Week 12 Fantasy Football Recap: Winners and Losers
As Week 12 of the 2025 fantasy football season unfolded, it provided plenty of drama, headlined by Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs and his standout performance in an overtime thriller against the New York Giants. Meanwhile, some star players faced unexpected struggles, leading to significant shifts in fantasy lineups. Let’s dive into the standout performers and those who fell short this week.
The High-Flyers: Fantasy Winners
1. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
Jahmyr Gibbs truly stole the show this week with a breathtaking performance, amassing 55.4 fantasy points, marking the highest single-game score of the season. His defining moment came in overtime with a stunning 69-yard, game-winning touchdown, catapulting him to one of the best running back performances in NFL history—tied for the 12th-best ever. Gibbs rushed for 145 more yards than expected and secured multiple records for the season. With favorable matchups ahead, he’s a key asset as teams edge closer to playoff season.
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Smith-Njigba shone bright with 37.1 fantasy points, leading all wide receivers in a victory against the Titans. With 167 yards and two touchdowns, he illustrated his elite route-running and big-play ability, including a dazzling 63-yard touchdown reception. As he rattles off seven consecutive games of 20-plus points, Smith-Njigba firmly establishes himself as a top WR heading into Week 13.
3. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Showing his dual-threat capability, Hurts finished with 30.86 points, highlighted by 289 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns. His ability to target seam patterns and exploit zone defenses continues to define his powerful play style. Hurts has positioned himself as a top-five quarterback for upcoming matchups, enhancing his fantasy viability.
4. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
St. Brown bounced back nicely with 29.9 points against the Giants, recovering from a disappointing Week 11. He caught 9 of 13 targets for a season-high 149 yards and one touchdown. With high target volume, he remains an essential component of the Lions’ offense, especially as they gear up for Thanksgiving Day.
5. Dak Prescott, QB, and George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys
In a significant upset against the Philadelphia Eagles, Prescott and Pickens teamed up spectacularly. Prescott racked up 27.06 points, while Pickens managed to score 29.6 points with consistent catching ability. Both players are crucial in Dallas’s passing game and see favorable matchups in the coming weeks.
6. Emanuel Wilson, RB, Green Bay Packers
Stepping up as a fill-in for the injured Josh Jacobs, Wilson scored a career-best 26.5 fantasy points with a strong ground game and a pair of touchdowns. His explosive plays add depth to the Packers’ backfield, making him a key waiver-wire target if Jacobs remains sidelined.
7. Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants
Robinson exhibited excellent chemistry with substitute quarterback Jameis Winston, earning 30.6 points in the overtime loss. His ability to connect on deep throws and secure nine receptions illustrates his growing role in the Giants’ lineup.
8. Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots
Henry caught seven passes for 115 yards and a touchdown for 24.5 fantasy points against the Bengals. With a consistent presence in the passing game, Henry is establishing himself as a reliable tight end option moving forward.
The Disappointments: Fantasy Losers
1. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Taylor had what is surely one of his worst outings of the season, recording only 8.6 points against the Chiefs. Struggling against a stout defense, he managed to produce minimal yardage and raise concerns about his future matchups.
2. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Jackson continues to fumble through a rough stretch, finishing with just 7.22 points. Limited in both passing and rushing effectiveness, he remains a puzzle as the Ravens’ offense struggles to find its rhythm.
3. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Struggling with quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s inconsistencies, Jefferson only managed 8.8 points. With a decline in target and production, he faces challenges as he looks to regain his previous form heading into Week 13.
4. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Allen’s nightmare came to fruition against the Texans, scoring only 8.12 points after suffering a left shoulder injury. Facing pressure throughout the game, he experienced a rare underperformance that puts pressure on his upcoming matchups.
5. D’Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears
Contributing a mere 1.9 points, Swift’s position as the starter is jeopardized by rookie Kyle Monangai’s emerging role. Swift’s declining snap percentage adds to concerns about his fantasy viability.
6. Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans
After stringing together impressive performances, Collins fell short this week with just 8.5 points against the Bills. Looking to bounce back, he’s a player to monitor as the Texans’ offense continues to evolve.
7. Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions
Despite impressive outings in previous weeks, Williams was relegated to minimal involvement in the Lions’ packed offense, failing to secure any fantasy points. As Amon-Ra St. Brown dominates targets, Williams’s fantasy trajectory looks uncertain.
Injury Insights
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Higgins suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter of the Bengals’ loss, making his status uncertain for upcoming games. His absence could impact the receiving corps heavily, especially with Ja’Marr Chase returning from suspension.
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
Kamara left early with a knee injury, and his status for Week 13 is doubtful. Devin Neal stepped up in his absence, providing a critical fantasy option for those seeking running back depth while monitoring Kamara’s recovery.
This week has proven pivotal in shaping fantasy rosters, with standout performances highlighting emerging talents while established stars faced unexpected struggles. As we head into the crucial stretch of the season, staying ahead of the curve in roster management is key for playoff aspirations.