I am so thankful for every NFL week. It offers the chance to see the greatest football players show their talents and personalities. Every week also offers the chance for fantasy football and DFS managers the chance at hitting it big.
Unfortunately, Week 11 was a major headache as my picks annoyed and routinely came up short. After a frustrating Week 11, The Big D is ready for redemption.
In Week 12, I am cooking up my new favorite cash plays. While these players may not bring the wow factor, my cash plays offer consistency while offering plenty of value and roster flexibility to fill out a quality lineup. I also am willing to take advantage of bad defenses giving offenses the chance of hitting it big. Here are my favorite Week 12 cash plays.
Tyrod Taylor
Houston, I never thought my cash lineup would start with Texans quarterback Tyrod Taylor. This season has been filled with injuries, but fantasy football managers will take any chance at using Taylor with his dual-threat ability. In four games, Taylor has thrown for just 763 yards while combining for six touchdowns.
Last Week, Taylor only threw for 107 yards, but he rushed for two touchdowns in an AFC South win over the Tennessee Titans.
Now, Taylor gets the NFL’s worst pass defense in the New York Jets. The Jets allow opposing quarterbacks to throw for over 282 yards while completing over 70 percent of passes every game.
Unlike other Week 12 passers, Taylor offers a much cheaper cost for DK users. At $5,300, Taylor offers a consistent floor with a 15–17-point likely outcome.
Every week, the fantasy football models and projections love certain players. Taylor is one player projections and models love against a bad Jets defense. While no game is played with projections, Taylor is certainly a player capable of putting in a good performance for hungry DFS users.
Brandin Cooks
It must be cooking in Houston. I am picking Texans receiver Brandin Cooks. This season, Cooks has been a consistent receiver in Houston’s offense. With 59 catches for 659 yards, Cooks has been the WR1 throughout 2021 no matter who was throwing him the football.
Last week, Cooks only caught two passes with Houston not needing a passing attack in Nashville. Despite a low-scoring week, Cooks is able to rack up targets. He’s received double-digit targets four times including back-to-back nine-reception games against the Browns and Panthers.
On the season, Cooks has only caught two touchdown passes. Despite Taylor not being a great passer, a little positive touchdown reversal could happen for him.
Jared Cook
I am heating up the room with Chargers tight end Jared Cook. This year, Cook has caught 31 passes for 346 yards and two touchdowns.
Last week the Chargers put up 41 points in a Sunday night win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cook received little attention with three catches for 28 yards.
With the Chargers having so many weapons including Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams, Cook does not always get targets. Yes, he’s likely to score 6-10 points with the chance for more if he reaches the end zone.
Unlike most main slates, the tight end spot will not have Travis Kelce, Darren Waller, or Mark Andrews. The tight end spot has been one where many fantasy football DFS users have gone cheap in filling out a roster with expensive studs. Cook’s $3,000 salary offers a floor and plenty of cash to fill out a quality lineup. Any touchdown will turn Cook into a DFS favorite this week.
While these players may not win many fantasy football leagues, a consistent lineup gives cash players the best chance of weekly success. I wish everyone the best in filling out their Week 12 cash lineups.
