Should I Start or Sit Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, or Sam Darnold in Week 12?
As you know, my wife and I are going head to head this year to see who is better at predicting the unpredictable, and telling you who you should start or sit. I am using mostly statistical analysis with a touch of gut feeling. Erin is using whatever thing she uses to tell you how each player’s name speaks to her. Erin took a strong lead last week after making some great calls. This week, the universe was brought back into balance, thanks to a couple of big, fat goose eggs from O.J. Howard and David Johnson. Robert Woods ended up not playing at all, so our predictions of his performance are moot. We start Week 12 with some QB conundrums.
First, A Quick Week 11 Recap…
Scoring System: 1 point for good advice, 0 points for neutral advice, -1 point for bad advice (Deciding if the outcome is good, neutral, or bad is 100% subjective and non-negotiable)
| Fantasy Points (0.5 PPR) | Bryan (Start/Sit, Score) | Erin (Start/Sit, Score) | |
| Jared Cook | 10.3 | Start, +1 | Sit, -1 |
| Greg Olsen | 8.2 | Start, 0 | Sit, 0 |
| O.J. Howard | 0 | Sit, +1 | Start, -1 |
| Allen Robinson | 3.5 | Start, -1 | Start, -1 |
| Robert Woods | DNP | N/A | N/A |
| Sammy Watkins | 3.6 | Sit, +1 | Start, -1 |
| David Johnson | 0 | Sit, +1 | Sit, +1 |
| Kalen Ballage | 10.2 | Sit, -1 | Start, +1 |
| James White | 7.6 | Start, -1 | Start, -1 |
| Week 11 Total | 1 Points | -3 Points | |
Season Total |
4 Points |
4 Points |
Week 12 Start or Sit Picks
Start or Sit Baker Mayfield at Miami Dolphins Week 12
Bryan’s Take: Mayfield has thrown at least one TD in all but one game this year. However, he hasn’t thrown more than two in any single game. This is not the Baker Mayfield we were sold in August. He does have what should be a dream matchup with the Dolphins this week. Even though Miami has won a couple of games, they’re still terrible, and Baker should be able to take advantage. It’s been a whole season of shoulds for the Browns, and I’m betting on the shoulds this week. Start Baker Mayfield in Week 12.
Erin’s Take: When I heard of Baker Mayfield, I first thought of the Baker Act, which made me think he might be a little… ill. But his name is also pretty sexy. So I think he might be crazy and sexy. That’s a great combo. Start crazy sexy Baker Mayfield in Week 12.
Start or Sit Josh Allen vs. Denver Broncos Week 12
Bryan’s Take: Unlike Mayfield, Allen has been hitting and beating some of his preseason projections. His running chops have allowed him to maintain a solid floor week after week, and when he’s connecting with receivers, look out! The Broncos may seem like an easy matchup, especially after getting torched by Kirk Cousins last week. In reality, they’re actually pretty good. In four games this year, the Broncos have prevented opposing QBs from throwing a single touchdown. Rushing numbers aside, I think Allen will finish closer to his floor than his ceiling this week. Sit Josh Allen in Week 12.
Erin’s Take: I’m not a fan of the name Allen. It doesn’t matter if it’s a first name or last name. It just doesn’t rub me the right way. However, Josh sounds like he could be a momma’s boy he feels like he has to prove something to his father. That makes him a good play. Start Josh Allen in Week 12.
Start or Sit Sam Darnold vs. Oakland Raiders Week 12
Bryan’s Take: Darnold has played reasonably well since returning from freaking mono, throwing for over 215 yards and at least one TD in all but one game. He blew up for four TDs last week against first draft pick nominee Washington, but can he repeat against a surprisingly decent Raiders squad? Probably. The Raiders played well last week. Against the worst team in the league. In Ryan Finley’s second career start. I expect Darnold to stay hot against a not so tough Raiders D. Start Sam Darnold in Week 12.
Erin’s Take: To be blunt, Sam Darnold isn’t a good name for a football player. He sounds more like an unimportant political figure that has been able to hold office through name recognition only. Sit Sam Darnold in Week 12
Final Ranks
Bryan: Baker Mayfield > Josh Allen > Sam Darnold
Erin: Baker Mayfield > Sam Darnold > Josh Allen
Check back as we keep score on who made the best calls for week 12, and come back tomorrow for more of Bryan and Erin’s Week 12 start/sit calls.
You can find Erin on Instagram. For more from Bryan Sclar, follow him on Twitter (@FA_BryanSclar).
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