NFL Fantasy Football Week 12 2025 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em: Quarterback

Week 12 of the fantasy football season has arrived, and with playoff implications on the line for many managers, making the right quarterback decisions has never been more critical. While top-tier names like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes are obvious starts, the real fantasy value comes from identifying the deeper plays who can deliver unexpected production based on matchup advantages and recent momentum.

With four teams on bye in Week 12, including the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and Washington Commanders, fantasy managers may need to get creative with their lineups. The key is avoiding the most obvious choices and instead focusing on quarterbacks whose recent form and upcoming opponents suggest they’re primed for breakout performances or need to be benched despite their name value.

This week presents intriguing opportunities at the quarterback position with several signal callers facing ideal defensive matchups, while others who have been reliable all season should be approached with caution.

Start ’em quarterbacks in fantasy football Week 12

Jacoby Brissett (vs. JAX)

The journeyman quarterback has been an absolute revelation for the Arizona Cardinals since taking over the starting role. Brissett has posted top-12 fantasy finishes in all five of his starts, averaging an impressive 22.0 fantasy points per game over his last three outings. He set an NFL record with 47 completions against the 49ers in Week 11, throwing for 452 yards and two touchdowns despite missing top target Marvin Harrison Jr.​

This week brings an ideal matchup against Jacksonville, which ranks 26th in passing defense and has surrendered 20.7 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. The Jaguars have been particularly generous to signal callers recently, allowing multiple touchdowns to Matthew Stafford, Geno Smith and Davis Mills in recent weeks. With head coach Jonathan Gannon showing tremendous trust in Brissett’s arm, expect another high-volume performance with 40-plus pass attempts and multiple scoring opportunities.​

Caleb Williams (vs. PIT)

The second-year QB has hit his stride at exactly the right time, posting back-to-back impressive performances with 24.0 fantasy points per game over his last three outings. Williams has been particularly careful with the football lately, throwing zero interceptions while adding valuable rushing production with 142 yards and a touchdown on the ground during that span.​

The Steelers defense represents a golden opportunity, as Pittsburgh has allowed the most passing yards per game this season at 261.7. Williams already torched Cincinnati for 36.7 fantasy points in Week 9, demonstrating his ceiling against struggling secondaries. With the Bears riding a three-game winning streak and Williams showing improved chemistry with his young receivers, he profiles as a high-upside QB1 this week who should exceed his 16.9-point projection.​

Matthew Stafford (vs. TB)

At 37 years old, the veteran quarterback continues to defy expectations with elite performances. Stafford ranks as the QB5 in fantasy points per game at 20.1 and has been on an absolute tear lately, throwing for 10 touchdowns with zero interceptions over his last three games. That stretch has produced 66.9 fantasy...