NFL Fantasy Football Week 12 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em

Week 12 of the NFL season is here, and it's already shaping up to be another prime week for fantasy managers. From breakout stars to disappointing dud performances, making the right start or sit calls can make or break your lineup, especially with four teams on a bye this week. In this column, I will break down which players you can rely on and which players you can fade from this week's slate of games.  

While looking to help fantasy managers make difficult decisions to their lineup, we won’t be mentioning the players that are obviously no-brainers (ex. Ja’Marr Chase, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, etc.). So instead, we will explore more debatable scenarios. 

Quick note: I know not every player made the cut in this week’s column; I had to draw the line somewhere. This week, I included an additional section of players titled: "Honorable mentions" and "Lowlights". If you don't see your player, message me on Twitter (X) and I'll help you with your selection. Keep an eye out for expanded coverage in future weeks where I hope to create a full rankings list for every player at their position.

Quarterbacks

Start 'Em

Jared Goff (DET) vs. New York Giants; Proj. FPTS - 17.8: Goff and the Lions struggled last week against the Eagles, but he has a strong opportunity in Week 12 to bounce back at home against the Giants. Not only does Goff play significantly better indoors, but the Giants have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game, fourth-most touchdowns and sixth-most passing yards to quarterbacks. Goff should also have more time in the pocket, as New York generates pressure and sacks at below-average rates — a favorable setup against a troubled secondary. Trust Goff this week and expect him to put up numbers.

Jacoby Brissett (ARI) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars; Proj. FPTS - 16.8: I wrote in my waiver-wire piece that fantasy managers need to pick up Jacoby Brissett ASAP. Overall, the Cardinals’ offense is operating at a higher and more efficient level. Brissett is coming off setting an NFL record for completions and became the first player ever to complete more than 80% of his passes in a game with 50 or more attempts. Arizona often trails and doesn’t have a stable run game, which has led to Brissett throwing multiple touchdown passes and topping 19 fantasy points in every start this season. In Week 12, he draws the Jaguars, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game and sixth-most touchdowns to quarterbacks. Given his success thus far and the matchup, Brissett is a must-start.

Caleb Williams (CHI) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS - 17.5: Williams had a rough game last week against the Vikings, finishing without a touchdown for the third time this season. But he has a chance to rebound in Week 12 against the Steelers, who have allowed the third-most passing yards and 10th-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Since Week 7, Pittsburgh has allowed the second-most passing yards and eighth-most touchdown passes while struggling to generate pressure. The Steelers are coming off a win over the Bengals, led by their defense, and were the first team to make Joe Flacco look human since he joined Cincinnati. Despite their recent performance, Williams is a strong play this week.

Honorable Mentions: Aaron Rodgers (PIT) @ Chicago Bears, Bryce Young (CAR) @ San Francisco 49ers, Jaxon Dart (NYG) @ Detroit Lions, Sam Darnold (SEA) @ Tennessee Titans, Joe Flacco (CIN) vs. New England Patriots.

Sit 'Em

Josh Allen (BUF) at Houston Texans; Proj. FPTS -  19.1: Let’s heat things up, shall we? Allen is coming off one of the most iconic performances in NFL history, throwing and rushing for three touchdowns each and finishing with 42.68 fantasy points. While it’s possible Allen still puts together a solid outing in Week 12 against the Texans, it’s not a favorable matchup. Through 11 games, Houston has not allowed a quarterback to finish with 20 fantasy points. The closest: Baker Mayfield (19.9), Mac Jones (18.02) and Bo Nix (18.52). The last time the Bills faced the Texans, Allen completed just 30% of his passes (9-for-30) for 131 yards, one touchdown and 54 rushing yards. Houston has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game, third-fewest passing yards and sixth-fewest touchdowns to quarterbacks. They also have not allowed a quarterback to score a rushing touchdown all season. You never bench Allen, but the matchup is far from safe.

Daniel Jones (IND) at Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS - 19.9: Jones was a top-five quarterback through the first eight weeks, but he struggled in his two games before the bye. In that span, he threw one touchdown in each matchup but turned the ball over seven times. When pressured, Jones is prone to mistakes, not ideal heading into a matchup with the Chiefs. Kansas City generates pressure at an average rate but still has allowed the third-fewest touchdowns, fifth-fewest passing yards and 10th-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. There are safer options than Jones this week.

Trevor Lawrence (JAX) at Arizona Cardinals; Proj. FPTS - 15.4: If you’ve watched Jacksonville recently, the reason they’re winning isn’t Lawrence. While he hasn’t cost them games, he’s averaging just 177 passing yards and has thrown multiple touchdown passes in only two games. In the two weeks he topped 20 fantasy points, he needed multiple rushing touchdowns to get there because he was struggling through the air. In Week 12, he faces the Cardinals, who have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Given his ongoing inconsistency and the matchup, Lawrence is a fade this week.

Lowlights: Baker Mayfield (TB) @ Los Angeles Rams, Dak Prescott (DAL) vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Jordan Love (GB) vs. Minnesota Vikings, Brock Purdy (SF) vs. Carolina Panthers, Davis Mills (HOU) vs. Buffalo Bills 

Running Backs

Start 'Em

TreVeyon Henderson (NE) at Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 14.4: The dam finally broke for Henderson last week, powering his way to a three-touchdown performance that translated to 32.3 fantasy points. In the two games he’s started in place of Rhamondre Stevenson, the rookie has scored five touchdowns and totaled 243 scrimmage yards. Given that sample, it should be enough for Henderson to keep the starting job. But head coach Mike Vrabel is still advertising a three-headed split among Henderson, Stevenson and Terrell Jennings. I don’t see that happening, considering this is the best the Patriots’ run game has looked all season. Regardless, Henderson has a very favorable matchup against the Bengals, who’ve allowed the most fantasy points per game, the most rushing yards and the eighth-most touchdowns to running backs. Cincinnati has also given up the most receiving touchdowns and second-most receiving yards to backs this season. Henderson is a must-start.

Woody Marks (HOU) vs. Buffalo Bills; Proj. FPTS -  13.6: I’m ignoring the “fantasy trap game” element because this matchup is too strong for Marks. The rookie couldn’t capitalize on a promising matchup last week, but the Bills are even worse against the run. Buffalo has allowed the most rushing touchdowns, second-most fantasy points per game and fifth-most rushing yards to running backs this season. Marks has also taken the lead role from Nick Chubb over the last two games, playing 70% of the snaps in that span. His workload has climbed over the last five games — averaging 12.6 carries — and he’s posted double-digit fantasy points three times. As long as Houston keeps the game close, Marks should reward fantasy managers.

David Montgomery (DET) vs. New York Giants; Proj. FPTS - 13.0: Over the last few seasons, the Lions have prided themselves on their “thunder and lightning” backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs and Montgomery. This year, the dynamic has shifted, with Detroit funneling more touches to Gibbs, the more explosive option. Last week, Montgomery had just six carries for 27 yards and finished with 4.7 fantasy points — his second-lowest total of the season. It’s clear he performs better in wins (13 fantasy points per game) than losses (8). In Week 12, Montgomery has a strong chance to get back on track against the Giants, who have allowed the second-most rushing yards, third-most fantasy points per game and fourth-most touchdowns to running backs. The Giants also give up a league-high yards per carry, yards before contact per carry and explosive run rate.One thing hasn’t changed: Montgomery’s goal-line usage. Don’t be afraid to start Monty this week.

Honorable Mentions: Kenneth Walker III (SEA) @ Tennessee Titans, Alvin Kamara (NO) vs. Atlanta Falcons, Travis Etienne Jr. (JAX) @ Arizona Cardinals, Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) @ Chicago Bears, Emanuel Wilson (GB) vs. Minnesota Vikings.

Sit 'Em

Tyrone Tracy Jr./Devin Singletary (NYG) at Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS - 11.1 (Tracy), 8.0 (Singletary): The Giants entered last week with plenty of uncertainty without Brian Daboll, including how they would distribute backfield work. Snaps slightly favored Tracy over Singletary, but their opportunities were nearly parallel. Tracy had more carries and more targets out of the backfield, while Singletary ran more routes and handled most of the goal-line work. Even with the inconsistency, both backs are typically viable flex options. But this is not the week to roll them out. Detroit has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game, sixth-fewest rushing yards and eighth-fewest touchdowns to running backs. Through the air, the Lions have given up the fewest receiving yards and have not allowed a receiving touchdown to a running back all season. Look elsewhere.

Chase Brown (CIN) vs. New England Patriots; Proj. FPTS - 15.8: After a slow start, Brown has come on strong, posting double-digit fantasy points in four straight games, including an 18.7-point performance last week against Pittsburgh. In Week 12, however, he draws a difficult matchup with the Patriots, who have allowed the fewest rushing yards, second-fewest fantasy points per game and second-fewest touchdowns to running backs. Cincinnati will also be without Ja’Marr Chase, who is serving a one-game suspension for spitting on Jalen Ramsey. That could funnel more touches Brown’s way, but New England is likely to focus on eliminating one of the Bengals’ remaining top playmakers. Brown’s best path to a productive day is through the air, as the Patriots have allowed the eighth-most receiving yards to running backs but only one receiving touchdown.Brown profiles as a boom-or-bust option this week — with more downside than usual without Chase.

Tony Pollard (TEN) vs. Seattle Seahawks; Proj. FPTS - 10.0: Pollard’s fantasy value has cratered since Tyjae Spears returned from injury in Week 5. He has averaged 8.8 fantasy points during that span, and the two have essentially split lead-back duties over the last six games. That timeshare has produced four single-digit outings for Pollard. For fantasy purposes, this backfield tilts toward Spears, who is used more in the passing game — a crucial factor with Tennessee frequently playing from behind. Pollard now faces the Seahawks, who have allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards to running backs. Seattle’s defense also ranks top five in yards per carry allowed, yards before contact per carry and explosive run rate. With the Titans likely to fall behind early, Pollard is set up for another quiet afternoon.

Lowlights: Rachaad White (TB) @ Los Angeles Rams, Ashton Jeanty (LV) vs. Cleveland Browns, Isiah Pacheco (KC) vs. Indianapolis Colts, D’Andre Swift (CHI) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Aaron Jones (MIN) vs. Green Bay Packers. 

Wide Receivers 

Start 'Em

Rome Odunze (CHI) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS - 13.1: Odunze is starting to test the patience of fantasy managers. In a season full of highs and lows for the second-year wideout, he has topped 15 fantasy points six times but has finished under seven points in his other four games. Despite the frustration, his floor is still worth his ceiling, and the Week 12 matchup should inspire optimism. Pittsburgh has allowed the most fantasy points per game, the most receptions and the second-most receiving yards to wide receivers. Since Week 7, the Steelers have given up the most receiving yards, and six of the nine touchdowns they’ve allowed in that span have gone to wideouts. Odunze also lines up outside on 60% of his snaps, which is significant because Pittsburgh has surrendered the most yards to outside receivers. Odunze is a must-start.

A.J. Brown/DeVonta Smith (PHI) at Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS - 16.3 (Brown), 14.8 (Smith): Regardless of the public outrage, both Eagles receivers have a juicy matchup this week against the Cowboys. Opposing receivers have consistently posted big numbers on the Dallas secondary. The Cowboys have allowed the most touchdowns, third-most fantasy points per game and seventh-most receiving yards to wideouts this season. While the weekly floors for Brown and Smith have dipped, their ceilings remain extremely high. Both receivers boast a target share above 25% and an air yards share above 33%. At times, Philadelphia opts not to throw much, but when it does, the ball almost always goes to Brown or Smith. Ignore the negativity — the matchup is too enticing. Both are must-starts.

Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) at San Francisco 49ers; Proj. FPTS - 16.4: Words hardly do justice to how pro-ready McMillan has looked 11 games into his rookie season. He has scored double-digit fantasy points in eight games and has seen at least five targets in every contest, averaging eight per game. He’s coming off a remarkable performance against a respectable Falcons secondary, posting a 8-130-2 stat line and more than 30 fantasy points. One key development: McMillan is not exclusively an outside receiver. He saw a season-high four targets from the slot last week, which could matter against the 49ers. San Francisco has allowed the most yards to slot receivers and the third-most yards to receivers lined up outside. The Niners also struggle to generate pressure and have surrendered the third-most receiving yards overall. They’re coming off a game in which they allowed Michael Wilson to record career highs in targets (18), receptions (15) and yards (185). McMillan is set up for another big outing.

Honorable Mentions: Jameson Williams (DET) vs. New York Giants, Michael Wilson (ARI) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Rashid Shaheed (SEA) @ Tennessee Titans, Christian Watson/Romeo Doubs (GB) vs. Minnesota Vikings, George Pickens (DAL) vs. Philadelphia Eagles. 

Sit 'Em 

DJ Moore (CHI) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS -  8.4: It might be time to close the book on Moore after he followed up his Week 10 goose egg with a one-catch, 18-yard game against the Vikings. Not only was it his second-lowest fantasy output of the season, but he also saw a season-low three targets. With Rome Odunze emerging as the clear go-to receiver, Olamide Zaccheaus handling slot duties and rookie Luther Burden becoming more involved, Moore is slowly getting left behind. He’s posting career lows in targets, yards per game and yards per route run. He has reached double-digit fantasy points only three times, and most of his production came in one game — against the Bengals, of all teams. Even with a strong matchup this week against the Steelers, Moore is not consistent or reliable enough to trust in lineups.

Jauan Jennings (SF) vs. Carolina Panthers; Proj. FPTS - 14.0: With Brock Purdy back under center in Week 11, Jennings finished with 9.4 fantasy points and failed to reach the end zone. Despite seeing six targets and Ricky Pearsall finishing with zero yards — only Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle found paydirt for the 49ers. Jennings is averaging six targets per game this season, but has been held to nine or fewer fantasy points in six games.He draws a tough matchup in Week 12 against the Panthers, who have allowed the third-fewest touchdowns, fifth-fewest fantasy points per game and ninth-fewest receptions to wide receivers. Even with Purdy’s return, the matchup isn’t appealing. Look elsewhere this week.

Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) at Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS - 15.6: From Weeks 7–9, Pittman was on a tear, topping 20 fantasy points each week and totaling 24 receptions, 268 yards and two touchdowns. But he was held to just two catches for 19 yards against the Falcons before the bye. He now returns to face the Chiefs, a tough assignment for any receiver. Kansas City has allowed the fifth-fewest yards, fifth-fewest touchdowns and seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to wideouts. They’ve also surrendered the fifth-fewest yards to outside receivers, where Pittman lines up more than 60% of the time. It’s easy to say Pittman is motivated to bounce back after his Week 10 disappointment, but the Chiefs excel at eliminating an opponent’s No. 1 option. Avoid starting Pittman this week.

Lowlights: Khalil Shakir (BUF) @ Houston Texans, Tre Tucker (LV) vs. Cleveland Browns, Xavier Worthy (KC) vs. Indianapolis Colts, Chimere Dike (TEN) vs. Seattle Seahawks, Stefon Diggs (NE) @ Cincinnati Bengals.

Tight Ends

Start 'Em

Hunter Henry (NE) at Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 11.5: Henry’s fantasy production has taken a hit since Week 4, which was the last time he finished with double-digit points. The closest he’s come since was Week 9, when he caught four passes for 51 yards, and last week when he scored 8.5 points. Still, he has 16 targets over the last three games, so the usage remains steady. He has a golden opportunity this week against the Bengals, who have allowed the most fantasy points per game, yards and touchdowns, and the fourth-most receptions to tight ends. Cincinnati has given up big games to players like Pat Freiermuth and Colston Loveland, both of whom nearly reached 30 points. Start Henry this week.

Tyler Warren (IND) at Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS - 14.8: Warren had a couple of quiet weeks in fantasy during Weeks 8–9, but he delivered a strong performance before the team’s bye. Despite Jonathan Taylor stealing the show in Berlin, the rookie still racked up 99 receiving yards and 17.9 points against a tough Falcons secondary. He should continue to be heavily involved this week against a Chiefs defense that has been strong at limiting wide receivers. Kansas City has allowed the seventh-fewest points per game to tight ends, but it has also surrendered a league-high 83% completion rate to the position. Don’t hesitate to start Warren this week.

Mark Andrews (BAL) vs. New York Jets; Proj. FPTS - 10.0: Andrews salvaged his Week 11 with an unexpected 35-yard touchdown run on a fake tush push. With Lamar Jackson back under center, Andrews now has four touchdowns and has been more involved in the offense. Still, he’s shown he can be touchdown-dependent due to inconsistent reception and yardage production. In Week 12, he gets a Jets secondary that has allowed the second-most touchdowns to tight ends. Andrews is a boom-or-bust option most weeks, but this matchup sets up favorably. Start him with confidence.

Honorable Mentions: Dalton Schultz (HOU) vs. Buffalo Bills, Chig Okonkwo (TEN) vs. Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Goedert (PHI) @ Dallas Cowboys, Cade Otton (TB) @ Los Angeles Rams.

Sit 'Em

Jake Ferguson (DAL) vs. Philadelphia Eagles; Proj. FPTS - 9.8: It’s been tough sledding for Ferguson managers, who not long ago were rostering the No. 1 tight end in fantasy. With CeeDee Lamb back, Ferguson has slipped to the third option in the offense and has only one game with more than 30 yards. He’s also averaged just five targets per game and has become touchdown-dependent, despite not being the primary red-zone option. This week he draws a daunting matchup against the Eagles, who have allowed the fewest touchdowns and the second-fewest yards and fantasy points per game to tight ends. It’s tough to say, but Ferguson is no longer a must-start.

Harold Fannin Jr./David Njoku (CLE) at Las Vegas Raiders; Proj. FPTS - 8.8 (Fannin), 6.5 (Njoku): This Browns tight end tandem combined for just 33 yards against Baltimore. For the second straight week, Njoku saw only two targets, and Fannin has now lost the quarterback he had the most chemistry with in Dillon Gabriel. Cleveland turns to Shedeur Sanders this week against a Raiders defense that has been strong against tight ends, allowing the fourth-fewest yards and fantasy points per game. Avoid both players this week.

Colston Loveland (CHI) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS - 6.0: On paper, Loveland has a favorable matchup against the Steelers and should be positioned for a strong outing. However, Cole Kmet’s return has cut into his snaps and targets. Last week against Minnesota, Kmet finished with more receptions, more yards and more fantasy points than the rookie. Loveland has also posted just one double-digit performance all season. Do not start him this week.

Lowlights: Dawson Knox (BUF) @ Houston Texans, Mason Taylor (NYJ) @ Baltimore Ravens, A.J. Barner (SEA) @ Tennessee Titans, Juwan Johnson (NO) vs. Atlanta Falcons.  

Defenses

Start 'Em

Seattle Seahawks defense at Tennessee Titans; Proj. FPTS - 7.1: Fantasy managers should be salivating if they roster the Seahawks defense. In Week 12, they face the Titans, who have allowed opposing defenses to score the most fantasy points per game. Tennessee has also given up sacks at the highest rate in the NFL and has turned the ball over 14 times, including two defensive scores. Outside of last week’s hiccup against the Rams, one of the league’s best offenses, Seattle is averaging 10.5 fantasy points per game and has posted more double-digit outings than single-digit ones. The Seahawks are a must-start and could play a huge role for fantasy lineups this week.

Cleveland Browns defense at Las Vegas Raiders; Proj. FPTS - 7.9: Both defenses in this matchup are viable, but Cleveland is the safer play. The Raiders have surrendered the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. With Geno Smith under center, Las Vegas has struggled to put together consistent performances. They’ve given up the fourth-most sacks and thrown the most interceptions, a perfect setup for a Browns defense that ranks fourth in sacks (32). Cleveland has recorded at least three sacks in four straight games and multiple takeaways in three of those four. The Browns are a strong start this week.

Green Bay Packers defense vs. Minnesota Vikings; Proj. FPTS - 7.5: The Packers defense hasn’t lived up to expectations in fantasy, but they’re in a good spot for a bounce-back performance against J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings. Minnesota has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses and has given up the fifth-most sacks. McCarthy has also thrown at least one interception in every start this season. The rookie will likely be under pressure early and often. Start the Cheeseheads.

Honorable Mentions: Las Vegas Raiders Defense vs. Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints Defense vs. Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens Defense vs. New York Jets, Detroit Lions Defense vs. New York Giants (If Jaxson Dart is out).

Sit 'Em

Philadelphia Eagles defense at Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS - 4.3: The Eagles defense has been in a good groove over the last four games, averaging 9.25 fantasy points per game during that span. However, Week 12 is one to sit them, as they face the Cowboys. Dallas has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing defenses and boasts an explosive offense capable of scoring in bunches. While Dak Prescott has historically struggled against Philadelphia, if the Cowboys fall behind, Prescott will likely throw more than usual. Avoid the Eagles this week.

Indianapolis Colts defense at Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS - 3.9: Unlike the Browns and Raiders defenses, the Colts and Chiefs are not good plays this week. Indianapolis enters this matchup with five straight single-digit fantasy finishes and has allowed an average of 23.4 points per game during that stretch. Kansas City has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses this season, given up the sixth-fewest sacks and recorded just six turnovers. Better streaming options exist.

Houston Texans defense vs. Buffalo Bills; Proj. FPTS - 5.3: This may contradict my earlier take on Josh Allen, but the Texans defense is best avoided. Allen may struggle, as Houston has been stingy to quarterbacks all season, but Buffalo’s offense can still put up points if an opposing defense falters. The Bills have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to defenses, protect Allen well and rarely commit turnovers. In general, I avoid playing defenses against teams like Buffalo.

Lowlights: Pittsburgh Steelers Defense @ Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills Defense @ Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs Defense vs. Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings Defense @ Green Bay Packers. 

Kickers

Start 'Em

Chris Boswell (PIT) @ Chicago Bears; Proj. FPTS: 8.1 

Ka’imi Fairbairn (HOU) vs. Buffalo Bills; Proj. FPTS: 7.9 

Brandon Aubrey (DAL) vs. Philadelphia Eagles; Proj. FPTS: 8.7

Chase McLaughlin (TB) @ Los Angeles Rams; Proj. FPTS: 7.8 

Will Reichard (MIN) @ Green Bay Packers; Proj. FPTS: 7.5 

Jason Myers (SEA) @ Tennessee Titans; Proj. FPTS: 8.5 

Jake Elliott (PHI) @ Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS: 8.4 

Sit ‘Em

Jake Bates (DET) vs. New York Giants; Proj. FPTS: 8.9 

Harrison Butker (KC) vs. Indianapolis Colts; FPTS: 8.6 

Ryan Fitzgerald (CAR) @ San Francisco 49ers; Proj. FPTS: 7.7 

Evan McPherson (CIN) vs. New England Patriots; Proj. FPTS: 8.0 

Chad Ryland (ARI) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars; Proj. FPTS: 7.7 

Nick Folk (NYJ) @ Baltimore Ravens; Proj. FPTS: 7.6 

Cairo Santos (CHI) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS: 8.2