NFL Fantasy 2024 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Quarterbacks for Week 12

Herbert has been on a tear. He has averaged 21.9 fantasy points per game in his last four contests with multiple passing touchdowns in three. In his last five contests, he has put up 274 passing yards per game. The best part? He is running more, with over 30 yards in three of his last four. Herbert rushed for a season-high 65 yards last week and logged a rushing TD the week prior. He can build on these performances against Baltimore, which is arguably the best matchup for a QB in fantasy this season. The Ravens have allowed the third-most FPPG, the most passing yards and second-most touchdowns to the position this season. The Chargers QB is very much in play this week. 

The last two games have been rough fantasy outings for Daniels. He hasn’t been the same since suffering the ribs injury in Week 7 -- which is why the mini-bye should be big for him. That said, a poor two-game stretch doesn’t take away from the great production Daniels has had over the rest of the season. He now gets the Cowboys, who have allowed the fifth-most FPPG and fifth-most rushing yards to quarterbacks. Given the upside and all the QBs on a bye, stick with Daniels.

Since Week 5, Nix has been a top five fantasy QB in averaging 21.5 FPPG. He’s topped 20 fantasy points four times in that span, registering 28 points twice. He has only one game with fewer than 16 fantasy points, showing he not only has upside but a safe floor thanks to his dual-threat ability. Nix has also thrown multiple passing TDs in five of his last seven games. The Raiders might not be the best matchup on paper, but Nix has been too good. Start him, especially with six teams on a bye.

Hopefully you stuck with Stafford after his down Week 10 performance, as he put up a season-high 27.8 fantasy points against the Patriots last week. Ever since his top receivers (Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua) returned in Week 8, Stafford has averaged 291 passing yards per game. He has 10 touchdown passes in those four games, with multiple TDs in three contests. Stafford has such a high ceiling when the offense is healthy. This week, the Eagles are a tough matchup, but I will take my chances with the Rams wide receivers. This has the potential to be a shootout. 

Tagovailoa scored a season-high 23.52 fantasy points last week with 288 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Patriots have allowed the eighth-most passing yards in the NFL. Tagovailoa is certainly in play given all the byes this week. 

I will keep saying it -- Maye brings upside due to his big arm and running ability. He just happens to have a bottom-tier offensive line and surrounding cast. Still, he’s averaged 17.2 FPPG in the five starts he didn’t leave early. He has run for more than 20 yards in all but one game. He is an upside streamer this week, when the Pats could be chasing points. 

Ayyyy, he’s back! DeVito’s TD rate in nine games last season was nearly double that of Daniel Jones this season. He also adds some value with his legs, but this is about the matchup. The Bucs have allowed the most FPPG to opposing QBs. That includes the fourth-most passing yards, fifth-most passing touchdowns, sixth-most rushing yards and third-most rushing TDs to the position. The Giants could be chasing points and forced to throw. If you are diving deep, DeVito is for you.  

The Cardinals secondary is playing much better than you might think. In Weeks 7-10, Arizona had allowed the third-fewest FPPG to QBs and only one passing touchdown. It also ranks in the bottom 10 in passing yards allowed in that span. Smith has topped 18 fantasy points just twice this season and has just two games with multiple touchdowns. Given that he is more of a floor play and the Cards have been a tough matchup, if you have another option you feel comfortable with, I would take it. 

I will take the L for suggesting you should sit Darnold last week. That won’t prevent me from telling you to sit him this week, too, though! The Bears have been tough on QBs this season, allowing the ninth-fewest passing yards and a league-low seven passing touchdowns. They have also allowed the fewest FPPG to the position. Darnold has seven turnovers in his last three games and this could be a lower-scoring affair. Plus, we are getting to the time of year where weather could be a factor in Chicago. If you have another option you like, take it. 

I am so happy Richardson got his moment last week. After a rough two months and a benching, he played well and beat a legend head-to-head. For fantasy purposes, he remains a high ceiling/low floor QB. He showed us his ceiling in Week 10, and while the Lions defense is allowing a lot of yards, it has given up a league-low seven passing touchdowns (tied with Chicago). Detroit is tough against the run, and it has certainly made life difficult for some young QBs. Due to byes, you may need to start Richardson, but you likely have another QB option to select. 

Football is more fun when Winston starts. I firmly believe he is one of the best 32 QBs walking the planet. He has elevated the Browns receivers and made them viable fantasy options. We have seen two big fantasy performances and one low floor game since he took over as QB1. This week has the potential to be another floor outing against Pittsburgh, which has allowed the second-fewest FPPG to QBs. The Steelers even limited MVP candidate Lamar Jackson last week. In what could be an ugly divisional game on a short week, I would stream elsewhere. 

Williams took a step in the right direction last week. He made quick decisions and got the ball out of his hand quickly, showing how he can overcome offensive line struggles. He also used his legs more, which I love for fantasy purposes. Still, Williams didn’t throw or run for a touchdown for a fourth straight game. He is averaging just 10.4 FPPG and now gets the Vikings, who have made life very tough for opposing QBs by allowing the ninth-fewest FPPG this season. There are better streaming options.