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There are a lot of driving forces behind wide receiver production in the NFL, and those moving parts can change from week to week, making it difficult to stay ahead of which wideouts to start. The challenge becomes more difficult when dealing with players who you may not know whether to bench or start each week.
Players in the WR3/flex range hover between scoring respectable amounts of points to not being worth putting in lineups at all. For fantasy teams with injured players, lots of starters on bye, or serious roster holes, these can lead to tough decisions.
So, who are five players in this realm of fantasy assets, and should you start them in Week 12?
Should I Start Wan'Dale Robinson for Fantasy Football?
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has mainly served as a "PPR-scam" type player in fantasy football this year. Those are players who get a lot of targets and catches but not many yards. He's failed to gain more than 51 receiving yards in all but one of his contests this season.
Most Condensed Passing Trees
+ Top-2 WRs by Target Share (in full games together)1. Malik Nabers + Wan'Dale Robinson (56.3%)
2. Puka Nacua + Cooper Kupp (53.3%)
3. Tee Higgins + Ja'Marr Chase (53.2%)
4. Davante Adams + Garrett Wilson (51.0%)
5. AJ Brown + DeVonta Smith (50.9%)— Scott Barrett (@ScottBarrettDFB) November 19, 2024
In addition, the Giants benched their starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, for third-string signal-caller Tommy Devito, who will make his first start in Week 12. In five full games with DeVito as the starter, Robinson scored 2.6, 6.7, 6.6, 17.50, and 6.5 PPR fantasy points.
Not great, Bob. It's probably a good idea to leave him on the bench for now. DeVito would be smart to force plenty of passes to No. 1 wideout Malik Nabers anyway -- that will give him his best chance of looking like a competent QB.
Should I Start DeMario Douglas for Fantasy Football?
After what seemed like a breakout Week 6 game for New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas, he cooled off significantly. Since then, he hasn't scored another touchdown. He's logged double-digit PPR fantasy points just once in that stretch.
Friendly reminder that Demario Douglas is a stud pic.twitter.com/6R5DAuTJ2f
— Boston Diehards (@Boston_Diehards) October 25, 2023
His lack of production has been strange when you look at the tape, but the lack of good offensive line play for the Patriots could be partially to blame. Maybe the return of offensive guard Cole Strange (knee) will help, but it's uncertain if he'll play in Week 12. New England will face the Miami Dolphins, who have played well against slot receivers this year.
It's probably fine to leave Douglas on the bench outside of deep PPR leagues. His upside hasn't been very good, and he's not getting enough targets to justify PPR-scam start-worthiness.
Should I Start Rashod Bateman for Fantasy Football?
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has been pretty good ... in the games he has scored a touchdown. But his boom-or-bust nature makes it difficult to know when to start him. There's no way to predict in what games a WR will score a touchdown in advance, though.
Rashod Bateman takes an absolute CRUNCH from 6. Those are the tough grabs I have been wanting over the middle, great catch. pic.twitter.com/8CUWXtkz1f
— Yuri (@Yuri_Ravens) November 19, 2024
Despite his inconsistency and the team's acquisition of WR Diontae Johnson, he's maintained his role as the clear WR2. Baltimore spreads the ball around too much for him to be a consistent fantasy asset, though. He's not worth starting. He'll face a tough Los Angeles Chargers pass defense in Week 12 and should remain on benches.
He does have boom games, but through 11 games, he averages just under five targets per game. Without consistent high efficiency and plenty of big plays, it's hard to make that turn into plenty of fantasy points.
Should I Start Xavier Legette for Fantasy Football?
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette has been an overall disappointment in fantasy football this year and probably shouldn't be started in any leagues. There are a variety of things holding him back -- he's suffered through a few notable injuries, the quarterback play hasn't been great, and WR Adam Thielen (hamstring) is set to return in Week 12.
#Panthers have moved Xavier Legette to the X, where he says he’ll have to play more aggressive against “handsy” Trent McDuffie.#Panthers pic.twitter.com/C3m9su35zm
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) November 21, 2024
He's an interesting player to have stashed on the bench, and he's moved to the "X" WR position, which should afford him plenty of playing time. But he may square off against elite Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie early and often in Week 12, making him a risky start. It's odd to see so many teams' passing situations in flux this late in the season, yet here we are.
Xavier Legette can play. Understands how to win leverage. Physically strong and the speed translated. Will continue to be increasingly useful. https://t.co/p90VW2EISi pic.twitter.com/O8hsym9OkD
— JetPack Galileo (@JetPackGalileo) October 3, 2024
The talent is there, but he should only be started in leagues with 14 or more teams. He'll need a better quarterback situation to find consistent success. He may not get that until 2025.
Should I Start Adam Thielen for Fantasy Football?
He's another player you may not want in your starting lineups. Thielen is set to play in his first game back after injuring his hamstring in Week 2 and being placed on injured reserve. He's 34 years old, and he could be slowed down by some residual weakness due to his time out of action and his age.
#Panthers WR Adam Thielen has been cleared to play. He’s excited to be back in team drills for the first time in eight weeks. pic.twitter.com/uCaDIg1L44
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) November 20, 2024
The team seems likely to be cautious with his return and limit his snaps, meaning he may have fewer opportunities than he needs to be a good fantasy contributor. He's another player you can consider for very deep leagues, but you should probably leave him on the bench in your leagues with 12 or fewer members.
Popular Week 12 Searches - Start/Sit Comparisons
Below are some popular Week 12 searches and comparisons from our Who To Start tool for Wan'Dale Robinson, DeMario Douglas, Rashod Bateman, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen compared to others. You can also use the free Who Should I Start tool to run your own start/sit comparisons, up to four players at once:
Romeo Doubs or Wandale Robinson
Demario Douglas or Tyler Lockett
Elijah Moore or Wandale Robinson
Elijah Moore or Demario Douglas
Adam Thielen or Elijah Moore
Cedric Tillman or Wandale Robinson
Wandale Robinson or Jordan Addison
Wandale Robinson or Xavier Legette
Demario Douglas or Elijah Moore
Nick Westbrookikhine or Rashod Bateman
Rome Odunze or Wandale Robinson
Adam Thielen or Christian Watson
Adam Thielen or Jerry Jeudy
Christian Watson or Xavier Legette
Michael Pittmanjr or Wandale Robinson
Xavier Legette or Elijah Moore
Elijah Moore or Rashod Bateman
Wandale Robinson or Jaylen Waddle
Wandale Robinson or Rome Odunze
Adam Thielen or Jaylen Waddle
Christian Watson or Wandale Robinson
Keenan Allen or Wandale Robinson
Rashod Bateman or Tyler Lockett
Xavier Legette or Demario Douglas
Adam Thielen or Rome Odunze
Adam Thielen or Tyler Lockett
Demario Douglas or Wandale Robinson
Jaylen Warren or Wandale Robinson
Juju Smithschuster or Rashod Bateman
Rashod Bateman or Nick Westbrook
Wandale Robinson or Adam Thielen
Wandale Robinson or Nick Westbrookikhine
Xavier Worthy or Wandale Robinson
Adam Thielen or Jordan Addison
Christian Watson or Demario Douglas
Demario Douglas or Rashod Bateman
Demario Douglas or Xavier Worthy
Jordan Addison or Demario Douglas
Jordan Addison or Wandale Robinson
Rashod Bateman or Demario Douglas
Rashod Bateman or Michael Pittmanjr
Romeo Doubs or Xavier Legette
Tyler Lockett or Adam Thielen
Tyler Lockett or Wandale Robinson
Xavier Legette or Christian Watson
Xavier Worthy or Demario Douglas
Xavier Worthy or Xavier Legette
Adam Thielen or James Conner
Adam Thielen or Mark Andrews
Adam Thielen or Tank Dell
Adam Thielen or Xavier Worthy
Alec Pierce or Xavier Legette
Darius Slayton or Wandale Robinson
Darius Slayton or Xavier Legette
DeAndre Hopkins or Wandale Robinson
Demario Douglas or Christian Watson
Demario Douglas or Jalen Tolbert
Demario Douglas or Nick Westbrookikhine
Demario Douglas or Quentin Johnston
Demario Douglas or Rome Odunze
DJ Moore or Rashod Bateman
Jalen Coker or Adam Thielen
Jaylen Waddle or Demario Douglas
Jaylen Warren or Xavier Legette
Jerry Jeudy or Wandale Robinson
Rashod Bateman or Keenan Allen
Rashod Bateman or Noah Brown
Rashod Bateman or Rome Odunze
Rashod Bateman or Xavier Worthy
Roschon Johnson or Xavier Legette
Tyler Lockett or Demario Douglas
Wandale Robinson or Christian Watson
Wandale Robinson or Devonta Smith
Wandale Robinson or Michael Pittmanjr
Wandale Robinson or Ricky Pearsall
Wandale Robinson or Tyler Lockett
Will Dissly or Adam Thielen
Will Dissly or Demario Douglas
Xavier Legette or Adam Thielen
Xavier Legette or Audric Estime
Xavier Legette or Kayshon Boutte
Xavier Legette or Wandale Robinson
Xavier Legette or Xavier Worthy
Xavier Worthy or Rashod Bateman
Adam Thielen or Amari Cooper
Adam Thielen or Keon Coleman
Adam Thielen or Quentin Johnston
Alec Pierce or Rashod Bateman
Andrei Iosivas or Wandale Robinson
Audric Estime or Demario Douglas
Bucky Irving or Wandale Robinson
Cade Otton or Adam Thielen
Cade Otton or Wandale Robinson
Cam Akers or Xavier Legette
Cedric Tillman or Demario Douglas
Darius Slayton or Adam Thielen
Darius Slayton or Demario Douglas
Demario Douglas or Adam Thielen
Demario Douglas or Cedric Tillman
Demario Douglas or Michael Pittmanjr
Demario Douglas or Mike Williams
Demario Douglas or Nick Westbrook
Demario Douglas or Noah Brown
Demario Douglas or Ricky Pearsall
Demario Douglas or Xavier Legette
Demario Douglas or Zach Ertz
Dj Moore or Wandale Robinson
Elijah Moore or Xavier Legette
Jameson Williams or Wandale Robinson
Jauan Jennings or Rashod Bateman
Javonte Williams or Xavier Legette
Jayden Reed or Demario Douglas
Jaylen Waddle or Adam Thielen
Jaylen Waddle or Rashod Bateman
Jaylen Warren or Adam Thielen
Jaylen Warren or Demario Douglas
Jordan Addison or Rashod Bateman
Joshua Palmer or Adam Thielen
Joshua Palmer or Demario Douglas
Kayshon Boutte or Rashod Bateman
Nick Westbrookikhine or Adam Thielen
Nick Westbrookikhine or Xavier Legette
Noah Brown or Demario Douglas
Noah Brown or Xavier Legette
Quentin Johnston or Adam Thielen
Quentin Johnston or Demario Douglas
Rashod Bateman or Christian Watson
Rashod Bateman or Marquez Valdesscantling
Rashod Bateman or Quentin Johnston
Rhamondre Stevenson or Wandale Robinson
Rico Dowdle or Wandale Robinson
Rome Odunze or Demario Douglas
Romeo Doubs or Rashod Bateman
Wandale Robinson or Allen Lazard
Wandale Robinson or Cedric Tillman
Wandale Robinson or Demario Douglas
Wandale Robinson or Diontae Johnson
Wandale Robinson or Jerry Jeudy
Wandale Robinson or Noah Brown
Wandale Robinson or Romeo Doubs
Wandale Robinson or Tyler Allgeier
Wandale Robinson or Zay Flowers
Xavier Legette or Cedric Tillman
Xavier Legette or Ricky Pearsall
Xavier Legette or Rome Odunze
Xavier Legette or Romeo Doubs
Xavier Legette or Tj Hockenson
Xavier Legette or Will Dissly
Adam Thielen or Alec Pierce
Adam Thielen or Courtland Sutton
Adam Thielen or Darnell Mooney
Adam Thielen or Deandre Hopkins
Adam Thielen or Jalen Coker
Adam Thielen or Jalen McMillan
Adam Thielen or Javonte Williams
Adam Thielen or Jaylen Warren
Adam Thielen or Jonathon Brooks
Adam Thielen or Kayshon Boutte
Adam Thielen or Michael Pittmanjr
Adam Thielen or Nick Westbrookikhine
Adam Thielen or Romeo Doubs
Adam Thielen or Taysom Hill
Alec Pierce or Wandale Robinson
Audric Estime or Adam Thielen
Bucky Irving or Adam Thielen
Bucky Irving or Rashod Bateman
Cam Akers or Wandale Robinson
Cedric Tillman or Adam Thielen
Cedric Tillman or Rashod Bateman
Cedric Tillman or Xavier Legette
Christian Watson or Adam Thielen
Christian Watson or Rashod Bateman
Courtland Sutton or Rashod Bateman
Courtland Sutton or Xavier Legette
Dallas Goedert or Rashod Bateman
Darius Slayton or Rashod Bateman
Deebo Samuelsr or Rashod Bateman
Deebo Samuelsr or Wandale Robinson
Demarcus Robinson or Demario Douglas
Demarcus Robinson or Xavier Legette
Demario Douglas or Alec Pierce
Demario Douglas or Courtland Sutton
Demario Douglas or Dj Moore
Demario Douglas or Jalen Mcmillan
Demario Douglas or Jauan Jennings
Demario Douglas or Jaylen Warren
Demario Douglas or Jerry Jeudy
Demario Douglas or Juju Smithschuster
Demario Douglas or Kayshon Boutte
Demario Douglas or Keenan Allen
Demario Douglas or Ladd McConkey
Demario Douglas or Luke Schoonmaker
Demario Douglas or Najee Harris
Demario Douglas or Raheem Mostert
Demario Douglas or Romeo Doubs
Demario Douglas or Tank Dell
Demario Douglas or Will Dissly
Devaughn Vele or Adam Thielen
Dj Moore or Adam Thielen
Elijah Moore or Adam Thielen
Hunter Henry or Demario Douglas
Hunter Henry or Wandale Robinson
Jakobi Meyers or Xavier Legette
Jalen Mcmillan or Demario Douglas
Jalen Tolbert or Rashod Bateman
Jameson Williams or Demario Douglas
Jameson Williams or Rashod Bateman
Jameson Williams or Xavier Legette
Jauan Jennings or Wandale Robinson
Jaxon Smithnjigba or Wandale Robinson
Jaylen Waddle or Xavier Legette
Jerry Jeudy or Demario Douglas
Jerry Jeudy or Rashod Bateman
Jerry Jeudy or Xavier Legette
Jonnu Smith or Rashod Bateman
Jordan Addison or Adam Thielen
Jordan Addison or Xavier Legette
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