Fantasy Football Week 12: Baker Mayfield, Drew Brees and other must starts

CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 11: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates a touchdown pass in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Here’s this week’s edition of top 5 quarterbacks to start on your fantasy football team heading into Week 12.

Happy holidays to all! Meaning, food, family, and football for everyone to enjoy.

How did last week’s edition of top five QBs to start do? Extremely well. If it wasn’t for the down day from Carson Wentz, we’d be looking at the first 5-5 week.

Yes, four players named on last week’s list finished as top 10 scorers in ESPN PPR standard scoring leagues. Patrick Mahomes led all quarterbacks with 35.9 points, Jared Goff came in second behind him with his 35.1, Drew Brees finished behind those two at three with 30.5, and Aaron Rodgers gathered 21.6.

Not too bad, right? Let’s see if we can be so lucky this week.

CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 11: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws the ball in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

5. Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns

Baker Mayfield makes an appearance on this week’s list. The rookie has made strides, and he looks like he’s found a groove.

Prior to the bye week, the former Heisman Trophy winner has had multiple touchdown passes in four games in a row. He has had two 20+ point performances in that span.

Mayfield had his best game in the NFL during the Cleveland Browns Week 10 win. He scored 22.6 points with his three-score game.

This week, Mayfield and the Browns travel across the state to play the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have allowed the sixth most passing touchdowns in the league.

Next: 4. Andrew Luck

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 18: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

4. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Don’t look now, but the Indianapolis Colts are playing well. The team is 5-5 after rattling off four straight wins.

The new look Colts, led by a healthy Andrew Luck, have been one of the more exciting teams to watch. Especially Luck, who looks to be back in prime form.

Luck has also become one of the better fantasy gunslingers. He has seven straight games of three or more TD tosses.

The Colts host the Miami Dolphins in Week 12. Surprisingly, the Fins have been solid against the pass. However, Luck and company may have too much firepower for them to handle.

Next: 3. Cam Newton

3. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton had 24.5 points in Week 11. The Carolina Panthers dropped one on the road against the Detroit Lions.

Newton threw for 357 yards and three scores in the losing effort. He has continued to be a top-tier fantasy QB option.

The former MVP has thrown for two or more touchdowns in every game besides one this season. His great campaign has led to six 20+ point games.

Week 12 marks a matchup between the Panthers and Seattle Seahawks. The big plus here is the fact the Panthers will be at home.

Next: 2. Tom Brady

NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 11: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)

2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

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Yes, Tom Brady looked his age when the Tennessee Titans bullied the New England Patriots up and down the field in Week 10.

While the Pats have been able to squeak out some wins, Brady has been less than spectacular over the team’s last three games. He hasn’t scored 20 or more points during that time.

Two words though: bye week. Yes, the Pats are coming off their bye week and they have a date with the New York Jets.

Something about the Patriots playing a division rival off a bye week should make Brady a must start. More or less, this will be a “shut the critics up” type effort.

Next: 1. Drew Brees

NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 18: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints throws a pass in the second half of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 18, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Eagles 48-7. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

1. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

If it wasn’t for the exceptional play by Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees would be a heavy favorite for MVP. He has been playing out of his mind, and his New Orleans Saints look like legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

Brees had his fourth 30+ game during the Saints demolition of the Philadelphia Eagles. He threw for 363 yards and four scores.

The vet has thrown 25 touchdowns and only one pick. Those numbers will rise when the Saints take on the Atlanta Falcons on Thanksgiving.

The Falcons have allowed 21 passing touchdowns, which ties them for fifth-most. The Saints are scoring points at a high rate, and the Falcons defense won’t be able to handle it.