Week 12 of the NFL season is officially over, which means we have a ton of new information to analyze. With that being said, let’s dive right into the Top 10 dynasty football takeaways from Week 12.
Takeaway #1: Bijan Robinson Is Back
Arthur Smith is, without a doubt, the most hated coach in the fantasy football community. The Falcons took Bijan Robinson 8th overall in the NFL draft, which usually results in a massive workload. Instead, Smith has lied about Robinson’s injury status, used Tyler Allgeier way too much, and even let Jonnu Smith take some goal-line carries.
In Week 12, Robinson had his best game of the season with 27.3 points. Playing on the Falcons isn’t ideal, but it’s great to see Robinson’s talent shine through. Please don’t panic about Robinson; it’s clear he will be a great NFL running back.
FEED BIJAN ROBINSON ‼️ pic.twitter.com/63NSdy2YjN
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) November 26, 2023
Takeaway #2: Rashee Rice Continues to Improve
The 2023 rookie class has been loaded with wide receiver talent. Although Rashee Rice is having a very nice rookie season, he’s barely being talked about. Now, Rice hasn’t been a massive hit by any means, but he’s averaging a respectable 11.5 PPG in his rookie season.
Rice had his best game of the year in Week 12, with an 8-107-1 stat line, resulting in 24.7 points. More importantly, Rice led the Chiefs in snaps, routes run, and targets. Even though I don’t think Rice is the long-term WR1 for the Chiefs, he should have a role in this high-powered offense for years to come.
Takeaway #3: Jalin Hyatt Has a Massive Breakout Game
Coming into the NFL draft, Jalin Hyatt was one of the more exciting prospects. Despite winning the Biletnikoff at Tennessee, most NFL teams only saw Hyatt as a deep threat. Hyatt has phenomenal speed, but his route running coming into the league was subpar.
The Giants have been a mess this year, which played into Hyatt’s slow start. However, in Week 12, Hyatt showed off his big play ability, drew six targets, and scored 15.9 fantasy points. It seems like Hyatt is starting to progress and improve as a wide receiver.
Takeaway #4: Don’t Panic with Puka Nacua
At the beginning of the NFL season, it felt like Puka Nacua broke every rookie record imaginable. Nacua broke the rookie record for most catches in a game with 15, and he has a chance to break the record for the most catches in a season by a rookie as well. Even though Nacua is having an unbelievable rookie season, averaging 16.8 PPG, he’s scored under 10 points in three of his last four games.
Nacua scored 6.7 points in Week 12, but let’s hold off on the panic button. In Week 12, Kyren Williams and the Rams ran all over the Cardinals, leading to a dropoff in passing volume. Despite this limited volume, Nacua had eight targets on 54 snaps and ran 31 routes. Nacua is still a fantastic talent, even after a rough few weeks.
Takeaway #5: Zay Flowers Has a Massive Week 12
Despite being drafted 22nd overall by the Ravens, Zay Flowers has been rather disappointing since week six. Flowers is averaging a mediocre 11.9 PPG, but he’s shown signs of promise. In Week 12, Flowers put everything together with his best fantasy game of the year, scoring 23.2 points.
The Ravens offense isn’t very pass-heavy, but Flowers has shown he’s explosive and can make magic with the ball in his hands. In fact, we saw this just last week with Flowers scoring a 37-yard rushing touchdown. What’s more important to me is that Flowers had eight targets in this game. As long as Flowers can command volume, he will be an elite dynasty receiver.
Takeaway #6: Jayden Reed Is on Fire!
When doing my research for this article, I was surprised to find out that Jayden Reed has been extremely hot. I know the upside is there with Reed, but did you know he’s scored 19.4,19.2, and 15 points in his last three games? The former second-round pick has made a name for himself in his rookie year, averaging 12 PPG.
Reed has done this despite playing in a below-average offense this year. Jordan Love has struggled, which has hurt Reed a lot. We’ll talk about Christian Watson next, but Reed should be a key part of the Packers offense going forward.
Takeaway #7: Christian Watson Finally Breaks Out
Heading into the season, I was a massive Christian Watson truther. Before doing my research, I expected to fade him because of how many touchdowns he’s scored, but his metrics were outstanding in his rookie year. The only rookies with 2.25 or higher yards per route run were Odell Beckham Jr, Tyreek Hill, A. J. Brown, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Chris Olave, and Watson.
Watson has been battling injuries and lousy quarterback play this year but finally broke out in Week 12. Facing off against the Lions, Watson had seven targets, five catches, 94 yards, and a touchdown. Watson’s owners should finally feel reassured after watching his 20.4-point performance.
Christian Watson is having a DAY! 🔥pic.twitter.com/uUwufcwI9t
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) November 23, 2023
Takeaway #8: Chris Olave Is Living Up to Expectations
Unfortunately, Chris Olave wasn’t able to play a full game in Week 12 due to a concussion, but in that time frame, he had 18.4 points off a nine-target, seven-catch, 114-yard performance. Olave had a disappointing start to the year, but much of that misfortune falls on Derek Carr. Olave was getting open and drawing targets. However, the volume will always win out, and Olave is coming off his third week in a row with 15-plus points. In 2023, Olave is 7th in open rate and 10th in YPRR. These statistics show that Olave is on the right trajectory to become an elite dynasty receiver.
Takeaway #9: Keon Coleman Is Climbing Up Draft Boards
According to PFF, Keon Coleman is now being graded even higher than Emeka Egbuka. Now, I’m not sure I agree with this evaluation, but it’s a testament to how far Coleman has climbed. If the NFL draft happened right now, Coleman would likely be a first-round pick, causing his dynasty value to skyrocket.
Coleman is a 6′ 4″ 215 lb wide receiver out of Florida State with incredible hands. In addition to this, Coleman is a fantastic deep threat with great speed and athleticism. Draft capital is massive for these prospects, and Coleman is a player you should keep on your radar.
Keon Coleman electric punt return ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/ZsxtJHqQV1
— RanDynasty (@ran_dynasty) November 26, 2023
Takeaway #10: TreVeyon Henderson Is the Most Intriguing Running Back Prospect
Heading into 2023, TreVeyon Henderson looked like the clear-cut RB1 in this 2024 class, but injuries have complicated things. I saw Henderson crush Minnesota in person and loved what I saw. That said, I didn’t have the same reaction when I watched Henderson play against Michigan.
Henderson had 3.2 YPC against a tough Michigan defense, which is concerning. On the other hand, Michigan was gearing up for the run because Kyle McCord was remarkably bad. Henderson has the talent, but questions about his health and consistency will emerge in the pre-draft process.
