Week 12 of the NFL season was full of surprises and standout performances, and one player who delivered in a major way was Josh Jacobs. The Las Vegas Raiders’ running back had a career-defining game, scoring three touchdowns in a single outing, making him the centerpiece of fantasy football rosters across the league. Jacobs’ explosive performance was just one highlight in an action-packed week that included breakout stars, unexpected upsets, and big-name players continuing their strong campaigns. Let’s take a closer look at the key fantasy football takeaways from Week 12, with a special focus on Jacobs’ impressive three-TD effort.
Josh Jacobs’ Historic Performance
Josh Jacobs’ Week 12 performance against the Seattle Seahawks was a fantasy football manager’s dream. The Raiders’ workhorse back racked up 233 total yards, including 88 yards on the ground, to go along with his three touchdowns. Jacobs’ ability to find the end zone three times in a single game not only helped the Raiders secure a thrilling win but also propelled him to the top of the fantasy leaderboard for the week.
His first touchdown came on a 4-yard run in the first quarter, showcasing his ability to punch it in from short yardage. The second came in the second half on a 9-yard burst, where Jacobs broke multiple tackles and showed off his impressive vision and burst. The final score came late in the game when Jacobs took a short pass from quarterback Derek Carr and sprinted 25 yards into the end zone, solidifying his status as the fantasy MVP of the week.
This performance wasn’t just about finding the end zone—Jacobs was consistently moving the chains and providing a reliable option for his offense, which paid dividends for fantasy owners who took a chance on him earlier in the season. After a somewhat slow start to the year, Jacobs has regained his elite form, and fantasy managers are reaping the rewards as he continues to be a focal point in the Raiders’ offense.
Other Fantasy Football Standouts
While Josh Jacobs stole the spotlight with his incredible three-TD game, he wasn’t the only player putting up fantasy-worthy numbers. Here are a few other notable performances from Week 12:
1. Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs)
Patrick Mahomes reminded everyone why he’s one of the top quarterbacks in fantasy football with a masterful performance against the Los Angeles Rams. Mahomes threw for 352 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Chiefs to a commanding win. With his ability to spread the ball around and produce big plays, Mahomes continues to be a must-start quarterback in all fantasy formats.
2. DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Arizona Cardinals)
DeAndre Hopkins was a force to be reckoned with in Week 12, hauling in 10 catches for 134 yards and a touchdown. Hopkins’ ability to make contested catches and break tackles made him a top target for Kyler Murray, and with the Cardinals looking to make a late-season playoff push, his fantasy value is trending upward.
3. Austin Ekeler (RB, Los Angeles Chargers)
Austin Ekeler had a dynamic performance against the Denver Broncos, finishing with 135 total yards and two touchdowns. Ekeler was a major contributor in both the running and passing game, giving fantasy owners who invested in him a huge return on their investment. His versatility as a pass-catching back makes him a must-start in PPR formats.
4. A.J. Brown (WR, Philadelphia Eagles)
A.J. Brown continued his dominant season with an outstanding Week 12 outing. Brown caught 7 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown, showing his ability to make plays downfield and in critical moments. As the Eagles continue their playoff push, Brown remains one of the top wide receivers in fantasy football.
The Biggest Fantasy Football Disappointments
Every week in fantasy football has its fair share of disappointments, and Week 12 was no different. A few players who failed to meet expectations include:
1. Derrick Henry (RB, Tennessee Titans)
Despite being one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL, Derrick Henry struggled to find any rhythm in Week 12. He was held to just 53 yards on 17 carries, failing to find the end zone in the Titans’ loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. For fantasy managers who rely on Henry as their top running back, this was a frustrating outing.
2. Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, Indianapolis Colts)
Pittman had a rough game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with just 2 catches for 15 yards. His inability to get involved in the Colts’ offense significantly hurt his fantasy value in Week 12. With inconsistent quarterback play from Indianapolis, Pittman’s outlook for the rest of the season remains uncertain.
3. Mark Andrews (TE, Baltimore Ravens)
Mark Andrews had a rare off week in Week 12. Despite the Ravens’ win over the Jaguars, Andrews only managed 3 catches for 29 yards, failing to find the end zone. Tight ends are often a rollercoaster in fantasy football, but for managers who rely on Andrews as a top-tier option, this was a tough result.
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 13
As we move into Week 13, fantasy football managers are gearing up for their final stretch toward the playoffs. For those looking to make strategic waiver wire moves, here are a few players to keep an eye on:
1. James Cook (RB, Buffalo Bills)
With injuries and a shifting backfield in Buffalo, James Cook could see an expanded role down the stretch. He’s been a reliable pass-catching back, and if he continues to get more touches, he could be a solid flex option.
2. Christian Watson (WR, Green Bay Packers)
Christian Watson had a breakout game in Week 12 and could be a key piece in the Packers’ offense moving forward. With Aaron Rodgers still delivering strong performances, Watson could emerge as a valuable deep threat in the final weeks of the season.
3. Greg Dulcich (TE, Denver Broncos)
As tight end play remains volatile across the fantasy landscape, Greg Dulcich has shown promise as a potential sleeper pick. He has been seeing more targets in recent weeks, making him a worthy add in deeper leagues.
Fantasy Playoff Outlook
With the fantasy football playoffs quickly approaching, it’s important to keep an eye on matchups and player trends. As of Week 12, players like Josh Jacobs, Patrick Mahomes, and DeAndre Hopkins are set up for strong finishes to the season. On the other hand, players like Derrick Henry and Michael Pittman Jr. may require a closer evaluation depending on their upcoming matchups.
For those in contention for a playoff spot, now is the time to make key roster decisions and secure your position for a championship run.
Conclusion
Week 12 was a memorable one in fantasy football, with Josh Jacobs leading the way with a dominant three-TD performance. As we approach the final stretch of the regular season, players like Jacobs, Mahomes, and Ekeler are shaping up to be crucial contributors for fantasy teams hoping to make a playoff run. Meanwhile, disappointing outings from big-name players highlight the unpredictability of fantasy football and the importance of having depth on your roster. With just a few weeks left before the playoffs, fantasy managers must continue to stay active on the waiver wire and make smart lineup decisions to secure their spot in the postseason.
