Week 12

From pass protection to run blocking, every aspect of the modern NFL offense runs through the offensive line. With Week 12 upon us, let's evaluate the fantasy implications of changes in status quo to O-lines around the NFL. 

RISERS

New England Patriots – LT Isiah Wynn (toe) activated off injured reserve

• State of Affairs: The Patriots looked the part of a team anchored by the offensive line  in  preseason, but injuries to starters Isaiah Wynn and David Andrews quickly skewed that narrative. Andrews is done for the year, but Wynn, at least, is on track to return this week against Dallas and bump Marshall Newhouse to a backup role. If Wynn can anchor the left side of the O-line as well as Shaq Mason does the right side, some of New England's deficiencies up front could be covered.
• Impact:  New England's offense hasn't included much downfield success this season. Indeed, Tom Brady's recent dink-and-dunk approach has resulted in a paltry 5.4 YPA the last two weeks. The 42-year-old is on pace to throw just six passes of 40-plus yards and 22 touchdowns this season, both of which would be career lows. There's at least some reason for fantasy managers to be optimistic that the game plan will change: a triumphant return by Wynn would bolster the line's pass protection, which could realistically, in turn, lead to the Patriots' aerial attack more confidently dialing up downfield attempts.

New York Giants – LT Nate Solder (concussion)

• State of Affairs: The Giants had two starters, C Jon Halapio (hamstring) and RT Mike Remmers (back), get healthy during the team's bye, and all signs point to Solder clearing the league's concussion protocol in time for Sunday's games against the Bears. If the G-Men can indeed finally field a fully healthy offensive line Week 12, it couldn't come at a better time — though Chicago's defensive front hasn't demonstrated its pass-rushing upside in recent weeks, Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd remain a potent duo.
• Impact: Saquon Barkley emerged from the bye having shed his ankle and shoulder injuries, but concerns still linger for fantasy owners. The star running back is coming off the worst performance of his young career, and he hasn't reached 4.0 YPC or scored in his last three games. However, it looks like those worries can be confidently dissuaded. With his health and offensive line now intact, Barkley is primed for a bounce-back performance. Chicago's once-formidable defensive front has allowed 129.7 yards from scrimmage and 1.1 TDs per game to RBs in 10 games this season.

FALLERS

New York Jets – LT Kelvin Beachum (ankle), LG Alex Lewis (elbow), RT Chuma Edoga (ankle)

• State of Affairs: As a unit that's already shut down Ryan Kalil and Brian Winters for the season, the Jets  O-line simply can't afford to lose any more pieces. Having three starters banged up ahead of Sunday's game against the Raiders defense, which has notched 10 sacks in the last two games, is therefore an issue that could prove insurmountable.
• Impact: On paper, the stage looks set for Le'Veon Bell to enjoy a plus matchup and potential bounce-back performance Week 12.  Should New York end up with multiple starters up front inactive or playing through injuries, however, savvy fantasy owners should expect Oakland's defensive front to prove more than formidable. Bell doesn't possess the cushion of receiving work he has in past seasons (averaging just 3.1 targets per game  the last six weeks), so if the Jets struggle on the ground he could be in for an ugly day.

New Orleans Saints – LG Andrus Peat (forearm), RG Larry Warford (thigh), RT Ryan Ramczyk (knee)

• State of Affairs: Peat remains on track to miss multiple weeks after undergoing forearm surgery Nov. 13, so if Warford or Ramczyk were limited or forced to miss any time the Saints would be particularly hard pressed to replace either starter. Nick Easton (who had been inactive five consecutive games before being forced to take over for Peat at LG) and Will Clapp have proven capable of holding down the fort when called upon, but the team's remaining depth options offer little more than questions.
• Impact: Week 10's loss to the Falcons signified New Orleans' worst performance of the season up front, but the O-line managed to rebound convincingly against the Buccaneers in Week 11. The offensive line avoided penalties during last week's win, while leading the way for a combined 109 rushing yards against the (then) top run defense in the league. Look for the running game, led by Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray, to once again be prominently featured against a Carolina defense that's allowing 128.4 rushing yards per game.

Dallas Cowboys – LG Connor Williams (knee), RT La'el Collins (knee), RG Zack Martin (back)

• State of Affairs: Williams is progressing well in his recovery after undergoing knee surgery Nov. 11, but he's facing long odds to retake the field in time for Sunday's game against New England. Martin has managed to play through his back injury throughout the season, but if he's limited in any capacity it would be a notable blow to the right side of the O-line. The status of Collins, who was forced out of Week 11's win over the Lions and didn't return, is more difficult to pin down. The starting right tackle could be a game-time decision for Week 12.
• Impact: Although Dallas' aerial attack continues to flourish, mounting injuries along the O-line have certainly caused concern for the running game. Two-time rushing leader Ezekiel Elliott has averaged a measly 2.6 YPC the last two games, and he now faces a tough matchup against the Patriots' prolific defense. While Zeke is certainly capable of overcoming even the strongest defensive fronts, the star tailback will face considerable hurdles if Collins is forced to miss time.

Los Angeles Chargers – LT Russell Okung (groin), LT Sam Tevi (knee)

• State of Affairs: LAC's offensive line, which already lost C Mike Pouncey and LG Forrest Lamp for the season, has been forced to operate without either starting tackle for most of the last two games. For a team that entered 2019 with questionable depth up front, replacing multiple starters looks like a legitimately insurmountable task. Okung and Tevi will at least have the benefit of a week of rest, but neither can be considered a lock to retake the field after the Chargers' bye.
• Impact: In his last two games, Philip Rivers has thrown seven interceptions (matching his total through the first nine weeks of the season) and fumbled twice. It's no coincidence that he was operating with two backup tackles for the majority of those games. Expect the Chargers to try to take the pressure off their veteran QB when the team returns against Denver's solid pass rush Week 13. That'll likely mean leaning even more on Melvin Gordon (who's averaged 22.3 touches per game in his last three appearances) as a runner and Austin Ekeler (who managed 108 receiving yards on 11 targets against the Chiefs) as a failsafe option in the passing game.