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Dave's fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em picks for Week 12 of 2025. His fantasy football outlooks for Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Kenneth Walker III, David Montgomery, Jalen Coker, Chimere Dike, Mason Taylor, and T.J. Hockenson.
Who Should I Start? Who Should I Sit? Some common Week 12 fantasy football lineup decisions are regarding players like Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Kenneth Walker III, David Montgomery, Jalen Coker, Chimere Dike, Mason Taylor, and T.J. Hockenson. But not to worry, we are here to help make these decisions and build winning lineups in Week 12. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups for Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season. Our free Who Should I Start? tool will help make your fantasy football lineup decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to start ... all free! Get your winning lineups set, and make the right decisions.
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Editor's Note: Stay on top of your draft prep with RotoBaller’s fantasy football rankings, featuring expert analysis, ADPs, and draft insights for both PPR and non-PPR leagues.
Sunday Fantasy Football Lineup Decisions
As we enter Week 12, fantasy gamers now find themselves three weeks away from the start of the fantasy football playoffs. Managers are quickly running out of time to secure a playoff berth or clinch a first-round bye.
Hopefully, you are reading this column and still in the hunt for the postseason. If you are, then you are likely searching for players who can propel your team to a victory, as well as those who could cost you a win. With so much on the line, we’ll skip the formalities and recommend several starts and sits for each position.
Make sure you’re following RotoBaller on X and download the RotoBaller app for all your fantasy football needs. Let's discuss our start ‘em and sit ‘em picks for Week 12.
QB Starts - Week 12 Fantasy Football
Jacoby Brissett - QB, Arizona Cardinals vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Brissett is coming off a 452-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 11, where he finished as the overall QB4. Now he gets to face a Jacksonville defense that’s allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game and third-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks per Fantasy Football Today.
With the Jaguars boasting a strong run defense, we will likely see Brissett forced to air the ball out to remain competitive in this game. Start him as a QB2 in superflex leagues and consider him a solid streamer in single quarterback formats.
Sam Darnold - QB, Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans
Darnold is coming off his worst performance of the season after he threw four interceptions against the Los Angeles Rams. However, this is a perfect get-right spot as the Titans rank 23rd in FTN Fantasy’s defensive passing DVOA.
We might see Seattle turn to the ground game to pick up a win here, but Darnold could still throw multiple touchdown passes against this defense. Start him as a back-end QB1.
Jared Goff - QB, Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants
Goff is also coming off a bad outing against the Philadelphia Eagles last week. This is a spot where he should bounce back, though, as the Giants rank 24th in PFF’s pass coverage grade. New York has also allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this year.
Look for the Detroit offense to move the ball at will against this defense and for Goff to have one of his better games of the year. Start him as a QB1.
QB Sits - Week 12 Fantasy Football
Baker Mayfield - QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Rams
Mayfield did not have the best day as a passer against the Buffalo Bills last week, but 39 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown salvaged his fantasy day. He now draws a tough matchup against a Rams defense that is among the best in the league.
Los Angeles ranks second in defensive passing DVOA and has allowed the sixth-fewest passing touchdowns this year. Even with the possibility of Chris Godwin returning, this projects as a tough matchup for the Buccaneers QB1. Gamers should consider other streaming options for this weekend.
Geno Smith - QB, Las Vegas Raiders vs. Cleveland Browns
Boy, the Raiders offense continues to look like a complete disaster. Smith did not play well last week against a seemingly improved Dallas Cowboys defense. Now he faces one of the best defenses in the league.
The Cleveland Browns allow the fewest passing yards per game in the NFL. They also rank seventh in defensive passing DVOA and allow the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. Cleveland also ranks fifth in the NFL with 32 sacks.
Myles Garrett lining up against one of the worst offensive lines in the league feels like a recipe for disaster for Smith and the entire Las Vegas offense. Smith has been unable to consistently take advantage of good matchups this year, and it’s unlikely he will perform well in a poor one. Leave him on the bench in all formats.
Kirk Cousins - QB, Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints
Cousins will be Atlanta’s starter for the remainder of the season after Michael Penix Jr. suffered a knee injury. Given the way Cousins has played the last two years, that’s probably bad news for the Falcons' rest of season outlook.
New Orleans’ defense has not been a top-tier unit, but our logic here is pretty simple. Cousins has not looked like the same player over the last two years. He played awful in a Week 8 spot start against the Miami Dolphins, who have one of the worst defenses in the NFL. If he couldn’t play well in that game, then it seems highly unlikely he plays well this week with WR1 Drake London out of action.
Look for other streaming options this weekend.
RB Starts - Week 12 Fantasy Football
Kennneth Walker III/Zach Charbonnet - RBs, Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans
Seattle is listed as a 13-point favorite in this game and is fresh off a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The Titans have one of the worst run defenses in the league and allow 134.7 rushing yards per game, which is the seventh-most in the NFL.
This game could get out of hand, and that would mean plenty of opportunities for both backs. Start Walker as a solid RB2 and Charbonnet as a flex play.
Quinshon Judkins - RB, Cleveland Browns at Las Vegas Raiders
Rookie Shedeur Sanders draws his first career start this weekend. We will see what kind of effect he has on Cleveland’s offense compared to Dillon Gabriel. The one thing we know for sure is that the Browns are likely to rely on Judkins and their ground attack in this game.
Las Vegas is a middle-of-the-road defensive team, so Cleveland’s offense may have some success here. That means we could see a competitive game, and if that’s the case, Judkins will be a volume-based RB2 play. Start him as such.
David Montgomery - RB, Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants
After Detroit only ran for 74 rushing yards in Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles, this is the perfect opportunity for their ground game to get back on track. The Giants allow the third-most rushing yards per game and rank dead last in defensive rushing DVOA.
Detroit is listed as a 12.5-point favorite here and will likely be playing with a lead for the majority of this contest. That would provide plenty of opportunities for Montgomery, even if he is starting to take a backseat to Jahmyr Gibbs. Consider Montgomery a solid flex play for Week 12.
DAVID MONTGOMERY TD PASS
DETvsCIN on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/Nion9aNUhv
— NFL (@NFL) October 5, 2025
RB Sits - Week 12 Fantasy Football
Tyrone Tracy Jr. - RB, New Giants at Detroit Lions
Tracy is coming off a strong performance in Week 11, where he accumulated 139 scrimmage yards on a season-high 23 touches. Things will be more difficult this week, though, as the Lions rank ninth in defensive rushing DVOA. Detroit also allows the eighth-fewest PPR points per game to running backs as well as the eighth-fewest rushing yards per game.
With the Giants listed as double-digit underdogs, we are likely to see them fall behind early, abandon the ground game, and rely on Jameis Winston and the passing offense to remain competitive. Leave Tracy on the bench and consider other running back options this weekend.
Aaron Jones - RB, Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
With J.J. McCarthy looking anything but an NFL starting quarterback, the Minnesota offense has taken a step back. Green Bay’s rushing defense has been vulnerable at times this year. However, we will likely see its defense sell out to stop the run and force McCarthy to beat them with his arm.
That would leave little room for Jones on the ground. With McCarthy going up against one of the better defenses in the league, expect the Vikings' offensive struggles to continue this weekend. That means it's best to leave Jones on the bench.
Zonovan Knight - RB, Arizona Cardinals vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Even though the Cardinals opened Trey Benson’s 21-day practice window, it does not look like he’ll suit up for this weekend’s game. That means Knight should draw the start in Week 12.
However, this is not the best matchup to throw him into lineups. Jacksonville ranks eighth in defensive rushing DVOA and allows the third-fewest PPR points per game to opposing backs. Leave Knight on the bench and consider other options for an RB2 or flex play.
WR Starts - Week 12 Fantasy Football
DeVonta Smith - WR, Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys' run defense looked much improved in the team’s Week 11 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Dallas could have some success shutting down running back Saquon Barkley in this game. That could force Philadelphia to utilize its passing attack to move the football.
It wouldn’t be the worst thing for Smith, as Dallas has allowed the second-most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers. The Cowboys also rank 32nd in DVOA against opposing WR2s. Gamers should view Smith as a high-end WR2 for Week 12.
Andrei Iosivas - WR, Cincinnati Bengals vs. New England Patriots
With Ja’Marr Chase serving a one-game suspension this weekend, Iosivas could be in line for an expanded role. Tee Higgins will likely square off against star Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, and that should leave Iosivas in a position to flourish.
New England only ranks 28th in defensive passing DVOA and has allowed the second-most touchdowns to wide receivers this year. Throw in the possible return of quarterback Joe Burrow, and Iosivas becomes an enticing play as a WR3 or flex.
Jalen Coker - WR, Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers
After Bryce Young had a career game in Week 11, we could see Carolina place more trust in its starting quarterback to win this game. If that does occur, it would be good news for Coker, as this is a matchup where he could post his best game of the year.
San Francisco allows the sixth-most PPR points per game to wide receivers and also ranks 24th in PFF’s pass coverage grade. Look to start Coker as a bye-week filler or flex play.
WR Sits - Week 12 Fantasy Football
Jerry Jeudy - WR, Cleveland Browns at Las Vegas Raiders
Jeudy has been a massive disappointment in his second season with the Browns. He’s only posted a 35-356-1 line across 10 games this year.
We don’t know how Shedeur Sanders will fare with a full week of preparation. However, if he plays anything like he did last week, it will be bad news for Jeudy and the Browns' passing offense. Even though this is a plus matchup, Jeudy has been anything but trustworthy this season and now has an added wildcard of another rookie quarterback making his first career start. Jeudy also draws a poor matchup in RotoBaller's Week 12 WR/CB matchup chart.
This all means it's best to leave Jeudy on the bench until further notice.
Chimere Dike - WR, Tennessee Titans vs. Seattle Seahawks
With Calvin Ridley out for the season with a broken fibula, Dike could be in line for an expanded role. While that would help boost Dike’s fantasy value, the bad news is that the Seahawks have been exceptional at guarding wide receivers. Seattle ranks third in defensive passing DVOA and has allowed the sixth-fewest PPR points to wide receivers this year.
Even though Tennessee will likely be in a negative game script, this is a tough spot to trust their fourth-round rookie receiver. Leave Dike on benches this week, but keep an eye on him down the stretch as he could emerge as a viable WR3 or flex option.
Alec Pierce - WR, Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs
Pierce is enjoying a fine season, averaging a remarkable 20.9 yards per reception. However, this weekend could be a spot where he struggles.
Kansas City’s defense has taken a step backward compared to the last few seasons, but it's been very good at limiting wide receiver production. The Chiefs have allowed the third-fewest PPR points, fourth-fewest receiving yards, and fourth-fewest touchdowns to the position this year.
Pierce also has plenty of target competition in the form of Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren. Combine that with a poor matchup, and it’s hard to trust the fourth-year wide receiver in lineups this week.
TE Starts - Week 12 Fantasy Football
Mason Taylor - TE, New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens
With WR1 Garrett Wilson now on injured reserve, Taylor could emerge as the Jets' top pass-catcher. New York is listed as a 13.5-point underdog this weekend and will likely be playing from behind for most of this game. That could mean plenty of targets will head the rookie tight end’s way.
It’s a good matchup for him, too, as Baltimore ranks 27th in DVOA against opposing tight ends. With Tyrod Taylor taking over as New York’s QB1, we could see more life out of this passing game. It all makes Mason Taylor a fine option for this weekend.
Gamers should view him as a borderline TE1 who is a solid streaming candidate.
Hunter Henry - TE, New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati’s defense has been terrible against tight ends in 2025. The Bengals rank 31st in DVOA against tight ends and have allowed the most receiving touchdowns to the position.
With Joe Burrow possibly returning, this game could easily morph into a shootout, and that would mean plenty of opportunities for Henry against a bad Cincinnati defense. Consider him one of the top streaming options for Week 12.
Colston Loveland - TE, Chicago Bears vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have allowed the fourth-most PPR points per game to tight ends and allow an average of 66.4 receiving yards per game to the position. It’s possible Chicago will rely on its ground attack in this game and put little on quarterback Caleb Williams' plate.
Still, this is a plus matchup for the Bears' rookie tight end. There are worse options out there for managers in dire need of a tight end, and gamers should feel comfortable starting Loveland in this game.
TE Sits - Week 12 Fantasy Football
Harold Fannin Jr. - TE, Cleveland Browns at Las Vegas Raiders
Shedeur Sanders making his first career start aside, this is a tough matchup for Cleveland’s rookie tight end. The Raiders only allow 39.4 receiving yards per game to tight ends and have allowed the fourth-fewest PPR points per game to the position.
Gamers should leave Fannin on the bench and consider other streaming options this week.
T.J. Hockenson - TE, Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Green Bay is a middle-of-the-road matchup for tight ends on paper. However, Hockenson has not seen the same target volume this season that we have seen in years past. Part of that is due to the poor play of quarterback J.J. McCarthy. He has made it difficult to trust any of the Minnesota skill-players.
Seeing as the Packers are one of the better defenses in the league, we are likely to see McCarthy struggle again in this game. That means gamers should not trust Hockenson in lineups this weekend.
Luke Musgrave - TE, Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota only ranks 22nd in DVOA against tight ends, but Musgrave saw his playing time take a huge step back in Week 11. After playing 76% of offensive snaps in Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Musgrave only played 35% of offensive snaps in Week 11. That is nowhere near a trustworthy level for a starting fantasy football tight end.
Musgrave is not on the streaming radar for Week 12, and gamers in need of a tight end should look elsewhere.
Who Should I Start Tool
Not sure who to start? Check out the Who Should I Start tool:
Week 12 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players -- Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Kenneth Walker III, David Montgomery, Jalen Coker, Chimere Dike, Mason Taylor, and T.J. Hockenson. These are some of the most common searches for fantasy football lineups in Week 12.
Using The Tool. This is a simple tool but very powerful. The first step is to enter the player names that you want to compare. In the first box, search for the first player's name. In the second box, search for the second player's name. Compare up to four NFL players at once, and then click the Who To Start? button to see who the recommended starts are based on weekly fantasy football matchups.
Improvements For Who Should I Start? You may have noticed our Who Should I Start? tool has gotten an overhaul. We've added lots of great features for you to give you as much information as possible to win your fantasy football matchups each week. You'll see NFL player tiles with headshots and bye weeks, enhanced search results with data to compare, and a slick new interface. We hope you enjoy!
How It Works. Each week, our RotoBaller staff puts together their weekly fantasy football rankings and projections based on their research. That information is the core data that is powering the decision-making in this tool. When you search for player names, you will only see those players who are ranked. If someone is out for the week, they will not appear in the search results.
Scoring Formats. Fantasy football managers play in various types of leagues, and this tool allows you to choose whether it's PPR scoring, Half-PPR scoring, or Standard (Non-PPR) scoring. The second thing you want to do is to select the scoring format. There are three small radio buttons (small circles), so click on the scoring format you prefer. The results may vary based on the scoring format you select.
Popular Week 12 Searches. Curious to see some tough lineup decisions for Week 12 (2025)? Below you will find a list of some popular Who Should I Start? searches that RotoBaller readers are looking at this week. Click any of the links to see the result and recommendation.
Popular Week 12 Searches - Start/Sit Player Comparisons
Below are some popular Week 12 searches and comparisons from our 'Who To Start' tool for Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Kenneth Walker III, David Montgomery, Jalen Coker, Chimere Dike, Mason Taylor, and T.J. Hockenson compared to others:
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