The twelfth week of the NFL season is upon us, and already the league’s landscape is shifting in unexpected ways. With the playoff picture starting to come into focus, franchises are making bold moves to either salvage their seasons or build for the future. Insiders around the NFL shared with us the latest rumblings they’re hearing as Week 12 kicks off.
Giants Bench Struggling QB, Jets Fire GM
The New York football scene was rocked by major personnel changes this week. The Giants made the difficult decision to bench starting quarterback Daniel Jones in favor of backup Tommy DeVito. After an inspiring playoff run last year, Jones has regressed mightily in 2024, and sources say coach Brian Daboll felt a spark was needed to jumpstart the offense.
Meanwhile, the crosstown Jets parted ways with general manager Joe Douglas after a disappointing start. The search is on for his replacement, with several up-and-coming executives around the league expected to receive interviews. Early candidates being floated include the Eagles’ Alec Halaby, the Bills’ Terrance Gray, and the Vikings’ Ryan Grigson.
Potential Playoff Sleepers Emerging
While the usual suspects lead the pack for the postseason, a few surprise contenders are starting to make some noise. The Dolphins have come alive with back-to-back victories to reach 4-6, largely on the strength of an explosive offense. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looks revitalized since returning from injury, guiding Miami to 111 points in their last two outings.
“The roster is talented enough to make a run, with playmakers galore on offense and a defense finding its rhythm. The remaining schedule is manageable, too.”
– AFC team executive on the Dolphins’ potential
In the crowded NFC, the 5-5 49ers and Rams are also threats to surge in the season’s second half. Both teams are getting healthier and have the pedigree to be postseason dangers if they can secure a spot. The Buccaneers also can’t be counted out, according to a team source, especially once reinforcements like Mike Evans and Jamel Dean return to the lineup.
Offseason Decisions Loom Large
Even with meaningful games still to be played, franchises are beginning to ponder critical choices they’ll face once the 2024 campaign concludes. For the Bengals, the focus is on Pro Bowl receiver Ja’Marr Chase and his expiring contract. The belief is Cincinnati came close to an extension before the season but couldn’t quite find an agreeable structure.
Now Chase is in the midst of a spectacular year, leading the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He’s expected to reset the receiver market, likely even surpassing the $140 million deal the Packers gave Justin Jefferson. The Bengals will need to work swiftly to lock up their star playmaker long-term.
The Jets will have a quarterback quandary to solve as well. After an up-and-down campaign, the 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers faces an uncertain future. If New York moves on, potential veteran bridge options include Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo, and a possible Sam Darnold reunion. But most likely, the Jets’ new GM will target a rookie signal-caller early in the 2025 NFL Draft to build around.
Fantasy Plays to Consider
For those fantasy managers in the thick of a playoff push, our insiders offered a few specific players to monitor for Week 12:
- Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Giants: The dynamic back gets a tasty matchup vs. the Buccaneers’ vulnerable run defense. With increased touches likely under a new QB, Tracy could be in for a big outing.
- Elijah Moore, WR, Browns: Developing a nice chemistry with Deshaun Watson, Moore has seen 29 targets the last 3 games. He’s a solid WR2 even in a tough draw against Pittsburgh.
- Christian McCaffrey, RB, Rams: Don’t overthink this one. McCaffrey reminded everyone of his elite upside before the bye, and now gets a middle-of-the-road Cardinals defense. Fire him up as an RB1.
Other notables who could outperform expectations include Broncos rookie RB Javonte Williams, Dolphins TE Mike Gesicki, and Bears WR Darnell Mooney. Remember to monitor the injury report up until kickoff, as we’ve already seen several game-day inactives wreak havoc on fantasy lineups this season.
The Road Ahead
As the stretch run begins in earnest, the only certainty in the NFL is that there are more surprises to come. According to league insiders, ripple effects from this week’s news in New York could be just the beginning.
“The NFL never fails to keep you guessing,” a source said. “Right when you think you have it figured out, everything changes. That’s what makes it great. By this time next month, the landscape will probably look completely different.”
Buckle up, football fans. The 2024 season’s defining moments are still ahead – and Week 12 will go a long way in setting the stage for a fantastic finish.
