Week 12 Fantasy Takeaways: Parker, Watkins to lead trophy charge

1. As the rest of the country breaks out puffy coats and knit caps, Miami continues to sizzle. And so does the fantasy value of DeVante Parker.

The second-year target slumped massively over the first 10 weeks of the season. He eclipsed the 10-point threshold in Weeks 2 and 3, but managed to tally a ghastly 17-197-1 (WR84) line Weeks 3-9. A balky hamstring and errant Ryan Tannehill throws explained the downturn.

Now 100 percent and firing on all cylinders, Parker is one of the hottest wideouts in the game. Over the past three weeks, including Sunday’s clash against the Niners, he’s amassed 16 receptions, 245 yards and a touchdown (nearly three). His big-play ability, increased red-zone role and sizable targets share (24 total last three) have opened eyes, to say the least. Candidly, he’s surpassed Jarvis Landry as Miami’s deadliest receiving weapon in Adam Gase’s suddenly potent offense, a description he’ll live up to rest of season.

With greenbacks at stake, Parker is sure to be a fantasy Fort Knox, assuming the back injury he suffered versus San Francisco isn’t serious. The Dolphins face Baltimore, Arizona, New York (Jets) and Buffalo over the next four weeks. A possible encounter with Patrick Peterson is unappealing, but top-15 outputs versus the Ravens, Jets and Bills are very attainable. It’s possible, the sophomore sensation could be this year’s version of Doug Baldwin, a difference maker sure to log a December to remember.

2. For weeks the fantasy community has waited on pins and needles for Ravens rookie Kenneth Dixon to arrive. Well, patient gamer, the kid finally made his presence known.

From the onset against Cincinnati, the LA Tech product outproduced his pedestrian complement, Terrance West. In the first quarter, he rolled up a pair of double-digit gains, one on the ground and one via the pass. His burst, versatility and defender shaking moves were clearly on display. On the day he totaled 72 yards on 15 touches, though West kept the disparity close (62 total yards on 16 touches).

It’s about stinkin’ time John Harbaugh and the Ravens coaching staff came to realization, the youngster deserves more opportunities. He’s an exotic Italian import compared to the clunky El Camino that West often resembles. The latter should continue to net occasional touches inside the red-zone, but it’s clear Dixon is at least a 12-14 touch per game rusher moving forward. Because of his unfavorable near-term slate, he’s at best a FLEX option over the next couple weeks (vs. Mia and at NE), but blessed with tilts versus Philadelphia (4.5 yards per carry allowed to RBs) and Pittsburgh in Rounds 2 and 3 of most fantasy league playoffs, he’s a highly employable RB2 in 12-team and deeper leagues.

Evidenced Sunday, good things do indeed come to those who wait.

3. Before kickoff Sunday, reports surfaced Sammy Watkins was only expected to see roughly 50-60 percent of the Bills’ snaps. In light of the development, many within the fantasy community, me included, recommended owners exercise patience. We said give the man a week, let him shake off the rust and then slide him into Week 13 lineups.

For those who subscribed, apologies.

Against Jacksonville, Watkins was shockingly effective in his first action since Week 2. Lined up in the cross-hairs three times by Tyrod Taylor, he hauled in three passes for 80 yards. His brightest highlight was a 62-yard catch on a sideline streak, a connection in which he showed classic burst and separation.

His effort presented much encouragement. With the rust shaken off, Watkins needs to be a fixture in starting lineups moving forward. Next week he faces a Raiders defense which has struggled often defending the pass. More promising, he battles Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Miami, all at home, during the fantasy playoffs. It’s conceivable he averages north of 70 yards and finds the end zone 2-4 times over that stretch.

It’s been a long absence, but Watkins could be a critical component on championship rosters.

Bull rush Brad on Twitter follow him @YahooNoise