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Each week, the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must have started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week. Scoring thresholds (0.5 PPR) – QB: 18 fantasy points; RB: 12 fantasy points (10 for shockers); WR: 11 fantasy points; TE: 10 fantasy points.
Bo Nix, Broncos
| Start pct. | 29% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Raiders |
| BetMGM line | Broncos -5 |
| BetMGM total | 41 points |
| BetAlytics projection | N/A |
In a game where unpredictability reigns supreme, wackiness often wins.
The stupidity witnessed in Week 11 drove home the belief.
Using Yahoo scoring, Taysom Hill topped the QB fantasy performance list. His volcanic eruption as a multipurpose weapon laid to waste anyone in his path. Overall against the bearish Browns on Sunday, he ran for 138 yards and three touchdowns on seven carries and caught eight passes for 50 yards. Hell, he even threw for 18 yards.
Hill also was responsible for a pair of turnovers — one interception and one fumble lost. Even with the miscues, the Saints’ Swiss Army knife posted one of the most unique fantasy lines this century in scoring over 35 points. It’s a bummer he didn’t boot extra points, too.
Hill’s extraordinary efforts are a friendly reminder that we've officially entered the annual unusual phase of the fantasy calendar. It’s the time when late-round picks or waiver-wire adds unexpectedly propel managers into the second season.
This week, Nix is that guy.
Selected by half-in-the-bag drafters in the very late rounds, the dual-threat Broncos quarterback is rising in the Offensive Rookie of the Year race. North of +1000 weeks ago to win the coveted award, he’s now anywhere between +300 and +500 to earn the honor. He's breathing down your neck, Jayden Daniels.
Nix ranks No. 8 in total fantasy points scored among QBs, trailing Daniels by only two spots. In fact, he’s comfortably ahead of more-coveted draft-day picks Patrick Mahomes (QB13), Jordan Love (QB17) and C.J. Stroud (QB18). Hat tip, Sean Payton.
Nix’s outside-the-top-20 season standing in six different completion percentage categories may leave much to be desired, but his 17 total touchdowns and four 20 fantasy point games since Week 5 can’t be ignored. He’s ascending, and quickly.
This week, Nix rolls the dice in Sin City, where he’ll face a Raiders squad he lit up for 23.1 fantasy points in Denver in Week 5. Another nuking is likely in the rematch. Las Vegas checks in at No. 26 in pass EPA defense, allowing 6.94 passing yards per attempt, 219.5 passing yards per game, 2.1 combined touchdowns per game and the ninth-most fantasy points to QBs.
Bo knows top-10 production. Bo knows points. Bo knows fantasy wins.
Fearless Forecast: 229 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 34 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 28.9 fantasy points
Week 12 Bonus Flame
Justin Herbert, Chargers
| Start pct. | 50% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Ravens |
Another prime-time appearance. Another action-packed performance. The flaming UP arrow next to Herbert’s name should continue to burn brightly. Over the last five weeks, the Chargers quarterback has been the ninth-most valuable passer in the virtual game, averaging 291.1 passing yards per game, totaling a 7-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio (1 rushing TD) and padding the bottom line with 18.6 rushing yards per contest. Even more astonishing, Herbert has achieved these numbers with Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and Will Dissly as his top targets. Oh that crafty, Jim Harbaugh. On Monday, the Bolts welcome Baltimore to SoFi Stadium. The Ravens’ lackluster defensive efforts against the pass are well-documented. This year, they’re No. 28 in pass EPA D, giving up 7.73 passing yards per attempt, 304.5 passing yards per game, 1.9 passing touchdowns per game and the third-most fantasy points to the position. Given his ranking climb and the ultra-friendly opponent (Baltimore could be without All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton), Herbert is a highly recommended start in 12-team formats.
Fearless Forecast: 285 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 24 rushing yards, 24.7 fantasy points
Season record: 13-8