A.J. Green isn’t worried about your fantasy football team

The Bengals wide receiver isn’t worried about fantasy football.

AJ Green doesn’t care about your fantasy team 🤣 pic.twitter.com/DR9ufu5KpL

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) November 19, 2019

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green doesn’t want to hear about fantasy teams.

Over on Instagram, a user commented on a picture posted to Green’s account jawing about fantasy football. Green, as seen above in the tweet from B/R Gridiron, wasn’t having it. The full post is indeed live on Green’s page.

Jokes about fantasy football aside, Green got in some pregame work before his Bengals lost to the Oakland Raiders last weekend. But before that, the team wouldn’t call him anything other than day-to-day. That’s probably not going to change until Green practices in full.

On the fantasy football front — for whatever it’s worth — Green isn’t much of a play once he finally gets back on the field. This will be the first time in a long time he won’t be catching passes from Andy Dalton, and rookie Ryan Finley has struggled mightily since taking over the job.

And it should go without saying, but don’t be the person that pesters players over fantasy football teams.

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Fantasy Football: 4 things to know for Week 12

Rest of season rankings: Week 12

With the fantasy football playoffs fast approaching, it never hurts to look ahead if your spot has been secured

NOTE: These player 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. Defensive teams have been added but will not have analysis.

QUARTERBACKS

Rk	Mv	Player	Team	Bye
1		Patrick Mahomes	KC	12
2	3	Lamar Jackson	BAL	8
3		Russell Wilson	SEA	11
4		Deshaun Watson	HOU	10
5	6	Dak Prescott	DAL	8
6		Aaron Rodgers	GB	11
7	8	Kyler Murray	ARI	12
8		Matt Ryan	ATL	9
9		Drew Brees	NO	9
10	17	Kirk Cousins	MIN	12
11	9	Tom Brady	NE	10
12		Jameis Winston	TB	7
13		Carson Wentz	PHI	10
14		Josh Allen	BUF	6
15		Derek Carr	OAK	6
16		Jacoby Brissett	IND	6
17	15	Jared Goff	LAR	9
18		Baker Mayfield	CLE	7
19	22	Ryan Fitzpatrick	MIA	5
20		Daniel Jones	NYG	11
21	13	M. Stafford	DET	5
22		Philip Rivers	LAC	12
23		Jimmy Garoppolo	SF	4
24	27	Sam Darnold	NYJ	4
25		Ryan Tannehill	TEN	11
26	23	Kyle Allen	CAR	7
27		Nick Foles	JAC	10
28	36	Jeff Driskel	DET	5
29		Mason Rudolph	PIT	7
30		Mitchell Trubisky	CHI	6
31		Brandon Allen	DEN	10
32		Dwayne Haskins	WAS	10
33		Ryan Finley	CIN	9
34	NR	Chase Daniel	CHI	6
35		Gardner Minshew	JAC	10
36		Marcus Mariota	TEN	11
37		Josh Rosen	MIA	5
38		Case Keenum	WAS	10
39		Andy Dalton	CIN	9
40		Drew Lock	DEN	10

QUARTERBACK MOVEMENT

QUARTERBACK MOVEMENT

Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

Stafford (back) missed his second straight game amid reports he was told it’s a six-week injury. While he could push to return earlier — that time frame would put him back in Week 16 — you have to wonder if he’ll be eventually be shut down. At 3-6-1, Detroit is done with the meaningful part of its schedule, and reinserting Stafford to play out the string seems a dubious approach. Even still, I’m not closing the door on Stafford, moving him down into the 20s and bumping up Jeff Driskel, who has played fairly well.

Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams

I’m not sure what we saw Sunday night: was it a head coach completely losing confidence in his QB or a head coach recognizing a depleted selection of weapons, an opponent that couldn’t score and one that gave his QB fits a year ago? A Week 12 matchup with Baltimore should offer more clarity.

Others of note

It feels like sacrilege, but Kirk Cousins is playing markedly better than higher-profile arms like Carson Wentz, Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield. As such, I’ve moved him into my top 10 (insert obligatory YOU LIKE THAT reference here) … Four more picks from Jameis Winston this week, giving him 18 for the year. If they had anyone else to plug in I’d be worried. They don’t, though, so he stays put … I like what Josh Allen is doing, but I hate his closing schedule … Miami really doesn’t care if they win or lose, and I get the feeling Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to throw the ball over the place … In two games against the Cardinals, Jimmy Garoppolo has thrown for 741 yards, 8 TDs and 2 INTs; in his other eight games, 1,737 yards, 10 TDs and 8 INTs … Mitchell Trubisky (hip) was pulled late in Week 11 with an apparent hip pointer, though skepticism is running rampant about the severity/validity of the injury. We’ll see if this serves as an excuse to start Chase Daniel, who re-enters the rankings.

RUNNING BACKS

Rk	Mv	Player	Team	Bye
1		Christian McCaffrey	CAR	7
2		Dalvin Cook	MIN	12
3		Ezekiel Elliott	DAL	8
4		Aaron Jones	GB	11
5		Alvin Kamara	NO	9
6		Saquon Barkley	NYG	11
7		Josh Jacobs	OAK	6
8		Nick Chubb	CLE	7
9	12	Chris Carson	SEA	11
10		Leonard Fournette	JAC	10
11	16	Todd Gurley II	LAR	9
12		Le’Veon Bell	NYJ	4
13		Derrick Henry	TEN	11
14		Melvin Gordon III	LAC	12
15		Mark Ingram II	BAL	8
16		Phillip Lindsay	DEN	10
17	11	James Conner	PIT	7
18		Carlos Hyde	HOU	10
19		Jordan Howard	PHI	10
20	23	Joe Mixon	CIN	9
21		Austin Ekeler	LAC	12
22		James White	NE	10
23		Tevin Coleman	SF	4
24	37	Kenyan Drake	ARI	12
25		Damien Williams	KC	12
26		Sony Michel	NE	10
27	32	Devin Singletary	BUF	6
28		Devonta Freeman	ATL	9
29	24	David Montgomery	CHI	6
30		Miles Sanders	PHI	10
31	29	Ronald Jones II	TB	7
32	27	David Johnson	ARI	12
33		Latavius Murray	NO	9
34		Matt Breida	SF	4
35		Kareem Hunt	CLE	7
36		Jamaal Williams	GB	11
37		Duke Johnson	HOU	10
38	47	Jaylen Samuels	PIT	7
39		Chase Edmonds	ARI	12
40	39	Royce Freeman	DEN	10
41		Kalen Ballage	MIA	5
42	NR	Jordan Wilkins	IND	6
43	56	Derrius Guice	WAS	10
44		Tarik Cohen	CHI	6
45		Frank Gore	BUF	6
46	NR	Bo Scarbrough	DET	5
47	47	Adrian Peterson	WAS	10
48		Peyton Barber	TB	7
49	44	Alexander Mattison	MIN	12
50	52	Nyheim Hines	IND	6
51		Rashaad Penny	SEA	11
52		LeSean McCoy	KC	12
53		Brian Hill	ATL	9
54		Justice Hill	BAL	8
55		Tony Pollard	DAL	8
56		Darrell Henderson	LAR	9
57		Raheem Mostert	SF	4
58		Giovani Bernard	CIN	9
59		Malcolm Brown	LAR	9
60	48	J.D. McKissic	DET	5
61	13	Marlon Mack	IND	6
62		Mark Walton*	MIA	5
63		Ryquell Armstead	JAC	10
64		Darrel Williams	KC	12
65		Jalen Richard	OAK	6
66		Chris Thompson	WAS	10
67		Reggie Bonnafon	CAR	7
68		Justin Jackson	LAC	12
69		Dion Lewis	TEN	11
70		Kerryon Johnson	DET	5

RUNNING BACK MOVEMENT

*Walton was released Tuesday and will be removed from the rankings after another alleged legal incident has his future in doubt.

Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts

Mack suffered a fractured hand Sunday and underwent surgery on it the following day. He won’t play Thursday and is out indefinitely following the procedure. Jordan Wilkins (ankle), who was inactive in Week 11 due to injury, should return this week. He’s set to share carries with Jonathan Williams, who had 147 yards in relief of Mack. Despite that, I’m adding Wilkins to the rankings for now as he was the backup prior to going down. Nyheim Hines’ value shouldn’t change much as his role is defined and doesn’t lend itself to increased touches.

Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals

With Chase Edmonds (hamstring) still out, Drake got 22 touches in Week 11 to zero for David Johnson, who was active but did not play. Is Johnson still injured? Has he fallen out of favor? We’ll know a lot more in Week 13 when the Cardinals return from their bye, presumably with all three backs healthy, but for now I’m moving Drake up and dropping Johnson.

Derrius Guice, Washington Redskins

Guice returned from injury to post 69 yards and a touchdown against the Jets on Sunday. I don’t think the team will overwork Guice down the stretch, but I’d expect him to carry more value than Adrian Peterson as it makes no sense to favor the veteran over the second-year back that’s barely been seen due to injury. Washington needs to at least get some idea of what they have.

Others of note

Did Sean McVay finally punt on the notion of limiting Todd Gurley’s touches!? Sure, the move is roughly six weeks late, but I’m moving Gurley to borderline top-10 status … James Conner (shoulder) aggravated his shoulder injury Thursday night, and it’s unclear how much time he’ll miss. Jaylen Samuels should be the biggest beneficiary … Fifty-five drop backs, six runs. That was Bruce Arians’ game plan in Week 11. I believe Ronald Jones has RB2 talent, but he’s not being given a chance … The Lions clearly don’t think Ty Johnson is ready to play meaningful NFL snaps. For the second time in a month, they brought someone from the practice squad and inserted them as their top back. Bo Scarbrough is now the top RB to own in Motown; J.D. McKissic drops a bit in the rankings and Johnson falls out … Damien Williams (ribs) hurt his ribs Monday night. In his absence, both Darrel Williams and LeSean McCoy scored. With no details about the severity, I won’t be adjusting the Chiefs backs.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Rk	Mv	Player	Team	Bye
1		Michael Thomas	NO	9
2		DeAndre Hopkins	HOU	10
3		Julio Jones	ATL	9
4		Mike Evans	TB	7
5		Tyreek Hill	KC	12
6		Davante Adams	GB	11
7		Chris Godwin	TB	7
8	7	Amari Cooper	DAL	8
9		Julian Edelman	NE	10
10	8	Cooper Kupp	LAR	9
11		Kenny Golladay	DET	5
12		Stefon Diggs	MIN	12
13		Tyler Lockett	SEA	11
14		Odell Beckham Jr.	CLE	7
15	13	Adam Thielen	MIN	12
16	18	D.J. Moore	CAR	7
17		Keenan Allen	LAC	12
18		Courtland Sutton	DEN	10
19	26	John Brown	BUF	6
20	17	JuJu Smith-Schuster	PIT	7
21	25	DJ Chark Jr.	JAC	10
22		Golden Tate	NYG	11
23		Calvin Ridley	ATL	9
24		Christian Kirk	ARI	12
25	19	Robert Woods	LAR	9
26		Marvin Jones Jr.	DET	5
27		Michael Gallup	DAL	8
28	32	T.Y. Hilton	IND	6
29		DeVante Parker	MIA	5
30	36	Jarvis Landry	CLE	7
31		Brandin Cooks	LAR	9
32	21	Tyler Boyd	CIN	9
33		Alshon Jeffery	PHI	10
34		Terry McLaurin	WAS	10
35		Allen Robinson II	CHI	6
36		Mike Williams	LAC	12
37	42	Tyrell Williams	OAK	6
38		Sammy Watkins	KC	12
39	35	Emmanuel Sanders	SF	4
40		DK Metcalf	SEA	11
41	46	Jamison Crowder	NYJ	4
42		Larry Fitzgerald	ARI	12
43		Curtis Samuel	CAR	7
44		Mohamed Sanu	NE	10
45	40	Marquise Brown	BAL	8
46		Hunter Renfrow	OAK	6
47	58	Deebo Samuel	SF	4
48		Josh Gordon	SEA	11
49	60	Randall Cobb	DAL	8
50		Cole Beasley	BUF	6
51	57	Will Fuller V	HOU	10
52	64	Nelson Agholor	PHI	10
53	45	Dede Westbrook	JAC	10
54		Corey Davis	TEN	11
55	47	Zach Pascal	IND	6
56		Darius Slayton	NYG	11
57		Allen Lazard	GB	11
58	66	Taylor Gabriel	CHI	6
59		A.J. Brown	TEN	11
60	76	Chris Conley	JAC	10
61		Demaryius Thomas	NYJ	10
62	63	A.J. Green	CIN	9
63		Mecole Hardman	KC	12
64	65	James Washington	PIT	7
65		Danny Amendola	DET	5
66	67	Phillip Dorsett II	NE	10
67	52	Kenny Stills	HOU	10
68		Robby Anderson	NYJ	4
69	80	Allen Hurns	MIA	5
70	NR	Tim Patrick	DEN	10
71		Auden Tate	CIN	9
72		Sterling Shepard	NYG	11
73	75	Anthony Miller	CHI	6
74		Adam Humphries	TEN	11
75		Andy Isabella	ARI	12
76		Willie Snead IV	BAL	8
77	69	Diontae Johnson	PIT	7
78		M. Valdes-Scantling	GB	11
79		Paul Richardson Jr.	WAS	10
80	84	N’Keal Harry	NE	10
81		Keke Coutee	HOU	10
82		Tre’Quan Smith	NO	9
83	NR	Pharoh Cooper	ARI	12
84		Chester Rogers	IND	6
85		Russell Gage	ATL	9
86		Ted Ginn Jr.	NO	9
87		Geronimo Allison	GB	11
88		Trey Quinn	WAS	10
89		Zay Jones	OAK	6
90		DeSean Jackson	PHI	10
91	86	Alex Erickson	CIN	9
92		Miles Boykin	BAL	8
93		Devin Funchess	IND	6
94		John Ross	CIN	9
95		Antonio Brown	FA	—

WIDE RECEIVER MOVEMENT

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers

Smith-Schuster (head, knee) sustained a concussion last Thursday, and now there’s word that his knee was injured as well, calling his Week 12 status into question. His numbers had already been mostly poor in recent weeks, and this is enough to push him to low-end WR2 status going forward. Even that might be generous. Diontae Johnson (head) suffered a concussion of his own in Week 11. Those injuries make James Washington a potentially interesting option.

Cincinnati Bengals

There’s a lot going on in Cincy right now. Tyler Boyd is unhappy with his lack of involvement. A.J. Green (ankle) felt “good” after a pregame workout in Oakland. Auden Tate (neck) was carted off the field with a cervical strain. John Ross (shoulder) is back at practice and could return from IR. It’s a mess. The one thing they have in common is Ryan Finley, who has played like the team plucked him out of the stands in two starts. Minus a competent triggerman it’s hard to trust anyone in the Bengals passing game.

Minnesota Vikings

Adam Thielen (hamstring) is set to return in Week 13 against the Seahawks. I’ve always viewed him as the superior fantasy option in Minnesota, but Stefon Diggs has played extremely well in his absence. I’m more comfortable viewing Thielen as a WR2 for now.

Others of note

T.Y. Hilton (calf) could return as early as this Thursday, and it’s clear the passing game desperately needs him — Zach Pascal has crashed back to Earth after a couple of nice games … Emmanuel Sanders (ribs) gutted through Week 11 and is still the top WR in San Francisco, but Deebo Samuel needs to be owned in all leagues … Marquise Brown has topped 50 yards receiving once in his last six games. I like his talent, but that passing game flows through the tight ends and backs … Randall Cobb just posted back-to-back games of 100-plus yards for the first time since 2014! Dallas seems to be leaning into more Dak, less Zeke, and Cobb is suddenly a viable fantasy option again … Will Fuller (hamstring) is a game-time decision for Thursday night so he’s getting very close to returning, and once he does he should be owned in all formats … Tyreek Hill (hamstring) limped off the field in Mexico City with a hamstring injury and didn’t return. There’s not enough info to warrant any changes right now ahead of KC’s Week 12 bye, but if Hill misses time it’d bump up Mecole Hardman and Sammy Watkins.

TIGHT ENDS

Rk	Mv	Player	Team	Bye
1		Travis Kelce	KC	12
2	4	Zach Ertz	PHI	10
3		Hunter Henry	LAC	12
4	2	George Kittle	SF	4
5		Darren Waller	OAK	11
6		Evan Engram	NYG	7
7		Jared Cook	NO	9
8		Mark Andrews	BAL	8
9	11	Jacob Hollister	SEA	11
10		Austin Hooper	ATL	5
11	19	Noah Fant	DEN	10
12		Eric Ebron	IND	6
13		Greg Olsen	CAR	6
14	10	Dallas Goedert	PHI	10
15		Jimmy Graham	GB	11
16	NR	Ryan Griffin	NYJ	4
17		Tyler Eifert	CIN	12
18		Vance McDonald	PIT	6
19	29	Kyle Rudolph	MIN	12
20		Gerald Everett	LAR	9
21	17	Mike Gesicki	MIA	7
22		Jack Doyle	IND	6
23	18	O.J. Howard	TB	7
24	30	Cameron Brate	TB	7
25		T.J. Hockenson	DET	9
26		Delanie Walker	TEN	11
27		Jason Witten	DAL	8
28		Darren Fells	HOU	10
29		Irv Smith	MIN	12
30		Jonnu Smith	TEN	11
31		Foster Moreau	OAK	11
32	NR	Jeremy Sprinkle	WAS	10
33		Trey Burton	CHI	6
34		Hayden Hurst	BAL	8
35		David Njoku	CLE	7

TIGHT END MOVEMENT

Others of note

George Kittle (knee) missed his second straight game with a knee injury, and it’s unclear how close he is to returning so he drops a couple spots. If you need a fill-in until he returns consider Ross Dwelley … Dan Quinn disputed reports that Austin Hooper (knee) would miss a month with a knee injury, so we’re taking the coach’s word for it for now and keeping Hooper in the top 10 … Noah Fant has seen 17 targets since Brandon Allen took over, catching seven for 175 yards and TD … In Sunday’s pass fest, Cameron Brate was targeted 14 times to O.J. Howard’s one. I have no idea what’s going on in Tampa … With Chris Herndon (ribs) done for the year, Ryan Griffin should garner some attention. Over the last month, he’s caught 16 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns.

DEFENSE

Rk	Mv	Team	Team	Bye
1		Patriots	NE	10
2		49ers	SF	4
3		Steelers	PIT	6
4	9	Ravens	BAL	8
5		Bills	BUF	9
6	8	Rams	LAR	9
7		Bears	CHI	6
8		Saints	NO	9
9		Vikings	MIN	12
10		Seahawks	SEA	11
11		Colts	IND	6
12		Chargers	LAC	12
13	17	Titans	TEN	11
14		Jaguars	JAC	10
15		Eagles	PHI	10
16	30	Falcons	ATL	5
17		Cowboys	DAL	8
18		Texans	HOU	10
19		Packers	GB	11
20	20	Panthers	CAR	6
21		Browns	CLE	7
22		Broncos	DEN	10
23		Chiefs	KC	12
24		Cardinals	ARI	5
25		Raiders	OAK	11
26	23	Lions	DET	9
27		Giants	NYG	7
28		Jets	NYJ	4
29	27	Buccaneers	TB	7
30		Dolphins	MIA	7
31		Redskins	WAS	10
32		Bengals	CIN	12

Fantasy football: Should you keep or cut these 7 players ahead of Week 12?

Some help with your waiver picks this week.

You’re waking up on Tuesday reading all that you can about the players that you should be picking up off the waiver wire as you prepare for Week 12 of fantasy football in 2019.

But it’s likely there aren’t as many things written about who you should be dropping to grab those players. That’s what this weekly column — keep ’em or dump ’em! — will hopefully answer for you: Some help in the debate over who you should keep or drop in order to improve your team.

This is it — the last week of byes in the NFL season. After that? You’ll have a full lineup to work with as you try to make the playoffs. Let’s break down some names you might debating keeping or dropping.

1. RB Brian Hill, Atlanta Falcons

The hot pickup of last week was supposed to take advantage of a plus matchup against the Panthers and didn’t. Now, he’s got a couple of tough opponents against the run in the Bucs and the Saints. And yet … he’s a starting RB until Devonta Freeman returns. Ugh.

VERDICT: Keep him

2. RB Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts

In case you’re thinking about dropping him, there’s a shot he comes back — maybe in the fantasy playoffs? — so you’ve got to hold on to him for now.

VERDICT: Keep him

3. RB Ty Johnson, Detroit Lions

It seems like Bo Scarbrough has taken over.

VERDICT: Drop him

4. TE O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

You did it, didn’t you? You bought into the big game he had against the Cardinals and thought you’d take a shot. Well, there you go.

VERDICT: Drop him

5. WR Kenny Stills, Houston Texans

This is just in case you still owned him after his Week 7 explosion against the Colts.

VERDICT: Drop him

6. WR Zach Pascal, Indianapolis Colts

I really want to like him in a spot this week against the Texans if T.Y. Hilton is out again, but I just can’t trust him, and it seems like Hilton will be back soon.

VERDICT: Drop him

7. RB Jordan Howard, Philadelphia Eagles

A shoulder injury kept him out in Week 11, and now Jay Ajayi is his teammate. The whole RB situation is setting up to be annoying with Miles Sanders also in the mix … but you have to keep him in case he continues to find the end zone once he’s back and healthy.

VERDICT: Keep him

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6 waiver wire pickups in fantasy football for Week 12

Fantasy football waiver wire targets for Week 12.

Last week in the NFL we saw more injuries pile up, more players come out of nowhere and even more surprising matchups across the board in fantasy football. By now, guys have either proven themselves to be reliable or their inconsistency has landed them on the bench or dropped altogether.

As trade deadlines come and go, the waiver wire continues to be a vital part of a playoff run in fantasy football.

With four teams on a bye (Cardinals, Chiefs, Chargers, Vikings), here are six waiver wire pickups for Week 12.

RB Jonathan Williams: <1% rostered (ESPN)

With Jordan Wilkins still out (ankle) and Marlon Mack suffering a broken hand in Indy’s 33-13 win against Jacksonville on Sunday, the Colts needed someone to step up big in the run game. Williams fit the bill.

He finished the day with 13 carries for 116 yards and also added a huge reception for 31 yards. With a short week before the Colts travel to Houston to face the Texans, the Colts do not have much time to get healthy. Williams and fellow back Nyheim Hines will carry the workload in the backfield for the time being.

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How fantasy football owners should handle Marlon Mack’s injury

A timeshare is coming.

If you’re a fantasy football owner this year, you already know how frustrating it’s been when you see a waiver wire running back in a spot to get an increased workload … except they either don’t do much with it or they’re in a timeshare.

With the Marlon Mack situation — the Indianapolis Colts running back had hand surgery, which might keep him out multiple weeks — it’s shaping up to be another frustrating situation for owners.

Oh, sure. I hear you. Jonathan Williams ran for 116 yards against the Jaguars on Sunday while replacing Mack, but … well, let’s get into it. Here are the waiver priorities you should have if you’re a Mack owner or need a running back:

1. Jordan Wilkins

Let’s be bold here. Everyone in your league is going to target Williams, and who knows, he could end up being the starter after that performance in Week 11.

But Wilkins says he’s ready to suit up in the short week on Thursday. And in limited time, we’ve seen him average 6.1 yards per carry. Granted, that’s a 27-carry sample size, but whatever. I’d rather have the guy who was ahead of Williams on the depth chart … assuming he’s healthy.

Jordan Wilkins (ankle) says he should be good to go for Thursday.

Wilkins or Jonathan Williams as the starting RB?

— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) November 18, 2019

2. Jonathan Williams

Here’s where it gets tricky: there could be a three-headed timeshare ahead here. Wilkins may not be 100 percent by Thursday and the Colts will probably want to give Williams some work to see if he’s got a hot hand. So this is sort of a 1A/1B situation that could end up with both backs splitting carries.

Reich says with Mack out on Thursday, it’s likely Nyheim Hines still stick in the hybrid role.

Jordan Wilkins and Jonathan Williams as the possibilities for replacing the lead back role.

— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) November 18, 2019

And then there’s …

3. Nyheim Hines

A reminder that he caught 63 passes last year … but he’s only grabbed 30 this season. It’s pretty much a guarantee he’ll carry the ball a few times, but he’ll touch it as a receiver three or four times per game (he’s had three-plus catches in all but three contests this year). Do I think that goes up with Mack gone? No, probably not.

Colts RB snaps with Jordan Wilkins (ankle) inactive and Marlon Mack (hand) leaving in third quarter:

Jonathan Williams 31
Nyheim Hines 24
Mack 21

— John Daigle (@notJDaigle) November 18, 2019

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Brian Hill’s message to angry fantasy owners: ‘I really don’t care’

If there’s one thing that really annoys NFL players, it’s working hard to make it to the top level of their profession, helping their team win a game, only to get home and deal with a firestorm of angry fantasy football players.

Falcons running back Brian Hill can attest to this. After being projected as a potential fantasy breakout performer against a middle-of-the-road Panthers run defense, he finished the game with just 38 all-purpose yards — with a rushing touchdown that was called back after a penalty.

This led to predictable whining on social media from Hill’s fantasy owners. Atlanta’s running back had a message to the many who felt the need to personally tell him about their terrible fantasy misfortunes:

I should apologize to my fantasy owners but I really don’t care😂

— Brian Hill (@Heezy2Liv5) November 17, 2019

Hill doesn’t care, nor should he. He has little control over his role each week or his fantasy impact. Plus, Hill helped his actual team get a win on Sunday, which should count for something.

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Is this the year that plucking RBs off the waiver wire stops working in fantasy football?

Free-agent RBs haven’t been good.

The strategy during a fantasy football season regarding running backs has been pretty straightforward in recent years.

Aside from the top guy you draft who you hope will stay healthy, you should expect your running backs to be a revolving door of drafted dart-board throws on your bench and free agents.

Yes, the running back position is always going to be a lot tougher with all the committees, injuries and in the more pass-heavy NFL. But in 2019, it’s been rough.

Let’s review some of the names you likely picked off the waiver wire and how they’ve fared: Wayne Gallman replaced the injured Saquon Barkley and had one good game before he left a contest against the Vikings, and Barkley miraculously got better quickly.

If you’ve had to depend on Adrian Peterson out of pure desperation, you know he’s hardly been dependable. Jamaal Williams has his great weeks, but he’s touchdown-dependent, which can be frustrating. If he doesn’t score, you’re usually left with mediocre numbers because Aaron Jones is there.

Aaron Jones fantasy owners watching Jamaal Williams have a night like: #DETvsGB | #MNF pic.twitter.com/8guQyZpyVd

— DraftKings (@DraftKings) October 15, 2019

The Lions lost Kerryon Johnson — who wasn’t having that great of a season to begin with — and his replacements (Ty Johnson, J.D. McKissic) have been busts. So are you going to trust Bo Scarbrough, who broke through on Sunday? If you’re desperate at running back, you have to try.

The Bucs’ running back committee is confounding, so you’ve probably picked up and dropped Ronald Jones and Peyton Barber a bunch. The chances you took on Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson to replace Todd Gurley haven’t paid off. The Dolphins haven’t found an answer of any kind and that included when Kenyan Drake was there. Brian Hill — a hot pickup this week with Devonta Freeman out for the Falcons — was a bust against the Panthers in a prime spot. And he’s not apologizing for it:

I should apologize to my fantasy owners but I really don’t care😂

— Brian Hill (@Heezy2Liv5) November 17, 2019

This is on my mind partially because of Hill’s tweet and wondering if the Colts’ Jonathan Williams is going to be worth the free agent money or waiver priority fantasy owners are going to fork over if he’s the replacement for the injured Marlon Mack (or will Jordan Wilkins return? Or will Nyheim Hines cut in with his snaps? YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN?!).

Colts RB snaps with Jordan Wilkins (ankle) inactive and Marlon Mack (hand) leaving in third quarter:

Jonathan Williams 31
Nyheim Hines 24
Mack 21

— John Daigle (@notJDaigle) November 18, 2019

So I’m going to attempt to answer the question I posed in the headline: sadly, you’re going to have to keep spending on free-agent running backs between the dearth of so many solid options and bye weeks.

Funny enough, it’s a case for going Zero RB in your drafts. You can load up on some of the most talented receivers in the game and then either trade one later for a running back who turns out to be solid OR hope one of the many picks you make later on running backs unearths a good one (Phillip Lindsay was a popular Zero RB strategy candidate in later rounds and he’s been an RB2 at worst). Personally, I wouldn’t go there — I’d rather plant my flag with one of the first-rounders and still take my shots on my RB2 position.

And hey, this season isn’t over yet. There could still be a C.J. Anderson sitting at home (and heck, it might actually be C.J. Anderson himself) waiting to win your league title with two bonkers weeks.

So keep on spending on the waiver wire RBs … and keep up the hope.

[jwplayer Zxuk4RBf-q2aasYxh]

Free-agent Forecast: Week 12

The last round of bye weeks will have fantasy footballers starting unsavory options while just hoping to get a W.

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Bye weeks: Cardinals, Chiefs, Chargers, Vikings

Quarterbacks

1-Week Plug & Play

Jeff Driskel, Detroit Lions at Washington Redskins

This one really could go either way, but there’s something scrappy about Driskel that warrants attention. He has starting experience after five nods in 2018 with the Cincinnati Bengals, and was plenty competent this past weekend vs. a tough Dallas secondary. Washington had given up almost nothing to QBs since Week 5 before Sam Darnold went for 293-4-1 in Week 11. Some of the success was due to the matchups. Driskel has the talent to further capitalize on his promising start for the Matthew Stafford-less Lions. Since four normal fantasy starters are on bye this week, don’t be afraid of No. 9’s replacement.

Availability: 87%
FAAB: $2-3

Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders at New York Jets

After rookie QB Dwayne Haskins began his Washington Redskins career with zero touchdowns against four interceptions in three appearances, the Jets decided to make him look decent for a change. He finished with a pair of TD passes and only one turnover. The prior three opponents (Gardner Minshew, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Daniel Jones) all went for at least 279 yards and three TDs. The Jets are quality vs. the run, and Oakland could be forced to the air more than usual. Carr belongs atop your short list of Week 12 fill-in options with a quartet of starting fantasy passers on vacation. There’s a chance he still is available in more casual setups.

Availability: 31%
FAAB: $4-5

[lawrence-related id=446814]

Running Backs

1-week plug & play

Bo Scarbrough, Detroit Lions at Washington Redskins

The 2018 seventh-rounder by Dallas made his Detroit as well as NFL debut and was the most prolific rusher they’ve seen since Barry Sanders … okay, not quite, but it sure feels that way. The powerful Alabama product rushed 14 times for 55 yards and found paydirt. He’s not a threat to touch the ball in the passing game, but Detroit’s dire need of some semblance of a rushing attack makes him a likely candidate for more work. Entering Week 11, Washington vs. the position ranked 28.4 percent weaker than the league average in fantasy points yielded, and Le’Veon Bell rushed for 59 yards plus a score in Sunday’s meeting. Looking ahead for Detroit, it’s all downhill from there in the scheduling (CHI, @MIN, TB, @DEN).

Availability: 99%
FAAB: $7-9

Jonathan Williams/Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts

The Colts head to Houston on a short week, playing Thursday night, and Marlon Mack will not go after suffering a hand fracture vs. the Jaguars. Gamers have an opportunity for a cheap lineup play of Williams and/or Hines. The Texans gave up no rushing TDs in the prior five weeks to the 41-7 drubbing at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. Mark Ingram landed a pair of touchdown grabs, and his backup, Gus Edwards, went for 112 yards and a score on just eight carries. Be more optimistic with Hines, because this defense had surrendered four aerial TDs vs. three ground scores to RBs entering Week 11, and Indy needs all the help it can get in the passing game right now. Furthermore, Jordan Wilkins (ankle) is on track to return and would impact the role of Williams the most. Mack could miss several games after undergoing surgery, so there may be some staying power, but the matchups are unkind.

Availability: 98% (Williams); 54% (Hines)
FAAB: $4-6 for either

Patrick Laird, Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns

The Dolphins turned to the rookie in Week 11 as a pass-catching back while Mark Walton continues to serve a suspension. The Cleveland defense has been mostly neutral vs. PPR backs this year, giving up 53 catches (14th) and three touchdowns through the air. While a TD would be a nice bonus of sorts for Laird, if he lands something similar to another line of 6-51-0, consider it a win as a flex play. Even if he has a strong game, there isn’t much staying power with Walton on the verge of returning. (Update: Walton was released after another alleged legal incident, and Laird has more fantasy appeal heading into the fake postseason.)

Availability: 99%
FAAB: $4-5

Wide Receivers

priority free agents

Darius Slayton, New York Giants

Replaying this one from last week as he returns from a bye: There’s a lot of all or nothing going on here, and the rookie is still learning the ropes as he goes. The good is when Slayton has been on, look out! The New York Jets and Detroit Lions each gave up two TDs to him in his past three contests, enveloping a four-target, one-catch game vs. Dallas. Slayton has at least 11.2 PPR points in 50 percent of his games. WR Sterling Shepard (concussion) is supposed to return to practice this week, but he has done this once already and his symptoms returned. The remaining schedule is hit or miss: at Chicago (27th), vs. Green Bay (24th), at Philadelphia (8th), vs. Miami (18th), at Washington (16th). Slayton is explosive enough to warrant a roster spot in all traditional fantasy formats, even if Shepard indeed plays.

Availability: 44%
FAAB: $9-10

1-Week Plug & Play

Randall Cobb, Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots

Cobb has seven or more targets in three straight games following the bye week and 21-plus fantasy points in consecutive games in PPR. The Cowboys have a tough matchup ahead with New England, but underneath receivers tend to do well for several reasons. First of all, the Patriots focus on eliminating the best weapon of the opponent. That’s Zeke Elliot, and Amari Cooper will see Stephon Gilmore, effectively canceling out the star WRq. Michael Gallup probably gets doubled aplenty in this one, and that leaves checkdown work to Cobb and tight end Jason Witten. Since Cobb is on a mini heater, expectations may be higher than usual, but he has at least 8 PPR points in every game this year with five or more targets. The Cowboys have enough ways to attack that New England could struggle in this one to always deploy coverage in the right areas — much like how Baltimore overwhelmed them in Week 9. The remaining schedule is unkind (BUF, @CHI, LAR, @PHI).

Availability: 49%
FAAB: $2-3

Taylor Gabriel, Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants

In the three games prior to their Week 11 bye, the Giants gave up seven individual efforts worth double figures in PPR. The matchup was more than 36 percent better than the league average in that window as five different receivers scored a touchdown (six total TDs). The Bears are mostly a dumpster fire in the passing game, but Gabriel is capable of doing more with lower volume than when those double-digit target days aren’t happening. There is plenty of risk involved here, and the QB situation needs clarity, but in the last week of byes, gamers are forced to take chances on upside rather than production sometimes.

Availability: 49%
FAAB: $2-3

Rashard Higgins, Cleveland Browns vs. Miami Dolphins

With Antonio Callaway’s tenure in Cleveland over, Higgins is an incredibly risky but sneaky play. He and Baker Mayfield have displayed considerable chemistry through their short time together, and when a fantasy owner is desperate enough to take a gamble on someone like Higgins — a third receiver in an underperforming offense — it better be with a higher probability of said player scoring a touchdown. The Dolphins allowed 14 touchdowns on 92 receptions by WRs entering Week 11. For comparison, the winless Cincinnati Bengals yielded one fewer catch and only eight TDs in that window.

Availability: 80%
FAAB: $0-1

Grab & stash

Jakeem Grant, Miami Dolphins

While Grant could be a worthy flier in Week 12 vs. the Cleveland Browns, this defense has been relatively capable at limiting the position in 2019. The schedule ahead is more favorable for rolling the dice: Philly, at Jets, at Giants, vs. Cincy. The elusive wideout is coming off of two offensive touchdowns against the Bills, and he scored a pair of TDs when including a kickoff return (typically not counted in fantasy). Gamers were advised to watch how this situation plays out a few weeks back when Preston Williams (knee) was lost for the year. Now we know!

Availability: 89%
FAAB: $4-5

Tight Ends

priority free agents

Cameron Brate, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The veteran has a rapport with his quarterback and Brate’s positional mate, O.J. Howard, is firmly lodged in Bruce Arians’ doghouse. Howard had his best game of the year in Week 10 and followed it up with a bobbled pass that was picked off and no receptions. Meanwhile, Jameis Winston went to Brate a whopping 14 times, resulting in 10 grabs for 73 yards. Look for Brate to continue being the primary target at the position. Ahead on the schedule includes trips to Atlanta and Jacksonville before returning home for Indianapolis. The Bucs close out the fantasy season with a visit Detroit and a home battle with Houston. All but Indy offers a positive matchup when factoring data since Week 5.

Availability: 67%
FAAB: $2-3

Ryan Griffin, New York Jets

Inconsistency has been a major issue for Griffin, and Chris Herndon was looming before his season came to an end before it ever really began. Griffin is free to roam the middle without the second-year tight end waiting for his turn. The former Houston Texan has at least 11 PPR points in four of his last six games. The two without: a total of 1.9 points. Yeesh. Nonetheless, with a volatile position and erratic utilization of the receiving corps in New York, Griffin’s role should remain mostly stable. The Jets face Oakland, at Cincinnati, vs. Miami, at Baltimore and vs. Pittsburgh ahead.

Availability: 74%
FAAB: $2-3

1-Week Plug & Play

Jaeden Graham, Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A quality game vs. the Buccaneers — a doormat for fantasy tight ends this year — could lead to Graham seeing more work while TE Austin Hooper (knee) continues to recover for a few more weeks. The Yale product stands 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, but his NFL track record is virtually zilch. He caught two passes for 23 yards in Week 11 and one the prior outing. Brave gamers who are looking to play the matchups can stream him, but Graham is about as risky as they come. Don’t invest more than a roster spot.

Availability: 99%
FAAB: $0

Kickers

1-Week Plug & Play

Younghoe Koo, Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Any kicker with 25 fantasy points in a two-week span is worthy of picking up, and it never hurts when the matchup ahead is vs. one of the most favorable opponents. The Bucs have yielded the most fantasy points to the position entering Week 11, and enemy boots have attempted 13 three-pointers in the last four games alone vs. Tampa. The former Chargers kicker has nailed six of his seven tries with the Falcons and could have some staying power with another strong effort.

Availability: 95%
FAAB: $0-1

Austin Seibert, Cleveland Browns vs. Miami Dolphins

Seibert missed his first field goal attempts of the year last Thursday, which could give gamers pause. He should shake it off. The Dolphins, meanwhile, have allowed kickers to attempt at least two field goals in every game since Week 1. In Week 11, Steven Hauschka came through on his one-week play recommendation against this defense, and we’re going to the well once again. Miami’s defense vs. Cleveland’s offense profiles as a nearly perfect script for a field-goal frenzy by the rookie.

Availability: 85%
FAAB: $0-1

[lawrence-related id=446695]

Defense/Specials Teams

1-Week Plug & Play

Oakland Raiders at New York Jets

Oakland has logged 10 sacks in the last two games alone after totaling just 13 in all of 2018. In those two contests, the Raiders recorded four interceptions a fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown on a Pick 6. Washington managed two sacks and two takeaways vs. New York in Week 11, but in the prior five weeks, the Jets turned it over 11 times and gave up a shade under three sacks a contest. Oakland’s defense is playing as well as any unit right now in fantasy and deserves some respect.

Availability: 76%
FAAB: $1-2

Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last week, I dismissed the Falcons as having an outlier performance vs. the Saints, and it was a mistake to downplay the impact of the coaching staff shakeup. Dan Quinn basically fired himself as defensive coordinator and turned over the control to a tandem of assistants in Raheem Morris and Jeff Ulbrich. Guess what? It was a move that just might save Quinn’s job. After harassing Drew Brees all day in Week 10 and annihilating the Panthers in Week 11, the Falcons draw the turnover machine that is Jameis Winston. Enjoy!

Availability: 92%
FAAB: $1-2

Detroit Lions at Washington Redskins

The Jets recorded six sacks and an interception of rookie Dwayne Haskins in Week 11. The Lions have struggled to get to the quarterback in 2019, but this could be the right recipe for a spot start in fantasy. Washington has given up 14 sacks in the last three games alone and 17 in the past four. Detroit had only one sack of Dak Prescott in Week 11, which was to be expected, but this defense racked up five the prior week in Chicago. Pressure tends to lead to mistakes, even more so vs. inexperienced quarterbacks like Haskins.

Availability: 81%
FAAB: $0-1

Fantasy football waiver wire targets after Week 11: These RBs could be crucial for playoffs

What to do after Marlon Mack’s injury?

It’s almost the most important time of the fantasy football season. And for those of you who are on the outside of the playoff bubble, it is the most important time. It’s when teams get eliminated and relegated to the much-dreaded consolation bracket. I, for one, cannot be consoled if I land there.

So if you’re in need of a push over the finish line, then prepare for the playoffs with a key waiver wire addition. An injury to Colts running back Marlon Mack could create significant value. And we may have witnessed a breakout game for a Lions running back not named Kerryon Johnson.

Here are eight players you should consider claiming off waivers this week.

8. Tim Patrick, WR, Broncos

ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 0%.

Patrick is probably only worth owning in keeper and dynasty formats. But he’s been an intriguing player, consistently jumping past DaeSean Hamilton on the depth chart for targets since 2018. Patrick returned from IR, and appears to be the No. 2 receiver in Denver.

7. Jay Ajayi, RB, Eagles

ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 23%.

The excitement about the Ajayi signing may have gone a bit too far. Miles Sanders was the lead back against the Patriots in Week 11, and was OK without a complement in Jordan Howard. If Howard, Sanders and Ajayi are all active in a three-man committee, that will make for unhappy fantasy owners. Still, if you have a spot on your roster, Ajayi could be worth stashing.

6. Ryan Griffin, TE, Jets

ESPN: 1%. Yahoo! 3%.

It seems Chris Herndon has failed his backers. Griffin is the Jets’ top tight end, with five receptions, 109 yards and a touchdown against the Redskins in Week 11. If you’re in need of an option, Griffin is probably as good as any on the waiver wire.

5. Devante Parker, WR, Dolphins

ESPN: 58%. Yahoo! 45%.

He’s a well-owned player, so it’s likely he’s not available in your league. But he should be owned in all leagues. Miami is going to trail their opponents for most of the season, which means they’re going to favor the passing game for most of the season. That means that even though Parker is in a bad offense, he may get easy, garbage-time production.

4. Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers

ESPN: 25%. Yahoo! 54%.

The 49ers have very few reliable fantasy football players in their lineup. Kyle Shanahan features a different running back or receiver in seemingly every game. But Deebo Samuel has been on a nice two-game run, with 16 receptions for 146 yards. He’s worth owning — and maybe even playing in a pinch.

3. Ross Dwelley, TE, 49ers

ESPN: 7%. Yahoo! 14%.

In the absence of George Kittle, Dwelley served as a touchdown magnet. He had four catches for 14 yards and two TDs. Fantasy football owners who have Kittle (or even play against Kittle) should also own Dwelley, in the event Kittle misses another week.

2. Bo Scarbrough, RB, Lions

ESPN: 0%. Yahoo! 1%.

Detroit wasn’t getting production from their who’s-who cast of running backs in recent weeks. Ty Johnson wasn’t cutting it between the tackles. But perhaps the Lions have found their running back who will serve as a holdover while Kerryon Johnson is on IR. Scarbrough, an Alabama alumnus, had 14 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown this week.

1. Jonathan Williams, RB, Colts

ESPN: 0%. Yahoo! 1%.

Marlon Mack said he would be OK, but it seems the doctors are saying otherwise. He appears to have suffered a fractured hand, according to NFL Network. Jonathan Williams took over after Marlon Mack left the game on Sunday. Williams was outstanding with 13 carries for 116 yards.