X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Week 12 Deeper Sleepers: Stacking Texans and Dealing With the Injury Bug

Did you enjoy the quick reprieve of mostly-injury-free football we experienced in Week 10? Good, because Week 11 was a bloodbath. We saw four high-end running backs go down (Devonta Freeman, Charcandrick West, Justin Forsett, Marshawn Lynch) along with Ryan Fitzpatrick and Zach Ertz leaving with concussions.

Same rules as always - in this column we will be looking at NFL players owned in 25% or less of Fleaflicker leagues. These players can be sneaky fantasy football lineup sleepers for Week 12 as you consider adding players off the waiver wire and optimizing your fantasy football lineups. The 25% rule means Thomas Rawls (33%) and Tevin Coleman (43%) will not be highlighted, but both should be top priorities this week.

Same as last week, I'll include a player from every position (including D/ST) each week - as long as the options are worthy of discussion. Let's get to it.

 

Digging Deeper - Potential Week 12 Waiver Wire Sleepers

Brian Hoyer (QB, HOU)

17% Owned in Fleaflicker

Yes, Brian Hoyer still hasn't been cleared from his concussion that caused him to sit Week 11. Let's be real though, even an unconscious quarterback could still light up the Saints defense.

Before leaving his Week 10 contest with Cincinnati with the concussion, Hoyer had accumulated multi-touchdown games in five straight outings. Some of those defenses were buttery soft (Falcons, Colts, Jaguars, Dolphins) but the point remains. Plus, each of those teams have been better than the Saints 32nd ranked pass defense. Speaking of Texans, this is a dream matchup for DeAndre Hopkins. The Saints give up on average 85.1 yds/game to No. 1 receivers, 8th worst in the NFL.

With bye-weeks come and gone, there may not be a reason to utilize Hoyer in this game. But if you're just getting over the Peyton Manning woes or have been using Ryan Fitzpatrick, Hoyer is a great play for Week 12. Keep an eye on the health report this week and act accordingly.

FAAB: $2

Spencer Ware (RB, KC)

1% Owned in Fleaflicker

Yes, Charcandrick West is listed as day-to-day. Yes, the Chargers are a dysfunctional mess on the edge of combustion. But did you see Spencer Ware run on Sunday? He was a man on a mission, and if that mission was to get our attention, mission accomplished.

Ware came in after West left with a hamstring injury in the third quarter and ran for 96 yards on 11 carries with two touchdowns while adding in a 5-yard reception. Read that again -- he got all those stats in the second half. Ware found the holes West couldn't find (11 carries, 16 yards) and was very impressive at the goal-line. If you didn't get a chance to watch the game, or you just decided there are better things to do with your life than watch a 33-3 contest, do yourself a favor and watch some Ware highlights. Jamaal Charles, Charcandrick West, Spencer Ware... someone give the talent department a raise in Kansas City.

West owners shouldn't be the only players targeting Ware in this week's waiver wire. Hamstring strains can be multi-week injuries which would open the door for Ware to be a key factor in playoff runs. Should West miss Week 12, Ware becomes a RB1 option against a Bills defense ranked 29th versus the run.

FAAB: $25

Cecil Shorts (WR, HOU)

15% Owned in Fleaflicker

Shorts did his best Brian Hoyer impersonation on Sunday, completing a 21-yard flea flicker to Alfred Blue for a score. He also added two catches for 51 yards and four carries for 26 yards out of the wildcat formation.

It's been hard to trust Shorts this season. A bulky hamstring sidelined him for three games and the target quota on DeAndre Hopkins makes it difficult for Shorts to get his share of touches. Shorts has only eclipsed 10 points twice for fantasy owners.

The reasoning for Shorts is similar to Hoyer's; anytime you can face the Saints defense is a good time. But Shorts may be in for a better day if Hoyer sits. No Hoyer means more wildcat formations, a design that was highly successful versus the Jets defense. More wildcats means more Shorts touches, increasing his scoring opportunities. Shallow leagues, you've probably got better options on your bench. Anything larger than 12 teams, give Shorts a look for your flex spot.

FAAB: $4

Brent Celek (TE, PHI)

7% Owned in Fleaflicker

There's no doubting the Eagles are a mess currently. They just got slaughtered by Jameis Winston on their home turf 45-17 and the Chip Kelly era is in serious jeopardy. But that doesn't mean the offense should be ignored, especially if they find themselves playing catch up down the stretch.

The biggest beneficiary currently is Brent Celek. Celek came on for an injured Zach Ertz (concussion) and turned 10 targets into seven catches and 79 yards versus the Bucs. It's not like he only benefited from Ertz leaving; in Week 10 he posted a 4-134 line against Miami.

Mark Sanchez will likely relinquish the quarterback duties to Sam Bradford upon his return, but until then fantasy owners should take advantage of the tight end situation in Philly. Sanchez loves to utilize his tight ends and the Eagles face a Lions defense ranked 27th versus opposing tight ends. It's highly unlikely Ertz is cleared before Thursday, making Celek a sneaky play for Week 12.

FAAB: $4

Cleveland Browns Defense

10% Owned in Fleaflicker

ALERT! ALERT! Matt Shaub is starting at quarterback for an NFL team. The king of the pick-six visits Cleveland for a Monday Night tilt without his running back (Justin Forsett - broken arm) and his top receiving option (Steve Smith - Achilles). I don't anticipate a slaughter by any means (Browns rank 29th on defense) but a defensive touchdown is a legitimate possibility here. The Browns had the week off so they should be well rested for what is likely going to be the worst Monday Night Football game of the year. If you want a piece of this game in your fantasy lineup, here's the play.

FAAB: $1

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Cody Garbrandt

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Cody Brundage

Defeated After Accidental Clash Of Heads
Cody Brundage

Mansur Abdul-Malik Defeats Cody Brundage By Technical Decision
Oumar Sy

Suffers His First Loss
Alonzo Menifield

Scores Upset Win
Alex Bowman

Delivers Bravura Performance After Michigan Injury
Tyler Reddick

Inexplicably Mediocre on his Once-Best Track Type
John Hunter Nemechek

Canny Strategy Gives John Hunter Nemechek Best Career Road-Course Finish
Cole Custer

Earns Best Finish Since Cup-Series Comeback at Mexico City
Grant Holmes

Punches Out 15 in Loss
Elly De La Cruz

Goes Yard in Fourth Straight Game
Will Vest

Dealing With Finger Injury
Jackson Merrill

Placed on Seven-Day Concussion Injured List
J.J. McCarthy

Looking "a Lot Stronger"
Shohei Ohtani

Will Be Dodgers' Starting Pitcher Monday
Roki Sasaki

Shut Down From Throwing
Garrett Wilson

Receives New Contract Offer
Jordan Hicks

Headed to Boston
Kyle Harrison

Traded to Red Sox
Travis Kelce

Slims Down During the Offseason
Trey Hendrickson

Bengals Restart Contract Discussions
Brady House

Nationals Promoting Brady House to Major Leagues
Rafael Devers

Traded to San Francisco
Logan Gilbert

to Start on Monday
Jayden Higgins

Impresses During Minicamp
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

on the Move to Memphis
Cole Anthony

Dealt to the Grizzlies
Seattle Seahawks

DeMarcus Lawrence Making an Impression With his New Team
Isaiah Simmons

Being Used Exclusively as a Linebacker
Tyler Mahle

Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Travis Etienne Jr.

the Jaguars Lead Back?
Luis Robert Jr.

Scratched with Thumb Soreness
Desmond Bane

Traded to Orlando
Byron Buxton

Scratched from Sunday's Lineup
Daniel Jones

the Favorite in Colts QB Competition?
Brendan Donovan

Returns to the Lineup
Steven Adams

Rockets Agree to Three-Year Contract Extension
Royce Lewis

Hits 10-Day Injured List
Ty Dillon

Is a Respectable Cap Flexiblity-Focused DFS Option For Mexico City
Corey Perry

Produces 10th Postseason Goal
Connor McDavid

Scores First Finals Goal
John Hunter Nemechek

Is John Hunter Nemechek Worth Rostering In Mexico City DFS Lineups?
Shohei Ohtani

Blasts Two Homers in Win
Sam Bennett

Nets Another Road Goal in Game 5 Win
Eetu Luostarinen

Earns Two Points Saturday
Michael King

Not Making Progress
Brad Marchand

Pots Two Goals in Game 5 Victory
Jackson Merrill

Removed Early on Saturday
Sergei Bobrovsky

Ties NHL Record with 10th Road Win
Ross Chastain

Trackhouse Racing's Mexico Focus Makes Ross Chastain a Leading Contender for the Win
Kyle Busch

One of Two Past Mexico City Winners in the Field
Ryan Preece

Earns Surprising Front-Row Start
Austin Cindric

Not as Strong of a Road Racer as People Think
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Stronger on Infield Road Courses Than Purpose-Built Ones
Joey Logano

Seemingly Alternating Between Good and Mediocre Races
Brad Keselowski

One of the Few Drivers with Mexico City Experience
Denny Hamlin

Ryan Truex Makes First Cup Series Start Since 2014
Erik Jones

Mexico City Will Likely be a Struggle for Erik Jones
Noah Gragson

Front Row Motorsports' Speed May Make Noah Gragson a Decent DFS Option
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Road Courses Are Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s Worst Track Type
Riley Herbst

Surprisingly Outqualifies 23XI Racing Teammates at Mexico City
Cody Ware

a Very Experienced Road Racer but Still a Long Shot
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite to Win in Mexico City
Christopher Bell

the Chalk DFS Play in Mexico City
Giancarlo Stanton

Likely Returning Early Next Week
Spencer Strider

Registers 13 Strikeouts
Emeka Egbuka

"the Talk" of Bucs Minicamp
Evander Kane

Drops to Fourth Line Saturday
Kasperi Kapanen

Won't Play on Saturday
Calvin Pickard

Starts Game 5 for Oilers
Jaxson Dart

Working as No. 2 QB During Offseason Workouts
Xavier Gipson

Roster Spot Could be in Jeopardy
Josh Reynolds

the Front-Runner for WR2 Duties
Garrett Wilson

Stock Up This Offseason
Breece Hall

Motivated Going into 2025 Season
Brandon Aiyuk

Making Good Progress From Knee Injury
Keon Coleman

Inconsistent at Minicamp
Mitchell Trubisky

Not a Lock for Backup Job
Dalton Kincaid

Adds Strength and Bulk
James Cook

a Full Participant in Mandatory Minicamp
Tyrese Haliburton

Struggles in Friday's Loss to OKC
Chet Holmgren

Dominates the Glass in Game 4
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leads the Way in Game 4
Jalen Williams

Has a Quality Showing on Friday Night
Anthony Richardson

Should be Fine for Training Camp
Russell Westbrook

to Decline Player Option
Kevin Durant

Trade Could Happen in the "Next Few Days"
Joaquin Buckley

Set For Main Event
Kamaru Usman

An Underdog At UFC Atlanta
Miranda Maverick

Set For Co-Main Event
Rose Namajunas

Looks To Bounce Back
Andre Petroski

Looks To Extend His Win Streak To Four
Edmen Shahbazyan

A Favorite At UFC Atlanta
Raoni Barcelos

Set To Take On Former Champion
Cody Garbrandt

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Mansur Abdul-Malik

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Cody Brundage

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Alonzo Menifield

Opens Up UFC Atlanta Main Card
Oumar Sy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Connor Hellebuyck

Wins Vezina And Hart Trophies
Aleksander Barkov

Records Two Power-Play Assists Thursday
Sam Reinhart

Collects Three Points in Thursday's Loss
Matthew Tkachuk

Notches Three Points in Losing Effort
Calvin Pickard

Joins Exclusive List with Thursday's Win
Mattias Ekholm

Logs Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Leon Draisaitl

Delivers Victory in Overtime Thursday
Myles Turner

Playing Through Illness
Reed Sheppard

Will Play in the NBA Summer League
Kevin Durant

Deal Could Come Sooner Rather Than Later
Dorian Finney-Smith

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Anze Kopitar

Wins Third Lady Byng Trophy
Sergei Bobrovsky

Heading Out for Win No. 15
John Klingberg

Won't Play in Game 4 Against Panthers
Viktor Arvidsson

Sits Out Game 4 Against Panthers
Stuart Skinner

Remains in Oilers Crease Thursday
Jalen Williams

Leads Thunder in Scoring Wednesday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Settles for 24 Points in Game 3 Loss
Pascal Siakam

Does Everything for Pacers Wednesday Night
Tyrese Haliburton

Gets Close to Triple-Double in Game 3 Win
Bennedict Mathurin

Leads All Scorers with 27 Points Wednesday
Brandin Podziemski

Has Second Offseason Surgery
Jaylen Brown

Undergoes Successful Knee Procedure
Matt McCarty

Comes Off Season-Best Showing at RBC Canadian Open
Justin Thomas

Desperate to Continue Good 2025 Season
Jon Rahm

Seeks Revenge at U.S. Open
Tom Kim

Aiming for Improvement in U.S. Open
PGA

Sungjae Im Expects Solid Performance at Oakmont
Brian Harman

Aims to Rebound From the Memorial
Tony Finau

has Been Up and Down at U.S. Open
Patrick Cantlay

Hoping This is the Year at Oakmont
Akshay Bhatia

Improving in Time for U.S. Open
Xander Schauffele

Primed for Another Major Championship Run
Cameron Young

May Struggle at U.S. Open
Collin Morikawa

Eyeing Third Major Championship Title
Matt Fitzpatrick

Seeks to Avenge Oakmont Collapse
Jordan Spieth

Can Contend at Oakmont
Shane Lowry

a Strong Value Play at U.S. Open
Brooks Koepka

Seeks Another Major Win at Oakmont
Viktor Hovland

Still Can Improve at U.S. Open
Michael Kim

a Boom-or-Bust Value Play at U.S. Open
Russell Henley

Looking to Play the Weekend at Oakmont
Tyrrell Hatton

a Safe Option at U.S. Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Eyeing Third U.S. Open Title
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF