2018 Fantasy Football: Week 12 Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. Black Friday isn’t my thing, but if you went shopping, I hope you found some bargains. With all the festivities out of the way, it’s time we focus on football. In most leagues the regular season extends 13 weeks, meaning there are just two Sundays left before the hallowed playoffs begin. Whether you’re fighting for a playoff spot or lobbying for a better seed, Roto Street Journal is here to help pave your way to fantasy glory.

Last week I had my hits and misses like always. I predicted productive outings from guys like Aaron Jones and Robert Woods, while correctly telling you to sit Jordan Howard, Allen Robinson and Jack Doyle amongst others. I regrettably suggested starting Alshon Jeffery and Amari Cooper, who failed to take advantage of their matchups. I also didn’t foresee Alex Collins’ role being overtaken by an entity named Gus Edwards. Naturally, I’ll work to improve upon last week and offer you the best advice possible.

I make these suggestions based on each player’s weekly matchups, surrounding talent and in-game usage. While predicting the future is anything but easy, using these tools can help us make better choices when determining which players we start or sit from week to week.

Let me remind you that these lists consist of players who aren’t obvious. I shouldn’t have to tell you to start super stars like Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas, Zeke Elliot and Julio Jones. This article revolves around players who haven’t yet reached “stud” status, and thus require weekly consideration for your lineup.

For more help with your lineup check out The Wolf’s weekly rankings.

Start

Quarterback

Matt Ryan:

Matty Ice didn’t do so hot last week as the Falcons failed to score 20 points for the second straight game. He’s poised to rebound this week against a Saints defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Volume shouldn’t be a problem as Atlanta will be forced to pass profusely in hopes to match New Orleans’ top-scoring offense (37.8 PPG).

Results: 377 Pass Yards, 16 Rush Yards, 2 Passing TDs, 1 INT, 1 FUM Lost

Baker Mayfield:

In week 10 Mayfield threw a career-high three touchdowns against Atlanta. He’s thrown multiple touchdown passes in four straight games and is coming off a bye. This week Mayfield will aim to exploit a Bengals defense that has given up the second-most passing yards per game (295.6) and fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Running Back

Nick Chubb:

The last time we saw Chubb he logged 209 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. He makes the short trip to Cincinnati this week to play a defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points (PPR) to opposing backfields. The Bengals have surrendered the most rushing yards per game (153.8), the third-most yards per carry (5.0) and the third-most rushing touchdowns (13).

Marlon Mack:

Mack has provided a boost to both the Colts and your fantasy team alike. He reached the endzone five times in the last four games. This week Mack faces a Dolphins defense that has given up the third-most rushing yards per game (142) and the fourth-most fantasy points (PPR) to opposing running backs.

Matt Breida:

Breida finally looked healthy in his last appearance, notching 132 yards from scrimmage and two scores. Coming off a bye, Breida plays a Tampa Bay defense that has given up the sixth-most fantasy points (PPR) to opposing backfields. No defense has given up more rushing touchdowns than the Buccaneers (14).

Wide Receiver

Julian Edelman:

Over his last three games Edelman has seen 32 targets, four carries and averaged 106 yards from scrimmage per contest. Coming off a bye, the Patriots are primed to dissect a Jets defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points (PPR) to opposing receivers. Edelman’s volume gives him a high floor, but his mediocre competition gives him a higher ceiling.

Kenny Golladay:

What was once a three-headed-monster is now a one man show. With Golden Tate shipped off to Philadelphia and Marvin Jones Jr. nursing a bone bruise, Golladay saw a career high 15 targets last week. He caught eight of those throws for 113 yards and a touchdown and will look to log a similar stat-line against a Bears defense that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.

Results: 5 REC, 90 REC Yards

Sterling Shepard:

Philadelphia may be without their top five cornerbacks come Sunday. Ronald Darby was placed on IR a couple weeks ago, and Jalen Mills, Sidney Jones and Avonte Maddox have been ruled out for Sunday. Rasul Douglas is listed as questionable after being unable to practice all week. Shepard is in position to take advantage of a decimated secondary that had already surrendered the second-most fantasy points (PPR) to opposing receivers.

Tight End

George Kittle:

Kittle is third amongst tight ends in receiving yards (775), fourth in targets (71) and fourth in receptions (50). This weekend he plays a Buccaneers defense that has given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. No team has allowed more passing touchdowns than Tampa Bay.

David Njoku:

When Njoku busts he busts hard. That’s what she saids aside, Njoku has failed to catch multiple passes in two of his last three games, including a goose egg in week eight. However, he has at least four receptions and 50-plus yards in the other five of his last seven games. Coming off a bye, Njoku has an opportunity to excel against a Cincinnati defense that has given up the fourth-most fantasy points (PPR) to opposing tight ends.

Defense

Chicago Bears:

The Bears have forced the most turnovers in the NFL (27) and have recorded the fifth-most sacks (32). They’ve also held offenses to the third-fewest yards per game (314.4) and the fourth-fewest points per game (19.5 PPG). Chicago faces a Lions team that has averaged just 16.2 PPG over the last four weeks and will be without two of their best offensive weapons, Marvin Jones Jr. and Kerryon Johnson.

Results: 16 Points Allowed, 2 Sacks, 2 INT, 1 TD

Jacksonville Jaguars:

No team is averaging less points per game than the Bills (13.7). They’ve committed the second-most turnovers (22), given up the fourth-most sacks (34) and average the second-fewest yards per game (268.6). Though starting quarterback Josh Allen is expected to return this week, the rookie has five total touchdowns and six turnovers in his four full games. Jacksonville’s defense isn’t what is was last year, but it should have no problem manhandling Buffalo.

Sit

Quarterback

Philip Rivers:

Mr. Rivers hasn’t exceeded 20 fantasy points since week seven and has three turnovers in his last two games. This Sunday he faces a Cardinals defense that has allowed the fewest touchdown passes (13) and the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Arizona has also allowed the fourth-most rushing yards per game (141.5) and the third-most rushing touchdowns (13), suggesting the Chargers could deploy a run-heavy attack.

Matthew Stafford:

When Stafford faced the Bears in week 10 he was intercepted twice and took six sacks. This time around he’ll be without two of his best offensive weapons, Marvin Jones Jr. and Kerryon Johnson. Chicago has allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and has held them to the lowest quarterback rating in the league (79.4).

Results: 236 Pass Yards, 0 Passing TDs, 2 INT

Running Back

Adrian Peterson:

Peterson has averaged 3.09 yards per carry over the three weeks. This Turkey Day he visits a Dallas defense that has allowed the third-fewest yards per carry (3.7) and the fifth-fewest rushing touchdowns (6). With Alex Smith out for the season, the Cowboys are sure to stack the box against Washington and dare backup QB Colt McCoy to beat them.

Results: 44 Yards From Scrimmage, 2 REC

Derrick Henry:

After finding the endzone in three consecutive games, Henry failed to score a touchdown last week, providing fantasy owners with 46 yards rushing and no catches. He’s averaged just 9.3 touches per game over the last three weeks and visits Houston on Monday night. The Texans have given up the second-fewest rushing touchdowns (5) and the fourth-fewest yards per carry (3.7).

Doug Martin:

Despite averaging 14 touches per outing in the four games since Oakland’s bye, Martin’s lack of receiving work and inability to score has offered his owners minimal value. Its hard to imagine he’ll turn things around on the road against a stout Baltimore defense. The Ravens have allowed the fewest fantasy points (PPR) to opposing backfields, the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game (94.6) and the seventh-fewest rushing touchdowns (7).

Wide Receiver

Michael Crabtree:

Crabtree hasn’t surpassed three catches or 32 yards receiving since week seven. The veteran drew just one target last week as Baltimore called 53 runs and 19 passes with Lamar Jackson at quarterback. Jackson is designation to start again this week, casting a grim shadow over Crabtree’s fantasy outlook.

Corey Davis:

Consistency has eluded Davis this season. He has 286 receiving yards, 16 catches and two scores in his two blowup games while accumulating 320 receiving yards, 29 catches and zero touchdowns in his other eight games combined. Davis is more likely to underwhelm this week against a Houston defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points (PPR) to opposing receivers.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling:

After five straight games of logging double-digit fantasy points (PPR), Valdes-Scantling caught just one of his three targets for eight yards last week. This Sunday he travels to Minnesota to face a defense that has given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points (PPR) to opposing receivers. The Vikings have surrendered the fewest passing touchdowns (13) and the sixth-fewest passing yards per game (226).

Tight End

Evan Engram:

Coming off a season-low two targets, Engram is often lost in an offense that focuses on feeding Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley. He has a tough matchup this week on the road versus an Eagles defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points (PPR) to opposing tight ends. Philly has given up just two touchdowns to tight ends all season.

Kyle Rudolph:

Rudolph has caught two or fewer passes in three of his last four games. This Sunday he plays a Packers defense that has surrendered the fifth-fewest fantasy points (PPR) to opposing tight ends. Green Bay hasn’t allowed more than 32 yards to a tight end group since week four and has given up just one touchdown to a tight end all year.

Defense

Arizona Cardinals:

Defenses have a hard time racking up fantasy points against the Chargers because they simply don’t make many mistakes. LAR has committed the fewest turnovers (9) and has given up the fourth-fewest sacks (16). You’re best off looking elsewhere for a defense this week.

Denver Broncos:

Denver’s defense has played well as of late but has the tall task of slowing down the Steelers this week. Pittsburgh has allowed the third-fewest sacks (14) while racking up the fourth-most points per game (29.9) and the fifth-most yards per game (410.2). Steer clear of the Broncos.

Author

  • Fantasy football writer for Roto Street Journal. Freelance writer, Senior Podcast Producer and Production Assistant for FOX59 and CBS4. Indiana University graduate class of 2016. Follow on Twitter @fasttakefantasy

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