5 NFL players that need to step up for their teams in Week 12

Week 12 of the 2021 NFL season presents new opportunities for players to step up where their teams need them most. Some players will be taking on a larger role because of injury concerns while others will need to improve their performance and help their teams' recent struggles. These five players need to step up in a big way in Week 12.

Will these players show up in Week 12?

#1 - QB Andy Dalton, Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears quarterback Andy Dalton

Rookie quarterback Justin Fields suffered a rib injury last week, so veteran Andy Dalton will get the start for the Chicago Bears in Week 12 against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Thursday. Dalton began the season as the starting quarterback before handing the charge over to the rookie. He will now resume his role in Week 12.

The Bears enter Week 12 on a five-game losing streak, the longest active losing streak in the NFL. They have an opportunity to end it against the winless Detroit Lions, who may also be without their starting quarterback Jared Goff. The Bears need Dalton to step up and lead them to a victory in Week 12.

#2 - RB Tony Jones Jr., New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints: Tony Jones Jr. and Jameis Winston

The New Orleans Saints offense is dealing with a ton of injuries right now. They have already lost starting quarterback Jameis Winston and wide receiver Michael Thomas for the remainder of the season and will now likely be without their top two running backs, Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram II, in Week 12.

Tony Jones Jr. is set to get his first start at running back for the Saints. He needs to step up big for them in Week 12 against the Buffalo Bills, one of the best defensive teams in the NFL. The Saints have lost their last three consecutive games and need to turn things around.

#3 - WR Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup

Michael Gallup will see an extended role in Week 12 for the Dallas Cowboys offense. Amari Cooper is dealing with Covid and will miss the Week 12 game while CeeDee Lamb is listed as questionable with a concussion. Lamb will play if he can clear all concussion protocols prior to the game.

Ezekiel Elliot is also dealing with a knee injury but is expected to play in Week 12. The Cowboys offense is banged up, so Gallup will likely have the chance to see additional targets from quarterback Dak Prescott in the high-powered Cowboys offense.

#4 - QB Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton

Cam Newton made his return as the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers last week. He was brought back to replace Sam Darnold and to try and help the Panthers make a run at the playoffs. Unfortunately, his return didn't go as planned in a loss to the Washington Football Team.

The Panthers are just half a game out of a Wild Card spot in the playoffs heading into Week 12 of the 2021 NFL season. The NFC playoff race is very crowded, with a ton of teams competing for a spot. The Panthers will rely on Cam Newton to step up big and punch their ticket. It could start with a big game in Week 12.

#5 - QB Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson

The bad news is that the Seattle Seahawks have a 3-7 record heading into Week 12, but the good news is that they are still just two games away from a playoff spot with seven games to go. They still have time to earn a Wild Card spot, but they need to turn things around immediately.

The Seahawks have lost five of their last six games, including the two they played since Russell Wilson's return from a finger injury. They can't afford to lose any more games if they want a chance to make the playoffs. They need to start a winning streak in Week 12, and Russell Wilson has to be the one to lead them.