It's hard to be patient during a Fantasy Football season. We always want immediate results, especially with a 13-week schedule in most leagues.
But this week, your patience could pay off with two players who have been busts in the majority of leagues thus far — Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham. Both are ready for big games against the Dolphins.
Mayfield has been building toward a big game already. He's scored at least 21 Fantasy points in consecutive games prior to Week 12 in tough matchups against Buffalo and Pittsburgh, but this should be his best game to date.
The Dolphins have allowed at least 20 Fantasy points to seven of 10 quarterbacks this year. For the season, quarterbacks are averaging 25.6 Fantasy points per game against Miami, and I could see Mayfield finishing as a top-five quarterback in all leagues.
For Beckham, he's been frustrating all season. He hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 2 and has topped 75 receiving yards just three times all year. The Browns have tried to get him going of late with 22 targets in his past two games against the Bills and Steelers, and hopefully that continues against Miami. The Dolphins are No. 2 in the NFL with 16 touchdowns allowed to receivers, and I expect Beckham to go nuts this week.
You should also get strong performances from Nick Chubb, Jarvis Landry and Kareem Hunt this week, but they have been trustworthy Fantasy options. Mayfield and Beckham have been disappointments for most of the year, but they should reward your patience with a big game against Miami.
Start 'Em & Sit 'Em
Start of the Week
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Matt Ryan has not been a great Fantasy quarterback the past two games, but he should go off this week against Tampa Bay. He has the chance to be the No. 1 quarterback in Week 12. In his past two games against New Orleans and Carolina, both on the road, Ryan has scored 18 Fantasy points in both outings. But that should change in a big way against the Buccaneers, who allow the second-most Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.
Only Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 1 and Cam Newton in Week 2 failed to score at least 21 Fantasy points against Tampa Bay. And the past four quarterbacks against the Buccaneers have each scored at least 25 Fantasy points.
Ryan averaged 32.5 Fantasy points in his past two games against Tampa Bay last season. And in his past five games overall against the Buccaneers he's averaging 328.8 passing yards per game with 11 total touchdowns and three interceptions.
It would be great if Ryan had a healthy Austin Hooper (knee) and Devonta Freeman (foot) for this game, but he should get by with Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. I love the setup for Ryan in Week 12, and he's poised to go off against the Buccaneers at home.
I'm starting Ryan over: Drew Brees (vs. CAR), Aaron Rodgers (at SF), Dak Prescott (at NE), Tom Brady (vs. DAL) and Deshaun Watson (vs. IND)
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Quarterbacks
Start 'Em
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Mayfield was a candidate for the Start of the Week in Week 12 given his recent level of play and the matchup against Miami. He comes into this game having scored at least 21 Fantasy points in his past two outings against tough Buffalo and Pittsburgh defenses. It seems the return of Kareem Hunt has been a nice boost for Mayfield as another reliable target, and now David Njoku (wrist) is back for the Browns. All of this should help Mayfield in a big way against the Dolphins, who have allowed at least 20 Fantasy points to seven of 10 quarterbacks this year. For the season, quarterbacks are averaging 25.6 Fantasy points per game against Miami, and Mayfield has the chance to be a top-five quarterback in Week 12.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Brissett has been under 17 Fantasy points in each of his past three games, so he's due for a big outing this week. And the last time he had a quality Fantasy performance was Week 7 against Houston when he scored 35 Fantasy points. He is one of five quarterbacks to score at least 24 Fantasy points against this defense in the past six games, and Gardner Minshew in Week 9 is the lone quarterback who struggled against the Texans. Brissett could get T.Y. Hilton (calf) back for this game, which would be great, but even without Hilton, I still expect Brissett to have a strong performance on the road. He's a top-10 quarterback in Week 12.
| ||||||||||||||||||
I thought Carr would play well in Week 11 against Cincinnati, and he did OK with 21 Fantasy points. He's now scored at least 21 points in three of his past four games, and he should once again have the chance for a quality performance in Week 12 at the Jets. Four quarterbacks in a row have played well against the Jets with at least 20 Fantasy points, including Minshew, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Daniel Jones and Dwayne Haskins. This is not a good defense, and Carr should have the chance for a big game.
| ||||||||||||||||||
I was originally a little nervous about Winston this week. He's struggling again with six interceptions in his past two games, and this Falcons defense has turned the corner of late. In their past three games, Atlanta has held Russell Wilson, Drew Brees and Kyle Allen to fewer than 20 Fantasy points in each outing. But Winston's track record against the Falcons is amazing. In his past five meetings with Atlanta, Winston is averaging 316.2 passing yards per game with 18 touchdowns and four interceptions. I expect this game to be high scoring – it's the highest over/under for the week at 51.5 – and both quarterbacks should do well, including Winston.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Sleepers
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Driskel just scored 31 Fantasy points against Dallas in Week 11. He also had 18 points at Chicago in Week 10, and Washington just allowed 33 Fantasy points to Sam Darnold in Week 11. One of my favorite stats for Driskel this week is he has more rushing yards in his past two games (88) than Kalen Ballage has in his past five games combined (86). With Matthew Stafford (back) out again, Driskel is worth using as a low-end starting option in all leagues.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Darnold comes into Week 12 against Oakland with consecutive games of at least 23 Fantasy points. And while the Raiders have been better against quarterbacks of late, holding Philip Rivers and Ryan Finley to a combined 18 Fantasy points in the past two games, they still allow an average of 24.8 Fantasy points to the position for the year. I like Darnold as a low-end starter and top streaming option for this week.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Tannehill doesn't have an easy matchup in Week 12 against the Jaguars, although two of the past four quarterbacks against Jacksonville have scored at least 20 Fantasy points. But Tannehill went into his bye in Week 11 having scored at least 22 Fantasy points in four games in a row. Hopefully, he stays hot in a key AFC South showdown.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Sit 'Em
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Wentz has not been a good Fantasy quarterback lately, and it's hard to trust him this week against the Seahawks, especially with the receiving corps banged up. Alshon Jeffery (ankle) missed Week 11 against New England, and he could be out again. And Nelson Agholor (knee) missed practice on Wednesday. Wentz is running out of healthy bodies to catch passes, and he's scored fewer than 16 Fantasy points in four games in a row. I would only use Wentz in two-quarterback and Superflex leagues in Week 12.
| ||||||||||||||||||
I'm torn on Rodgers this week because he should be good coming off his bye, and San Francisco is dealing with injuries on defense with Dee Ford (hamstring) out. But Rodgers doesn't have a great track record coming off a bye, scoring fewer than 18 Fantasy points in four of his past five games after a break. And he's combined for just 23 Fantasy points in his past two outings prior to Week 11 against the Chargers and Panthers. The 49ers have given up two big games to Kyler Murray in the past three weeks, but for the season San Francisco is allowing just 11.2 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Rodgers is risky as a starter in one-quarterback leagues this week.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Foles did a nice job with 21 Fantasy points in Week 11 at Indianapolis in his first outing since Week 1 because of a collarbone injury. But I expect him to regress slightly this week with his Fantasy production. Not so much because of the Titans, who have allowed three of the past four opposing quarterbacks to score at least 23 Fantasy points. And Minshew had 21 Fantasy points as the starter for the Jaguars against Tennessee in Week 3. But the Jaguars are going to hammer Leonard Fournette in this game after just nine carries as a team in Week 11 at the Colts. Foles may have to throw, but it's doubtful he comes close to the 47 attempts he had against Indianapolis. He's a low-end starter at best in one-quarterback formats.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Goff should get some help this week if Brandin Cooks (concussion) and Robert Woods (personal) return as expected, but I'm not sure that will matter against the Ravens. Baltimore has allowed just one quarterback to score more than 17 Fantasy points this season, which was Patrick Mahomes in Week 3, including matchups with Deshaun Watson, Brady, Russell Wilson and Murray. And Goff has combined for just seven Fantasy points in his past two games against Pittsburgh and Chicago. He's someone to avoid in all leagues if possible in Week 12.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bust Alert
Projections powered by
Sportsline
I loved Allen going into Week 11 at Miami, and he had one of the best performances of his career with 39 Fantasy points. He passed for 256 yards and three touchdowns, and he had seven carries for 56 yards and a touchdown as well. He's scored at least 20 Fantasy points in five of his past six games, and he should be in that range this week against the Broncos if things go right. But Denver has allowed an average of just 12.6 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks for the season, and only Minshew in Week 4 and Kirk Cousins last week have scored more than 19 points against the Broncos this year. I'm expecting some regression for Allen this week, and he's a low-end starter at best in Week 12.
| ||||||||||||||||||
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Running Backs
Start 'Em
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Lindsay is due for a big game, and it could easily come this week against Buffalo. While the Bills defense has been great overall this year, they have struggled against the run. Buffalo has allowed a running back to score or gain at least 120 total yards in every game this season. Lindsay has at least 75 total yards in three games in a row, but he has only one touchdown over that span. Lindsay will continue to share touches with Royce Freeman, who should be considered a sleeper this week, but he saw a larger share of the work last and has the chance to be a top-10 running back in Week 12.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Singletary was good in Week 11 at Miami, but I had much higher expectations for him as the Start of the Week. He had 15 carries for 75 yards but failed to score a touchdown and had just one catch for 4 yards on one target. I'm sticking with him again this week against the Broncos, who have allowed six touchdowns to running backs in five road games this year, including two in a row at Indianapolis in Week 8 and at Minnesota in Week 11. This also could be a big game catching the ball for Singletary since Denver has allowed 24 receptions to running backs in the past four games, and Singletary had 10 catches in his three previous outings prior to Week 11.
| ||||||||||||||||||
I'm excited about Samuels if James Conner (shoulder) is out as expected, even though Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (suspension) won't be on the field. Samuels had a fun game against Cincinnati the first time these teams met in Week 4 when he was the trigger man for the Wildcat. He finished with 10 carries for 26 yards and a touchdown, as well as eight catches for 57 yards. He's now had four games this season with at least 10 total touches, and he has at least 14 PPR points in three of them. The Steelers could lean heavily on Samuels this week with Conner, JuJu Smith-Schuster (concussion/knee), and Diontae Johnson (concussion) all banged up. Benny Snell could also help Samuels in the ground game, and I like Snell as a sleeper this week. The Bengals have allowed a running back to score or gain at least 120 total yards in every game this season.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Nick Chubb is a must-start running back this week against the Dolphins, but I also like Hunt as a low-end starter in all leagues, especially PPR. In two games back from his eight-game suspension to open the year, he has at least 11 PPR points in each game, including 13 catches for 90 yards on 17 targets. He's yet to find the end zone, but that could change this week against the Dolphins, especially if the Browns are playing with a lead at home. Five running backs against Miami this season have also scored at least seven PPR points with just their receiving totals alone, which bodes well for Hunt in that format.
| ||||||||||||||||||
If there's a week to buy back into Montgomery, it's here against the Giants. The Bears are at home and facing a Giants run defense that has allowed a running back to score or gain at least 100 total yards in five of their past six games. The quarterback situation could be messy for Chicago depending on what happens with Mitchell Trubisky (hip), but I expect Montgomery to get a heavy workload this week (he's had at least 17 total touches in four games in a row). Tarik Cohen should also be considered a starter in PPR and a flex in non-PPR leagues, but I expect Montgomery to be at least a top-20 running back in all formats.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Sleepers
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Scarbrough is the new lead running back in Detroit after he had 14 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown in Week 11 against Dallas. His 14 carries were the most for a Lions running back since Kerryon Johnson had 26 in Week 4. Now, it's the Lions, and they'll still continue to give touches to J.D. McKissic, especially in the passing game, as well as Ty Johnson. And Scarbrough didn't have a catch or target against the Cowboys. But the matchup against Washington is great in Week 12 since the Redskins have allowed a running back to score in four of the past five games.
| ||||||||||||||||||
You should stick with Williams as a flex option this week against the 49ers, who have allowed a running back to score or gain at least 80 total yards in five games in a row. Aaron Jones is still the best running back for the Packers and a must-start option, but Williams has scored at least 12 PPR points in four of his past five games in a secondary role, with four receiving touchdowns over that span.
| ||||||||||||||||||
I wouldn't be shocked if this is a breakout game for Guice, who returned from an eight-game absence with a knee injury in Week 11 against the Jets and finished with 69 total yards and a touchdown. He's still sharing work with Adrian Peterson, who can also be considered a sleeper this week, and it's a great matchup against the Lions. Detroit allows the most Fantasy points to opposing running backs, giving up 17 total touchdowns to the position this year.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Murray is worth using as a flex option this week with the hope he finds the end zone against the Panthers, who have allowed the most touchdowns to running backs this year with 18 total. Carolina has allowed 14 of those touchdowns in the past six games – hello Alvin Kamara – and multiple running backs have scored in two of those outings over that span.
| ||||||||||||||||||
I'll stick with Sanders this week as a low-end starter if Jordan Howard (shoulder) remains out for the Eagles. While Sanders didn't have a great game in Week 11 against New England with just 47 total yards on 13 total touches, he should do better with a similar workload against Seattle, especially in the passing game. Seven running backs have caught at least three passes against the Seahawks this year, and Sanders came into Week 11 with 16 catches in his previous five games.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Sit 'Em
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Hyde's been doing a nice job lately with back-to-back games of at least 12 PPR points against Jacksonville and Baltimore. He scored against the Ravens on a 41-yard run, but I'm concerned about his production this week against the Colts. He struggled at Indianapolis in Week 7 with 12 carries for 35 yards and no catches, and he now has no receptions in four games in a row. The Colts run defense has been exceptional this season with only five total touchdowns allowed to running backs, and Trey Edmunds in Week 9 is the lone running back with more than 60 rushing yards in the past six games against Indianapolis. Duke Johnson is worth using as a flex in PPR, but I'm nervous about Hyde playing well Thursday night.
| ||||||||||||||||||
I wouldn't be shocked if the Patriots start giving more work to Rex Burkhead with Michel struggling. And he continues to have minimal production whenever Burkhead is active. In the three games Burkhead missed this year, Michel averaged 18.7 PPR points, but he's at 6.0 PPR points per game when Burkhead is playing. He's gone three games in a row without finding the end zone, and maybe he scores here against the Cowboys, who have allowed a running back to score in back-to-back games against Minnesota and Detroit. Still, given the way Michel has played of late, he's tough to trust, and we'll see if Burkhead gets an expanded role. James White in PPR is the lone Patriots running back to rely on this week against the Cowboys.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Hill was a huge letdown in Week 12 against Carolina with four PPR points on 15 carries for 30 yards, along with one catch for 8 yards on three targets. He had a touchdown called back by a holding penalty, but he also lost a touchdown to backup Qadree Ollison. There's a chance Devonta Freeman (foot) could return this week, although I wouldn't count on it. And Hill could have a tough time against Tampa Bay as the starter since the Buccaneers are No. 2 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to running backs. They haven't allowed a rushing touchdown to a running back since Week 6 and only Christian McCaffrey and Todd Gurley have scored against them this season. Hill is a flex at best if Freeman remains out.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Wilkins should be the lead running back for the Colts with Marlon Mack (hand) out, but it will likely be a committee with Jonathan Williams and Nyheim Hines as well. It's also a tough matchup against the Texans, who have allowed just seven total touchdowns to running backs this year. Three of those came last week at Baltimore, and Houston held the Colts' running backs, with Mack, to 56 rushing yards and 31 receiving yards in Week 7. Wilkins has yet to score this season and is limited in the passing game with four receptions on the year. And in three games without Mack in 2018, Wilkins combined for 13 PPR points. Wilkins is only worth using as a flex in non-PPR leagues, and Hines might be the best Colts running back this week in PPR.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bust Alert
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Jones went from playing at least 45 percent of the snaps in two games prior to Week 11 to just 31 percent against the Saints last week. He only had four carries for 13 yards against New Orleans, along with two catches for 1 yard on four targets. It's a typical situation for Jones and his Fantasy managers that every time you buy into him this year, he lets you down, whether due to his performance, game flow or Bruce Arians changing his mind with Peyton Barber. The Falcons defense has improved of late against New Orleans and Carolina, and we'll see how they do against Tampa Bay. Now, Kamara had 74 total yards in Week 10, and McCaffrey had 191 total yards in Week 11. But no one is putting Jones on that level, and he's only worth using as a flex option in Week 12.
| ||||||||||||||||||
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Wide Receivers
Start 'Em
Ridley finally had the big game we were waiting for in Week 11 at Carolina with eight catches for 143 yards and a touchdown on eight targets. It snapped a three-game skid without him finding the end zone, and he should have the chance for another big outing in Week 12 against Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers allow the most Fantasy points to opposing receivers, and Ridley scored against Tampa Bay in one of two meetings with the Buccaneers last year. Along with Julio Jones, I also like Russell Gage as a sleeper this week.
| ||||||||||||||||||
This should be the breakout game for Odell Beckham against the Dolphins, and Landry should continue to play well in the revenge game against his former team. He's scored a touchdown in three games in a row coming into Week 12, and he has four games in a row with at least 11 PPR points. The Dolphins are No. 2 in the NFL with 16 touchdowns allowed to receivers, and Landry and Beckham should have the chance to both finish as top 10 Fantasy options in Week 12.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Robinson struggled as expected in Week 11 against Jalen Ramsey and the Rams, finishing with four catches for 15 yards on six targets. He hasn't scored a touchdown in four games in a row, and he's been at five PPR points or less in two of his past three games. But he should break out of his funk this week against the Giants. In their past five games, the Giants have allowed seven receivers to either score or gain at least 95 receiving yards. Robinson could be a top 10 Fantasy receiver against the Giants at home.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Crowder is hot coming into Week 12 against the Raiders. He's scored in three games in a row and has 18 catches for 240 yards on 23 targets over that span. This week, he's facing a Raiders secondary that has allowed 57 catches for 905 yards and four touchdowns to receivers in their past five games, with five guys either scoring a touchdown or gaining at least 100 receiving yards over that span. Crowder has excelled as the slot receiver for Adam Gase this year.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Parker is having a breakout season for the Dolphins and continues to produce in tough matchups. He just had seven catches for 135 yards on 10 targets against Buffalo in Week 11, and he's scored at least 11 PPR points in seven games in a row. He has either a touchdown or 100 receiving yards in five of those outings, and he should be trustworthy at this point heading into Week 12 against the Browns. Cleveland has allowed seven receivers to score at least 10 PPR points in the past five games, with five touchdowns allowed to the position over that span.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Sleepers
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Metcalf continues to produce on a weekly basis, and he should play well again this week against the Eagles. He's scored at least 11 PPR points in three games in a row, and he has three touchdowns over that span as well. He's now facing an Eagles defense that allows the fourth-most Fantasy points to opposing receivers for the year.
| ||||||||||||||||||
We'll see if JuJu Smith-Schuster (concussion/knee) or Diontae Johnson (concussion) are able to play this week for the Steelers, but if one or both are out, Washington will be thrust into a prominent role against the Bengals, who have allowed four touchdowns to receivers in the past four games.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Gabriel has scored at least 12 PPR points in each of his past two outings and at least nine PPR points in four games in a row. He just had seven catches for 57 yards on 14 targets in Week 11 at the Rams, and now he faces a Giants secondary that has allowed seven receivers to either score or gain at least 95 receiving yards in their past five games.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Renfrow has scored at least 11 PPR points in three of his past four games, and he's done a nice job stepping up as the No. 2 receiver behind Tyrell Williams. Now, Renfrow is also behind Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs, but Renfrow can be a No. 3 receiver in PPR in Week 12 at the Jets, who allow the third-most Fantasy points to opposing receivers for the year.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Mohamed Sanu (ankle) and Phillip Dorsett (concussion) are hurt, so we could see Harry getting a bigger role in just his second game this season. He made his debut in Week 11 at the Eagles with three catches for 18 yards on four targets, and this week he's facing a Cowboys defense that has allowed three touchdowns to receivers in their past three games. Jakobi Meyers is also in play this week with Sanu and Dorsett banged up.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Sit 'Em
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Stefon Diggs (23 PPR points) and Landry (17 PPR points) have beat up Denver's secondary the past two weeks, but I expect Brown to struggle if he matches up with cornerback Chris Harris. Brown is more of a bust alert than a must-sit option, and he just dominated the Dolphins in Week 11 with 34 PPR points. He's scored at least 10 PPR points in seven games in a row, but he's only scored a touchdown in three games this year -- two of them coming against Miami. He's a low-end starter in all leagues, but he could struggle with Harris in this matchup.
| ||||||||||||||||||
It was a disaster for Boyd in Week 11 at Oakland with one catch for no yards on three targets, and he added one carry for 10 yards. He's now gone five games in a row without a touchdown, and he only has one touchdown on the season. In Week 4 at Pittsburgh, he was held to three catches for 33 yards on six targets, and this secondary should make things tough on Boyd, especially with Ryan Finley under center. He's barely a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues this week.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Lions cornerback Darius Slay will likely make things tough on McLaurin this week after Slay was able to limit Amari Cooper in Week 11 to three catches for 38 yards on eight targets. McLaurin was OK against the Jets in Week 11 with three catches for 69 yards on four targets, and he had a 67-yard reception negated by a holding penalty. But that matchup was much easier than what McLaurin could be dealing with this week against Slay. He's barely a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in most leagues this week.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Brown is the type of receiver that typically presents problems for Ramsey because of his size and speed, but I still think you want to avoid Brown this week. Despite Lamar Jackson having a MVP-caliber season, Brown hasn't done much to help, scoring just once in his past three games. He's been at four targets in each of his past three outings, and he's been under 50 receiving yards in two of his past three games. With Ramsey likely in coverage, Brown should not be trusted in most formats.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Cooks is expected to return this week after being out for the past two games with a concussion. However, you should likely avoid him in all leagues with a tough matchup against the Ravens, who have allowed just two touchdowns to receivers in their past five games. Cooks hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 2, and he only has three games this season with double digits in PPR, with the last one coming in Week 4. Hopefully, Cooks will be fine with any injuries moving forward, but he's not someone to start in most leagues in Week 12.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bust Alert
Projections powered by
Sportsline
You're likely not sitting Cooper in most leagues, and I'll likely still rank him just inside my top 24, indicating he's a potential starter. But this could be a rough week for him at New England. He just struggled through a tough matchup at Detroit against Slay with only three catches for 38 yards on eight targets. His knee and ankle injuries continue to be a problem, and now he has to deal with Patriots' cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Only two receivers have scored double digits in Fantasy points in non-PPR leagues against New England this year, which was Steven Sims on a touchdown run for Washington in Week 5, as well as Golden Tate scoring the lone receiving touchdown against the Patriots in Week 6. It could be a bad day for Cooper, and I like Michael Gallup better than him this week, although not by much. Both are low-end starters in this matchup.
| ||||||||||||||||||
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Tight End
Start 'Em
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Griffin comes into this game playing at a high level with at least 11 PPR points in three of his past four games. He should have the chance for another quality outing in Week 12 against the Raiders, who allow the third-most Fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Oakland has allowed four touchdowns to tight ends in the past five games, and Griffin could be a top-five Fantasy tight end in all leagues this week.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Goedert has scored in three of his past four games, and he could see an increased role with Alshon Jeffery (ankle) and Nelson Agholor (knee) hurt. He had six targets in Week 11 against New England and finished with three catches for 36 yards and a touchdown, and Seattle allows the eighth-most Fantasy points to tight ends this season.
| ||||||||||||||||||
McDonald could see an uptick in targets this week with JuJu Smith-Schuster (concussion/knee) and Diontae Johnson (concussion) hurt. He has seven targets in each of his past three games, but he's scored one touchdown and finished with more than six PPR points just once over that span. This week, he's facing a Bengals defense that has allowed three touchdowns to tight ends in the past two games, with three guys scoring at least 11 PPR points over that span.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Sleepers
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Hollister went into Seattle's bye in Week 11 having scored 39 PPR points in his past two games against Tampa Bay and San Francisco. The Eagles have been tough on tight ends this year, but Hollister has 16 targets in his past two outings and should continue to be a prominent part of the game plan this week. He's worth using as a low-end starter in all formats.
| ||||||||||||||||||
With Delanie Walker (ankle) not expected to play in Week 12 against the Jaguars, Smith will get another opportunity as the starting tight end. This is a good matchup if you want to trust him, and Walker beat up Jacksonville in Week 3 with seven catches for 64 yards on nine targets at Jacksonville. The Jaguars have allowed three touchdowns to tight ends in the past three games, and Smith has at least nine PPR points in two of his past four starts.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Witten hasn't been good of late, but he might be needed against the Patriots. New England has allowed three touchdowns to tight ends in the past three games, with four tight ends scoring at least 11 PPR points over that span. Witten hasn't scored since Week 2, but he could be a reliable weapon for Dak Prescott against the Patriots.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Sit 'Em
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Graham heads into Week 12 at San Francisco having scored seven PPR points or less in five of his past six games. He only had three targets in his last game in Week 10 against Carolina, and this is a tough matchup for him this week against the 49ers. San Francisco allows the fewest Fantasy points to opposing tight ends, and only two tight ends have scored against the 49ers this year.
| ||||||||||||||||||
The Colts held Fells to two catches for 27 yards on two targets in Week 7, and only one tight end has scored against Indianapolis since Week 4. In his past two games, Fells has two catches for 19 yards and a touchdown on six targets, and if he doesn't find the end zone then his Fantasy production will be minimal. He could also lose targets if Will Fuller (hamstring) is back for the Texans this week.
| ||||||||||||||||||
I have no idea what to make of the Buccaneers' tight end situation. One week after Howard played well in Week 10 against Arizona with four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown on seven targets, he went without a catch in Week 11 against New Orleans while also allowing a ball to fumble through his hands for an interception. Cameron Brate went two games without a catch prior to Week 11, and then he had 10 catches for 73 yards against the Saints on 14 targets. I'd prefer Brate over Howard against the Falcons, but I would try to avoid both if you can.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Bust Alert
Projections powered by
Sportsline
The Ravens have allowed just two touchdowns to tight ends this season, which were Ricky Seals-Jones in Week 4 and Tyler Eifert in Week 10. Maybe we could see Everett find the end zone this week, but I'd bet against it, especially since he hasn't scored since Week 7. He had one target in Week 11 against Chicago with one catch for 20 yards, and I'm worried about trusting anyone in this Rams' passing attack. Everett should be reserved in all leagues for his matchup in Week 13 against Arizona.
| ||||||||||||||||||
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
DST
Start 'Em
Ravens (at LAR) — 6.8 projected points
We used to avoid playing a DST against the Rams because that offense was so explosive. That's not the case anymore. The Rams have scored fewer than 18 points in three of their past five games, including two in a row. In those past two games against the Steelers and Bears, the Rams have allowed six turnovers and four sacks. The Ravens haven't allowed a team to score more than 20 points in five games in a row, and they have 11 sacks, three interceptions, four fumble recoveries and three DST touchdowns in the past three games, including two against Tom Brady and Deshaun Watson.
Sleepers
- Browns (vs. MIA) — 12.9 projected points: The Browns won't have Myles Garrett (suspension), Larry Ogunjobi (suspension) or Morgan Burnett (Achilles) for this game, but the DST should still do well against the Dolphins. Miami has allowed 18 sacks in the past four games and has scored 20 points or less in three of the past four outings.
- Falcons (vs. TB) — 8.7 projected points: The Falcons defense has been great the past two games against New Orleans and Carolina, allowing a combined 12 points with 11 sacks, four interceptions and one DST touchdown. In their past two games, the Buccaneers have allowed six interceptions and six sacks.
- Lions (at WAS) — 11.9 projected points: Washington has scored 17 points or less in every game since Week 2 and has allowed 14 sacks in the past three games. Detroit's defense has not been good this season, but the hope is the Lions DST comes through here is a favorable matchup against Dwayne Haskins.
Sit 'Em
Rams (vs. BAL) — 7.0 projected points
The Rams defense has played well of late, allowing 17 points or less in four games in a row against Atlanta, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Chicago. But facing those offenses are a dream compared to the nightmare of trying to stop Lamar Jackson. The Ravens have scored at least 30 points in four games in a row, including two in a row with at least 41. Along with that, the Ravens have allowed just one interception and four sacks in their past five games. It could be a long day for the Rams DST in Week 12.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
KICKERS
Start 'Em
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Tampa Bay has allowed a kicker to make a field goal in five games in a row, and those five opposing kickers averaged 9.8 Fantasy points against the Buccaneers over that span. In two games with the Falcons, Koo has seven field goals and four extra points, and he's scored at least 11 Fantasy points in each game.
| ||||||||
Sleepers
Projections powered by
Sportsline
The Dolphins have allowed multiple field goals in five games in a row, and three of those opposing kickers have scored at least 10 Fantasy points. Seibert has made multiple field goals in three of his past four games.
| ||||||||
Folk has yet to kick in New England since joining the Patriots prior to Week 9, so hopefully he does well at home. In two games with the team, Folk has made five field goals without a miss. The Cowboys have allowed two of the past three opposing kickers to make multiple field goals.
| ||||||||
Washington has allowed two kickers in the past four games to make multiple field goals. Prater has only made multiple field goals once in his past five games, but I expect him to have a quality outing this week on the road.
| ||||||||
Sit 'Em
Projections powered by
Sportsline
Slye has been in a bad funk of late, combining for 19 Fantasy points in his past four games. He hasn't made multiple field goals since Week 6, and he should struggle again this week. The Saints have allowed just one kicker to score double digits in Fantasy points this year, and Slye is a low-end starter at best in Week 12.
| ||||||||
