Fantasy sleepers NFL Week 12: Rookie quarterback among 10 high-upside lineup plays

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We are nearly two-thirds of the way through the season. Have we learned anything yet?

So far, we’ve identified some bad defenses (Bengals and Cowboys) and a few productive offenses (Bengals and Cowboys). We’ve been wowed by some rookies (Emeka Egbuka and Tyler Warren) and underwhelmed by some others (Ashton Jeanty and Matthew Golden).

We’ve also learned that injuries suck. Okay, that part isn’t so new. But we’ve been reminded of it constantly this year. And the reminder is that it isn’t fun.

But the biggest thing we’ve learned is that fantasy football continues to be a frustrating, fickle beast. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the parameters change. Now we’ve reached a point where we’re running out of time to get things right. The fantasy trading deadline is coming. From there, it’s a sprint to the end of the fantasy regular season. It’s time to get your lineups in shape.

Think of the Sleepers column as your fantasy personal trainer. We’re here to find alternative methods to strengthening your starters for the week. It’s like crunches for your quarterbacks. Rows for your running backs. Wall sits for your wide receivers. Okay, this analogy is falling apart but you get where I’m going with this.

The playoffs are around the corner. Let’s get going. Here are some names.

VS.

It’s a tough week for streaming quarterbacks. Many of the players you’d look to as bye week backups either have tough matchups or are in offenses so challenged, you’d consider leaving the spot blank. Alas, with four teams having the week off, there’s a good chance some managers will be in a pinch at the QB spot. On that note, we take a deep sigh and turn our attention toward Shough.

The Saints rookie went into last week’s bye on a high. He threw for 282 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a win over the Carolina Panthers. This week, he and the Saints face another division opponent when the Falcons come to town. After a strong start to the season, Atlanta’s pass defense has hit a lull. It has allowed nearly 300 passing yards per game with 10 TDs since Week 8. Shough is a risky start, best left to multiple QB formats, but there’s upside for those who are brave enough to choose him.

RUNNING BACK

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