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Welcome back, RotoBallers, to another start'em and sit'em piece as we look ahead to Week 12! There will be a whopping six teams on bye this week (Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Jets), so that means fantasy managers might need to look deeper on their benches. This Week 12 matchups analysis and Start 'Em, Sit 'Em piece will surely help you.
Last week, players like Jonnu Smith, Justin Herbert, and Jauan Jennings made the love list. Smith scored 28.1 PPR fantasy points to finish as the TE3 in PPR formats, while Herbert (QB8) and Jennings (WR7) both finished top-10 at their respective positions.
So, let's dive into every Week 12 game (Sunday through Monday) and analyze the best starts and sits. This article will go through every player in every game to determine which players you should be starting in fantasy this weekend.
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
Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 EST Games
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Giants
Spread: Buccaneers -6
Matchups We Love:
QB Tommy Devito
Tommy DeVito will get the start against the Buccaneers this week, and this is a great matchup for the young quarterback. The Buccaneers have given up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks while allowing a top-12 fantasy quarterback in eight of 10 games this season. While fantasy managers shouldn't be starting him in most one-quarterback leagues, he is a solid QB2 option due to his rushing upside.
Baker Mayfield will get his top wide receiver (Mike Evans) back in this game, and given this matchup, he'll be a solid QB1 option against the Giants. New York has allowed at least 19 fantasy points to four different quarterbacks over the last six games. That is great news for Mayfield in Week 12, considering he has scored at least 19 fantasy points seven times this season.
Reports have come out that the Giants plan to be run heavy moving forward with DeVito under center. That makes Tyrone Tracy Jr. a strong RB2 play in Week 12. The Buccaneers have struggled to stop the run this season and opposing backs are averaging over 4.7 yards per carry on the ground against them. On top of that, Tampa Bay has allowed a top-12 fantasy running back in four straight games.
WR Malik Nabers
It remains to be seen if Daniel Jones' benching hurts Malik Nabers' fantasy value. Although Nabers hasn't produced big fantasy numbers in recent weeks, his 36.4% target share currently leads all wide receivers. However, you're still starting the rookie in Week 12. The Buccaneers have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts, and seven different wideouts have totaled at least 85 yards against this secondary.
Update: Nabers suffered a groin injury and is questionable for Sunday. But he intends to play.
"I get open pretty well, I create a lot of separation, so I'm sure when I get open he's going to be able to deliver the ball"
Malik Nabers on working with Tommy DeVito: pic.twitter.com/lRmHYJMJN2
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) November 21, 2024
TE Theo Johnson
With multiple tight ends on bye, Theo Johnson could be a solid replacement in Week 12. He has seen at least six targets in back-to-back games and continues to play almost every snap on offense. Given that the Buccaneers have also allowed a top-6 fantasy tight end in each of the past four games, Johnson is a sneaky TE1 play in 12-plus team leagues this weekend.
Matchups We Hate:
Wan'Dale Robinson has been quiet in recent weeks and will be a risky flex play in most PPR leagues this weekend. Robinson has totaled less than 10.5 PPR fantasy points in five straight games while seeing only 17 targets across the last three contests. With a matchup against the Buccaneers upcoming -- a team that is allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to slot wideouts -- he might be hard to trust this week.
TE Cade Otton
Cade Otton being on this list doesn't necessarily mean you should be benching him in Week 12. He has seen at least eight targets in four straight games and currently ranks as the TE5 on the season. However, the matchup against the Giants is tough. New York has given up the fewest fantasy points to tight ends, and this secondary hasn't allowed a top-14 tight end in six straight games. Still, Otton is a low-end TE1 this week.
Other Matchups:
Buccaneers RBs
Rachaad White continues to lead this Buccaneers backfield and will be an RB2 option against the Giants. White has played above 55% of the team's offensive snaps in three straight games while catching at least five passes in three of the past four contests. Even with Evans returning, the young back should be in for a solid game against a New York defense allowing over 5.1 yards per carry on the ground.
That 5.1 yards per carry against also makes Bucky Irving an RB2 play in Week 12. Irving is averaging 5.1 yards per carry on the ground this year while rushing for at least 60 yards in four different games this season. With his snap share hovering around 40% over the last three weeks, he can be in most lineups this week. The rookie has also caught at least three passes in four straight games.
WR Mike Evans
Evans will likely return from his multi-week hamstring injury in Week 12 and will be a WR2 play in fantasy. With Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the season, look for the veteran wideout to see more targets his way moving forward. Even though Deonte Banks will likely shadow him in this game, that shouldn't affect his overall fantasy numbers this weekend. Quarterbacks have a 137.8 passer rating when targeting Banks this season.
Update: Evans is questionable for Sunday's game with that hamstring injury.
Injuries:
- Mike Evans (hamstring)
- Malik Nabers (groin)
Kansas City Chiefs at Carolina Panthers
Spread: Chiefs -11
Matchups We Love:
Chiefs RBs
It remains to be seen if Isiah Pacheco (leg) plays this weekend. If he doesn't, Kareem Hunt is a must-start against a Panthers defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season. If Pacheco plays, both Chiefs running backs could be potential flex plays in a great matchup.
Update: Pacheco has been ruled out for Week 12, so Hunt is a strong RB1 option this weekend.
TE Travis Kelce
After a rough fantasy day last week, expect Travis Kelce to post bigger numbers in Week 12 against the Panthers. Carolina has given up the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this season, and Kelce has scored at least 20 PPR fantasy points in two of the past three games. Start him as your TE1 this week.
Matchups We Hate:
Even though Jonathon Brooks (knee) will likely make his season debut in Week 12, Chuba Hubbard should still lead this backfield in touches this weekend. However, this matchup against the Chiefs isn't ideal. Kansas City has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season. As a result, Hubbard is a low-end RB2 option.
Other Matchups:
QB Bryce Young
Bryce Young should only be started in deeper Superflex leagues this weekend. Although the Chiefs have allowed a top-14 fantasy quarterback in four of the past five weeks, Young continues to have a low fantasy floor each week. He has yet to score above 16 fantasy points or throw for more than 225 yards in a game this season.
With six teams on bye this week, Patrick Mahomes will come in as a low-end QB1 option against the Panthers. Mahomes has scored at least 16.5 fantasy points in four straight games and will now go up against a Panthers defense that has allowed a top-12 fantasy quarterback in four of the past seven weeks, including a QB2 finish to Bo Nix back in Week 8.
Panthers WRs
It's tough to trust any Panthers wide receiver this week against a top-5 Chiefs secondary. Adam Thielen will likely return from his hamstring injury, but he could be limited in his first game back. Jalen Coker does have flex potential in deeper formats. However, he has caught three passes or fewer in four of the past five games. Xavier Legette hasn't also caught more than four passes in a game in six straight weeks.
Update: Thielen is questionable for Sunday's game but is expected to play. Coker is questionable due to a quad injury he suffered in Friday's practice.
DeAndre Hopkins hasn't been as involved in recent weeks. He has a 12.7% target share over the last two games and has scored less than 10 PPR fantasy points in both of those contests. He is certainly trending down heading into Week 12. Still, he can be a solid flex option against the Panthers due to his upside in this Kansas City offense.
Xavier Worthy has been hit-or-miss in fantasy in recent weeks, but he put up 16.8 PPR fantasy points in last week's loss to the Bills. As a result, Worthy will be a flex play in most formats in Week 12. He has seen at least five targets in three of the past five games and has the potential to catch a deep touchdown from Mahomes in this game.
Injuries:
- Isiah Pacheco (leg)
- Jonathon Brooks (knee)
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders
Spread: Commanders -10
Matchups We Love:
Some fantasy managers might be panicking about Jayden Daniels after two consecutive subpar games. But a much better game should be in store for him in Week 12 against the Cowboys. Dallas has given up the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, and five different quarterbacks have finished in the top four at the position against this defense this season. As a result, Daniels is a strong QB1 play this week.
Brian Robinson Jr. is a strong start in Week 12 against a struggling Cowboys run defense. Dallas has given up the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season, and Joe Mixon just ran all over this front seven for 109 yards and three touchdowns a week ago. Given that this defense has also allowed a top-10 fantasy running back in four of the past five games, Robinson should be in all lineups this weekend.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Cooper Rush
Cooper Rush threw 55 passes in last week's loss, and if Dallas falls behind early again in this contest, it could be another big passing day for Rush. As a result, he'll be a low-end QB2 option in Superflex formats this weekend. The Commanders have allowed at least 18 fantasy points to the position in three straight games.
On paper, this might seem like a great matchup for Austin Ekeler. The Cowboys are allowing over 4.6 yards per carry this season and have allowed a top-10 fantasy running back in four of the past five games. However, this is not a great game script for Ekeler. He hasn't totaled more than eight carries in a game with Brian Robinson Jr. active and most of his points come through the air. So, he will only be a flex play in Week 12.
RB Rico Dowdle
Rico Dowdle could be in for a solid game in Week 12 against the Commanders. Washington has allowed over 4.9 yards per carry to opposing running backs over the last four weeks and has given up eight rushing touchdowns since Week 6. With Dowdle the clear lead back in this Dallas offense, he will be a low-end RB2 option this weekend.
WR CeeDee Lamb
Fantasy managers should continue starting CeeDee Lamb in Week 12. He saw 12 targets last week and is now up to 22 total targets with Rush under center over the past two weeks. Even though the Commanders have done a good job against slot wideouts like DeVonta Smith (29 yards), Wan'Dale Robinson (10 yards), and Keenan Allen (39 yards) in recent weeks, Lamb is still a solid WR1 play this weekend.
Commanders WRs
It was a disappointing fantasy performance from Terry McLaurin last week, as he caught only one pass for 10 yards. However, expect a bounce-back game from him in Week 12. The Cowboys have allowed the 12th-most receiving yards per game to opposing wideouts this season. McLaurin will be a WR2 play. As for Noah Brown, he could be a flex play in deeper leagues. He has seen at least six targets in three of the past four games.
With Jake Ferguson (concussion) out in Week 12, Luke Schoonmaker should start for the Cowboys at tight end this week. That makes him a potential TE1 play in deeper formats this weekend. He caught six passes for 56 yards last week while seeing a season-high 10 targets. Given that Washington has allowed a top-12 fantasy tight end in five of the past six weeks, Schoonmaker has some fantasy value.
TE Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz will be a low-end TE1 option in Week 12 against the Cowboys. Ertz has seen at least seven targets in three of the past four games, and Dallas has allowed a top-12 fantasy tight end in three of the past five games. He will continue to be a solid TE1 play for most fantasy managers this weekend.
Injuries:
- Jake Ferguson (concussion)
- Dak Prescott (hamstring)
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
Spread: Dolphins -8
Matchups We Love:
De'Von Achane is a must-start in Week 12 against the Patriots. New England has allowed nine different running backs to rush for at least 75 yards since Week 4, including both Raheem Mostert (80 yards) and Jaylen Wright (86 yards) back in Week 5. Achane got hurt in that contest last time, but he'll be a strong RB1 play this time around.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Drake Maye
Drake Maye has scored at least 17 fantasy points in four of his five full starts. However, expectations should be tempered in Week 12 against the Dolphins. Miami has given up the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. The good news, though, is that this defense has allowed at least 19 fantasy points to the position in three of the past four games. Therefore, Maye will be a middle-of-the-pack QB2 play this week.
Tua Tagovailoa enjoyed his best fantasy game of the season last week, scoring 23.5 fantasy points. Now, he gets a matchup against a Patriots defense that has allowed multiple passing touchdowns in three of the past four games. New England has also allowed at least 17 fantasy points to six different quarterbacks across 11 games this season. Tagovailoa will be a low-end QB1 play this weekend.
The last time Rhamondre Stevenson faced this Dolphins defense, he finished as the RB4 in PPR formats. Although Miami has been better against the run in recent weeks -- allowing only 3.8 yards per carry to opposing running backs over the last four games -- this is still a solid matchup for Stevenson in Week 12. He has seen at least 20 carries in three of the past four games while catching at least three passes in three of those contests.
WR Tyreek Hill
The first-round fantasy production is still not there from Tyreek Hill, but he did score 19.1 PPR fantasy points last week (his most since Week 1). As a result, fantasy managers should continue starting him in Week 12. Hill will likely see the Christian Gonzalez shadow in this game. However, that won't be enough to bench him, considering the wideout totaled 12.9 PPR fantasy points with Tyler Huntley the last time these two teams played.
At this point, fantasy managers can't be starting Jaylen Waddle in fantasy. He has finished outside the top 45 at the wide receiver position in seven of the past eight games and currently ranks as the WR60 on the season. With Waddle seeing fewer and fewer opportunities each week, he should only be started in 14-plus team leagues this weekend.
Patriots WRs
Both DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte could be flex options in deeper formats in Week 12. Douglas has scored in double figures in PPR formats in two of the past three games, and the Patriots wideout scored 11.9 PPR fantasy points the last time against this Dolphins secondary. As for Boutte, he has seen six targets in four straight games and could be an option in 14-plus team leagues this weekend.
TE Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry has established himself as a solid target for Maye, which has resulted in the tight end finishing as a top-12 option in four of the past six weeks. Now, he gets a matchup against a Dolphins secondary that just allowed 31.3 PPR fantasy points to Brock Bowers a week ago. This now marks the second time in four weeks that Miami has given up at least 20 PPR fantasy points to a tight end. Henry is a TE1 play in Week 12.
TE Jonnu Smith
It's hard to sit Jonnu Smith after his Week 11 performance. He finished with 28.1 PPR fantasy points, played a season-high 81% of the team's offensive snaps, and saw eight targets in a game for the second time this season. Given that Smith has also seen at least six targets in five of the past six games, he is a solid TE1 play against the Patriots.
Injuries:
None
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
Spread: Texans -8
Matchups We Love:
Calvin Ridley only scored 9.8 PPR fantasy points last week, but it could have been a whole lot more after a 51-yard touchdown was negated by an illegal formation call. Fantasy managers should still feel strongly about playing Ridley in Week 12. The Texans have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts, and the Titans playmaker has a 30.4% target share since Week 6.
Matchups We Hate:
QB C.J. Stroud
C.J. Stroud has not been a strong quarterback option in recent weeks. He has finished outside the top 20 at the position in four of the past five weeks while averaging only 10.5 fantasy points during that span. It's likely best to roll with another quarterback in Week 12. The Titans have also allowed the fewest passing yards per game (164.6) this season.
RB Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard hasn't seen as many opportunities over the past two weeks with Tyjae Spears back in the lineup. That has resulted in 10.3 PPR fantasy points and 4.9 PPR fantasy points. Unfortunately, he now goes up against a Texans defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. If Spears -- who left with a concussion in last week's game -- doesn't play, then Pollard is a solid RB2 play.
Update: Spears has been ruled for Week 12, so Pollard is a solid RB2 play.
WR Tank Dell
With six teams on bye this week, some fantasy managers might be forced to start Tank Dell in 12-plus team leagues. However, Dell is not a great start in most formats this weekend. The Titans have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts, and Nico Collins should be more involved in his second week back. Dell is a risky play this weekend.
There are better options than Dalton Schultz for fantasy this week. Schultz hasn't scored in double figures in any game this season and has a tough matchup against the Titans in Week 12. Tennessee has allowed only two tight ends to score in double figures in PPR formats through the first 11 weeks. He'll be a low-end TE1 option in 16-plus team leagues this week.
Other Matchups:
QB Will Levis
Will Levis has scored over 16 fantasy points in back-to-back games, so he'll be a QB2 option in Superflex formats in Week 12. The Texans have allowed multiple passing touchdowns in seven of 11 games so far this season and given up at least 17 fantasy points to quarterbacks in four of the past six weeks. That makes Levis a potential play in two-quarterback leagues.
RB Joe Mixon
Joe Mixon is a must-start every week and continues to be one of the best running back options this season. He is averaging 22.6 PPR fantasy points through 11 weeks while finishing as a top-12 fantasy running back in five of the past six weeks. Make sure to keep Mixon in your lineups in Week 12 against the Titans.
Joe Mixon has the running back crown 👑 pic.twitter.com/ShND5XQ1oU
— ESPN Fantasy Sports (@ESPNFantasy) November 21, 2024
WR Nico Collins
Although reports said that Collins was a "full-go" last week, he only played 47% of the team's offensive snaps. However, expect that number to increase in Week 12. While the Titans have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts, you shouldn't be sitting the Texans wideout in this game. He is averaging 19.4 PPR fantasy points across five games this season.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is an interesting flex play in deeper formats in Week 12. He has scored a touchdown in five of the past six weeks and caught a 98-yard touchdown in last week's loss. On top of that, Westbrook-Ikhine has seen at least six targets in two of the past three games. As a result, he could be an option this week against a Texans secondary that has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game to wideouts.
Injuries:
- Tyjae Spears (concussion)
Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts
Spread: Lions -7.5
Matchups We Love:
Lions RBs
Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery will continue to be must-starts in fantasy in Week 12. The Colts have given up the 10th-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs and have allowed eight different running backs to rush for over 75 yards against them this season. Given that Indianapolis ranks 28th in rush yards allowed per game (143.1), both Gibbs and Montgomery need to be in lineups this weekend.
WR Josh Downs
Even with Anthony Richardson starting last week, Josh Downs finished with 19.4 PPR fantasy points. That is certainly great news for his rest-of-season outlook moving forward. Now, he goes up against a Lions secondary that hasn't been able to stop slot wideouts. Detroit has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to slot wideouts through 11 weeks. Downs will be a high-end WR3 this weekend in a great matchup.
TE Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta didn't play last week due to a shoulder injury, but he will return this week and be a low-end TE1 against the Colts. Indianapolis has allowed a top-10 fantasy tight end in five of the last nine weeks while allowing the sixth-most fantasy points per game to the position this season. Given that LaPorta has seen at least six targets in two of his last three games, he has some potential this weekend.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson played well last week and scored a season-high 28.1 fantasy points. However, the Lions defense presents a tough challenge for the Colts quarterback. Detroit has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, and this defense has given up only seven passing touchdowns all year. There is potential for Richardson to use his legs in this game, but he's more of a QB2 option in Week 12.
You're likely still starting Jonathan Taylor in Week 12, but the matchup against the Lions isn't a great one. Detroit has given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, and only three running backs have finished top-20 at the position against it through 11 weeks. Still, Taylor is a low-end RB1 option in Week 12.
Other Matchups:
QB Jared Goff
Jared Goff was unstoppable last week, scoring 34.6 fantasy points behind a four-touchdown performance. That now marks the seventh time this season that Goff has thrown multiple touchdown passes in a game. As a result, he'll be a low-end QB1 option in Week 12. The Colts have allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game this season.
It's hard to trust Michael Pittman Jr. in fantasy this week. Even though this matchup against the Lions is a favorable one, Pittman has an incredibly low ceiling and low floor in fantasy this week. The good news is that he saw eight targets in last week's win. The bad news, though, is that he averaged only 5.7 yards per reception last week. He'll only be a potential flex option in 12-plus team leagues this weekend.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is a must-start in Week 12 against the Colts. St. Brown has scored a touchdown in eight straight games and just totaled a season-high 161 yards in last week's win. He is a strong WR1 play this weekend.
The target share remains low for Jameson Williams, but he did see six targets last week (his most in a game since Week 2). He has some flex appeal this weekend against the Colts. Indianapolis has allowed some solid numbers to outside wide receivers in recent weeks, which included Mack Hollins (86 yards), Justin Jefferson (137 yards), and Davante Adams (72 yards) totaling over 70 receiving yards against this secondary.
Injuries:
None
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Spread: Vikings -3.5
Matchups We Love:
RB Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones hasn't put up solid fantasy numbers in recent weeks, averaging only 10.3 PPR fantasy points over the last four games. However, expect a get-right game for Jones in Week 12 against the Bears. Chicago is allowing over 4.8 yards per carry to opposing backs this season, and Josh Jacobs just scored 23.4 PPR fantasy points against this defense last week. The Vikings back will be a solid RB2 play this weekend.
WR DJ Moore
With a new offensive coordinator last week, DJ Moore caught seven passes for 52 yards and finished with 13.7 PPR fantasy points. Those 13.7 fantasy points are his most in a game since Week 5. Now, he has a great matchup against the Vikings in Week 12. Minnesota has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts this season, making Moore a solid flex option.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold has finished as a top-10 fantasy quarterback in two of the past three weeks. However, it'll be hard to trust Darnold as a QB1 option in Week 12 against the Bears. Chicago has given up the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks while allowing only two quarterbacks to finish top-12 at the position this year. The Vikings signal-caller is more of a QB2 play this weekend.
Given that Caleb Williams has finished outside the top 20 at the quarterback position in four straight games, it's best to only roll with him in Superflex formats this weekend. On top of that, the Vikings have given up the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks through 11 weeks.
Bears RBs
It remains to be seen if D'Andre Swift (groin) will be able to suit up in Week 12. Even if he does, though, he will be a risky RB2 option. His snap share dropped to 57% last week with a new offensive coordinator, and the Vikings have allowed only three top-24 running backs this season. If Swift can't go, Roschon Johnson would be a risky RB2. However, Johnson's potential volume makes him a play in most leagues.
Update: Swift is questionable for Week 12 after practicing in full on Friday.
Other Matchups:
WR Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson will almost certainly draw the Jaylon Johnson shadow in this game, but you are still starting him in Week 12. Jefferson has totaled at least 80 receiving yards in eight of 10 games this season and currently ranks as the WR3 on the season. Even though Johnson has locked down many WR1s this year, the All-Pro wideout needs to stay in lineups this weekend.
It's a nice sign that Jordan Addison saw eight targets in last week's win. However, he'll remain a risky flex option in Week 12 against the Bears. Addison has caught three passes or less in seven of his eight games this season and now goes up against a Chicago secondary that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to wideouts.
WRs Keenan Allen/Rome Odunze
At this point, fantasy managers should not be starting Keenan Allen. He has only scored in double figures in PPR formats once this season while catching four passes or fewer in six of his eight games. As a result, Allen will be a risky flex option in 14-plus team leagues.
As for Rome Odunze, he has some potential as a flex option in 12-plus team leagues. He has seen at least six targets in four straight games and just caught six passes for 65 yards in Week 11. Given that Minnesota has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to wideouts this season, Odunze could be a solid start in some leagues this weekend.
Update: Allen is questionable for Sunday's game due to an ankle injury. If he can't go, Odunze would be a solid flex play in most leagues.
T.J. Hockenson hasn't played over 50% of the team's snaps in any of his three games this season. Still, he'll be a low-end TE1 option against the Bears in Week 12. Chicago has done a solid job against tight ends this season and has only allowed three tight ends to score above 10 PPR fantasy points this season. However, Hockenson has plenty of upside in this Minnesota offense to finish with solid fantasy numbers this week.
TE Cole Kmet
Given that Cole Kmet has finished outside the top 20 at the tight-end position in each of the past four games, he should only be started in extremely deep leagues. Kmet has seen only eight targets since Week 8, and the Vikings have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends this season.
Injuries:
- D'Andre Swift (groin)
- Keenan Allen (ankle)
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Games
Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders
Spread: Broncos -5.5
Matchups We Love:
QB Bo Nix
Bo Nix will be a solid QB1 play against the Raiders in Week 12. Las Vegas has given up the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season while allowing a top-12 fantasy quarterback in four of the past six weeks. Five different quarterbacks have also scored over 23 fantasy points against this defense this year.
After seeing limited snaps in Week 10, Javonte Williams went back to being the top back in this Broncos offense in Week 11. He played 52% of the team's offensive snaps while finishing with 18.7 PPR fantasy points. Now, he gets a great matchup against a Raiders defense that is allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. As a result, Williams will be a low-end RB2 option this weekend.
Matchups We Hate:
Gardner Minshew scored over 18 fantasy points last week for the first time all year. However, he'll be a risky QB2 play against the Broncos in Week 12. Denver has given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, and only one quarterback has scored above 16.5 fantasy points against this secondary since Week 2.
Jakobi Meyers had a solid game against the Broncos the last time these two teams faced off back in Week 5. He caught six passes for 72 yards and finished as the WR29 in PPR formats. However, he'll be a low-end WR2 option this weekend. Meyers will likely draw the Patrick Surtain II shadow in this game, and Surtain has allowed only 18 catches all season.
WR Tre Tucker
Tre Tucker should only be started in extremely deep leagues in Week 12. Not only do the Broncos give up the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts, but Tucker has caught three passes or fewer in six straight games. There are likely better options than the Raiders playmaker this weekend.
Other Matchups:
Raiders RBs
It remains to be seen if Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quad) will be able to suit up in Week 12. Both running backs left last week's game early with their respective injuries. If both can't go, look for Ameer Abdullah and Dylan Laube to step up in their place. Abdullah would come in as a risky flex play this weekend in deeper formats against a Broncos defense that is allowing only 3.7 yards per carry this season.
Update: Both Mattison and White are doubtful for Week 12, so Abdullah should draw his first start of the season on Sunday.
Courtland Sutton has been a strong fantasy option in recent weeks, scoring at least 14.5 PPR fantasy points in five of the past six games. The 6-foot-4 wideout has also seen at least eight targets in four straight games. As a result, Sutton will be a solid WR2 option in Week 12 against the Raiders. Las Vegas has allowed seven catches to WR1s in back-to-back contests.
TE Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers continues to be featured heavily on offense. He just caught a career-high 13 passes for 126 yards against the Dolphins last week while seeing 16 targets. As a result, he will be a strong TE1 option against a Broncos defense that allowed 23.7 PPR fantasy points to Bowers back in Week 5.
Injuries:
- Alexander Mattison (ankle)
- Zamir White (quad)
San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers
Spread: Packers -2.5
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
TE Tucker Kraft
After seeing one target last week, Tucker Kraft will be a risky TE1 play in Week 12. Only one tight end has scored more than 12 PPR fantasy points against the 49ers, and this secondary has allowed only two tight-end touchdowns this season (Austin Hooper and Elijah Higgins). Given that Kraft will enter the week with a 13.9% target share, he should be avoided in most cases this weekend.
Other Matchups:
QB Brock Purdy
The Packers have done a solid job preventing big fantasy days for quarterbacks this season. Only three quarterbacks have finished as a top-18 option against them, and only one quarterback (Trevor Lawrence) has thrown for multiple touchdowns against this secondary since Week 5. Still, Purdy is a solid QB1 play in Week 12, especially considering he has finished as a top-12 fantasy quarterback in four of the past five games.
Update: Brock Purdy has been ruled out for Week 12 with a shoulder injury. Brandon Allen will start in his place and should only be an option in Superflex formats.
QB Jordan Love
Jordan Love will be a low-end QB1 in Week 12 against the 49ers. Love has finished as a top-12 fantasy quarterback in five of his eight starts this season and is currently averaging 18.9 fantasy points per game. While San Francisco has allowed only two top-18 fantasy quarterbacks this season, Love just managed to score 21.2 fantasy points against the Bears defense last week. He should be in most lineups this weekend.
Christian McCaffrey averaged 21 touches in his first two games this season while playing at least 88% of the team's offensive snaps in both weeks. As a result, he'll continue to be a strong RB1 option in Week 12 against the Packers.
RB Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs had one of his strongest games last week, rushing 18 times for 76 yards and one touchdown. Jacobs also played a season-high 80% of the team's offensive snaps. Therefore, he will be a solid RB2 option against the 49ers in Week 12. San Francisco has allowed a rushing touchdown in five straight games with four top-12 running backs during that span.
WR Jauan Jennings
Jauan Jennings should be a strong WR2 option for the rest of the season after seeing 11 targets in back-to-back weeks. In those two games, Jennings has caught 17 passes for 184 yards and one touchdown. He's a solid start in most formats this weekend against the Packers. Green Bay just allowed seven catches to DJ Moore last week.
Update: Jennings now becomes a risky flex play this week with Purdy ruled out.
Deebo Samuel has been somewhat of a disappointment in recent weeks, scoring less than 13 PPR fantasy points in four straight games. However, his high fantasy ceiling will make him a WR2 play this week against the Packers. Samuel ranks 18th amongst wide receivers in yards per route run this season.
Update: Samuel will become more of a WR3 this weekend with Purdy ruled out.
Packers WRs
Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson could all be solid flex plays in Week 12 against the 49ers. Reed might have only seen four targets or fewer in three of the past four games, but the 49ers just allowed 10 catches for 110 yards to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the slot last week. He'll be a high-end WR3 option this weekend.
As for Doubs and Watson, they will be flex plays in 12-plus team leagues. Both players, though, will have a low fantasy floor against the 49ers. San Francisco has allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game to outside wide receivers, and both Doubs and Watson have caught three passes or fewer in three straight weeks.
George Kittle missed last week's game due to a hamstring injury, but he should return in Week 12 against the Packers. As a result, he will be a must-start option this weekend. Kittle has finished as a top-10 fantasy option in every game this season, and Green Bay has allowed six different tight ends to finish top-12 at the position in 2024.
Update: Kittle's fantasy value will roughly stay the same with Brandon Allen under center.
Injuries:
- George Kittle (hamstring)
- Brock Purdy (shoulder)
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks
Spread: Seahawks -1
Matchups We Love:
Kenneth Walker should be in for a strong game in Week 12. Arizona has given up the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, and Walker has finished as a top-16 fantasy running back in six of eight games this season. Given that the Cardinals are allowing over 4.5 yards per carry on the ground, the Seattle back is a solid RB1 option.
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to have a role in this Seattle offense. Even though DK Metcalf returned last week, Smith-Njigba finished with 21.8 PPR fantasy points. Now, he goes up against a Cardinals secondary that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to slot wideouts. Fantasy managers can slot in the Seahawks playmaker as a low-end WR2 option this weekend.
Matchups We Hate:
Seahawks TE
It remains to be seen if Noah Fant (groin) will play in Week 12. Either way, though, whichever Seahawks tight end starts this weekend (Fant or AJ Barner) should be avoided in fantasy. Arizona has given up the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this season while not allowing a top-20 fantasy tight end in three straight games.
Update: Fant is questionable for Sunday.
Other Matchups:
QB Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray scored 28.7 fantasy points back in Week 10 before the team's bye week. He'll now go up against a Seahawks secondary that has allowed at least 18.5 fantasy points to quarterbacks in six of the past seven games. Murray will be a solid QB1 play this weekend. Seattle also allowed 40 rush yards and one touchdown to Brock Purdy on the ground a week ago.
QB Geno Smith
Geno Smith has been a consistent QB1 option this season, scoring at least 16.5 fantasy points in seven of 10 games this season. As a result, he'll continue to be a low-end QB1 in Week 12 against the Cardinals. Arizona has held both Caleb Williams and Aaron Rodgers to under 10 fantasy points in back-to-back games, but this defense has also allowed three quarterbacks to score over 25 fantasy points this season.
RB James Conner
James Conner has a solid matchup in Week 12 against a Seahawks defense that is allowing over 4.99 yards per carry to opposing running backs this season. Seattle has also allowed at least 75 rush yards to eight different running backs through 11 weeks, making Conner a solid RB2 option again this weekend.
WR DK Metcalf
The Cardinals have done a solid job against outside wide receivers this year. They are allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to outside wideouts this season. However, Metcalf will be a solid WR2 option in Week 12. He saw nine targets in his return last week and totaled seven catches for 70 yards.
It's going to be hard for fantasy managers to trust Tyler Lockett this week. He has seen three targets or fewer in three straight games, and the Cardinals have given up the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to outside wide receivers this season. Lockett is a risky flex play in deeper leagues this weekend.
Marvin Harrison Jr. has been one of the biggest disappointments this year. He is averaging only 11.7 PPR fantasy points per game while scoring less than 10 PPR fantasy points in four of the past six contests. Hopefully, though, Harrison sees more usage after the team's bye. As a result, he'll be a WR2 play this weekend against a Seahawks secondary that has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game to outside wideouts.
TE Trey McBride
Trey McBride will continue to be a strong TE1 option in Week 12 against the Seahawks. McBride has finished as a top-10 fantasy tight end in three straight games and now faces a Seahawks defense that has allowed over 13 PPR fantasy points to tight ends in two of the past four weeks.
Injuries:
- Noah Fant (groin)
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Rams
Spread: Eagles -3
Matchups We Love:
WR A.J. Brown
A.J. Brown will continue to be a WR1 play in Week 12 against the Rams. Brown has totaled at least 80 receiving yards in five of seven games this season while averaging 16.1 PPR fantasy points per game. Now, he'll go up against a Rams secondary that has allowed some big games to wide receivers. Jameson Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr., Jauan Jennings, and Justin Jefferson have all totaled over 110 receiving yards against them.
Given that Brown and DeVonta Smith see most of the targets in the passing game, Dallas Goedert does have a weekly low fantasy floor. However, he'll be a strong TE1 option this weekend with Smith ruled due to a hamstring injury. Los Angeles has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season and just let up 10 catches to New England tight ends a week ago.
Matchups We Hate:
Matthew Stafford does not have a favorable matchup in Week 12 against the Eagles. Philadelphia has given up the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season while allowing only one quarterback to finish top-24 at the position over the past six games. Stafford will be a risky QB2 play this weekend.
Kyren Williams hasn't scored a touchdown in three straight games, which has hurt his fantasy numbers. Williams has finished as the RB28, RB21, and RB27 over the last three weeks. Now, he gets an Eagles defense that has allowed the sixth-fewest points per game to opposing running backs. Even though this is a tough matchup, he will still come in as a low-end RB1 this weekend.
Other Matchups:
QB Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts will be a strong QB1 option in Week 12 against the Rams. Although Hurts has completed 18 or fewer passes in seven straight games, his rushing has made him a top quarterback option this season. He has scored nine rushing touchdowns since Week 7 and currently ranks as the QB3 on the season.
Saquon Barkley is a must-start in fantasy again in Week 12. He has scored over 30 PPR fantasy points in two of the past three games, and the Rams have allowed at least 70 rush yards to seven different running backs this season. Keep him in your lineups this weekend.
Rams WRs
Both Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp have tough matchups in Week 12. Nacua will likely be matched up against Quinyon Mitchell in this game, and Mitchell held Terry McLaurin to one catch for 10 yards in last week's win. He also ranks top-20 in catch rate and passer rating allowed this season. As for Kupp, he will go up against an Eagles secondary that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to slot wideouts.
However, you are still starting Nacua and Kupp as WR1s this week. Both wideouts totaled over 25 PPR fantasy points a week ago against the Patriots.
WR DeVonta Smith
Smith has not practiced this week due to a hamstring injury. Assuming he will suit up, though, he will be a low-end WR2 option against the Rams. Things haven't been great for him in recent weeks, as he has caught four passes or fewer in five of the last six games. But slot wideouts like Jaxon Smith-Njigba have had big games against this secondary this year. The Seahawks wideout totaled 37 PPR fantasy points against it in Week 9.
Update: Smith has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Rams. In his place, Jahan Dotson should see more opportunities in the passing game. However, he should be avoided in most cases in Week 12.
Injuries:
- DeVonta Smith (hamstring)
Matchups Analysis - Monday Night Football
Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Chargers
Spread: Ravens -3
Matchups We Love:
QB Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert is a top-5 quarterback option in Week 12. Not only has Herbert finished as a top-12 fantasy quarterback in four straight games, but this matchup against Baltimore's secondary couldn't be any better for him. The Ravens have given up the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, and six different quarterbacks have scored at least 21 fantasy points against this secondary this year.
All Chargers wideouts get a boost in this game against a Ravens secondary that can't stop the pass. Baltimore is allowing the most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts this season, and that's certainly good news for Quentin Johnston's fantasy value in Week 12. Given that Johnston has scored in three straight games and saw eight targets a week ago, he is a sneaky flex option this weekend.
WR Zay Flowers
Zay Flowers should be in most lineups this week as a solid WR2 play. Although he has scored under 12 PPR fantasy points in three of the past five games, this is a great matchup for him against the Chargers. Los Angeles has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing slot wideouts this season.
Matchups We Hate:
RB J.K. Dobbins
It's best to sit your fantasy running backs against this Ravens defense. Opposing backs are averaging only 3.3 yards per carry, and only Najee Harris has rushed for over 55 yards against this front seven this year. J.K. Dobbins will still likely come in as a low-end RB2 this week, but expectations should be tempered. Only three running backs have finished top-14 at the position against Baltimore this year.
TE Mark Andrews
Mark Andrews didn't get involved much in last week's loss, catching only two passes for 22 yards. That now marks the second time in three weeks that Andrews has scored less than 4.7 PPR fantasy points. As a result, he'll be a low-end TE1 option in 14-plus team leagues this weekend against a Chargers defense that hasn't allowed a top-14 fantasy tight end in six straight games.
Other Matchups:
Lamar Jackson will remain a must-start in Week 12. While the Chargers do have a top defense, they have allowed a top-10 fantasy quarterback in four of the past six games. Quarterbacks like Bo Nix and Kyler Murray have also rushed for over 60 yards against Los Angeles this year, so Jackson is a strong QB1 play again.
The Chargers have been one of the best teams against fantasy running backs this year. They have given up the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season while allowing only one top-12 running back through 11 weeks. Nonetheless, you're still starting Derrick Henry in all formats this week.
Ladd McConkey should be started in most leagues this week. He'll be a strong WR2 option against a Ravens defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts. Although Baltimore is giving up only 11 PPR fantasy points per game to slot wideouts, McConkey should be in for a strong game. He saw a career-high nine targets in last week's win.
Update: McConkey practiced in a limited fashion on Friday due to a shoulder injury
TE Will Dissly
Will Dissly has become a sneaky TE1 option for fantasy managers in recent weeks. He has scored at least eight PPR fantasy points in three of the past four games while playing over 50% of the team's offensive snaps in six straight weeks. Dissly will be a potential play in 12-plus team leagues in Week 12 against a Ravens defense that has allowed a top-12 fantasy tight end in seven of the past 10 weeks.
Injuries:
- Ladd McConkey (shoulder)
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