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

#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.