where they go punch for punch until the very end.

If this becomes an aerial battle between Stafford and Keenum, we can expect him to find Diggs and Theilen all day long. Don’t be surprised if the Vikings continue to ride the hot hand, leaving Teddy Bridgewater on the sideline for now. If Keenum is good enough to start ahead of Bridgewater, he’s certainly good enough to start for your fantasy team.

Next: 3. He'll be sure to bounce back on Thanksgiving

3. Dak Prescott vs. Chargers

Until last week, Dak Prescott was the most consistent quarterback in fantasy. Last week, he posted an abysmal -1.2 fantasy points. Although he’s presented with a great opportunity to bounce back on Thanksgiving.

Playing in front of a national audience on Thanksgiving, we can expect Prescott to bring his A game. Additionally, now without Ezekiel Elliot, the Cowboys will become more reliant on Prescott to make big plays; hence an increase in volume.

The Chargers have only allowed over 20 fantasy points to an opposing quarterback once this year. Although stopping Prescott and the Cowboys offense at home is never an easy task.

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Until Zeke returns, Prescott knows he’ll have to take over the game in order to give his team any hope of winning. Expect Prescott to stand and deliver on the big stage on Thanksgiving, making him a great start for Week 12.

Next: 2. He and his team are finally rolling again

2.  Matt Ryan vs. Buccaneers

Disappointment sums up the feeling felt by those who drafted Matt Ryan. After a stellar 2016 season, he has yet to score over 20 fantasy points in a game; nor has he thrown for 3 or more touchdowns.

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Luckily for Ryan’s team and his fantasy owners, he and the Atlanta Falcons are starting to get rolling. Ryan has thrown for multiple touchdowns in each of his past four games, after only doing so once in his first six.

Ryan will be facing the Buccaneers, who’ve been rather generous to opposing quarterbacks in terms of fantasy points allowed. They currently allow the 10th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Now that Ryan and the Falcons have picked up some steam, he’s poised for a breakout game. Considering their weak opponent, we can expect the Falcons offense to look just as dynamic as they did last year. It’s quite possible that Ryan finally has his first three-touchdown game of the year. While Ryan owners are rightfully wary of starting him, make no mistake this week as he’ll be a great start.

Next: 1. He carries his team and can carry yours too

1. Russell Wilson vs. 49ers

With the Legion of Boom falling to injury, along with an inconsistent run game, Russell Wilson has been carrying this Seahawks team on his back. In doing so, he can carry your fantasy team as well.

Wilson makes plays with his legs like no other quarterback in the league. His rushing numbers give him a high floor and can even help heighten his ceiling. At a league-high 23.2 fantasy points per game, he’s one of three quarterbacks averaging over 20 per game.

Wilson has faced a fair amount of adversity in the past few weeks against some tough opponents. Although it’s been all about “The Russell Wilson Show” in Seattle, as he continues to put up strong stats each and every week. We’ve seen what he can do when faced with adversity, just imagine what he can do against a struggling team like the San Francisco 49ers.

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The 49ers currently allow the 4th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. While Wilson wasn’t anything spectacular in his first game against San Fransisco, this was before his major breakout. Wilson went for over 30 points last week and could very well do the same this week, hence he’ll be a great start on your fantasy team.