RADIO
Week 12 is an appropriate time for fantasy and NFL general managers to take stock. Is their team a real contender, a pretender, or are you comfortably in the basement? Those in the basement of dynasties may be looking to tank for better picks, while those in redraft leagues may still want to win enough to avoid a painful last-place punishment.
One particularly interesting team in both fantasy and real football terms is the San Francisco 49ers. The defending NFC champs are 5-5 with at least two likely losses left on their schedule, with Green Bay, Buffalo, and Detroit on tap. The 49ers are an aging squad with consistently injured players like Nick Bosa and George Kittle on expensive deals. What are they or their managers to do?
A key concern with the 49ers in dynasty leagues is the potential of Brock Purdy’s record-setting contract. Those kinds of deals frequently lead to a jettisoning of elite players like Deebo Samuel Sr. or Nick Bosa soon after. Teams like the Bills and Chiefs can survive them because their quarterbacks are elite. Purdy isn’t elite, so those left to play with him could struggle soon.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
IDP Scoring System for Rankings
6-points per Defensive Touchdown
4-points per Forced Turnover (FF/INT)
3-points per Sack
2- points per PD, FR, Safety
1-point Solo Tackle
0.5-points Assisted Tackle
Note: These rankings are also based on leagues that start one player at each defensive position (DL, LB, DB) and two DFLEX.
Top Fantasy Defensive Linemen of the Week
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
| 1 | T.J. Watt | Steelers | Browns |
| 2 | Andrew Van Ginkel | Vikings | Bears |
| 3 | Micah Parsons | Cowboys | Commanders |
| 4 | Myles Garrett (Q) | Browns | Steelers |
| 5 | Maxx Crosby | Raiders | Broncos |
| 6 | Brian Burns | Giants | Buccaneers |
| 7 | Will Anderson Jr. (Q) | Texans | Titans |
| 8 | Jonathan Greenard | Vikings | Bears |
| 9 | Nick Bosa (Q) | 49ers | Packers |
| 10 | Jared Verse | Rams | Eagles |
| 11 | Nik Bonitto | Broncos | Raiders |
| 12 | Dexter Lawrence II | Giants | Buccaneers |
| 13 | Harold Landry III | Titans | Texans |
| 14 | Keion White | Patriots | Dolphins |
| 15 | Danielle Hunter | Texans | Titans |
| 16 | Khalil Mack (Q) | Chargers | Ravens |
| 17 | Montez Sweat (Q) | Bears | Vikings |
| 18 | DeForest Buckner | Colts | Lions |
| 19 | Tuli Tuipulotu | Chargers | Ravens |
| 20 | Jalen Carter | Eagles | Rams |
| 21 | Jonathon Cooper | Broncos | Raiders |
| 22 | Zach Allen | Broncos | Raiders |
| 23 | Josh Sweat | Eagles | Rams |
| 24 | Boye Mafe | Seahawks | Cardinals |
| 25 | Jeffery Simmons | Titans | Texans |
| 26 | Cameron Heyward | Steelers | Browns |
| 27 | Chris Jones | Chiefs | Panthers |
| 28 | Calijah Kancey | Buccaneers | Giants |
| 29 | Dante Fowler Jr. | Commanders | Cowboys |
| 30 | Azeez Ojulari | Giants | Buccaneers |
| 31 | Byron Young | Rams | Eagles |
| 32 | Vita Vea | Buccaneers | Giants |
| 33 | Derick Hall | Seahawks | Cardinals |
| 34 | A’Shawn Robinson | Panthers | Chiefs |
| 35 | Kobie Turner | Rams | Eagles |
| 36 | Yaya Diaby | Buccaneers | Giants |
| 37 | Zach Sieler | Dolphins | Patriots |
| 38 | Za’Darius Smith (Q) | Lions | Colts |
| 39 | Grover Stewart | Colts | Lions |
| 40 | Calais Campbell | Dolphins | Patriots |
| 41 | Rashan Gary | Packers | 49ers |
| 42 | Joey Bosa | Chargers | Ravens |
| 43 | Harrison Phillips | Vikings | Bears |
| 44 | Chop Robinson | Dolphins | Patriots |
| 45 | Bud Dupree | Chargers | Ravens |
| 46 | Kwity Paye | Colts | Lions |
| 47 | Arden Key | Titans | Texans |
| 48 | Anfernee Jennings | Patriots | Dolphins |
| 49 | Leonard Floyd | 49ers | Packers |
| 50 | Laiatu Latu | Colts | Lions |
DL Riser of the Week
Calijah Kancey, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Finally healthy, Kancey has played over 60% of Tampa's defensive snaps in four of five games since returning from injury in Week 6. In that span, he has totaled five sacks and ranks sixth in fantasy points per game amongst all DLs with at least five games played.
Kancey also has a tremendous matchup on tap this week. The Buccaneers play a Giants offense that has struggled to protect the quarterback since Andrew Thomas went down, plus they just moved to their third-string quarterback. In nine games last year, Tommy Devito took a sack on 17.21% of his pass plays, or once every 4.8 attempts.
Every Bengals fan’s draft darling Calijah Kancey, is balling right now. pic.twitter.com/rOXzmwa9A4
— ZIM (@zimwhodey) November 5, 2024
Kancey is rostered in just 1.8% of IDP leagues, and he was a polished interior pass-rusher coming out of Pitt. He is worth rostering in deeper leagues all season, but he's also a tremendous streaming option this week.
DL Disappointment of the Week
Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers
If Nick Bosa plays, odds are you will start him. He's a wrecking ball of a player whose advanced metrics and film are almost always perfect, even when he's playing injured. Against Seattle, he began the game injured and left halfway through, yet he still managed 1.5 sacks.
However, you must manage expectations if Bosa does play this week. As you saw last weekend, there’s always a chance that the oft-injured superstar could see limited snaps or even be pulled from the game. Worse, this week he’s facing the top-rated pass-blocking offense in the NFL, which is allowing the second-fewest sacks on a per-game basis.
If Bosa plays, you'll need a full game from him against this ferociously tough Packers offensive line. It feels unlikely you'll get that. Therefore, shallow league managers must strongly consider streaming someone like Jonathan Greenard over him … even if we lack the guts to punt the former Defensive Player of the Year out of our top 10 overall.
Top Fantasy Linebackers of the Week
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
| 1 | Zack Baun | Eagles | Rams |
| 2 | Roquan Smith (Q) | Ravens | Chargers |
| 3 | Fred Warner | 49ers | Packers |
| 4 | Ernest Jones IV | Seahawks | Cardinals |
| 5 | Zaire Franklin | Colts | Lions |
| 6 | Daiyan Henley | Chargers | Ravens |
| 7 | E.J. Speed | Colts | Lions |
| 8 | Robert Spillane | Raiders | Broncos |
| 9 | Quay Walker | Packers | 49ers |
| 10 | Bobby Wagner | Commanders | Cowboys |
| 11 | T.J. Watt | Steelers | Browns |
| 12 | Blake Cashman | Vikings | Bears |
| 13 | Lavonte David | Buccaneers | Giants |
| 14 | Edgerrin Cooper | Packers | 49ers |
| 15 | Bobby Okereke | Giants | Buccaneers |
| 16 | Eric Kendricks | Cowboys | Commanders |
| 17 | Jack Campbell | Lions | Colts |
| 18 | Jordyn Brooks | Dolphins | Patriots |
| 19 | DeMarvion Overshown | Cowboys | Commanders |
| 20 | Azeez Al-Shaair | Texans | Titans |
| 21 | Christian Rozeboom | Rams | Eagles |
| 22 | T.J. Edwards | Bears | Vikings |
| 23 | Josey Jewell | Panthers | Chiefs |
| 24 | Nakobe Dean (Q) | Eagles | Rams |
| 25 | Ivan Pace Jr. | Vikings | Bears |
| 26 | Nick Bolton | Chiefs | Panthers |
| 27 | Frankie Luvu | Commanders | Cowboys |
| 28 | Andrew Van Ginkel | Vikings | Bears |
| 29 | Omar Speights | Rams | Eagles |
| 30 | Henry To’oTo’o (Q) | Texans | Titans |
| 31 | Kenneth Murray Jr. | Titans | Texans |
| 32 | Patrick Queen | Steelers | Browns |
| 33 | Devin Bush | Browns | Steelers |
| 34 | Jerome Baker | Titans | Texans |
| 35 | Drue Tranquill | Chiefs | Panthers |
| 36 | Kyzir White | Cardinals | Seahawks |
| 37 | Tremaine Edmunds | Bears | Vikings |
| 38 | Jared Verse | Rams | Eagles |
| 39 | Khalil Mack (Q) | Chargers | Ravens |
| 40 | Jordan Hicks | Browns | Steelers |
| 41 | Trenton Simpson | Ravens | Chargers |
| 42 | Trevin Wallace | Panthers | Chiefs |
| 43 | Cody Barton | Broncos | Raiders |
| 44 | Jahlani Tavai | Patriots | Dolphins |
| 45 | Mack Wilson Sr. | Cardinals | Seahawks |
| 46 | Micah McFadden | Giants | Buccaneers |
| 47 | Dre Greenlaw (Q) | 49ers | Packers |
| 48 | Divine Deablo | Raiders | Broncos |
| 49 | Malcolm Rodriguez | Lions | Colts |
| 50 | Tyrel Dodson | Dolphins | Patriots |
LB Riser of the Week
Jerome Baker, Tennessee Titans
A week after telling you to fade Baker because he had zero usage and no clear path to playing time, Jack Gibbens went down with a season-ending injury. Baker's playing time skyrocketed in the face of that injury, and his fantasy value increased drastically.
Baker isn’t the top Titans linebacker to roster, but he’s certainly a viable streamer now that he’s projected to be a starter for the rest of this season. He is LB25 in fantasy points per game and the primary concern with him was always playing time. It looks like Tennessee may have no other option than to give Baker 100% of the snaps.
LB Disappointment of the Week
Troy Andersen, Atlanta Falcons
What Andersen has done this year in limited snaps has been phenomenal. The former Montana State quarterback sits fourth in fantasy points per game amongst all linebackers. Unfortunately, those figures are based on just five games and just two contests where he played most of Atlanta's defensive snaps.
We were used to Andersen sitting out with a knee injury until he inspired hope by coming back and starting in Week 11. Of course, he saw just 13 snaps in that game before reaggravating his knee injury. Then, he missed Week 12 with that same problem. A common and recurring reality for a player who always has the potential to play.
Some plays define a player… this play defines Troy Andersen. A guy that will go all out to win and never give up on any play. I love players like this. You get more guys like this on your defense and all of a sudden it has an identity #Falcons pic.twitter.com/BW3SIuexmi
— Steven Padillas (@Falcons_Pad) May 4, 2022
While the per-game metrics are astounding for Andersen, it’s become nearly impossible to rank him until he puts together at least one full game without injury concerns. Some IDP managers may be tempted to stash him or start him the next time he’s healthy, but the kid has struggled with injuries for two years and it’s hard to trust he will ever be healthy.
Note that Andersen does not play this week. However, there are plenty of people still rostering him and who may carry him through his bye. This is notice that you don’t have to do that in shallow leagues.
Top Fantasy Defensive Backs of the Week
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
| 1 | Brian Branch | Lions | Colts |
| 2 | Antoine Winfield Jr. | Buccaneers | Giants |
| 3 | Nick Cross | Colts | Lions |
| 4 | Julian Love | Seahawks | Cardinals |
| 5 | Kyle Hamilton (Q) | Ravens | Chargers |
| 6 | Budda Baker | Cardinals | Seahawks |
| 7 | Derwin James Jr. | Chargers | Ravens |
| 8 | Xavier McKinney | Packers | 49ers |
| 9 | Jeremy Chinn | Commanders | Cowboys |
| 10 | Kerby Joseph | Lions | Colts |
| 11 | Jalen Pitre | Texans | Titans |
| 12 | Julian Blackmon | Colts | Lions |
| 13 | Tre’von Moehrig | Raiders | Broncos |
| 14 | Quentin Lake | Rams | Eagles |
| 15 | Deommodore Lenoir | 49ers | Packers |
| 16 | DeShon Elliott | Steelers | Browns |
| 17 | Kyle Dugger (Q) | Patriots | Dolphins |
| 18 | Devon Witherspoon | Seahawks | Cardinals |
| 19 | Kenny Moore II | Colts | Lions |
| 20 | Tykee Smith (Q) | Buccaneers | Giants |
| 21 | Marlon Humphrey | Ravens | Chargers |
| 22 | Camryn Bynum | Vikings | Bears |
| 23 | Tyrique Stevenson | Bears | Vikings |
| 24 | Jaylon Jones | Colts | Lions |
| 25 | Reed Blankenship | Eagles | Rams |
| 26 | Kevin Byard | Bears | Vikings |
| 27 | Zyon McCollum (Q) | Buccaneers | Giants |
| 28 | Brandon Jones (Q) | Broncos | Raiders |
| 29 | Josh Metellus | Vikings | Bears |
| 30 | Minkah Fitzpatrick | Steelers | Browns |
| 31 | Malik Mustapha | 49ers | Packers |
| 32 | Ji’Ayir Brown | 49ers | Packers |
| 33 | Jordan Whitehead | Buccaneers | Giants |
| 34 | Jalen Thompson (Q) | Cardinals | Seahawks |
| 35 | Grant Delpit | Browns | Steelers |
| 36 | Jevon Holland (Q) | Dolphins | Patriots |
| 37 | Riley Moss | Broncos | Raiders |
| 38 | Charvarius Ward (Q) | 49ers | Packers |
| 39 | Tyler Nubin | Giants | Buccaneers |
| 40 | Xavier Woods | Panthers | Chiefs |
| 41 | Byron Murphy Jr. | Vikings | Bears |
| 42 | Jamel Dean (Q) | Buccaneers | Giants |
| 43 | Amani Hooker | Titans | Texans |
| 44 | Kamren Kinchens | Rams | Eagles |
| 45 | Keisean Nixon | Packers | 49ers |
| 46 | Mike Sainristil | Commanders | Cowboys |
| 47 | Javon Bullard | Packers | 49ers |
| 48 | Chamarri Conner | Chiefs | Panthers |
| 49 | Michael Jackson | Panthers | Chiefs |
| 50 | Bryan Cook | Chiefs | Panthers |
DB Riser of the Week
Tyler Nubin, New York Giants
As we have previously mentioned, Nubin was a ballhawk in college. He totaled 13 interceptions and 11 pass deflections in 55 games at Minnesota. However, that ball production has not yet translated into the pros. The pass-oriented Buccaneers offense could help with that.
Tampa Bay has attempted the seventh-most pass attempts in the NFL since Chris Godwin and Mike Evans went down. The hope is that Evans will return this week, but even if he does, you should expect plenty of targets to go to Cade Otton and the running backs. That means plenty of volume for Nubin, who covers the slot and the box for nearly half his snaps.
Rookie safety Tyler Nubin with the tackle for a loss to force a third and long that was not converted. pic.twitter.com/nbDarHicMq
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) November 10, 2024
Even if Nubin doesn't get one of those elusive turnovers, he's a fine streaming option this week. He has nine or more tackles in four of his past six games and should spend much time on the Buccaneers' top weapons. Nubin is also a fine stash for the rest of the season, as his production is trending up, and he has a favorable playoff slate.
DB Disappointment of the Week
Riley Moss, Denver Broncos
Moss is the 28th-most-rostered DB in fantasy and has been a consistent source of fantasy points, thanks partly to the high volume he sees as offenses avoid Pat Surtain II. His ability to support against the run keeps him viable in a Week 12 ravaged by bye-week losses, too. However, those regularly relying on Moss must manage expectations.
The Raiders are yet another team without a clear volume hog at wide receiver. That's a problem since Moss spends his time almost exclusively out wide. With Brock Bowers lining up almost exclusively on the inside and Jakobi Meyers spending one-third of his time in the slot, Vegas should be able to avoid Moss in the passing game.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
More Fantasy Football Analysis
Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.
