RADIO
Week 12 in the fantasy football season is a critical juncture. With six teams on bye, options are slim, and managers must make savvy lineup decisions as the playoffs loom.
One misstep—a "landmine" starter who underperforms—could cost you a victory and potentially a playoff berth. This week, we spotlight five players who may look tempting but are unlikely to deliver the goods.
If you’ve got better options, this is the week to deploy them. Here’s why these players, despite their usual appeal, should ride the bench in Week 12.
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
Matthew Stafford, QB, vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Last week, Matthew Stafford turned back the clock with a monster 30.75-point performance against the New England Patriots. Before you fire him up for a sequel, let’s hit the brakes. The Philadelphia Eagles aren’t the soft matchup the Patriots were—they’re a defensive buzzsaw.
The Eagles boast the NFL’s second-ranked pass defense, surrendering just 173.2 passing yards per game. They’ve allowed a mere nine passing touchdowns all season, including only one in their last three games. Over the past month, opposing quarterbacks have averaged just 11.10 fantasy points against this unit, making them the third-stingiest defense against the position.
Stafford’s stat line (13 TDs, 7 INTs, 255.7 yards per game) doesn’t inspire confidence against this level of opposition. The Rams’ offensive line is a work in progress, and Stafford, who has no mobility (a league-low -7 rushing yards), will be a sitting duck against Philly’s pass rush. Expect his numbers to crater compared to last week.
Matthew Stafford was VERY good on Sunday for the Rams against the Patriots.
This is such an elite throw with elite level placement. Extremely tight window and places it perfectly over the CB and underneath the safety to Nacua along the sideline. Zero margin for error. pic.twitter.com/wbNC1R3xAG
— Blaine Grisak 💭 (@bgrisakTST) November 21, 2024
D'Andre Swift, RB, vs. Minnesota Vikings
D'Andre Swift has been a steady producer for fantasy managers this season, averaging a respectable 14.78 points per game. However, this week’s matchup against the Vikings should give you serious pause.
Minnesota’s run defense is downright suffocating. They rank first in fantasy points allowed to running backs over the past four weeks and have given up just 74.4 rushing yards per game on the season. They’ve allowed only four rushing touchdowns in nine games, and opposing RBs average a paltry 12.5 fantasy points per game against them.
Swift’s efficiency has dipped recently (4.1 YPC), and his lack of receiving touchdowns limits his upside. In a brutal matchup like this, even reliable producers can struggle.
Xavier Worthy, WR, vs. Carolina Panthers
Xavier Worthy has emerged as a sneaky option in the Chiefs’ receiving corps, especially with injuries to their top wideouts. After posting 61 yards and a touchdown last week against Buffalo, he seems like a hot pickup. Week 12 presents a trap disguised as opportunity.
The Panthers, despite their struggles overall, have quietly shut down opposing wide receivers in recent weeks. Over the last four games, they’ve allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to WRs. Also, Worthy has been underwhelming all season-long in his production: just 30.7 yards per game and two games with fewer than 15 receiving yards in his last three outings.
If the Chiefs jump out to an early lead—as this matchup suggests—Patrick Mahomes may not need to air it out, leaving Worthy with minimal volume. He’s a high-risk play this week.
That came one play after rookie WR Xavier Worthy was out of bounds on what should've been an easy Chiefs TD. pic.twitter.com/58R6sPVbxc https://t.co/76QJnSqFZc
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 5, 2024
Mark Andrews, TE, vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Mark Andrews has long been a fantasy stalwart, but the 2024 campaign has been rocky. He averages 9.08 points per game, ranking outside the top 10 among tight ends. His Week 12 matchup against the Chargers does him no favors.
The Chargers are good at defending tight ends, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to the position over the past month. They’ve also kept opposing offenses in check, yielding a league-low 14.5 points per game. Andrews’ recent form is another concern—he’s eclipsed 50 receiving yards just once in his last five outings and managed just 22 yards on two catches last week against Pittsburgh.
With his declining target share (11.6%) and Baltimore spreading the ball more than ever, Andrews’ ceiling looks capped. Don’t expect a bounce-back performance in this tough spot.
RAVENS TAKE THE LEAD❗️
LAMAR FINDS MARK ANDREWS FOR 6
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/QB8iMPFO8c
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 8, 2024
Marvin Harrison Jr., Flex, vs. Seattle Seahawks
Marvin Harrison Jr. is among the most talented young wideouts in the game, but his Week 12 matchup against the Seahawks poses significant challenges. Seattle’s defense is ranked 21st in fantasy points allowed to WRs this season, which might not seem threatening at first glance. Context matters.
Harrison needs help to post elite numbers consistently. He’s hit 100 receiving yards twice this year and hasn’t recorded a game with double-digit receptions. While he’s scored six touchdowns, his reliance on big plays (a 60-yard grab accounts for most of his highlight reel) makes him a boom-or-bust option. Against a Seattle defense allowing just 210.9 passing yards per game, the likelihood of those boom plays shrinks.
The Cardinals offense also tends to spread the ball, and Harrison’s 20.6% target share isn’t high enough to guarantee volume. If you rely on Harrison in a flex spot, brace for a floor game rather than fireworks.
Final Thoughts
The key to surviving Week 12 isn’t just about plugging holes left by bye weeks—it’s about avoiding pitfalls. Each of these players has its merits, but the matchups, trends, and circumstances point to underwhelming performances. When options are tight, making the right bench decisions can be just as crucial as starting the right players.
Take a close look at your roster and consider safer alternatives. In a week where every point matters, sidestepping these landmines could be the move that propels you closer to the fantasy playoffs. Good luck, and may your Week 12 decisions bring you success.
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