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It’s Week 12 of fantasy football. Welcome to bold predictions time...
1.) Baker Mayfield is a top 10 quarterback.
Justification: There is a chance he’s benched for Case Keenum in hopes he can heal a bit. But after four weeks of lackluster performances the media has been grilling him on expectations going forward. He’s banged up, which is concerning, but facing a division rival I think we see a big performance out of him in spite of his detractors.
2.) Justin Jefferson finishes outside the top 10 wide receivers.
Justification: Facing the 49ers secondary is no joke, and Minnesota will have more luck running the ball than throwing it. Also after back-to-back elite weeks, I think he comes down to earth a bit finishing in the WR15 area. Last week, no 49ers defensive back allowed more than 30 yards in his coverage (but granted, it was against Jacksonville).
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3.) Evan Engram is a top 10 tight end.
Justification: The Giants will face off against the Eagles with a new OC this week. Between Darius Slay’s repeated pick sixes and an easy outlet for Daniel Jones, I think the tight ends see a lot of work against the team who has allowed the most fantasy points in this category this season. If Freddie Kitchens steps into the role he won’t be afraid to use his tight end. During the 2018 season when he was the OC for the Browns, David Njoku had 639 yards and four touchdowns.
4.) Melvin Gordon is a top 10 running back.
Justification: He had touchdowns in his last three games before the bye last week, when he got some rest. He comes into this week facing the Chargers, who have allowed five rushing scores across the last four games, along with two 80+ yard rushing performances.
5.) Tampa Bay vs. Indianapolis has an over/under of 52.5. Give me the over at 55 points.
Justification: This one is a bit bold. It’s rare to see a game go over 55 points and as of late, given the weather trends, we are seeing lower scores. The Colts have a roof which should eliminate that issue (although both Wentz and Brady are comfortable in cold weather) but both teams have been red-hot on offense lately. The Colts have scored at least 30 points in five of their last six games, and the Bucs have scored at least 27 in five of their last six.
YTD Grades:
A: 17
B: 5
C: 6
D: 21