Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 12
The fantasy football season is heating up, and Week 12 is packed with opportunities for players to shine—or leave you hanging. Let’s dive into the Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 12 to maximize your lineup’s potential.
Subsequently, our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 10 will help you navigate that turbulence to pick a winning lineup this week. Additionally, FullTime Fantasy has some of the top tools of the trade and accurate rankings.
Quarterbacks
Start ‘Em
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Ravens
Justin Herbert has shaken off a sluggish start to the year and is now firmly in the MVP discussion. Over his last five games, Herbert hasn’t dipped below a 74.0 PFF grade, a sharp contrast to his sub-63.0 performances in the first five weeks. This resurgence has translated into solid fantasy production, with three top-10 finishes in his last four outings.
This week, Herbert squares off against the Baltimore Ravens, who have been surprisingly generous to fantasy quarterbacks, surrendering the third-most points to the position. Baltimore’s stout run defense forces opponents to lean on the pass, and their coverage has been less effective than in past seasons, giving up 7.7 yards per attempt and below-average team coverage grades. Herbert is poised to take advantage and could deliver his first top-five fantasy performance of the year.
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos vs. Raiders
Bo Nix is on fire, coming off a stellar Week 11 where he notched a career-high 36 fantasy points. He’s now surpassed 20 fantasy points in five of his last seven games. That includes two consecutive weeks of elite production.
The matchup against the Raiders in Week 12 looks favorable. Las Vegas has allowed at least 22 fantasy points to five of the last six quarterbacks they’ve faced, including three straight games. Nix is primed for another big day.
Sit ‘Em
Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks vs. Cardinals
Geno Smith faces a tough task in Week 12 against an Arizona defense that has been stingy against quarterbacks. Over their last four games, the Cardinals haven’t allowed a passer to exceed 16.7 fantasy points. With Smith struggling for consistency—scoring under 16 points in three of his last five games—he’s a risky start outside of two-quarterback leagues.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams vs. Eagles
Matthew Stafford is coming off a hot streak, but this week’s matchup against the Eagles could bring him back to earth. Philadelphia’s defense ranks fifth in fewest fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks, and no signal-caller has surpassed 20 points against them since Week 4. Stafford is best left on the bench in standard leagues.
Running Backs
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Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants vs. Buccaneers
Tyrone Tracy Jr. has been a reliable workhorse over the past six weeks, averaging 15 carries, 86 rushing yards, and nearly three targets per game. With four games of 20+ touches and two explosive fantasy outings of over 22 points, Tracy provides a blend of safety and upside. With rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito starting, Tracy could see even more involvement as DeVito tends to check down to running backs, targeting them at a higher rate than Daniel Jones.
This week’s matchup against the Buccaneers is a great opportunity for Tracy. Tampa Bay has struggled against pass-catching backs, allowing the fourth-most receiving yards, third-most receiving touchdowns, and fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position. Tracy is a strong play in Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 12.
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Giants
Bucky Irving has settled into a backfield timeshare with Rachaad White, but he continues to lead the Buccaneers in carries. While game scripts in recent weeks have limited Irving’s volume, Week 12 against the 2-10 Giants presents a perfect opportunity for him to thrive. Tampa Bay enters as 5.5-point favorites, and the Giants have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards per game this season (147.1).
Irving has been a steady contributor, ranking 24th in fantasy points per game among running backs since Week 7. This favorable matchup gives him a chance to break out for a big performance.
Sit ‘Em
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos vs. Raiders
The Denver Broncos’ approach to their backfield is all about riding the hot hand, which makes Javonte Williams a dicey fantasy option. While he led the team with nine carries last week, it’s worth noting that he had only a single rushing attempt the week prior. Even in a dominant 32-point victory, nine carries are less than ideal for a lead back.
This week, Denver is favored against the struggling 2-8 Las Vegas Raiders, but the risk of Audric Estime emerging as the primary ball carrier is too significant to overlook. Fantasy managers should tread cautiously with Williams in Week 12, as his workload remains unpredictable.
Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys vs. Commanders
Rico Dowdle has had a tough time stepping up in the absence of Dak Prescott due to a hamstring injury, and now the Cowboys’ offensive line is dealing with injuries as well. Over his last two games against the Eagles and Texans, Dowdle has managed only 14 combined PPR points. Even more concerning, he’s turned eight targets into just five catches for a measly nine yards during that stretch.
The Washington Commanders’ run defense isn’t particularly intimidating, but former Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is familiar with how to neutralize their offense. Dowdle is a risky play in Week 12 and should only be considered as a desperation flex option in deeper leagues.
Wide Receivers
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Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers vs. Packers
Jauan Jennings has been a standout performer for the 49ers since returning from a hip injury, posting 17 catches for 184 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets over the last two weeks. He’s delivered at least 16.3 PPR points in each of those games and has a strong chance to shine again against the Packers.
With Green Bay’s top cornerback Jaire Alexander potentially sidelined, Jennings will face a secondary that has allowed the opposing No. 1 receiver to exceed 13.7 PPR points in three consecutive games. He’s a high-upside WR1 option in Week 12.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts vs. Lions
Josh Downs continues to build chemistry with quarterback Anthony Richardson, as evidenced by his strong Week 11 performance of 84 yards and a touchdown on five receptions. He’s now recorded at least 12 PPR points in four straight games and has topped 19 points in each of his last two starts with Richardson.
The Lions have been a dream matchup for wide receivers, ranking fourth in most fantasy points allowed to the position. At least one receiver has surpassed 13.6 PPR points against them in every game this season. That makes Downs a reliable WR2 in Week 12.
Sit ‘Em
Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts vs Lions
Pittman’s struggles are evident. He has managed to surpass 50 receiving yards in just two games. Despite his health concerns and the emergence of other Colts receivers, Pittman remains heavily utilized, playing at least 85% of the offensive snaps every week.
In Week 12, Indianapolis faces a Detroit Lions defense that has shown vulnerability to specific receiver roles. X receivers like D.K. Metcalf, Brian Thomas Jr., and Calvin Ridley have found success, as have slot receivers such as Chris Godwin, Jayden Reed, Cooper Kupp, and CeeDee Lamb. However, Pittman predominantly operates as a Z receiver, a position where the Lions have excelled defensively.
While other Colts wideouts may be able to exploit Detroit’s weaknesses, Pittman faces an uphill battle. His role and the Lions’ defensive strengths suggest a quiet performance is on the horizon.
Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots
Here we are heading into Week 12, and Waddle’s struggles continue. He hasn’t surpassed 8 PPR points in his last nine games, and his lone touchdown this season feels like a distant memory.
To make matters worse, Jonnu Smith has now overtaken Waddle as Miami’s second receiving option behind Tyreek Hill. Waddle’s opportunities have dwindled significantly, as he’s seen three or fewer targets in three of his last five outings. At this point, Waddle’s upside is limited, and he’s best viewed as a WR3 option in deeper leagues this week. It’s hard to trust him to turn things around against a tough Patriots defense.
Tight Ends
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Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins vs. Patriots
Jonnu Smith’s role in the Dolphins’ offense has been steadily increasing. After playing less than half the snaps in the first six weeks, he’s now on the field for over two-thirds of plays in three of the past four games. This week, he benefits from one of the best tight end matchups. Miami faces a Patriots defense that struggles to contain the position.
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots vs. Dolphins
On the flip side, Hunter Henry has been a consistent contributor for the Patriots. Erz has recorded at least 40 yards in five of his last six games. With several top tight ends on bye or dealing with injuries, Henry’s steady production makes him a viable top-12 option this week.
Sit ‘Em
Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers vs. 49ers
Fantasy managers who relied on Tucker Kraft last week were left disappointed as he recorded zero receptions on just one target against the Bears. Over his last five games, Kraft has averaged only 3.6 targets per outing. While he managed to deliver earlier in the season with big plays and touchdowns, his floor has become painfully low when he doesn’t find the end zone.
The matchup this week doesn’t help his case. The 49ers’ defense has been stingy against tight ends, allowing the fourth-fewest receiving yards to the position this season and the second-fewest since Week 7. If you have other options, this would be the week to leave Kraft on the bench.
Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders vs. Cowboys
Zach Ertz has been efficient on a per-snap basis. But he’s stuck in a rotational role within the Commanders’ tight end group. Typically utilized in 11 personnel, Ertz finds himself off the field in 12 personnel sets. This rotation affects his usage depending on game flow. When Washington is trailing, Ertz averages 77% of offensive snaps, resulting in 4.3 receptions and 43.5 yards per game. In games they’re winning, his snap count drops to 62%. That includes a reduction in production to 3.7 receptions and 36.3 yards per game. The Commanders are 10-point favorites as of this writing.
The matchup against the Cowboys doesn’t inspire confidence, either. According to FullTime Fantasy’s strength of schedule metrics, Washington faces the fifth-toughest matchup for tight ends this week.
