Tag: fantasy football Week 12 WDIS

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 12

Fantasy’s top hot starts and cold sits for NFL Week 12.

It’s hard to believe it’s already Week 12 of the NFL regular season, and we’re rounding the corner — headed for Thanksgiving soon and nearing the end of the fantasy football regular season.

We have six teams off this week, too, so Week 12 will be a challenging time for some fantasy managers. The Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints and New York Jets are off, which means some significant holes on fantasy rosters. Managers have to scramble for fantasy replacements, especially if you have a players from a combination of those teams.

We saw in Cleveland in the Thursday night game that weather can also start playing a factor this time of year, too, so make sure to be cognizant of that situation, as well. Nothing is worse sitting down with your popcorn and soft drink to watch your fantasy player(s) in a particular game, only to see a maelstrom out on the field, and a slow go on offense or in the kicking game.

Doing start/sit articles can be a little challenging. The players featured on the list below should not be taken as “must starts” or “must sits.” Instead, these are more suggestions on what we believe managers should do with fringe players heading into the weekend. The choice is ultimately up to the manager.

Just because a player is listed as a “start” doesn’t mean he should be put in the lineup over the secure, bona fide studs. Vice versa for the “sits.” If there’s no better option on the waiver wire or the bench, a manager shouldn’t automatically sit the player. That’s why these can be tricky waters to navigate.

Feel free to ask any specific start/sit questions via X, formerly Twitter, (@danieledobish), or check out our start/bench list for Week 12:

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 12

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 12 DFS fantasy football.

With six teams on bye, the player pool is skinnier than it has been all season. Plus, the Primetime slate is pulling away four premium offenses. This could get ugly as we piece together our lineups. So, let’s start things out with a bang … QB Tommy DeVito …What could go wrong?

Recommended DFS lineups

*Note: FanDuel and Fanball include the Sunday night game on their Main Slate. DraftKings doesn’t include them, so the pricing is listed as N/A.

DK Lineup: QB Tommy DeVito ($4.0k), RB Rhamondre Stevenson ($5.9k), RB De’Von Achane ($7.5k), WR Malik Nabers ($7.4k), WR Calvin Ridley ($5.7k), WR Rome Odunze ($4.8k), TE Travis Kelce ($5.8k), FLEX Kareem Hunt ($5.7k), DST Denver Broncos ($3.2k)

FD Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($7.9k), RB Rhamondre Stevenson ($6.4k), RB De’Von Achane ($9.1k), WR Mike Evans ($8.0k), WR Josh Downs ($6.9k), WR Rome Odunze ($5.4k), TE Ja’Tavion Sanders ($4.9K), FLEX Kareem Hunt ($7.5k), DST Chicago Bears ($3.9k)

FB Lineup: QB Baker Mayfield ($6.0k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.1k) RB Rhamondre Stevenson ($5.7k), WR Mike Evans ($7.0k), WR Malik Nabers ($6.7k), WR/TE Travis Kelce ($5.9k), TE Ja’Tavion Sanders ($3.3k), FLEX De’Von Achane ($7.1k), SUPERFLEX Tommy DeVito ($5.1k)

*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x value, Green = Greater than 3x value.

Quarterback DraftKings FanDuel
Jalen Hurts N/A $9,300
Jayden Daniels $7,000 $9,000
Patrick Mahomes $6,800 $8,400
Jordan Love $6,700 $7,300
Jared Goff $6,600 $8,500
C.J. Stroud $6,500 $7,600
Brock Purdy $6,400 $8,100
Bo Nix $6,300 $8,000
Kyler Murray $6,200 $7,800
Baker Mayfield $6,100 $7,900
Matthew Stafford N/A $7,200
Sam Darnold $5,900 $7,100
Tua Tagovailoa $5,800 $7,700
Geno Smith $5,700 $7,400
Anthony Richardson $5,600 $7,500
Drake Maye $5,500 $6,900
Caleb Williams $5,100 $7,000
Cooper Rush $5,000 $6,400
Will Levis $4,900 $6,700
Gardner Minshew II $4,800 $6,500
Bryce Young $4,600 $6,600
Brandon Allen $4,000 $6,000
Joshua Dobbs $4,000 $6,000
Tommy DeVito $4,000 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Jayden Daniels, Patrick Mahomes, and Jared Goff are this week’s top choices. Baker Mayfield is the cheaper pivot. If you punt this week, go with Caleb Williams or Cooper Rush, or better yet, embrace the glorious aura of Tommy DeVito.

Fantasy four-pack

Jayden Daniels, Commanders vs. DAL ($7,000 DK, $9,000 FD) Dallas has allowed the second-most QB rushing scores. Daniels has been mostly quiet since returning from an injury sustained in Week 7. Still, this will be a get-right game. Look for Daniels to account for three scores.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ LAR (N/A DK, $9,300 FD) Hurts has 15 total TDs over the last five weeks. Most have come via the “Brotherly Shove.” Unfortunately, the Rams have not allowed a QB rushing score this season. Still, Hurts has proven he can get it done through the air as well. Pencil him in for another three TDs, with at least one going to A.J. Brown.

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs @ CAR ($6,800 DK, $8,400 FD) Mahomes will take it upon himself to make up for the Chiefs’ loss last week. With JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeAndre Hopkins both healthy and with Travis Kelce looking for a rebound, we should expect a floor of three passing TDs as KC dominates.

Jared Goff, Lions @ IND ($6,600 DK, $8,500 FD) Goff didn’t have to throw the ball last week to lead his team to victory. Still, he did as the team piled it on versus the Jaguars. Only six teams are allowing more passing yards per game than Indy, and the Colts have sucked against TEs. This makes Sam LaPorta (shoulder) a great stack if he returns from his injury as expected.

Sleepers

Caleb Williams, Bears vs. MIN ($5,100 DK, $7,000 FD) The coaching change for Chicago has Williams back on track. Unfortunately, he still doesn’t have a TD in his last four games. He should fare better here as Minnesota gives out passing yards like Halloween candy. Plus, Minnesota will have to stop Williams’ legs and hasn’t faced a running QB since Week 1.

Tommy DeVito, Giants vs. TB ($4,000 DK, $6,000 FD) When attempting to cover the opposition’s passing attack, Tampa Bay just says “Fuggedaboutit.” They have allowed the fourth-most passing yards and the fifth-most passing TDs. DeVito has nothing to lose here. Expect the Giants to let him just grip it and rip it. Use him in a double stack with some combo of Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton (concussion), and Theo Johnson.

Running back DraftKings FanDuel
Saquon Barkley N/A $10,000
Christian McCaffrey $8,500 $9,500
Joe Mixon $8,000 $9,300
De’Von Achane $7,500 $9,100
Jahmyr Gibbs $7,300 $8,600
Kyren Williams N/A $8,300
Jonathan Taylor $7,100 $8,000
Kenneth Walker III $6,900 $8,100
Josh Jacobs $6,800 $7,600
David Montgomery $6,700 $8,400
Chuba Hubbard $6,600 $7,100
James Conner $6,500 $7,700
Aaron Jones $6,400 $7,300
Isiah Pacheco $6,200 $8,200
D’Andre Swift $6,100 $7,000
Tyrone Tracy Jr. $6,000 $6,700
Rhamondre Stevenson $5,900 $6,400
Tony Pollard $5,800 $6,500
Kareem Hunt $5,700 $7,500
Austin Ekeler $5,600 $6,600
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,600 $7,900
Rico Dowdle $5,500 $6,300
Rachaad White $5,400 $6,900
Bucky Irving $5,300 $6,800
Javonte Williams $5,200 $6,200
Alexander Mattison $5,100 $5,700
Raheem Mostert $5,000 $6,000
Dameon Pierce $4,900 $5,400
Devin Singletary $4,900 $5,200
Jonathon Brooks $4,800 $5,500
Antonio Gibson $4,700 $5,000
Audric Estime $4,700 $5,600
Ezekiel Elliott $4,600 $5,800
Roschon Johnson $4,600 $6,100
Kenneth Gainwell N/A $4,900
Sean Tucker $4,600 $4,800
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,500 $4,900
Jaylen Wright $4,500 $4,700
Trey Benson $4,500 $5,200
Cam Akers $4,400 $5,900
Emanuel Wilson $4,400 $5,300
Tyjae Spears $4,400 $5,400
Ameer Abdullah $4,300 $5,000
Zach Charbonnet $4,300 $5,300
Zamir White $4,200 $5,000
Emari Demercado $4,100 $4,900
Jeremy McNichols $4,100 $4,800

Running back

Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey and De’Von Achane are your options at RB1. Use one of the two. The Lions’ duo, Joe Mixon, and James Conner are the only pivots to consider. Either Commander, Rhamondre Stevenson, or Tyrone Tracy Jr. are the top RB2 choices. Kareem Hunt reverts to a timeshare this week, but he remains a brilliant play considering the price. For a punt, consider Trey Benson or one of the Buccaneers.

Fantasy four-pack

Christian McCaffrey, 49ers @ GB ($8,500 DK, $9,500 FD) Over the last four games, Green Bay is allowing just under 24 PPR points per game to opposing RBs. McCaffrey has topped 100 total yards in back-to-back games since his return, but he has not made it into the end zone yet. That changes this week. 

De’Von Achane, Dolphins vs. NE ($7,500 DK, $9,100 FD) The New England Patriots knocked Achane out of the Dolphins’ previous matchup with only 17 total yards. The rest of the backfield posted 187 total yards and a TD in that game. Over the last two weeks, Achane has handled 69% of the Miami RB opportunities, so most of the work is going to him now.

Joe Mixon, Texans vs. TEN ($8,000 DK, $9,300 FD) Over the last four weeks, Tennessee has allowed the second-most total TDs to the position. Meanwhile, Mixon has ten total TDs over the last six weeks.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions @ IND ($7,300 DK, $8,600 FD) Gibbs, and David Montgomery have very similar stats. Montgomery has 160 opportunities, while Gibbs has 162. Gibbs has nine total TDs while Montgomery has ten. Gibbs has 23 receptions to Montgomery’s 21. So how do you choose? Gibbs has 272 more total yards. Over the last four weeks, Indy allowed an average of 132 total yards and one TD to the position.

Sleepers

Kareem Hunt, Chiefs @ CAR ($5,700 DK, $7,500 FD) Isiah Pacheco (leg) should return this week. In his first game back, I expect KC to limit his touches. Against this defense, both backs may top 100 yards and score. For the season, Carolina is allowing greater than 30 PPR points per game to opposing RBs. 

Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots @ MIA ($5,900 DK, $6,400 FD) Miami has allowed the fourth-most total RB touchdowns. This includes a rushing TD allowed to Stevenson back in Week 5. He finished with only 92 total yards in that game, but that was when Antonio Gibson was still a factor.  

Wide Receiver DraftKings FanDuel
Amon-Ra St. Brown $8,300 $9,500
Cooper Kupp N/A $9,200
Justin Jefferson $8,100 $9,000
Nico Collins $7,600 $8,900
Puka Nacua N/A $8,600
A.J. Brown N/A $8,500
Malik Nabers $7,400 $8,200
Cee Dee Lamb $7,300 $8,400
Tyreek Hill $7,200 $8,300
Mike Evans $7,000 $8,000
Terry McLaurin $6,800 $7,800
DK Metcalf $6,600 $7,900
DeVonta Smith N/A $7,700
Deebo Samuel Sr. $6,500 $7,600
Tank Dell $6,400 $7,000
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $6,300 $7,500
Josh Downs $6,200 $6,900
Marvin Harrison Jr. $6,100 $7,200
Jameson Williams $6,000 $6,800
Jayden Reed $5,900 $7,300
Courtland Sutton $5,800 $7,100
Calvin Ridley $5,700 $6,300
Jauan Jennings $5,600 $6,700
DJ Moore $5,500 $6,000
DeAndre Hopkins $5,400 $6,500
Jaylen Waddle $5,300 $5,900
Michael Pittman Jr. $5,300 $5,700
Christian Watson $5,200 $6,100
Wan’Dale Robinson $5,200 $5,700
Jakobi Meyers $5,100 $6,400
Jordan Addison $5,100 $6,200
Xavier Legette $5,000 $5,800
Xavier Worthy $5,000 $6,600
Alec Pierce $4,900 $5,700
Keenan Allen $4,900 $5,900
Demarcus Robinson N/A $5,600
Rome Odunze $4,800 $5,400
Tyler Lockett $4,800 $5,800
Adam Thielen $4,700 $4,900
Ricky Pearsall $4,700 $5,600
Darius Slayton $4,600 $5,300
Romeo Doubs $4,600 $5,600
Brandin Cooks $4,500 $5,000
DeMario Douglas $4,500 $5,400
John Metchie III $4,400 $5,500
Michael Wilson $4,400 $5,200
Dontayvion Wicks $4,300 $4,800
JuJu Smith-Schuster $4,300 $5,000
Noah Brown $4,200 $5,400
Sterling Shepard $4,200 $5,600
Jalen Tolbert $4,100 $5,300
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,100 $5,300
Jalen McMillan $4,000 $5,300
Tre Tucker $4,000 $5,200
Adonai Mitchell $3,900 $5,100
Devaughn Vele $3,900 $5,500
Jalen Coker $3,700 $5,300
Jahan Dotson N/A $4,700
Jonathan Mingo $3,700 $4,700
Tutu Atwell N/A $4,700
Greg Dortch $3,600 $4,900
Jalen Nailor $3,600 $5,000
Kendrick Bourne $3,500 $5,200
Justin Watson $3,500 $4,900
Kayshon Boutte $3,500 $5,100
Troy Franklin $3,500 $5,400
Tyler Boyd $3,500 $4,800
Kalif Raymond $3,400 $4,700
Lil’Jordan Humphrey $3,400 $5,000
Robert Woods $3,400 $4,800
Tim Patrick $3,400 $4,900
Jalin Hyatt $3,300 $4,700
Odell Beckham Jr. $3,300 $4,800
Olamide Zaccheaus $3,300 $4,900
Luke McCaffrey $3,200 $4,600
Marvin Mims Jr. $3,200 $5,100
Xavier Hutchinson $3,200 $4,900
Dyami Brown $3,100 $4,600
Ja’Lynn Polk $3,100 $4,600
Mecole Hardman $3,100 $4,700
Rakim Jarrett $3,100 $4,800
Josh Reynolds $3,000 $4,500

Wide receiver

Weekly strategy – The high-priced options are all in shaky territory. Amon-Ra. St. Brown has a good matchup, but won’t see as many targets as last week. Nico Collins should see more targets this week, but Tennessee is tough against the pass even without their top two CBs. Both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua might eat into each other’s usage versus a tough Eagles secondary. Malik Nabers and Tyreek Hill become the top WR1 options by default. A returning Mike Evans (hamstring) and Terry McLaurin are the WR1 pivots. At WR2, use Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Josh Downs,  Courtland Sutton, or Calvin Ridley. I’d also consider using two of the above if I save at RB. Otherwise, use Rome Odunze, one of the Chiefs, or Wan’Dale Robinson at WR3. You can also consider Kendrick Bourne, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, or Sterling Shepard as a punt option.

Fantasy four-pack

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions @ IND ($8,300, $9,500 FD) Only seven teams have allowed more receiving yards to opposing WRs than Indy. St. Brown is coming off of a monster performance, and he has scored in eight straight games. With Sam LaPorta returning, St. Brown’s numbers won’t equal last week’s, but he will still post 8-110-1

Malik Nabers, Giants vs. TB ($7,400, $8,200 FD) Do we trust Tommy DeVito? Yes, heck, I’d trust Uncle Rico versus this secondary. The only way Nabers doesn’t pay off here is if DeVito and Drew Lock get hurt and the team is forced to turn to Tim Boyle.

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins vs. NE ($7,200 DK, $8,300 FD) In Week 5, Hill posted 6-69 versus New England despite having Tyler Huntley throwing him wounded ducks. Since the return of Tua Tagovailoa, Hill has caught 20 of 26 passes and scored in back-to-back games. Expect him to continue his resurgence here.

Nico Collins, Texans vs. TEN ($7,600 DK, $8,900 FD) Collins shook off the rust last week. This week expect a more traditional stat line. Before his injury, Collins had scored and/or topped 100 yards in three of five games.

Sleepers

Calvin Ridley, Titans @ HOU ($5,700 DK, $6,300 FD) Since Week 6, Ridley ranks third overall among WRs in targets. Meanwhile, over the last four games, Houston has allowed opposing WR1s to average 20.2 PPR points per game.

Rome Odunze, Bears vs. MIN ($4,800 DK, $5,400 FD) Minnesota has allowed the fifth-most WR receiving yards. They have particularly struggled with field stretchers, like Odunze. Meanwhile, Odunze was the target of 10 passes in the first game under the new play-caller for Chicago.

Tight End DraftKings FanDuel
Brock Bowers $6,300 $7,500
George Kittle $6,000 $7,700
Travis Kelce $5,800 $7,200
Trey McBride $5,600 $6,700
Cade Otton $5,500 $6,600
Dallas Goedert N/A $6,100
Jake Ferguson $4,400 $5,900
Sam LaPorta $4,300 $5,800
T.J. Hockenson $4,200 $6,000
Jonnu Smith $4,100 $5,600
Hunter Henry $4,000 $5,200
Tucker Kraft $3,900 $5,400
Zach Ertz $3,800 $5,300
Colby Parkinson N/A $5,000
Noah Fant $3,700 $5,000
Cole Kmet $3,600 $5,100
Dalton Schultz $3,500 $5,500
Ja’Tavion Sanders $3,400 $4,900
Brock Wright $3,300 $5,100
AJ Barner $3,200 $4,900
Noah Gray $3,100 $5,000
Josh Oliver $2,900 $4,800
Theo Johnson $2,900 $4,800
Chig Okonkwo $2,800 $4,700
Elijah Higgins $2,800 $4,600
Adam Trautman $2,700 $4,600
Davis Allen N/A $4,400
Luke Schoonmaker $2,500 $4,400

Tight end

Weekly strategy – Travis Kelce and Trey McBride are the top options this week. George Kittle (hamstring) and Brock Bowers are a little pricier, but each should fare well with lesser ownership. A healthy Sam LaPorta (shoulder) also gets a cake matchup at a much lower price than the other four. Theo Johnson, Luke Schoonmaker, and Ja’Tavion Sanders are the punt options.

Fantasy four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ CAR ($5,800 DK, $7,200 FD) No team has allowed more TE touchdowns than Carolina. Kelce will score at least once as KC looks to remedy his dud from last week.

Trey McBride, Cardinals @ SEA ($5,600 DK, $6,700 FD) Seattle has faced only five TEs of McBride’s caliber this season. Those five TEs have averaged 5.6-63 with three total TDs. Over his last six games, McBride is averaging 14 PPR points per game. That feels like his floor here.

Sam LaPorta, Lions @ IND ($4,300 DK, $5,800 FD) Reports suggest that LaPorta (shoulder) will return this week. Before his injury, he had scored in three of five games. Indy has allowed the third-most receptions and the fourth-most TDs to the position.

George Kittle, 49ers @ GB ($6,000 DK, $7,700 FD) Kittle (hamstring) has already announced that he is playing this weekend. Despite missing a pair of games, because of injury, Kittle leads all TEs in touchdowns. He is also averaging 70 receiving yards per game played.

Sleepers

Ja’Tavion Sanders, Panthers vs. KC ($3,400 DK, $4,900 FD) KC ranks dead last in TE receiving yards allowed, and only one team has allowed more TE receptions. Meanwhile, since Week 6, Sanders has led the Panthers in receptions and receiving yards.

Luke Schoonmaker, Cowboys @ WAS ($2,500 DK, $4,400 FD) Jake Ferguson (concussion) is expected to miss this week’s game. He also missed most of last week’s game during which Schoonmaker stepped in and posted 6-56 on 10 targets. The Commanders have allowed three TE scores over their last four games, so Schoonmaker may score here.

Fantasy football start/bench list: Week 12

Check out where your roster options fit into our Week 12 start/bench tiers.

Player analysis and projections can be found in our Start/Bench Tool customized to your myHuddle league scoring and rosters. All player listings by groups are in no particular order.

Key: Upgrade / Downgrade

QUARTERBACKS WIDE RECEIVERS
BEST BETS Opp BEST BETS Opp
Jalen Hurts @LAR Tyreek Hill NE
GREAT STARTS Opp Marvin Harrison Jr. @SEA
Justin Herbert BAL GREAT STARTS Opp
Kyler Murray @SEA Cooper Kupp PHI
Tua Tagovailoa NE Nico Collins TEN
SOLID STARTERS Opp Amon-Ra St. Brown @IND
Lamar Jackson @LAC Puka Nacua PHI
Anthony Richardson DET Terry McLaurin DAL
Brock Purdy @GB SOLID STARTERS Opp
Baker Mayfield @NYG Malik Nabers TB
Bo Nix @LVR CeeDee Lamb @WAS
Jared Goff @IND J. Smith-Njigba ARI
Matthew Stafford PHI Jauan Jennings @GB
Patrick Mahomes @CAR Jaylen Waddle NE
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp DK Metcalf ARI
Jordan Love SF A.J. Brown @LAR
Sam Darnold @CHI Justin Jefferson @CHI
C.J. Stroud TEN Jordan Addison @CHI
Jayden Daniels DAL DeVonta Smith @LAR
Russell Wilson @CLE Jameson Williams @IND
Jameis Winston PIT Quentin Johnston BAL
Geno Smith ARI Mike Evans @NYG
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Jayden Reed SF
Will Levis @HOU Josh Downs DET
Bryce Young KC Zay Flowers @LAC
Cooper Rush @WAS Courtland Sutton @LVR
Gardner Minshew DEN Ladd McConkey BAL
Drake Maye @MIA George Pickens @CLE
Tommy DeVito TB FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
Caleb Williams MIN Noah Brown DAL
RUNNING BACKS Kendrick Bourne @MIA
BEST BETS Opp Adam Thielen KC
Christian McCaffrey @GB Ricky Pearsall @GB
Joe Mixon TEN Christian Watson SF
De’Von Achane NE Xavier Worthy @CAR
Saquon Barkley @LAR Joshua Palmer BAL
GREAT STARTS Opp Rome Odunze MIN
Jahmyr Gibbs @IND Tank Dell TEN
James Conner @SEA Romeo Doubs SF
Brian Robinson Jr. DAL Elijah Moore PIT
SOLID STARTERS Opp Michael Pittman Jr. DET
Josh Jacobs SF Cedric Tillman PIT
Javonte Williams @LVR Wan’Dale Robinson TB
Kenneth Walker III ARI Jakobi Meyers DEN
Tyrone Tracy Jr. TB Deebo Samuel @GB
R. Stevenson @MIA DeMario Douglas @MIA
Aaron Jones @CHI Demarcus Robinson PHI
Kyren Williams PHI Rashod Bateman @LAC
D’Andre Swift MIN Xavier Legette KC
Tony Pollard @HOU Calvin Ridley @HOU
Jonathan Taylor DET N. Westbrook-Ikhine @HOU
Derrick Henry @LAC Devaughn Vele @LVR
Kareem Hunt @CAR Jerry Jeudy PIT
David Montgomery @IND DJ Moore MIN
Najee Harris @CLE SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Jalen Coker KC
Austin Ekeler DAL J. Smith-Schuster @CAR
Ameer Abdullah DEN Diontae Johnson @LAC
Rico Dowdle @WAS Brandin Cooks @WAS
J.K. Dobbins BAL Tyler Lockett ARI
Isiah Pacheco @CAR John Metchie TEN
Bucky Irving @NYG KaVontae Turpin @WAS
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Alec Pierce DET
Jaylen Warren @CLE Keenan Allen MIN
Chuba Hubbard KC Darius Slayton TB
Cam Akers @CHI DEFENSIVE TEAMS
Jonathon Brooks KC BEST BETS Opp
Audric Estime @LVR Steelers @CLE
Nick Chubb PIT GREAT STARTS Opp
Alexander Mattison DEN Commanders DAL
Zamir White DEN Chiefs @CAR
TIGHT ENDS SOLID STARTERS Opp
BEST BETS Opp Texans TEN
Travis Kelce @CAR Lions @IND
Brock Bowers DEN 49ers @GB
GREAT STARTS Opp Buccaneers @NYG
George Kittle @GB FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
SOLID STARTERS Opp Vikings @CHI
Jonnu Smith NE Broncos @LVR
Zach Ertz DAL Cardinals @SEA
Trey McBride @SEA Bears MIN
Will Dissly BAL Dolphins NE
Hunter Henry @MIA SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Mark Andrews @LAC Eagles @LAR
Cade Otton @NYG Raiders DEN
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Colts DET
David Njoku PIT Panthers KC
Theo Johnson TB Browns PIT
Dallas Goedert @LAR Patriots @MIA
Ja’Tavion Sanders KC Cowboys @WAS
T.J. Hockenson @CHI Giants TB
L. Schoonmaker @WAS Packers SF
Pat Freiermuth @CLE Ravens @LAC
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Seahawks ARI
Jake Ferguson @WAS Titans @HOU
Sam LaPorta @IND Rams PHI
Cole Kmet MIN Chargers BAL
Tucker Kraft SF
Isaiah Likely @LAC
Dalton Schultz TEN
Noah Fant ARI

Fantasy Football Rest-of-Season Rankings: Week 12

Forecasting where all of the notable players net out over the remainder of the season.

These fantasy football rankings track a player’s value for the remainder of the season and are intended to be used as a tool, not necessarily a definitive guide to player valuation.

The scoring system is performance PPR. There is no exact science behind season-long rankings, considering all of the variables and situational uncertainties at work.

Rankings key:
UP/DN is trending up or down from week’s ranking.
NR means the player wasn’t ranked last week.
UP/DN numbering shows where the player was ranked the prior week.

Fantasy football rest of season rankings

Quarterbacks
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Lamar Jackson, BAL 14 the Steelers really are his kryptonite
2 Jalen Hurts, PHI 5
3 Josh Allen, BUF 12 he doesn’t run as much as he used to, but it’s still there
4 Joe Burrow, CIN 12
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
5 Jayden Daniels, WAS 14 hasn’t been the same player since injuring his ribs; maybe the extra rest will help
6 Jordan Love, GB 10
7 Kyler Murray, ARI 11
8 Brock Purdy, SF 9 UP11 quietly doing more and more with his legs
9 Jared Goff, DET 5 nobody goes for the throat like DET
10 Patrick Mahomes, KC 6 DN9
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
11 Bo Nix, DEN 14 UP15 I’m starting to Bo-lieve
12 Baker Mayfield, TB 11
13 Anthony Richardson, IND 14 UP31 back to being QB1; played his best game, let’s see if he can sustain
14 Matthew Stafford, LAR 6 multiple TD passes in 3 of his last 4 gms w/ 10 overall in that span
15 Tua Tagovailoa, MIA 6
16 C.J. Stroud, HOU 14 DN8 has 2 TD passes in his last 5 gms combined
17 Sam Darnold, MIN 6
18 Justin Herbert, LAC 5 UP20
19 Kirk Cousins, ATL 12 DN13 a few huge games, way too many bad ones
20 Geno Smith, SEA 10
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
21 Drake Maye, NE 14 UP24
22 Caleb Williams, CHI 7 encouraging stuff in Wk 11; we’ll see what happens when teams get film w/ the new OC
23 Russell Wilson, PIT 9 DN19
24 Jameis Winston, CLE 10 at least you know he’s gonna go down throwing
25 Trevor Lawrence, JAC 12 DN21 missed 2 gms w/ a shoulder injury; the team is hopeful he can return in Wk 13
26 Aaron Rodgers, NYJ 12 DN22
27 Will Levis, TEN 5
28 Derek Carr, NO 12
29 Cooper Rush, DAL 7 UP32 threw for 354 yds in Wk 11; at some point they’ll want to see Lance, right?
30 Tommy DeVito, NYG 11 NR named QB1 ahead of Lock/Jones; he has some mobility
31 Bryce Young, CAR 11
32 Gardner Minshew, LVR 10
33 Aidan O’Connell, LVR 10 NR on IR w/ a thumb injury; he’s eligible to return
34 Trey Lance, DAL 7
35 Joe Flacco, IND 14 DN25 IND won’t switch back to Flacco, unless Richardson gets hurt
36 Dorian Thompson-Robinson, CLE 10 NR once CLE is officially eliminated, why not take a look at DTR?
Running backs
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Saquon Barkley, PHI 5
2 Derrick Henry, BAL 14
3 Christian McCaffrey, SF 9 no signs of rust
4 Jahmyr Gibbs, DET 5 UP6
5 Kyren Williams, LAR 6 scored a TD in 10 straight gms, now he hasn’t scored one in the last 3
6 Joe Mixon, HOU 14
7 Bijan Robinson, ATL 12 DN3 how can ATL’s offense be so inconsistent?
8 Breece Hall, NYJ 12 UP10
9 Alvin Kamara, NO 12
10 Josh Jacobs, GB 10 averaging 102 YPG this year and has 4 TDs in his last 4 gms
11 De’Von Achane, MIA 6 moves into Tier 1
12 Jonathan Taylor, IND 14 DN9
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
13 D’Andre Swift, CHI 7 had 16 touches to 11 for Roschon Johnson in new OC’s first game; something to watch
14 James Conner, ARI 11
15 Aaron Jones, MIN 6 DN14 averaging just 3.5 YPC over his last 4 gms
16 Chase Brown, CIN 12 UP21
17 James Cook, BUF 12
18 Chuba Hubbard, CAR 11
19 Brian Robinson Jr., WAS 14 DN15 returned after missing 2 gms w/ a hamstring injury
20 David Montgomery, DET 5 UP23
21 Kenneth Walker III, SEA 10
22 Najee Harris, PIT 9 has topped 90 yds in 4 of his last 5 gms
23 Tony Pollard, TEN 5 DN17 18 carries combined the past 2 gms
24 Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG 11
25 J.K. Dobbins, LAC 5 a late TD run made his numbers look a lot better than they should have
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
26 Rhamondre Stevenson, NE 14 UP29
27 Bucky Irving, TB 11
28 Kareem Hunt, KC 6 DN24 the return of Pacheco creates question marks with his usage
29 Austin Ekeler, WAS 14
30 Nick Chubb, CLE 10 he’s RB1, but CLE can’t run the ball effectively
31 Isiah Pacheco, KC 6 UP49 on IR w/ a leg injury; designated to return and expected to play in Wk 12
32 Rachaad White, TB 11 DN30
33 Rico Dowdle, DAL 7 DN28 if no one fears Rush, Dowdle may not have much room to operate
34 Gus Edwards, LAC 5 UP37
35 Travis Etienne, JAC 12 hard to judge Etienne when Mac Jones is at QB
36 Jaylen Warren, PIT 9
37 Javonte Williams, DEN 14 UP56 had 13 touches in Wk 11 compared to 9 for Estime
38 Jonathon Brooks, CAR 11 UP43 DNP in Wk 10 w/ a knee injury; he’s expected to debut in Wk 12
39 Tyler Allgeier, ATL 12
40 Tank Bigsby, JAC 12 DNP in Wk 11 w/ an ankle injury; his status for Wk 13 is TBD
41 Audric Estime, DEN 14
42 Tyjae Spears, TEN 5 suffered a concussion in Wk 11; his status for Wk 12 is TBD
43 Jaylen Wright, MIA 6 UP52 is he the new RB2 in MIA?
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
44 Alexander Mattison, LVR 10 DN40 suffered an ankle injury in Wk 11; his status for Wk 12 is TBD
45 Trey Benson, ARI 11
46 Cam Akers, MIN 6
47 Raheem Mostert, MIA 6 DN35 his role has completely vanished the last 2 weeks
48 Ray Davis, BUF 12
49 Roschon Johnson, CHI 7 UP62 saw much higher usage under the new OC
50 Braelon Allen, NYJ 12
51 Zach Charbonnet, SEA 10
52 Devin Singletary, NYG 11
53 Justice Hill, BAL 14
54 Blake Corum, LAR 6 UP57
55 Zamir White, LVR 10 DN46 suffered a quad injury in Wk 11; his status for Wk 12 is TBD
56 Antonio Gibson, NE 14 UP60
57 Emanuel Wilson, GB 6
58 Jordan Mason, SF 9
59 Khalil Herbert, CIN 12 UP63 it’s all Brown so far
60 Jerome Ford, CLE 10
61 Jaleel McLaughlin, DEN 14 DN54
62 Dameon Pierce, HOU 14 returned after missing 2 gms w/ a groin injury
63 Keaton Mitchell, BAL 14 zero touches in Wk 11
64 Ezekiel Elliott, DAL 7 DN53 w/ DAL going nowhere, why keep someone like Elliott around?
65 Sean Tucker, TB 11
66 Chris Brooks, GB 10
67 Jeremy McNichols, WAS 14
68 Dylan Laube, LVR 10 NR with Mattison/White both hurt, maybe he gets his chance
69 Tyler Goodson, IND 14
70 MarShawn Lloyd, GB 10 DN68 activated from IR but is dealing w/ appendicitis
Wide receivers
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Ja’Marr Chase, CIN 12
2 Justin Jefferson, MIN 6 4 straight games w/o a TD
3 Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET 5 UP5 has scored in 8 consecutive games
4 A.J. Brown, PHI 5
5 Nico Collins, HOU 14 returned after missing 5 gms w/ a hamstring injury
6 Puka Nacua, LAR 6
7 DK Metcalf, SEA 10 returned after missing 2 gms w/ a knee injury
8 Cooper Kupp, LAR 6 UP9
9 CeeDee Lamb, DAL 7 had 106 yds on MNF
10 Mike Evans, TB 11 missed 3 gms w/ a hamstring injury; he’s likely to return in Wk 12
11 Tyreek Hill, MIA 6
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
12 Malik Nabers, NYG 11
13 Drake London, ATL 12
14 Terry McLaurin, WAS 14 two gms of less than 20 yds in the last 3 weeks
15 Tee Higgins, CIN 12 UP24 returned after missing 3 gms w/ a quad injury; he’s a possible WR1 whenever he’s healthy
16 Zay Flowers, BAL 14 DN12 5 gms w/ 90+ yds, 6 gms w/ less than 40 yds, nothing in between
17 George Pickens, PIT 9 a different player since Wilson took over for Fields
18 Davante Adams, NYJ 12 UP22
19 Deebo Samuel, SF 9 DN17 not putting up huge numbers without Aiyuk
20 Calvin Ridley, TEN 5
21 Garrett Wilson, NYJ 12 DN16
22 Darnell Mooney, ATL 12 suffered a hamstring injury in Wk 11; his status for Wk 13 is TBD
23 Tank Dell, HOU 14 DN20
24 DeVonta Smith, PHI 5 DN19 3 gms of less than 30 yds in his last 5
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
25 Jayden Reed, GB 10 DN23 GB WRs are nearly impossible to predict week to week
26 Marvin Harrison Jr., ARI 11
27 Courtland Sutton, DEN 14 UP29
28 Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA 10 UP38 feels like he’s starting to become a real threat
29 Brian Thomas Jr., JAC 12 if Lawrence returns in Wk 13, Thomas could go up as he’s JAC’s clear WR1
30 Khalil Shakir, BUF 12
31 Michael Pittman Jr., IND 14 returned after missing 1 gm w/ a back injury; led IND in targets in Richardson’s return
32 Jameson Williams, DET 5 UP39 has huge upside each week, but he’s not a volume target, so there’s risk
33 DJ Moore, CHI 7 UP37 CHI looked better after the OC switch; let’s see if it lasts
34 Juaun Jennings, SF 9 UP41 he looks more like WR1 in SF than Samuel right now
35 Josh Downs, IND 14
36 Ladd McConkey, LAC 5 UP42
37 Jerry Jeudy, CLE 10 UP53 294 yds in 3 gms w/ Winston at QB
38 DeAndre Hopkins, KC 6
39 Cedric Tillman, CLE 10 DN32
40 Amari Cooper, BUF 12 returned after missing 2 gms w/ a wrist injury; of Allen’s 40 passes, 3 went to Cooper
41 Christian Watson, GB 10 UP45 his involvement has been trending up
42 Jakobi Meyers, LVR 10 DN30
43 Jaylen Waddle, MIA 6 DN35 hasn’t topped 60 yds in a gm since Wk 1
44 Jordan Addison, MIN 6
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
45 Tyler Lockett, SEA 10 DN40 his role seems to be shrinking
46 Romeo Doubs, GB 10 DN43
47 Alec Pierce, IND 14 UP50
48 Keon Coleman, BUF 12 missed 2 gms w/ a wrist injury; he could return in Wk 13
49 DeMario Douglas, NE 14
50 Rome Odunze, CHI 7 led CHI in targets (10) and receiving yds (65) in Wk 11
51 Xavier Worthy, KC 6 UP59
52 Ricky Pearsall, SF 9 DN46
53 Wan’Dale Robinson, NYG 11 it’ll be interesting to see how DeVito distributes the ball
54 Quentin Johnston, LAC 5
55 Elijah Moore, CLE 10 UP69
56 Keenan Allen, CHI 7
57 Rashod Bateman, BAL 14 DN55
58 Marquez Valdes-Scantling, NO 12 UP79 history says it won’t last, but he has 196 yds and 3 TDs in his last 2 gms w/ NO
59 Diontae Johnson, BAL 14 DN49 1 catch in 3 gms w/ BAL
60 Jalen McMillan, TB 11
61 JuJu Smith-Schuster, KC 6 DN54 returned after missing 3 gms w/ a hamstring injury; is he too similar of a WR to Hopkins?
62 Michael Wilson, ARI 11
63 Adam Thielen, CAR 11 on IR w/ a hamstring injury; he’s eligible to return
64 Jalen Tolbert, DAL 7
65 Devaughn Vale, DEN 14 UP78
66 Xavier Legette, CAR 11
67 Darius Slayton, NYG 11 DNP in Wk 10 w/ a concussion; he should return in Wk 12
68 Kendrick Bourne, NE 14 NR
69 Chris Olave, NO 12 on IR w/ a concussion; his season might be over
70 John Metchie, HOU 14
71 Dontayvion Wicks, GB 10 DN63
72 Allen Lazard, NYJ 12 on IR w/ a chest injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 14
73 Mike Williams, PIT 9
74 Kayshon Boutte, NE 14 DN72
75 Demarcus Robinson, LAR 6 DN67 when Nacua and Kupp are both going, there’s not much left for anyone else
76 Noah Brown, WAS 14
77 Parker Washington, JAC 12 NR w/ Gabe Davis lost for the year, Washington could see some chances
78 Andrei Iosivas, CIN 12
79 Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, TEN 5 has 15 catches in his last 6 gms, 5 of them were TDs
80 Jalen Nailor, MIN 6 DN74
Tight ends
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Brock Bowers, LVR 10 UP2 Bowers has 1 game this season with less than 40 yds receiving…
2 Travis Kelce, KC 6 …Kelce has 5 such games
3 Trey McBride, ARI 11
4 George Kittle, SF 9 DNP in Wk 11 w/ a hamstring injury; his status for Wk 12 is TBD
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
5 Evan Engram, JAC 12
6 Sam LaPorta, DET 5 DNP in Wk 11 w/ a shoulder injury; his status for Wk 12 is TBD
7 Cade Otton, TB 11
8 Kyle Pitts, ATL 12 DN6
9 David Njoku, CLE 10 UP14 29 catches in his last 4 gms
10 Mark Andrews, BAL 14
11 Jake Ferguson, DAL 7 suffered a concussion in Wk 11; his status for Wk 12 is TBD
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
12 Taysom Hill, NO 12 UP15 the ultimate weekly lottery ticket play at the TE position
13 Tucker Kraft, GB 10 DN7
14 T.J. Hockenson, MIN 6
15 Jonnu Smith, MIA 6 UP21 I’ve been skeptical, but maybe Smith is gonna remain a big part of that offense
16 Dalton Kincaid, BUF 12 DNP in Wk 11 w/ a knee injury; his status for Wk 13 is TBD
17 Dallas Goedert, PHI 5
18 Hunter Henry, NE 14
19 Zach Ertz, WAS 14 DN17
20 Cole Kmet, CHI 7
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
21 Dalton Schultz, HOU 14
22 Mike Gesicki, CIN 12 DN20 zero catches w/ Higgins back in the lineup
23 Noah Fant, SEA 10 missed 2 gms w/ a groin injury; his status for Wk 12 is TBD
24 Pat Freiermuth, PIT 9
25 Isaiah Likely, BAL 14 UP28 returned after missing 1 gm w/ a hamstring injury
26 Theo Johnson, NYG 11
27 Ja’Tavion Sanders, CAR 11
28 Tyler Conklin, NYJ 12
29 Colby Parkinson, LAR 6
30 Dawson Knox, BUF 12 NR
Defensive teams
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Minnesota Vikings 6
2 Pittsburgh Steelers 9 really impressive work vs BAL in Wk 11
3 Denver Broncos 14 UP4
4 Buffalo Bills 12
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
5 Detroit Lions 5 UP10
6 San Francisco 49ers 9 looks like they might be without Bosa for a bit
7 Houston Texans 14
8 Los Angeles Chargers 5 UP9 not their best game, but I still like their upside going forward
9 Chicago Bears 7 DN6
10 Philadelphia Eagles 5 UP12 played really well in shutting down WAS in Wk 11
11 Green Bay Packers 10 the turnovers have really dried up
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
12 Kansas City Chiefs 6 DN8 not enough splash plays
13 Los Angeles Rams 6
14 Miami Dolphins 6
15 Baltimore Ravens 14 they played one of their better games of 2024
16 Arizona Cardinals 11 NR
17 New York Giants 11
18 Cleveland Browns 10 NR
19 Washington Commanders 14 DN14 they seem to fade late every week
20 Seattle Seahawks 10

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The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 223

Talking NFL news, top-5 skill players, DFS lineups, and more!

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you NFL news, rest-of-season top-5s at skill positions, and “DFS Pay-ups, Stay-aways, and Value Plays.” So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or, click here to listen

Fantasy football inactives, injuries and weather: Week 12

Week 12 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the fantasy football lineup decisions.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 12 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early games: RB Dameon Pierce (active), RB Rachaad White (active)
Afternoon games: WR Marquise Brown (active)
Sunday night:
Monday night:

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 50 degrees, cloudy (retractable-roof dome)

Saints

Inactives: TE Jimmy Graham, RB Kendre Miller, DL Isaiah Foskey, DL Kyle Phillips, OG Nick Saldiveri and QB Jake Haener

Lineup notes: WR Michael Thomas (knee) and CB Marshon Lattimore (ankle) went on IR. RB Kendre Miller (ankle) is also out. QB Derek Carr (concussion) is good to go after coming off the injury report Thursday. DE Jason Pierre-Paul was elevated to the gameday roster.

Falcons

Inactives: CB Clark Phillips III, QB Logan Woodside, DE Joe Gaziano, WR Mack Hollins, TE John FitzPatrick, DT Travis Bell and OG Jovaughn Gwyn

Lineup notes: WR Mack Hollins (ankle) is out. PK Younghoe Koo (back) is good to go after a full session Friday.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 46 degrees, light rain

Steelers

Inactives: RB Anthony McFarland, LB Blake Martinez, QB Mason Rudolph, OT Dylan Cook, S Minkah Fitzpatrick and DT Montravius Adams

Lineup notes: WR George Pickens (shin) had a full session Friday and will play. S Minkah Fitzpatrick (hamstring) has been ruled out.

Bengals

Inactives: OT D’Ante Smith, WR Tee Higgins, C Trey Hill, DT Jay Tufele, CB Cam Taylor-Britt and RB Chris Evans

Lineup notes: WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) has been ruled out, and QB Joe Burrow (wrist) went on season-ending IR.

Carolina Panthers at Tennessee Titans (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 51 degrees, cloudy

Panthers

Inactives: TE Hayden Hurst, OT Ricky Lee, WR Terrace Marshall Jr., RB Raheem Blackshear and CB CJ Henderson

Lineup notes: TE Hayden Hurst (concussion) has been ruled out. QB Bryce Young (thigh) practiced all week and will play. CB CJ Henderson (concussion) and CB Jaycee Horn (hamstring) won’t play. S Jeremy Chinn (quad) already was ruled out.

Titans

Inactives: SS Terrell Edmunds, DL Caleb Murphy, LB Trevis Gipson, WR Treylon Burks and QB Malik Willis

Lineup notes: WR Treylon Burks (concussion) is out again. QB Will Levis (ankle, foot) and RB Derrick Henry (ankle) practiced Friday and will play.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 38 degrees, light rain (retractable-roof dome)

Buccaneers

Inactives: DL Mike Greene, RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn, OT Brandon Walton, LB Lavonte David, LB Cam Gill, CB Jamel Dean and QB John Wolford

Lineup notes: WR Chris Godwin (knee, elbow) was limited Friday but will play. RB Rachaad White (knee) was added Saturday as questionable but will be out there. LB Lavonte David (groin) and CB Jamel Dean (ankle/foot) have been ruled out. LB Devin White (foot) and CB Carlton Davis (hip) overcame questionable tags.

Colts

Inactives: TE Drew Ogletree, OG Arlington Hambright, CB Julius Brents, LB Cameron McGrone, WR Juwann Winfree and C Ryan Kelly

Lineup notes: C Ryan Kelly (concussion) has been ruled out. LB Shaquille Leonard cleared waivers and is a free agent. WR Josh Downs (knee) avoided an injury tag.

New England Patriots at New York Giants (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 45 degrees, cloudy

Patriots

Inactives: CB Alex Austin, WR Jalen Reagor, DT Sam Roberts, RB JaMycal Hasty and OT Vederian Lowe

Lineup notes: WR DeVante Parker (concussion), LT Trent Brown (ankle) and CB Jonathan Jones (knee) are available. QB Mac Jones is expected to start, but reports point to QB Bailey Zappe also getting reps.

Giants

Inactives: RB Jashaun Corbin, DT Dexter Lawrence, DE Carlos Basham Jr., OT Evan Neal and S Gervarrius Owens

Lineup notes: TE Darren Waller (hamstring) remains on IR. WR Darius Slayton (neck) was doubtful but will be on available after showing improvement. WR Sterling Shepard (hip) practiced Thursday and Friday and will play.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 63 degrees, cloudy, N 13 mph (retractable-roof dome)

Jaguars

Inactives: WR Elijah Cooks, OG Cole Van Lanen, CB Tyson Campbell, DT DaVon Hamilton and LB Yasir Abdullah

Lineup notes: WR Zay Jones (knee) is active after being questionable.

Texans

Inactives: LB Jake Hansen, SS Jimmie Ward, QB Case Keenum, RB Mike Boone, LB Myjai Sanders, OG Nick Broeker and WR Noah Brown

Lineup notes: WR Noah Brown (knee) is out. RB Dameon Pierce (ankle) returns to the field.

Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos (4:05 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 38 degrees, clear

Browns

Inactives: CB Denzel Ward, C Luke Wypler, WR Marquise Goodwin, LB Anthony Walker, DT Siaki Ika, DL Isaiah McGuire and OT Leroy Watson

Lineup notes: QB Deshaun Watson (shoulder) went on IR and was lost for the season due to a shoulder injury. LB Anthony Walker (hamstring) and CB Denzel Ward (shoulder) are out.

Broncos

Inactives: LB Ronnie Perkins, C Alex Forsyth, S JL Skinner, DL Thomas Incoom, RB Dwayne Washington and DT Elijah Garcia

Lineup notes: RB Samaje Perine (knee) practiced Friday and will play.

Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals (4:05 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather:  68 degrees, cloudy (retractable-roof dome)

Rams

Inactives: DL Nick Hampton, TE Brycen Hopkins, S Quentin Lake and OT Warren McClendon

Lineup notes: RB Kyren Williams (ankle) practiced fully all week and will make his return from IR. WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) and WR Puka Nacua (knee) practiced Friday and will play. Neither has an injury tag. TE Tyler Higbee incorrectly was widely reported as an inactive, but he is indeed active this week.

Cardinals

Inactives: S Joey Blount, CB Antonio Hamilton, OT Dennis Daley, RB Keaontay Ingram, TE Blake Whiteheart, WR Michael Wilson and DL Kevin Strong

Lineup notes: WR Michael Wilson (shoulder) is out. WR Marquise Brown (heel) is active after being labeled questionable, and S Jalen Thompson (back) also will be out there.

Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Chiefs

Inactives: DE B.J. Thompson, OG Mike Caliendo, WR Kadarius Toney, DT Neil Farrell, DL Malik Herring and RB Jerick McKinnon

Lineup notes: WR Mecole Hardman (thumb) went on IR. RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) was ruled out Friday, and WR Kadarius Toney (knee) was downgraded to out Saturday afternoon.

Raiders

Inactives: LB Amari Burney, DT Nesta Jade Silvera, S Roderic Teamer, QB Brian Hoyer, DL Byron X. Young and C Hroniss Grasu

Lineup notes: LT Kolton Miller (shoulder), DE Maxx Crosby (knee), and LB Robert Spillane (ankle) are active.

Buffalo Bills at Philadelphia Eagles (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 47 degree, mostly cloudy

Bills

Inactives: LB A.J. Klein, OG Alec Anderson, DT Poona Ford, CB Dane Jackson, WR Deonte Harty and S Taylor Rapp

Lineup notes: TE Dawson Knox (wrist) remains on IR. QB Josh Allen (shoulder) continues practicing and playing through his shoulder injury.

Eagles

Inactives: TE Grant Calcaterra, CB Josiah Scott, DT Milton Williams, QB Tanner McKee, OT Lane Johnson, TE Dallas Goedert and RB Rashaad Penny

Lineup notes: TE Dallas Goedert (forearm) has been ruled out. WR A.J. Brown (thigh) and RB D’Andre Swift (ankle) were limited Wednesday and Thursday but had a full practice Friday and will play. RT Lane Johnson will not play. DE Derek Barnett was waived Friday.

Sunday Night Football

Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Chargers (8:20 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 60 degrees, cloudy (open-air dome)

Ravens

Inactives: C Sam Mustipher, LB Trenton Simpson, OT Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, LB Malik Harrison, QB Josh Johnson and CB Marlon Humphrey

Lineup notes: TE Mark Andrews (ankle) was lost for the season last week and has been placed on IR. WR Odell Beckham Jr. (shoulder) and WR Zay Flowers (hip) will play. WR Rashod Bateman (foot) and WR Devin Duvernay (knee) were limited Wednesday but practiced fully Thursday and Friday and also will play. CB Marlon Humphrey (calf) is inactive.

Chargers

Inactives: DT Scott Matlock, CB AJ Finley, RB Isaiah Spiller, WR Simi Fehoko, TE Nick Vannett, RB Elijah Dotson and OG Zack Bailey

Lineup notes: EDGE Joey Bosa (foot) is on IR for at least four weeks. TE Gerald Everett (chest) and WR Jalen Guyton (groin) are ready after being deemed questionable. WR Keenan Allen (shoulder), QB Justin Herbert (finger) and TE Donald Parham (hip) practiced Friday and will play.

Monday Night Football

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings (8:15 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Bears

Lineup notes: RB D’Onta Foreman (ankle, shin) earned a doubtful designation after Saturday’s practice.

Vikings

Lineup notes: WR Justin Jefferson (hamstring) is officially questionable for Week 12. TE T.J. Hockenson (ribs) has been limited Thursday and Friday but doesn’t carry an injury tag for Monday night.

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 12

Fresh off a bye, the Colts face a pass-friendly fantasy matchup to exploit.

Every week, at least one player becomes my fascination of whether he’s worthy of a fantasy football start as a streamer. The decision can be a mental wrestling match, but for the purpose of brevity, only one player can be chosen as my favorite fantasy football gamble of the week.

The players chosen in this series are meant to be fliers for fantasy owners in desperate situations or those willing to take an intentional risk. No player is intended to be a lineup lock for guaranteed results, hence the name of the series.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 12

Tracking my 2023 predictions: 4-7-0
All-time record: 23-38-3 (38.3%)

Win: Player produces ≥ 75% of projected fantasy points
Loss: Player produces >75% of projected fantasy points
Tie: Player is ejected, leaves with an injury, or is ruled out after publishing

This year, we’ll also track the accuracy on a percentage basis to show relative results, since sometimes calling a player a loss doesn’t actually hurt gamers. An example would be if a projection narrowly falls short of the 75 percent threshold, the player is still of use in a lineup.

Wk 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
% 55 74.7 41.7 20.8 150.3 66.5 16.1 25.5 88 121.4 138.8
Grade E C F- F- A+ D F- F- B+ A+ A+

Last week, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley was the selection and made it three straight successful recommendation. He turned in a monster effort after failing to reach seven PPR points in three of the previous four games. Scratching and clawing my way back to getting even, this week’s choice is a former Jaguar who is trying to navigate a divisional foe to victory over a member of the NFC South.

Indianapolis Colts QB Gardner Minshew vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Minshew returns from the bye with wide receiver Josh Downs no longer on the injury report, which helps his odds. Another factor working in the quarterback’s favor is that Tampa Bay has been strong against running backs, which should lead to a bit more passing from Indy.

In addition to Downs, who is having a strong rookie campaign, Minshew will have Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and tight end Kylen Granson available. The Bucs have given up a fair amount of work to TEs so far, and the position has been rocked by receivers not only on the year but even more so in the last few weeks. This matchup for wideouts sits 60.4% easier than the league average in the last three weeks, 33.8% over the last five, and 24.1% on the season. That kind of success rarely occurs without a strong quarterback performance.

[lawrence-related id=484769]

At home, Indianapolis battles a Bucs defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game (23.2) to quarterbacks in 2023. Over the last five weeks, no defense has given up more points to the position (28.2). In the past three contests, we’ve seen Brock Purdy (30.1) and C.J. Stroud (44.4) explode vs. Tampa as injuries and a lack of pressure have played major roles in the aerial success.

Every passer but rookie Will Levis posted at least 250 yards and 22 or more fantasy points following the Buccaneers’ Week 5 bye. Three of those guys went for 30 or more points, and Josh Allen is the only name on that list anyone drafted as a fantasy QB1.

As long as Minshew puts the ball up 30 times, he’s a decent bet to finish as a fantasy starter this week. The major risk at play here is he hasn’t done either of those things in the last three games.

My projection: 21-of-31 attempts, 277 yards, 2 TDs, 1 rush, 7 yards (22.6 fantasy points)

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 12

Check out these starts and sits in fantasy football for Week 12.

With Thanksgiving behind us, the battles in fantasy football for the final spots in the playoffs officially hit the home stretch.

Three games took place Thursday and another will take place Friday afternoon in the NFL’s first Black Friday game. No teams are on a bye, though we will be hit with another six teams getting the week off in Week 13.

Doing start/sit articles can be a little challenging. The players featured on the list below should not be taken as “must starts” or “must sits.” Instead, these are more suggestions on what we believe managers should do with fringe players heading into the weekend. The choice is ultimately up to the manager.

Just because a player is listed as a “start” doesn’t mean he should be put in the lineup over the secure, bona fide studs. Vice versa for the “sits.” If there’s no better option on the waiver wire or the bench, a manager shouldn’t automatically sit the player. That’s why these can be tricky waters to navigate.

Feel free to ask any specific start/sit questions via X, formerly Twitter, (@KevinHickey11), or check out our start/bench list for Week 12:

Daily Fantasy Domination: Week 12 Thanksgiving Edition

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 12 Saturday Slate DFS fantasy football

As you sit down to enjoy your holiday meal, think back on all the things for which you are thankful. For me, it’s a veritable feast of options to choose from that includes potentially having six above-average QBs and five legitimate TEs. Unfortunately, that means Sunday’s leftovers are gonna suck.

Thanksgiving Day Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Dak Prescott ($6.8k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.7k), RB AJ Dillon ($5.4k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($8.7k), WR Michael Gallup ($3.7k), WR Curtis Samuel ($3.6k), TE George Kittle ($6.0k), FLEX Jake Ferguson ($3.9k), DST Detroit Lions ($3.2k)

FD Lineup: QB Dak Prescott ($8.5k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($9.8k), RB Zach Charbonnet ($5.8k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($9.2k), WR Romeo Doubs ($6.2k), WR Brandin Cooks ($5.7k), TE Jake Ferguson ($6.1k), FLEX Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($5.4k), DST Seattle Seahawks ($3.3k)

FB Lineup: QB Dak Prescott ($6.9k), RB Christian McCaffrey ($8.8k), RB AJ Dillon ($5.0k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($8.2k), WR Romeo Doubs ($4.7k), WR Brandin Cooks ($4.1k), TE George Kittle ($6.3k), FLEX Jake Ferguson ($4.3k), FLEX Brock Purdy ($6.2k)

Quarterback

Player DraftKings FanDuel
Dak Prescott $6,800 $8,500
Jared Goff $6,300 $7,800
Sam Howell $6,200 $7,300
Brock Purdy $6,100 $7,700
Geno Smith $5,600 $6,600
Jordan Love $5,500 $7,200
Drew Lock $5,000 $6,600

Weekly strategy – Dak Prescott gets the easiest matchup. He is the easy QB1 choice. That said, only Sam Howell‘s matchup concerns me. Whoever starts for Seattle would be my favorite punt play.

Pay to Play

Dak Prescott, Cowboys vs. WAS ($6,800 DK, $8,500 FD) Washington just allowed Tommy DeVito to throw for three TDs. When that happens, you should just fold your franchise. The Commanders also have allowed multiple scores to “studs” like Desmond Ridder, Geno Smith, and Tyrod Taylor. Over his last four games, Prescott has 14 TDs. He will add four more here.

Stay Away

Sam Howell, Commanders @ DAL ($6,200 DK, $7,300 FD) Many articles have highlighted that Howell has more passing yards than any other QB. These articles artificially inflate this number since he has not yet had his bye, and since many QBs have missed games because of injury. Still, he has seven games with greater than 250 passing yards. That will be his ceiling this week as only one QB has topped that mark versus Dallas. He will still account for a pair of TDs, but he is the worst option on this slate.

value play

Brock Purdy, Niners @ SEA ($6,100 DK, $7,700 FD) The return of Trent Williams has coincided with back-to-back three TD performances for Purdy. Seattle’s pass defense ranks in the middle of the pack, but the only competent QBs that they have faced are Jared Goff, Sam Howell, and Lamar Jackson. Purdy will chew them up.

Running Back

Player DraftKings FanDuel
Christian McCaffrey $8,700 $9,800
Jahmyr Gibbs $6,800 $8,200
Tony Pollard $6,700 $7,200
David Montgomery $6,300 $7,800
Kenneth Walker III $6,200 $6,500
Aaron Jones $6,000 $6,600
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,900 $6,700
AJ Dillon $5,400 $6,600
Zach Charbonnet $5,300 $5,800
Chris Rodriguez Jr. $4,600 $4,700
Rico Dowdle $4,600 $5,100
Antonio Gibson $4,600 $5,200
DeeJay Dallas $4,400 $4,800
Elijah Mitchell $4,200 $4,900

Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey is expensive, but he is a must-own RB1. Both Detroit backs are the pivots. You may just want to choose one of them for RB2. The only other options to consider for RB2 are AJ Dillon and Brian Robinson, Jr. This is clearly the weakest position on the slate, so spend up here.

Pay to Play

Christian McCaffrey, Niners @ SEA ($8,700 DK, $9,800 FD) McCaffrey took only one week off on his TD streak. Last week, he returned to the end zone against an elite Tampa defense; Seattle is not an elite defense. They are barely a competent defense. Over their last three games, the Seahawks have allowed six RB scores. This is not a, “Will CMAC score game?” This is a, “How many times will CMAC score game?”

Stay Away

Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks vs. SF ($5,300 DK, $5,800 FD) At a discount price, many owners will flock to Charbonnet. He will see a lead back’s volume with Kenneth Walker III (knee) likely out, but good luck running against this defense. Charbonnet’s best hope is that he continues to get peppered with targets.

Value Play

Brian Robinson, Jr., Commanders @ DAL ($5,900 DK, $6,700 FD) The injury to Antonio Gibson (toe) allowed Robinson to post a second-consecutive 100-yard game. His bell-cow role will probably continue in the short week. You probably think that Dallas is strong against the run. They are, but they have slipped as their linebacker injuries continue to mount.

Wide Receiver

Player DraftKings FanDuel
CeeDee Lamb $8,700 $9,200
Amon-Ra St. Brown $8,500 $8,500
Brandon Aiyuk $7,000 $7,800
DK Metcalf $6,500 $7,000
Tyler Lockett $6,000 $6,600
Deebo Samuel $5,900 $6,700
Terry McLaurin $5,400 $6,500
Romeo Doubs $5,000 $6,200
Jahan Dotson $4,600 $5,700
Brandin Cooks $4,500 $5,700
Christian Watson $4,300 $5,600
Jayden Reed $4,200 $5,900
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $4,100 $5,400
Michael Gallup $3,700 $5,200
Curtis Samuel $3,600 $5,600
Josh Reynolds $3,500 $5,500
Jameson Williams $3,400 $5,300
Dontayvion Wicks $3,300 $5,000
Jauan Jennings $3,300 $4,800
Jamison Crowder $3,200 $4,600
Jalen Tolbert $3,100 $4,700
Byron Pringle $3,000 $4,700
Donovan Peoples-Jones $3,000 $4,300
Dyami Brown $3,000 $4,700
Jake Bobo $3,000 $4,600
Kalif Raymond $3,000 $4,600
KaVontae Turpin $3,000 $4,500

Weekly strategy – CeeDee Lamb is the top WR1 option. The only other WR1 option is Amon-Ra St. Brown. Unfortunately, it will be hard to afford both of them. WR2 is much deeper. Choose between Romeo Doubs, Brandin Aiyuk, DK Metcalf, or Brandin Cooks. You also may want to use one of them at WR3. If not, you can use Jaxon Smith-Njigba or one of the reserve Commanders or Packers.

Pay to Play

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys vs. WAS ($8,700 DK, $9,200 FD) Even on a down week, Lamb posted his ninth double-digit PPR game of the year. He also added his fifth TD in his last four games. Stack this powerhouse duo and run it back with either Curtis Samuel or Jahan Dotson at WR3.

Stay Away

Terry McLaurin, Commanders @ DAL ($5,400 DK, $6,500 FD) WR1s have struggled vs. this defense. Only five have reached double-digit PPR points against Dallas. Despite a ton of targets, McLaurin has failed to reach that plateau in his last two games. There are better options at this price point.

Value Play

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks vs. SF ($4,100 DK, $5,400 FD) Smith-Njigba has five or more targets in eight of 10 games. This week, the Seahawks will need to throw the ball. Expect JSN to rack up short-yardage receptions as they realize they can’t move the ball on the ground. He may see even more dump-off passes if Drew Lock starts.

Tight End

Player DraftKings FanDuel
George Kittle $6,000 $7,200
Sam LaPorta $5,200 $6,500
Jake Ferguson $3,900 $6,100
Logan Thomas $3,500 $5,200
Luke Musgrave $3,300 $5,000
Noah Fant $2,700 $4,700
Colby Parkinson $2,500 $4,400
Josiah Deguara $2,500 $4,300
Tucker Kraft $2,500 $4,300
Will Dissly $2,500 $4,500

Weekly strategy – George Kittle has been white hot. He is the top option here. Luke Musgrave and Jake Ferguson are the top pivots. Sam LaPorta feels like a trap.

Pay to Play

George Kittle, Niners @ SEA ($6,000 DK, $7,200 FD) Over his last four starts, Kittle is averaging 6-108-0.5. Last week, the Seahawks kept Tyler Higbee in check. That said, over their prior three games, they allowed an average of 8.6-89 to the position. 

Stay Away

Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. GB ($5,200 DK, $6,500 FD) LaPorta has posted back-to-back duds. He also has topped five receptions only three times. Typically, at a thin position, he is a TE1. However, on a loaded slate, his performance doesn’t match his price. Let other owners overpay for his eight points while you pivot elsewhere. 

Value Play

Jake Ferguson, Cowboys vs. WAS ($3,900 DK, $6,100 FD) Last week, Ferguson was vultured of a TD by Luke Schoonmaker. This was a fluke as Ferguson has more targets over the last two weeks than Schoonmaker has on the year. Prior to last week, Ferguson had scored in three straight. He gets back on the horse here. 

The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 203

Talking NFL player news, fantasy football advice, DFS strategy and more!

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you NFL news and a double helping of “DFS Pay-ups, Stay-aways and Value Plays.” So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or, click here to listen