Week 12 is underway, and Andy, Mike, and Jason deliver the news and advice you need to make a playoff push! Remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Monday – Week 11 Studs & Duds + My Guy Redemption Tour
News
The league is reviewing video of Ja’Marr Chase spitting on Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey was ejected for a punch, but Chase was not penalized and now faces a likely one-game suspension. The Lions placed Sam LaPorta on IR with a back injury, sidelining him for at least four weeks. J.K. Dobbins also landed on IR with a Lisfranc injury and is expected to miss the season.
Jaylen Warren briefly left with an ankle injury, but said he could have returned, which allowed Kenneth Gainwell to take over. Aaron Rodgers exited with a left wrist injury and is undergoing tests, though early reports suggest it may be minor. The Falcons fear Michael Penix Jr. suffered a season-ending knee injury, while Drake London was diagnosed with a PCL sprain and is considered week-to-week. Kirk Cousins is expected to start for Atlanta.
Josh Jacobs avoided major damage despite leaving twice with a knee injury. Calvin Ridley fractured his fibula and will miss the rest of the season. Chimere Dike, Kimani Vidal, and multiple Chargers starters exited with injuries as Justin Herbert took heavy punishment behind a collapsing offensive line. Dillon Gabriel entered the concussion protocol, leading to the first real snaps for Shedeur Sanders, who may start in week 12. Emari Demercado, Tyler Higbee, and Bhayshul Tuten also left with injuries, while Jaxson Dart and C.J. Stroud remain sidelined.
Fantasy Studs
Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
QBs:
Josh Allen erupted for 42 fantasy points with six total TDs. Bryce Young followed with 31 points and three scores. Jacoby Brissett, Brock Purdy, and Justin Fields also delivered top-five production in week 11.
RBs:
Sean Tucker broke out for 26 fantasy points in a featured role. Christian McCaffrey added another 100-yard day and a TD. TreVeyon Henderson, Bijan Robinson, Kenneth Gainwell, Derrick Henry, De’Von Achane, James Cook, Ken Walker, and Jahmyr Gibbs all came through for managers.
WRs:
Tetairoa McMillan exploded for 8-130-2. Michael Wilson dominated volume with 15-185 on 18 targets. Nico Collins, Christian Watson, Jameson Williams, Deebo Samuel, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Drake London all produced strong fantasy lines.
TEs:
Trey McBride delivered another TE1 week with a TD. George Kittle posted 7-74-1. Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, A.J. Barner, and Darnell Washington rounded out a productive week at the position.
Fantasy Duds
QBs:
Lamar Jackson managed just 193 passing yards in a rough matchup. Jalen Hurts salvaged part of his day with a rushing TD but struggled through the air. J.J. McCarthy, Patrick Mahomes, and Matthew Stafford also disappointed.
RBs:
Quinshon Judkins went 17 for 59 in a quiet outing. Breece Hall added just 14-58 without a score. R.J. Harvey, Woody Marks, David Montgomery, and Tony Pollard all underperformed.
WRs:
Ja’Marr Chase put up 3-30 while battling Jalen Ramsey and now faces suspension. Amon-Ra St. Brown turned 12 targets into 2-42. Emeka Egbuka, Rome Odunze, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, DeVonta Smith, Davante Adams, DK Metcalf, and Ricky Pearsall all logged down weeks.
TEs:
Dallas Goedert only managed 2-18. David Njoku posted 2-14. Harold Fannin, Cade Otton, and Kyle Pitts pooped in their big boy pants as well.
Tuesday – Week 12 Waivers & Streamers + Playoff Stretch!
News
Ja’Marr Chase was suspended one game for spitting on Jalen Ramsey and is appealing, though the suspension is expected to stand. Tyrod Taylor will start for the Jets in Week 12, giving Baltimore a clear matchup advantage. Shedeur Sanders is expected to start for Denver while the team waits to see if Dillon Gabriel can clear concussion protocol. Drake London is week-to-week with a PCL sprain, leaving Kirk Cousins in another undermanned passing attack. Kyle Pitts should see enough volume to remain playable after earning nine targets in Week 8 in a similar setup.
Michael Penix Jr. was placed on IR and will miss the rest of the regular season due to a knee injury with a possible ACL concern. Josh Jacobs escaped with only a knee contusion and is considered day-to-day. Marshawn Lloyd is nearing a return for Green Bay, though the team has been cautious about activating him. Emari Demercado suffered a high ankle sprain and is likely out for Week 12, leaving the Arizona backfield to Michael Carter and Bam Knight. Brandon Aiyuk’s practice window will not open this week as his standoff with the 49ers continues. Dalton Kincaid and C.J. Stroud both remained out of practice, putting their status for Week 12 in doubt. Omarion Hampton could return after the bye, depending on his progression this week.
Waiver Wire
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
RBs:
Emanuel Wilson is the top RB pickup if Josh Jacobs misses time. Sean Tucker remains a strong add after taking over Tampa Bay’s backfield. Kenneth Gainwell would be an RB2 if Jaylen Warren sits, as his snap share was growing even before the injury. Bhayshul Tuten belongs in the same tier after posting 15 carries for 74 yards before leaving briefly.
Arizona shifts to a committee between Bam Knight and Michael Carter with Demercado sidelined. The Jaguars’ matchup limits their ceiling, with Knight profiling as the early runner and Carter as the receiving option. Devin Singletary should be rostered as New York’s goal-line back, and Tyler Allgeier remains usable due to Atlanta’s consistent red-zone reliance. This is the time to stash insurance backs such as Blake Corum, Keaton Mitchell, Tank Bigsby, and Brian Robinson behind high-volume starters. Bigsby has league-winning upside if Saquon Barkley ever misses time.
WRs:
Christian Watson headlines the WRs, seeing expanded usage with Tucker Kraft out. Alec Pierce remains a priority add after a month-long breakout. Michael Wilson becomes an immediate starter if Marvin Harrison Jr. misses time following his appendectomy.
Darnell Mooney should be added with Drake London sidelined, and Jayden Higgins continues to benefit from Houston’s thinning receiver room. Mack Hollins has posted three strong games in his last four. Greg Dortch is a cheaper play if Harrison sits and offers immediate volume against Jacksonville. Luther Burden is best treated as a stash with long-term upside in deeper formats.
TEs:
A.J. Barner leads the position after drawing 11 targets and carving out a legitimate role, but Andy is skeptical. Juwan Johnson remains a steady option in most leagues despite a tougher matchup with Atlanta. Colston Loveland offers spike-play potential. Harold Fannin’s ceiling dips with David Njoku healthy again, but he remains a deeper-league target. Noah Fant enters the mix if Chase’s suspension holds, as Cincinnati historically condenses targets when one major receiver is absent.
DSTs:
Cleveland is the best defensive pickup thanks to upcoming matchups against Las Vegas and Tennessee. Detroit is a strong streamer against the Giants with sack and turnover upside. Seattle remains in play versus Tennessee and Jacksonville. Jacksonville itself can be used against Arizona due to Brissett’s sack tendencies. Baltimore is widely available and an easy start as a heavy home favorite against the Jets.
Full Stream Ahead
Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Mike: Jacoby Brissett (vs JAX)
Brissett has delivered five straight top-12 finishes and continues to rack up yardage in a pass-heavy offense.
Andy: Jared Goff (vs NYG)
Goff gets a home-dome matchup with Detroit, carrying the highest implied team total of the week. He historically rebounds with strong fantasy outputs after losses.
Jason: Sam Darnold (at TEN)
Darnold is coming off a rough outing, but draws a soft Tennessee secondary while the Seahawks enter as heavy road favorites.
Wednesday – Week 12 Start/Sit + TNF Preview, Raider Rants!
Backup Options
Some of the most dropped players at QB are Joe Flacco, Marcus Mariota, and Aaron Rodgers. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Kimani Vidal are going into a bye week. Rachaad White was dropped with the emergence of Sean Tucker. Parker Washington and Keon Coleman at WR. Zach Ertz, Cade Otton, and Dawson Knox are the most dropped TEs.
Andrei Iosivas is a strong fill-in with Ja’Marr Chase suspended. In the only game Cincinnati has played without Chase, Iosivas saw eight targets, and Joe Flacco is still averaging over 40 attempts per game.
Don’t move on too quickly from Quentin Johnston. Despite a couple of recent disappointments and the Chargers’ bye, Johnston is tied for sixth in receiving TDs and remains a player whose role could surge after Los Angeles gets healthier up front.
Jason also pushed Darius Slayton as a worthwhile stash for when either Jameis Winston or Jaxson Dart starts downfield attacking again. Slayton’s hamstring injury and engagement announcement lined up suspiciously, but the schedule ahead makes him relevant once he is active.
News
Ja’Marr Chase’s suspension was officially upheld, and he will miss Week 12. Mike Tomlin said he’s optimistic Jaylen Warren will play, though he will be limited early in practice. Aaron Rodgers won’t need wrist surgery, but may not practice to open the week.
Shedeur Sanders was named the Browns’ starter for Week 12 versus Las Vegas and should struggle against Maxx Crosby. Jaxson Dart is expected to return to practice. Kenneth Walker is earning more touches, logging his highest snap and reception totals since Week 1.
TNF Breakdown
7-3 BUF at 5-5 HOU
Davis Mills draws the start again for Houston. Jason leaned toward the under on the 43.5 total, pointing to Houston’s home-field defense, which ranks first over the past month in both yards allowed and points allowed, and first against fantasy QBs. Even in a difficult matchup, Josh Allen and James Cook remain auto-starts.
On Houston’s side, Nico Collins is locked in, and Woody Marks profiles as a low-end RB2 thanks to volume and Buffalo allowing over 30 fantasy points per game to opposing RBs recently. Dalton Schultz is viable but sits below streamers like Juwan Johnson, Hunter Henry, and Noah Fant due to Buffalo’s strength versus TEs.
Thursday – Starts of the Week + Week 12 Breakdown, Jacobs Worries?
News
The Bills will make Keon Coleman a healthy scratch for the second straight week, a clear sign he hasn’t responded the way the team hoped. With Dalton Kincaid also out, Buffalo may again elevate Tyrell Shavers. Lamar Jackson missed Wednesday’s practice with an ankle issue but is fully expected to play. Isaiah Likely sat with a calf injury. The Rams placed Tyler Higbee on IR, and David Njoku took a routine maintenance day.
Arizona opened the 21-day window for Trey Benson, who looked sharp in limited work but won’t play this week. He should be rostered everywhere. Bhayshul Tuten, Travis Etienne, and Brian Thomas Jr. were all limited.
Joe Burrow logged a full practice while Joe Flacco was limited, creating a real possibility that Burrow returns this week, albeit without Ja’Marr Chase. Tampa Bay’s offense is dealing with an illness outbreak involving Baker Mayfield, Emeka Egbuka, and multiple linemen.
Starts of the Week
Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
QBs
Andy: Jaxson Dart vs DET (Alternate: Jared Goff in the same game)
Averaging 23 fantasy points per game with 45 rushing yards per start, Dart should return against a defense vulnerable to scrambling QBs. His concussion wasn’t a soft-tissue injury, so there’s no re-injury concern.
Jason: Brock Purdy vs CAR
Purdy has at least two TDs in every start and just finished as the QB6. Carolina is 31st in pressure rate, and Purdy averages nine yards per attempt from a clean pocket.
RBs
Andy: TreVeyon Henderson vs CIN
Henderson stays a high-end play even if Rhamondre Stevenson returns. Cincinnati ranks 31st in EPA per rush and 31st in rushing yards allowed per game, and Henderson has big-play ability.
Jason: Kenneth Walker III at TEN
Walker handled 19 opportunities last week and is earning more work. Tennessee is in the bottom three in yards before contact allowed and rushing TDs surrendered, and Seattle is a double-digit favorite.
Mike is on vacation, but would be proud of Andy and Jason’s RB picks.
WRs
Jason: Tetairoa McMillan vs SF
McMillan is coming off an 8-130-2 blowup and owns a 26% target share as a rookie. He’s tied with Trey McBride for the most receptions in the league over the past month and remains his team’s alpha.
Andy: DeVonta Smith at DAL
Smith is volatile but primed to rebound. Dallas’ pass defense has regressed to league-average, and playing indoors boosts Smith’s big-play chances. The negative game script should force Philadelphia to throw more.
TEs
Jason: Colston Loveland vs PIT
Pittsburgh ranks 30th in schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed to TEs. Loveland is a field-stretching playmaker and should lead his offense in targets.
Andy: Hunter Henry at CIN
Cincinnati is allowing the most fantasy points to TEs in NFL history. New England’s 29-point implied total signals TD opportunities, and Henry only needs a few targets to smash.
Fantasy Forecast
6-4 PIT at 7-3 CHI (CHI -2.5, O/U 45.5)
Jaylen Warren is expected back and remains the best RB play, while Kenneth Gainwell should be benched unless Warren sits. DK Metcalf is a volatile WR2. Rome Odunze should lead Chicago in targets again, although the matchup with Jalen Ramsey caps ceiling outcomes. Colston Loveland stays in the TE1 mix with Pittsburgh struggling against the position.
9-2 NE at 3-7 CIN (NE -7, O/U 50.5)
Drake Maye, TreVeyon Henderson, and Stefon Diggs are must-starts against a collapsing Bengals defense. Mack Hollins is usable if Kayshon Boutte remains out. Chase Brown still projects as a low-end RB2 due to consistent receiving work. Tee Higgins is a must-start without Ja’Marr Chase, historically averaging 8.8 targets and 102 yards in that situation. Andrei Iosivas is a flier, and Noah Fant becomes a viable TE, especially if Burrow is back.
2-9 NYG at 6-4 DET (DET -10.5, O/U 50.5)
Start Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jameson Williams as Detroit carries the week’s highest implied team total. Montgomery remains a TD favorite despite recent usage drops. Jaxson Dart should play, but if Darius Slayton sits, Isaiah Hodgins is an interesting fill-in. The Giants’ backfield split between Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary renders both RBs avoidable.
4-6 MIN at 6-3-1 GB (GB -6.5, O/U 41.5)
Justin Jefferson remains in lineups despite J.J. McCarthy’s struggles. Jordan Addison is benchable due to Green Bay’s defensive strength. Aaron Jones holds strong RB2 value in a revenge spot after seeing 22 opportunities last week. Christian Watson offers the best combination of deep shots and TD equity among Packers receivers. Matthew Golden should not be started. Josh Jacobs is an auto-start if active, although his workload may be lighter.
7-3 SEA at 1-9 TEN (SEA -13.5, O/U 40.5)
Tennessee owns the lowest implied team total of the entire season and should be avoided completely. Tony Pollard has double-digit touches every game yet hasn’t hit 10 fantasy points since Week 5. For Seattle, Kenneth Walker is a strong RB1 option. Sam Darnold can deliver mid-range QB2 numbers even in limited competitive game time. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is always in. AJ Barner is unlikely to repeat his 10-catch game and is not recommended.
8-2 IND at 5-5 KC (KC -3.5, O/U 50.5)
Kansas City is top-three versus every position, making this a tough spot for Daniel Jones, who is not a must-start. Jonathan Taylor remains locked into lineups regardless of the matchup. Michael Pittman Jr. carries more volatility than usual, while Alec Pierce provides the higher ceiling. Tyler Warren is a strong TE play. For Kansas City, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Rashee Rice are automatic. If Isiah Pacheco sits, Kareem Hunt becomes an RB2.
Friday – Week 12 Matchups + Wheel of Shame, Ultimate Backfire
News
Joe Burrow practiced in full again, and sportsbooks have now posted Burrow props, signaling a strong expectation he will return Sunday. The Patriots-Bengals spread has already shifted from New England -8.5 to -5.5, reflecting the same optimism.
Aaron Rodgers and Jaylen Warren returned to limited practice, while Rhamondre Stevenson remains limited with the toe injury. TreVeyon Henderson, traded at peak value in the Ballers’ league, also remained limited on Thursday. Jaxson Dart was limited on Wednesday and Thursday, and his status remains uncertain. Darius Slayton returned to limited work and could play with Tyrod Taylor. Josh Jacobs logged a limited session as well. Bucky Irving returned to practice, though his game status remains unclear. Daniel Jones was added late in the week with a calf issue, but is not expected to miss time.
Sunday Live will be crucial for final clarity across this long list of questionable players.
Fantasy Forecast
Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
2-8 NYJ at 5-5 BAL (BAL -13.5, O/U 44.5)
The Jets have a 15.5-point implied total, leaving Breece Hall as the only playable option. Tyrod Taylor gets the start, and Baltimore has allowed the second-fewest points per game since Week 8. Lamar Jackson remains a must-start even with low passing totals, and Derrick Henry projects for another 20 touches with top-10 upside. Zay Flowers is a low-floor WR3, and Mark Andrews is TD-dependent.
2-8 CLE at 2-8 LV (LV -3.5, O/U 36.5)
With Shedeur Sanders making his first start, Cedric Tillman is the only Browns receiver with even deep-flier appeal. Brock Bowers remains a locked-in TE1, and Ashton Jeanty is in your lineup based on talent alone. Quinshon Judkins should handle the bulk of Cleveland’s offense. Las Vegas WRs cannot be trusted against an elite Cleveland pass defense. This matchup funnels to TEs, leaving Harold Fannin Jr. as a notable streamer if David Njoku sits.
6-4 JAX at 3-7 ARI (JAX -3, O/U 47.5)
Arizona’s pass funnel keeps Jacoby Brissett in the QB1 conversation, with Michael Wilson as a strong WR2 based on double-digit target projection. Greg Dortch is flexible with Marvin Harrison Jr. out and Brissett at the helm. Jakobi Meyers remains in play along with Parker Washington, if Brian Thomas Jr. sits. Jacksonville should lean heavily on Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten against a Cardinals run defense ranked 26th over the last six weeks. Trevor Lawrence remains risky.
8-2 PHI at 4-5-1 DAL (PHI -3, O/U 47.5)
One of Dak Prescott’s worst fantasy outputs this season came against Philadelphia in Week 1, and he profiles as a fringe QB1. DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown are volatile, but in your lineup. CeeDee Lamb is an auto-start even in a difficult matchup, while Jake Ferguson’s usage has dipped since Lamb’s explosion. Dallas Goedert is streamable, but his floor remains fragile.
3-7 ATL at 2-8 NO (NO -2.5, O/U 40.0)
With Drake London out, Kyle Pitts returns to a featured role and profiles as a mid-range TE1. Tyler Shough elevates Chris Olave’s outlook, making him a strong WR2 even with volatile targets. Devin Neal is a deep-league stash if Alvin Kamara is limited again. Not a lot of excitement for this game.
6-4 TB at 8-2 LAR (LAR -6.5, O/U 49.5)
If Baker Mayfield is active, Emeka Egbuka remains a WR1 and Chris Godwin a WR3. Sean Tucker is the preferred Buccaneers RB after outplaying Rachaad White. Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Kyren Williams are must-starts in a high-scoring environment. Matthew Stafford is a strong streamer with multiple-TD upside. Tez Johnson is tough to trust with Chris Godwin trending toward active status.
6-5 CAR at 7-3 SF (SF -7, O/U 49.5)
Brock Purdy is a top streaming option with elite efficiency and a strong matchup. George Kittle enters on a 23-catch streak and remains a top-three TE. Christian McCaffrey is automatic. Ricky Pearsall is still preferred over Jauan Jennings. For Carolina, Rico Dowdle has overtaken Chuba Hubbard. Bryce Young has shown ceiling in favorable matchups. Tetairoa McMillan is Andy’s start of the week.
Fantasy Faceoff
This week’s picks:
Jason
QB: Trevor Lawrence more than 0.5 INTs
RB: David Montgomery more than 0.5 receptions
WR: Stefon Diggs more than 12.0 fantasy points
TE: Hunter Henry more than 3.5 receptions
Andy
QB: Jared Goff more than 209.5 passing yards
RB: Kenneth Walker III more than 7.5 receiving yards
WR: Tee Higgins more than 68.5 receiving yards
TE: A.J. Barner less than 26.5 receiving yards
Ducers
QB (Matt): Shedeur Sanders more than 0.5 INTs
RB (Josh): Chase Brown less than 64.5 rushing yards
WR (Kyle): Tre Tucker less than 36.5 receiving yards
TE (Jeremy): Jake Ferguson less than 36.5 receiving yards
Don’t forget to join Jason this week for Sunday Live to get all of your last-minute lineup decisions answered.
Good luck in Week 12, FootClan!
from Fantasy Footballers Podcast https://ift.tt/dNqEonC
No comments: