Here's a look back at Week 12's action, and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
WEEK 12 RECAP
Bills 28, Lions 25: I feel like if Nyheim Hines was going to be a factor for Buffalo on offense, we would have seen it by now. Hines’ primary responsibility has been returning kicks and punts. He only has one reception on three targets and two carries for -5 yards in four games.
Cowboys 28, Giants 20: Michael Gallup could be a factor down the stretch in fantasy assuming Dallas doesn’t sign Odell Beckham Jr. Gallup finally outsnapped Noah Brown by a significant amount for the first time this season and had his most productive game — five receptions for 63 yards on eight targets, all season-highs.
Vikings 33, Patriots 26: Monitor Damien Harris’ thigh injury this week. Rhamondre Stevenson is already an obvious start, but his ceiling skyrockets if Harris misses time.
Browns 23, Buccaneers 17 (OT): Kareem Hunt is the overall RB49 across all formats since Week 6. His role has diminished significantly in Cleveland and I’d only roster him as a handcuff to Nick Chubb.
Bengals 20, Titans 16: Tyler Boyd continues to disappoint with Ja’Marr Chase sidelined. Boyd is the overall WR60 in standard formats (WR58 in PPR) since Week 8 (Chase last played in Week 7).
Dolphins 30, Texans 15: This was the first time Tyreek Hill failed to surpass 100 yards in back-to-back games this season — Hill finished with 85 yards on six receptions.
Jets 31, Bears 10: Mike White resurrected Elijah Moore to the tune of 64 yards and a TD. Moore had 28 yards in his previous five games combined. The two had great chemistry in 2021 so it’s worth taking a flier on Moore if you need help or upside at wide receiver. Corey Davis actually out-snapped him (43 to 22), ran more routes (23 to 13) and had more targets (three to two). If White is the real deal, than Moore, Davis and Garrett Wilson will all get a boost in their fantasy value.
Commanders 19, Falcons 13: Both Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson are premium flex options with RB2 upside going forward. Robinson is the overall RB20 in standard formats (RB23 in PPR) since Week 6. Gibson is the overall RB21 in standard (RB15 in PPR) over that same span.
Panthers 23, Broncos 10: Russell Wilson is the overall QB22 through 12 games, which means he isn’t even usable in 10-team leagues that utilize a superflex.
Jaguars 28, Ravens 27: Zay Jones went off with 11 receptions and 145 yards on 14 targets. It was his fourth game with double-digit targets and second game with double-digit receptions this season. Christian Kirk only has three games with double-digit targets and he has yet to top nine receptions. Kirk is the WR1 in Jacksonville’s offense, but Jones is closer to a WR1 than you may think.
Chargers 25, Cardinals 24: With Keenan Allen only playing in two of the first nine games — playing less than 35% of the snaps in both — Justin Herbert was the overall QB15. Herbert is the overall QB2 since Week 11 with Allen healthy and back in the lineup.
Raiders 40, Seahawks 34 (OT): Josh Jacobs is on pace to set career-highs in carries (334), rushing yards (1,791), touchdowns (14), targets (74), receptions (62) and receiving yards (502). Why didn’t Las Vegas pick up his fifth-year option again?
Chiefs 26, Rams 10: Rookie receiver Skyy Moore had five receptions on six targets for the second straight game after producing seven receptions in the previous nine games. Moore’s snap percentage also surpassed 40% in both games (he had failed to surpass 30 percent in eight of nine games previously).
49ers 13, Saints 0: Elijah Mitchell suffered another knee sprain and likely won’t play again until the postseason. Jordan Mason had 25 yards on five carries in relief, but was only in that position because he’s normally the third active running back on game day due to his special teams role. It will likely be either Tyrion Davis-Price or Tevin Coleman who will likely get an opportunity to serve as the change-of-pace/complimentary option behind Christian McCaffrey, who is also dealing with some knee soreness.
Eagles 40, Packers 33: Christian Watson has six receiving TDs in the last three games. That’s more than Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, Mike Evans, CeeDee Lamb, Deebo Samuel or DK Metcalf have this season.
Steelers 24, Colts 17: Rookie tight end Jelani Woods came into this Monday night matchup with seven receptions (13 targets) for 79 yards and three TDs on the season. Woods had eight receptions (nine targets) for 98 yards against Pittsburgh. Kylen Granson missed this game with an unspecified illness and the Steelers primarily play man coverage (Woods thrives against man defenses), so there’s your explanation. I doubt this performance carries over to next week for the rookie, but it is something to file away for next year’s draft preparation.
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week.
Here’s an in-depth look at the NFL matchups for Week 13 and how they’ll affect your fantasy football lineup, with players you should start, sit and a sleeper for each game:
BUFFALO AT NEW ENGLAND
Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Bills D/ST, Rhamondre Stevenson (NE).
Who to start: Gabe Davis (BUF) is the overall WR29 in standard formats (WR31 in PPR) since Week 8. Dawson Knox (BUF) faces a defense that has allowed eight touchdowns to tight ends in the last 10 games. Jakobi Meyers (NE) is the overall WR22 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) since Week 5. Despite the matchup, I’m not benching the Patriots D/ST, the highest-scoring defense in fantasy through 12 games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Devin Singletary (BUF) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Isaiah McKenzie (BUF) remains a boom-or-bust option failing to surpass two receptions in six of 10 games this season. Hunter Henry (NE) remains touchdown-dependent with a single reception in three of the last five games. DeVante Parker (NE) remains a boom-or-bust option failing to surpass 24 yards in six of 10 games this season.
Sleeper: Mac Jones (NE) is a sneaky streaming option against a defense that has allowed 921 yards and six TDs to quarterbacks — Kirk Cousins, Jacoby Brissett and Jared Goff —the last three games.
PITTSBURGH AT ATLANTA
Obvious starters: Pat Freiermuth (PIT), Cordarrelle Patterson (ATL).
Who to start: Both Diontae Johnson (PIT) and George Pickens (PIT) have WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. The Steelers D/ST is ninth in fantasy scoring since TJ Watt returned in Week 10. Drake London (ATL) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Marcus Mariota (ATL) faces a defense that has allowed 22 TDs to quarterbacks in 11 games. The Falcons D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against a rookie quarterback.
Who to sit: Najee Harris (PIT) is trending in the wrong direction with an oblique injury. Kenny Pickett (PIT) is only trustworthy in superflex formats at this point, but there’s been growth since the Steelers bye week (Week 9). Tyler Allgeier (ATL) remains touchdown-dependent while he’s splitting carries with Patterson.
Sleeper: Jaylen Warren (PIT) will receive an increased workload if Harris is inactive and faces a defense that has allowed seven TDs to running backs in the last six games.
GREEN BAY AT CHICAGO
Obvious starters: Aaron Jones (GB), Aaron Rodgers (GB), David Montgomery (CHI).
Who to start: Both Allen Lazard (GB) and Christian Watson (GB) have WR/flex upside against a defense that has allowed eight TDs to wide receivers in the last six games. The Packers D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to defenses this season and become an obvious starter if Trevor Siemian is under center. If Justin Fields (CHI) is active, he’s a QB1 with risk.
Who to sit: AJ Dillon (GB) remains touchdown-dependent failing to surpass 41 rushing yards in six of the last 10 games (he becomes an obvious starter if Jones is out or limited with his shin/glute issues). Robert Tonyan (GB) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season. Cole Kmet (CHI) remains touchdown-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in nine of 12 games.
Sleeper: Chase Claypool (CHI) could see targets funneled his way with Darnell Mooney on injured reserve.
JACKSONVILLE AT DETROIT
Obvious starters: Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Christian Kirk (JAC), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), D’Andre Swift (DET), Jamaal Williams (DET).
Who to start: Trevor Lawrence (JAC) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Zay Jones (JAC) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season and has 24 targets in the last two games. Jared Goff (DET) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed seven TDs to quarterbacks in the last three games.
Who to sit: Marvin Jones (JAC) remains touchdown-dependent failing to surpass 50 yards in eight of 10 games. JaMycal Hasty (JAC) will be a premium flex option with upside if Etienne is sidelined with a foot injury. Both DJ Chark (DET) and Josh Reynolds (DET) are boom-or-bust options now that they’re healthy.
Sleeper: Evan Engram (JAC) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season.
N.Y. JETS AT MINNESOTA
Obvious starters: Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Jets D/ST, Justin Jefferson (MIN), Dalvin Cook (MIN), TJ Hockenson (MIN).
Who to start: Mike White (NYJ) faces a defense that has allowed multiple TDs to quarterbacks in five of the last six games. Both Elijah Moore (NYJ) and Corey Davis (NYJ) are flex fliers against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season.
Who to sit: Michael Carter (NYJ) hasn’t practiced this week (through Thursday) with an ankle injury. James Robinson (NYJ) remains touchdown-dependent after he was a healthy scratch last week. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) remains touchdown-dependent with only six receptions in the last three games. Ty Johnson (NYJ) would deserve flex consideration in deeper PPR formats if Carter is sidelined. I’m fading Kirk Cousins (MIN) against a defense that has only allowed three TDs to quarterbacks since Week 4. I’m also fading Adam Thielen (MIN) against the defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. The Vikings D/ST only deserves streaming consideration if you’re desperate.
Sleeper: Zonovan Knight (NYJ) had 103 total yards in relief of Carter against the Bears and will likely see double-digit touches if Carter remains out.
WASHINGTON AT N.Y. GIANTS
Obvious starters: Terry McLaurin (WAS), Saquon Barkley (NYG).
Who to start: Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS) is the overall RB10 in standard formats (RB16 in PPR) since Week 10. The Commanders D/ST is the highest-scoring fantasy defense since Week 9. Daniel Jones (NYG) is the overall QB7 since the Giants’ bye week (Week 9). Darius Slayton (NYG) has at least 63 yards or a TD in six of the last seven games.
Who to sit: Antonio Gibson (WAS) didn’t practice on Thursday with a foot injury. Curtis Samuel (WAS) has four-or-fewer targets in five straight games.
Sleeper: Logan Thomas (WAS) has been banged up this season, but he faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season.
TENNESSEE AT PHILADELPHIA
Obvious starters: Derrick Henry (TEN), Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), Miles Sanders (PHI), Eagles D/ST.
Who to start: DeVonta Smith (PHI) maintains WR3/flex upside against the defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, assuming his groin injury isn’t too serious.
Who to sit: Robert Woods (TEN) remains touchdown-dependent failing to surpass two receptions in four of the last five games. I’m fading Ryan Tannehill (TEN) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. I’m also fading the Titans D/ST on the road against the Eagles’ diverse offense. Austin Hooper (TEN) remains touchdown-dependent against a defense that has only allowed 10 receptions to tight ends in the last four games.
Sleeper: Treylon Burks (TEN) is the overall WR35 in standard formats (WR30 in PPR) and has had at least six targets in every game since returning from a foot injury in Week 10.
DENVER AT BALTIMORE
Obvious starters: Courtland Sutton (DEN), Mark Andrews (BAL), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Ravens D/ST.
Who to start: Latavius Murray (DEN) is the overall RB28 across all formats since joining the Broncos in Week 6. Gus Edwards (BAL) is a premium flex option with RB2 upside due to consistent usage when he’s active.
Who to sit: It’s hard to trust Russell Wilson (DEN) at this point, despite the good matchup. The Broncos D/ST only has two sacks in the last three games. Greg Dulcich (DEN) is a touchdown-dependent option with only 12 targets in the last three games. Kenyan Drake (BAL) becomes touchdown-dependent with Edwards healthy. I’m fading both Devin Duvernay (BAL) and Demarcus Robinson (BAL) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season.
Sleeper: Kendall Hinton (DEN) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season — Hinton has 17 targets in the last three games.
CLEVELAND AT HOUSTON
Obvious starters: Nick Chubb (CLE), Amari Cooper (CLE), David Njoku (CLE), Dameon Pierce (HOU).
Who to start: Most metrics scream the Browns possess a top-five offense without Deshaun Watson (CLE), who has finished as a top-five quarterback in fantasy every year he’s been a full-time starter. The Browns D/ST are a premium streaming option this week — only the Rams and Colts have allowed more fantasy points to opposing defenses than the Texans. Both Brandin Cooks (HOU) and Nico Collins (HOU) deserve flex consideration against a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in the last four games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Kareem Hunt (CLE) until we see if his usage grows with Watson under center — he can be dropped if it doesn’t.
Sleeper: Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) shares a skill set with Will Fuller (Watson’s favorite target while they both were in Houston).
SEATTLE AT L.A. RAMS
Obvious starters: Kenneth Walker (SEA), DK Metcalf (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA), Geno Smith (SEA).
Who to start: Whomever lines up opposite the Rams offense going forward is a premium streaming option in fantasy, so fire up the Seahawks D/ST. Tyler Higbee (LAR) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends this season.
Who to sit: The Rams defense has allowed a tight end to score in four of the last five games, so you can flip a coin between Noah Fant (SEA) and Will Dissly (SEA) if you’re desperate. Cam Akers (LAR) remains touchdown-dependent and hasn’t scored since Week 3. Van Jefferson (LAR) has a TD in two of the last three games, but he’s nothing more than a dart throw with John Wolford or Bryce Perkins at quarterback.
Sleeper: Kyren Williams (LAR) appears to be the primary back for the “Walking Dead” Rams and he’s facing a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs this season.
MIAMI AT SAN FRANCISCO
Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Tua Tagovailoa (MIA), Christian McCaffrey (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF), 49ers D/ST.
Who to start: The Dolphins D/ST are a borderline streaming option if you’re in a pinch — the unit is the sixth-best scoring defense in fantasy since Week 7. Brandon Aiyuk (SF) has at least five receptions, 65 yards or a TD in six straight games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Jeff Wilson (MIA) and Raheem Mostert (MIA) against the defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Mike Gesicki (MIA) remains a boom-or-bust option with only three receptions in the last three games.
Sleeper: Jimmy Garoppolo (SF) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
KANSAS CITY AT CINCINNATI
Obvious starters: Travis Kelce (KC), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN).
Who to start: JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) maintains WR3/flex upside as the primary target receiving target of Mahomes (outside of Kelce of course). Isiah Pacheco (KC) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed six TDs to running backs in the last five games. Tyler Boyd (CIN) has flex value against a defense that has allowed 15 TDs to wide receivers in 11 games. Hayden Hurst (CIN) deserves streaming consideration as the overall TE15 in standard formats (TE8 in PPR) through 12 games.
Who to sit: Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) maintains his boom-or-bust supremacy. I’m fading both the Chiefs D/ST and Bengals D/ST in a potentially high-scoring affair. Samaje Perine (CIN) only has value if Mixon remains out.
Sleeper: In games where the Chiefs aren’t a heavy favorite Jerick McKinnon (KC) is a premium flex option, especially in PPR (he has at least six targets in three of the last four games).
L.A. CHARGERS AT LAS VEGAS
Obvious starters: Austin Ekeler (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC), Gerald Everett (LAC), Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV).
Who to start: Joshua Palmer (LAC) maintains flex value with Mike Williams likely out again — Palmer has at least five receptions and 56 yards in four of the last five games he’s played. Derek Carr (LV) is the overall QB5 since Week 9.
Who to sit: DeAndre Carter (LAC) remains a boom-or-bust option considering the inconsistent volume he receives. Mack Hollins (LV) only has flex value in deeper formats with a middle-of-the-road matchup against a talented secondary.
Sleeper: Foster Moreau (LV) is the overall TE8 across all formats since Week 8.
INDIANAPOLIS AT DALLAS
Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL), Ezekiel Elliott (DAL), Dalton Schultz (DAL), Cowboys D/ST.
Who to start: Dak Prescott (DAL) is the overall QB9 since Week 7.
Who to sit: This is a difficult matchup to trust Matt Ryan (IND) or Parris Campbell (IND). Alec Pierce (IND) remains a boom-or-bust option failing to surpass three receptions in seven straight games.
Sleeper: Michael Gallup (DAL) has 19 targets the last three games and has seen a boost in snap percentage.
NEW ORLEANS AT TAMPA BAY
Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO), Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB).
Who to start: Tom Brady (TB) is a high-floor, low-ceiling option at home, desperate for a victory inside the division.
Who to sit: Taysom Hill (NO) remains the ultimate boom-or-bust option — he’s the overall TE3 in standard formats on the strength of just four good games. Juwan Johnson (NO) hasn’t practiced as of Thursday with an ankle injury. You should have better options than Andy Dalton (NO) this week. Jarvis Landry (NO) remains touchdown-dependent with only eight receptions in three games since returning from injury. The Saints D/ST has been a low-tier option since Week 9. I’m fading both Leonard Fournette (TB) and Rachaad White (TB) because of the matchup and not knowing how the volume will be split up with White playing so well and Fournette healthy again.
Sleeper: The Buccaneers D/ST faces an offense that is allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses this season.
