Fantasy football Week 12: Start and sit

Here’s a look back at Week 11’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 11 RECAP

Eagles 26, Commanders 18: Saquon Barkley has six games with at least 100 rushing yards in his first season with Philadelphia. Barkley had six such games combined his last four seasons with the Giants.

Packers 20, Bears 19: Christian Watson’s four receptions for 150 yards against a good Chicago secondary was a reminder all the principals in Green Bay’s pass attack need to be rostered universally.

Lions 52, Jaguars 6: Detroit became the first team to score touchdowns on each of its first seven drives since the Patriots against the Bills in Week 11 of 2007.

Vikings 23, Titans 13: Will Levis and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine hooked up for a 98-yard TD pass in the third quarter, tying the franchise record for Tennessee. In 1962, the Oilers’ Jacky Lee connected with Willard Dewveall for a 98-yarder in Week 12 against the Chargers.

Dolphins 34, Raiders 19: Brock Bowers set a new single-game record for rookie tight ends with 13 receptions against Miami. Bowers is on pace for 119 receptions, 1,200 receiving yards and five TDs in his first season with Las Vegas. His pace would eclipse both the receptions and receiving yards single-season record for rookies at the position. Sam LaPorta had 86 receptions last year for the Lions and Mike Ditka produced 1,076 yards in 1961 for da Bears. Ditka also still has the rookie TD record with 12.

Rams 28, Patriots 22: Since he got his two best receivers back in Week 8, Matthew Stafford is the overall QB7 with at least 279 passing yards in every game and 10 TD passes against only three interceptions.

Saints 35, Browns 14: Taysom Hill is the overall TE3 in standard formats (TE12 in PPR) through 11 weeks despite missing four games. Hill is the top overall tight end in fantasy since Week 8. Is he going to explode for 206 total yards, eight receptions and three TDs every week? No. Does he have to do that to warrant being a starting tight end in fantasy? Of course not. With all of their injuries on offense, getting him involved has become a necessity for New Orleans, not a luxury.

Colts 28, Jets 27: As disappointing as this season has been, Anthony Richardson’s ceiling remains too enticing to discard, with Indianapolis or for fantasy purposes. Richardson finished as the overall QB4 thanks to a three-TD performance at New York. It was his second game with at least 27 fantasy points this season. Only four quarterbacks have more such games (Joe Burrow, Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts).

Steelers 18, Ravens 16: Lamar Jackson has only won twice in seven matchups with Pittsburgh while completing 57% of his passes for 1,077 yards, five TDs, eight interceptions and suffering 22 sacks. Jackson has 308 rushing yards in 57 carries, but no TDs, and he’s fumbled seven times (losing three).

Broncos 38, Falcons 6: Bo Nix is the overall QB7 through 11 weeks, but the rookie has been even better recently, as the overall QB4 since Week 5. He’s on pace to throw for 3,516 yards with 22 TD passes against only nine interceptions, and run for 456 yards and another six TDs.

Seahawks 20, 49ers 17: Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the overall WR12 in standard formats (WR10 in PPR) through 11 weeks. JSN has 17 receptions (24 targets) for 290 yards and two TDs in the last two games and has clearly surpassed Tyler Lockett in Seattle’s receiving hierarchy. Truth be told, he’s also closed the gap considerably with D.K. Metcalf.

Bills 30, Chiefs 21: Josh Allen’s 26-yard TD scramble to clinch the win over Kansas City was his 58th career rushing TD, breaking a tie with O.J. Simpson for sole possession of second place in Buffalo’s franchise history. Allen needs eight more rushing TDs to pass Thurman Thomas for first.

Chargers 34, Bengals 27: Ja’Marr Chase’s two TD receptions at Los Angeles on Sunday night gives him 41 for his career. Chase is just the third player in NFL history with at least 40 TD receptions before age 25, joining Randy Moss (53) and Rob Gronkowski (42).

Texans 34, Cowboys 10: CeeDee Lamb had eight receptions for 93 yards in Dallas’ loss to Houston. It was Lamb’s 43rd straight game with at least four receptions, tying Michael Thomas’ NFL record which he set for the Saints between 2017 and 2019. The last time Lamb failed to secure at least four passes was Week 1 of the 2022 season. He finished with two in a loss to Tampa Bay.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Here are my best bets for Week 12:

PITTSBURGH AT CLEVELAND

Obvious starters: George Pickens (PIT), Najee Harris (PIT), Steelers D/ST, David Njoku (CLE).

Who to start: Russell Wilson (PIT) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in five straight games. Jaylen Warren (PIT) maintains flex appeal with double-digit touches in four straight games with wet and windy conditions potentially boosting his value. Nick Chubb (CLE) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed seven rushing TDs to running backs in its last five games.

Who to sit: I’m fading Mike Williams (PIT) after he wasn’t targeted against the Ravens. Jameis Winston (CLE) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading Jerry Jeudy (CLE), Cedric Tillman (CLE) and Elijah Moore (CLE) against a defense allowing an average of 11.5 receptions to wide receivers the last four games and only one TD reception since Week 7.

The Browns D/ST face an offense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Sleeper: Pat Freiermuth (PIT) faces a defense that has allowed 28 receptions for 239 yards and two TDs to tight ends in its last three games.

MINNESOTA AT CHICAGO

Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Aaron Jones (MIN), Vikings D/ST.

Who to start: D’Andre Swift (CHI) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (groin). D.J. Moore (CHI) maintains his WR3/flex upside as the overall WR41 in standard formats (WR29 in PPR) through 11 weeks. Keenan Allen (CHI) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Bears D/ST are a sneaky streaming option at home against a banged up QB who is occasionally turnover prone.

Who to sit: I’m fading T.J. Hockenson (MIN) against a defense that hasn’t allowed a TD reception to tight ends since Week 1. Jordan Addison (MIN) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Sam Darnold (MIN) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Cole Kmet (CHI) remains TD-dependent with only eight targets in the last four games against a defense that hasn’t allowed a TD reception to tight ends since Week 4. Caleb Williams (CHI) hasn’t thrown a TD pass since Week 6. Roschon Johnson (CHI) remains TD-dependent with an average of five touches since Week 8 — Johnson would have flex appeal if Swift is inactive.

Sleeper: Rome Odunze (CHI) is the overall WR37 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) since Week 8.

DETROIT AT INDIANAPOLIS

Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), David Montgomery (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET), Jonathan Taylor (IND), Josh Downs (IND).

Who to start: Jared Goff (DET) is the overall QB6 since Week 6 with 15 TD passes against five interceptions (all in one game), and he faces a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. The Lions D/ST have scored the most points in fantasy since Week 6. Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Who to sit: Jameson Williams (DET) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 11 receptions in his last four games. Alec Pierce (IND) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in eight of the last nine games.

Sleeper: This is a difficult matchup for Anthony Richardson (IND), but I’m back on the bandwagon.

NEW ENGLAND AT MIAMI

Obvious starters: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), Tyreek Hill (MIA), De’Von Achane (MIA).

Who to start: Hunter Henry (NE) has at least five receptions or a TD in five of the last six games. Drake Maye (NE) is the overall QB10 since he became the starter in Week 6 and faces a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in three of the last four games. Jaylen Waddle (MIA) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed eight TD receptions to wide receivers in the last six games. Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) is the overall QB13 since returning from injury in Week 8 with 960 passing yards, seven TD passes and only one interception in four games. Jonnu Smith (MIA) is the overall TE2 since Week 7 and faces a defense that has allowed a TD reception to tight ends in three of the last four games.

Who to sit: DeMario Douglas (NE) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Raheem Mostert (MIA) is TD-dependent with only five touches in the last two games.

Sleeper(s): Kayshon Boutte (NE) has exactly six targets in four straight games. The Dolphins D/ST face an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

TAMPA BAY AT N.Y. GIANTS

Obvious starters: Baker Mayfield (TB), Cade Otton (TB), Malik Nabers (NYG).

Who to start: Mike Evans (TB) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (hamstring). Rachaad White (TB) was the overall RB10 in standard formats (RB7 in PPR) the last four games before the Buccaneers’ bye with five TDs since Week 7. Bucky Irving (TB) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB18 in standard formats (RB15 in PPR) the last five games before the Bucs’ bye. Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) was the overall RB9 in standard formats (RB10 in PPR) the last six games before the Giants’ bye. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) maintains flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 11 TD receptions to wide receivers in the last seven games.

Who to sit: I’m fading Jalen McMillan (TB) until we see his role along side Evans. Devin Singletary (NYG) remains TD-dependent and hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 4. Tommy DeVito (NYG) only makes sense in DFS despite the premium matchup (unless you’re absolutely desperate).

Sleeper(s): The Buccaneers D/ST face an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Theo Johnson (NYG) faces a defense that has allowed five TD receptions to tight ends in its last four games.

DALLAS AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Jayden Daniels (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS), Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS).

Who to start: Rico Dowdle (DAL) maintains flex appeal against a defense that has allowed eight rushing TDs to running backs and an average of 129.3 rushing yards in its last six games. Austin Ekeler (WAS) maintains flex appeal against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs. Zach Ertz (WAS) is the overall TE11 in standard formats (TE7 in PPR) through 11 weeks.

Who to sit: Jake Ferguson (DAL) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol and is unlikely to play on Sunday.

Sleeper: The Commanders D/ST faces an offense that has only scored 16 points, committed seven turnovers, and allowed eight sacks and a defensive TD in two games without Dak Prescott.

KANSAS CITY AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Chuba Hubbard (CAR).

Who to start: Kareem Hunt (KC) is an obvious starter if Isiah Pacheco (KC) remains out, but both have RB2/flex upside if Pacheco plays against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs. DeAndre Hopkins (KC) is the overall WR24 in standard formats (WR25 in PPR) since he joined the Chiefs in Week 8. The Chiefs D/ST are a solid streaming option coming off their first loss this season in a “get right” spot against the Panthers. Before the Panthers’ bye, Xavier Legette (CAR) had been the overall WR23 in standard formats (WR27 in PPR) since Week 4. Adam Thielen (CAR) has flex appeal if he’s active (hamstring).

Who to sit: Xavier Worthy (KC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 12 receptions in the last five games. Jonathon Brooks (CAR) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs in his likely NFL debut.

Sleeper: Ja’Tavion Sanders (CAR) has at least five targets in four of the last six games, producing TE1-caliber performances in Week 7 (TE12) and Week 9 (TE9), and faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends.

TENNESSEE AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: Nico Collins (HOU), Joe Mixon (HOU).

Who to start: Calvin Ridley (TEN) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed 16 TD receptions to wide receivers in 11 games this season. Tank Dell (HOU) maintains flex appeal with at least seven targets in three straight games and L’Jarius Sneed likely shadowing Collins. The Texans D/ST face an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: I’m fading Tony Pollard (TEN) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Tyjae Spears (TEN) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol and is unlikely to play on Sunday. Chig Okonkwo (TEN) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. C.J. Stroud (HOU) has two TD passes in the last five games. Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (TEN) is the overall WR12 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) since Week 6 with a TD reception in five of the last six games.

DENVER AT LAS VEGAS

Obvious starters: Bo Nix (DEN), Courtland Sutton (DEN), Broncos D/ST, Brock Bowers (LV).

Who to start: Javonte Williams (DEN) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs.

Who to sit: Audric Estime (DEN) is TD-dependent with double-digit touches in only one game this season. Jakobi Meyers (LV) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. I’m fading the banged up duo of Alexander Mattison (LV) and Zamir White (LV) against a defense that has only allowed five rushing TDs to running backs in 11 games this season.

Sleeper: Ameer Abdullah (LV) could get the start if both Mattison and White are sidelined — Abdullah had eight touches (three receptions) for 51 yards and a TD against the Broncos in Week 5.

SAN FRANCISCO AT GREEN BAY

Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), Josh Jacobs (GB), Jayden Reed (GB).

Who to start: Jauan Jennings (SF) has at least seven receptions, 11 targets and 91 receiving yards in two straight games.

Who to sit: I’m fading Brock Purdy (SF) on the road against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m also fading a 49ers D/ST who could be without Nick Bosa. Jordan Mason (SF) remains TD-dependent with only three carries since McCaffrey returned two weeks ago. Ricky Pearsall (SF) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only 11 receptions in four games this season. I’m fading Jordan Love (GB) against a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes only once since Week 3. I’m fading Tucker Kraft (GB) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Christian Watson (GB) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 15 receptions in the last five games. Dontayvion Wicks (GB) has six targets in the last three games. After forcing 14 turnovers in their first five games, the Packers D/ST have only forced five turnovers in their last five games.

Sleeper: We haven’t heard from Romeo Doubs (GB) in a minute, and he faces a defense that has allowed 40 receptions for 433 yards and two TDs in the last three games.

ARIZONA AT SEATTLE

Obvious starters: Kyler Murray (ARI), James Conner (ARI), Trey McBride (ARI), Kenneth Walker (SEA), D.K. Metcalf (SEA), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA).

Who to start: Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed 10 TD receptions to wide receivers in its last seven games.

Who to sit: Trey Benson (ARI) only gets work in blowouts, and this game should be competitive. Michael Wilson (ARI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 11 receptions in the last five games. Tyler Lockett (SEA) is TD-dependent with only 10 targets in the last three games. I’m fading Geno Smith (SEA) against a defense that has only allowed one TD pass in its last four games. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 3.

Sleeper: The Cardinals D/ST face an offense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

PHILADELPHIA AT L.A. RAMS

Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), Saquon Barkley (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI), Kyren Williams (LAR), Cooper Kupp (LAR), Puka Nacua (LAR).

Who to start: DeVonta Smith (PHI) is the overall WR21 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) since Week 6 and faces a defense that has allowed six TD receptions to wide receivers in its last four games. Dallas Goedert (PHI) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends. The Eagles D/ST are the second-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 6.

Who to sit: Matthew Stafford (LAR) faces a defense that has allowed only two TD passes in its last six games. Demarcus Robinson (LAR) remains TD-dependent against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Sleeper: The Rams D/ST are the top scoring defense in fantasy since Week 7.

BALTIMORE AT L.A. CHARGERS

Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL), J.K. Dobbins (LAC).

Who to start: Ladd McConkey (LAC) would be an obvious starter if he’s active (shoulder). Justin Herbert (LAC) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 17 TD passes in the last seven games. Quentin Johnston (LAC) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers, including 16 TD receptions in 11 games this season.

Who to sit: I’m fading Mark Andrews (BAL) and Isaiah Likely (BAL) against a defense that has yet to allow a TD to a tight end this season. Diontae Johnson (BAL) has four targets in three games with the Ravens. The Ravens D/ST faces an offense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Justice Hill (BAL) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. I’m fading the Chargers D/ST against Jackson in prime time. Gus Edwards (LAC) remains TD-dependent with six-or-fewer touches in three of his last four games.

Sleeper(s): Rashod Bateman (BAL) faces a defense that has allowed 46 receptions for 591 yards and six TD receptions to wide receivers in its last three games. Will Dissly (LAC) has at least four receptions in five of the last six games.