The Fantasy Fix went three-for-three in Week 11, correctly predicting a breakout game from tight end Crockett Gillmore (five receptions, 101 yards) and down games from wide receiver Chris Givens and running back Justin Forsett (who unfortunately left in the first quarter with a broken arm). Here are three players that should be on your radar heading into Week 12.
START: RB Javorius 'Buck' Allen
Need some bang for your buck on the waiver wire this week? Have no fear, Javorius Allen is here! Week 11 was a landmine for running backs throughout the league, with a slew of injuries including Devonta Freeman (concussion), Marshawn Lynch (groin), Charcandrick West (hamstring) and our very own Forsett.
Forsett's gruesome broken arm was another blow to a snake-bitten Ravens team, but opened the door for Allen to showcase his talents to the fantasy world. The rookie was a* *sparkplug in relief, churning out 115 total yards in impressive fashion.
Allen will enter as Baltimore's unquestioned lead back Monday against a Cleveland Browns team that has given up the sixth most fantasy point to running backs this season. With quarterback Joe Flacco lost for the season, expect the Ravens to lean more on the ground game, and involve Allen heavily in the passing game. Allen displayed good hands in the aerial attack in Week 11 with five receptions, and could have increased value in PPR leagues with reserve quarterback Matt Schaub under center.With fantasy leagues entering the final sprint before playoffs, Allen could be the savior owners need to make a postseason push. Bank on 'Buck' to pay dividends come Monday night.
Week 12 Prediction: 75 rushing yards, one touchdown. Four catches, 40 yards = 19.5 fantasy points
START: Tight End Crockett Gillmore
Gillmore had a coming-out party against the St. Louis Rams' vaunted defense on Sunday, racking up a team-high 101 receiving yards in the victory. Gillmore has showcased big- play ability throughout the season, and could be targeted more with Flacco lost for the season.
With Schaub getting his first start of the season, expect the Texas native to be a big safety net for the reserve quarterback towards the middle of the field. The Cleveland defense has been average against tight ends in 2015, but has been burned big by the position on several occasions as of late. The unit gave up* *five touchdowns to tight ends in a two-week span, including a hat trick by Cincinnati's Tyler Eifert in Week 9. Gillmore's massive frame should be a major red-zone target for an offense that finds itself with fewer and fewer playmaking options every week.
While fantasy owners shouldn't expect another 100-yard receiving day, bet on Gillmore finding the endzone at least once for the Ravens on Monday.Week 12 Prediction: four catches, 40 yards, one touchdown = 12 fantasy points
SIT: Baltimore Defense
Coming off a stellar 15-fantasy point defensive performance in Week 11, the Ravens defense looked to get a mouthwatering matchup on Monday with turnover-prone Johnny Manziel.
However, news broke Tuesday that 'Johnny Football' will be riding the pine after a video of him partying surfaced earlier in the week. His replacement, Josh McCown, torched the Ravens defense in Week 5 for 457 yards and two touchdowns.
Cleveland ranks towards the bottom of the league in fantasy points allowed to defenses, but McCown is a much tougher task for Baltimore's improving,but still vulnerable,defense. The Browns offense moves considerably better under the 36-year-old veteran, who plays much less recklessly than the erratic Manziel.
While the Browns offense is not a fearsome unit, it is still hard to trust a Ravens defense that has struggled to contain the passing game and has been banged up all year. Shy away from this matchup, despite the appetizing opponent.
Week 12 Prediction: three sacks, 21 points allowed = 5 fantasy points
