#StanfordNFL: Week 12 Preview

Players to Watch

Zach Ertz • TE • Philadelphia Eagles • Fourth season • @ZErtz_86

Ertz has received 26 targets in his past three games compared to 20 in his first five. He faces a Packers defense which is likely to be without former Cardinal Blake Martinez and is 31st in the league in pass coverage efficiency, according to Pro Football Focus. Ertz hopes to replicate his mammoth finish to the 2015 season, which included 35 catches and 450 yards over his last four games.

Andrus Peat • T/G • New Orleans Saints • Second season • @AndrusPeat

Peat's steady play on New Orleans' offensive line in 2016 has been a major bright spot this season and has endeared him to the Saints' faithful. New Orleans will have its hands full against All-Pro lineman Aaron Donald, who Peat is expected to see a lot of in the Saints' Week 12 matchup against St. Louis. Donald's 95.4 season grade from Pro Football Focus is well beyond the next closest defensive lineman (Calais Campbell, 87.8), while his pass rushing grade of 96.3 is more than 10 points higher than second-place Campbell (85.2).

Matchups to WatchSteelers at Colts
Despite Andrew Luck's uncertain status for Thursday's meeting between Pittsburgh and Indianapolis, several former Cardinal are expected to suit up. Henry Anderson's comeback from a knee injury in Week 6 continues, and his snap count is expected to rise. David Parry has one sack in each of his past two games, and will line up across from All-Pro guard and former consensus All-American at Stanford David DeCastro.

Seahawks at Buccaneers
Seattle has won three in a row and is looking like a Super Bowl contender, thanks in large part to former Cardinal Richard Sherman and Doug Baldwin. Sherman and Seattle's commanding secondary will have a tough matchup on the road against Mike Evans (90.5), Pro Football Focus' second-highest graded receiver. Baldwin and Seattle's offense will have an easier task against the Buccaneers defense, which ranks 30th in the league in defensive efficiency, per PFF.

Players to Watch

Henry Anderson made his first appearance in Week 11 after missing four games with a knee injury. His return to the lineup was a boost for the Colts defense, which ranks dead last in defensive efficiency, according to Pro Football Focus. Blake Martinez exited Sunday's 42-24 loss at Washington with a left knee injury. It was revealed Wednesday afternoon that the rookie linebacker suffered a sprained MCL and will likely miss 4-6 weeks. Andrew Luck was subject to concussion protocol after a 24-17 win against Tennessee. With the Colts set to face Pittsburgh on Thursday, it is unlikely Luck will be ready to go.
 

Week 12 Schedule