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Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em and lineup advice for all 2025 Week 12 matchups. Joey analyzes in-depth Week 12 matchups via game-by-game breakdowns.
Welcome back, RotoBallers, to our Week 12 matchups analysis and fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em picks! If you are new here, this is our main weekly matchups column where we cover all games. We will offer an in-depth analysis of every player in every game.
There will be four teams on bye in this pivotal Week 12 (Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and Washington Commanders), which means key players like Ladd McConkey, Jaylen Waddle, and RJ Harvey will be unavailable to start. This article is a way to help guide you in making winning start/sit decisions based on juicy matchups to target (or tough matchups to consider avoiding).
So, let's dive in and look at the best starts and sits of Week 12. Good luck with your fantasy teams this weekend!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
- Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
- Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Kicker (K) fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 EST Games
Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs
Matchups We Love:
Chiefs WRs
Rashee Rice had his first poor game of the season last week, scoring just 9.8 PPR fantasy points en route to a WR34 finish. However, fantasy managers should expect Rice to bounce back in Week 12. He has a whopping 25.4% target share in his four games, and the Colts have allowed over 90 receiving yards to a WR in three of their past four games. So, he'll be a strong WR1.
As for Xavier Worthy, fantasy managers can start him in some 12-plus team leagues. Although he hasn't been a solid fantasy option this year, this is a plus matchup for him in the secondary. Indianapolis has given up the fourth-most receptions to opposing WRs through 11 weeks.
TE Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce continues to be a solid TE1 option for fantasy managers. He has finished as a top-10 fantasy TE in three straight games and just scored a season-high 24.1 PPR fantasy points last week against the Broncos. Now, he gets a fantastic matchup against a Colts defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points and second-most receiving yards to TEs this year. That makes him a must-start TE1.
"WHAT AN EFFORT BY TRAVIS KELCE. HE SETS THE CHIEFS ALL-TIME TOUCHDOWN RECORD"
- Jim Nantz 🔥 @Chiefs pic.twitter.com/eYuI50YMah
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 17, 2025
Matchups We Hate:
QB Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones has been a solid QB1 this season. He has finished as a top-12 option in six of 10 contests, and his 265.9 pass yards per game rank first among all QBs. However, Jones will fall outside of QB1 status this week against a very good Chiefs secondary. Kansas City has only let two QBs finish top-12 at the position since Week 2.
Chiefs RBs
All signs point to Isiah Pacheco (knee) returning in Week 12. For that reason, both Pacheco and Kareem Hunt should be sat in most cases this weekend. The Colts have allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points and the ninth-fewest rush yards per game to opposing RBs. Given that Indianapolis has allowed just one RB to rush for over 60 yards since Week 6, Hunt and Pacheco will come in as RB3s.
Colts WRs
All Colts WRs (Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce) will be downgraded in Week 12 against the Chiefs. Kansas City has allowed the sixth-fewest receiving yards to the position, and only one WR has scored above 15 PPR fanatsy points against this secondary since Week 2. So, Pittman will be a riskier WR2, Pierce will come in as a lower-end WR3, and Downs is likely not startable.
Other Matchups:
After finishing as a top-10 fantasy QB in seven of the first eight weeks, Patrick Mahomes has now finished outside the top-12 at the position in back-to-back games. However, Mahomes will still enter the week as a strong QB1 play. The Colts have allowed a QB to score over 21 points in four of the team's last nine games.
Jonathan Taylor will continue to be a must-start RB1 option. He ranks first in fantasy points per game, first in rush yards per game, and first in touchdowns per game among all RBs. That's enough reason to start him in all formats against the Chiefs.
TE Tyler Warren
Tyler Warren has been one of the best TE options this year. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy TE in eight of 10 games, and his 21.3% target share ranks third among all TEs. As a result, fantasy managers should continue to start him as a TE1 in all formats. The Chiefs recently let Dalton Kincaid score 22.1 PPR fantasy points against them back in Week 9.
Injuries:
- Isiah Pacheco (knee)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears
Matchups We Love:
Steelers QBs
It remains to be seen if Aaron Rodgers (wrist) will be able to play in Week 12. If he doesn't, Mason Rudolph will draw his first start of the season. Whichever QB does start for the Steelers on Sunday, they will be a high-end QB2 option in Superflex formats. The Bears have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points and the third-most passing touchdowns per game to opposing QBs this year.
Caleb Williams is coming off a subpar fantasy performance last week in which he scored just 10.3 fantasy points. However, Williams will come in as a QB1 play this week against the Steelers. Pittsburgh has allowed the most passing yards per game through 11 weeks, and five different QBs have scored over 20 fanatsy points against this defense.
Bears WRs
Both Rome Odunze and DJ Moore can be started in certain formats this week. The Steelers rank dead last in fantasy points allowed, receptions allowed, and receiving yards allowed per game. Given that Pittsburgh has let 12 WRs score above 15 PPR fantasy points, this is a smash matchup for both Bears WRs. Odunze will come in as a must-start WR2, while Moore can be started in some 14-plus team leagues.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
D'Andre Swift has actually run the ball well since coming back from injury. He totaled 80 yards on the ground in Week 10 and then another 90 yards last week against the Vikings. Therefore, Swift will continue to be a nice RB2 option. Although the Steelers have given up the eighth-fewest fantasy points to RBs, this same defense has allowed an RB to total over 90 rush yards in back-to-back weeks.
Steelers RBs
Jaylen Warren left last week's game early due to an ankle injury. Assuming he suits up, he will come in as a low-end RB2. Chicago has only allowed two top-20 RB finishes since Week 5, and this defense has given up the 11th-fewest receptions to opposing RBs. If Warren can't go, Kenneth Gainwell becomes a must-start RB2. Gainwell scored 31.4 PPR fantasy points in his only game without Warren this season.
WR DK Metcalf
DK Metcalf has been a disappointing fantasy option in recent weeks. He has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in three straight games, and his 21.5% target share on the season ranks as the WR35. Therefore, Metcalf is more of a WR3 this week against a Bears secondary that could be getting back Pro Bowl corner Jaylon Johnson.
Colston Loveland continues to see more work in the passing game. He has caught at least three passes in five straight games, and his routes run per game are way from the beginning of the season. Therefore, Loveland can be started as a TE1 in some 16-plus team leagues. Pittsburgh has allowed the sixth-most receiving yards per game to TEs.
Injuries:
- Aaron Rodgers (wrist)
- Jaylen Warren (ankle)
New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals
Matchups We Love:
QB Drake Maye
Drake Maye has a favorable matchup in Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have allowed the second-most fanatsy points to opposing QBs and have let up a top-12 fantasy QB finish in five of their past seven games. Considering Maye has seven top-10 fantasy QB finishes this year, he will be a strong QB1.
Patriots RBs
Even if Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) returns in Week 12, both Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson could be started in 12-plus team leagues. The Bengals have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing RBs, and 12 different RBs have finished as a top-14 option against this defense this season. If Stevenson does wind up missing, Henderson will be a must-start RB1.
TE Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry hasn't been a reliable TE1 play in recent weeks. He has finished outside the top 12 at the position in seven straight games and hasn't topped more than 55 yards in a game since Week 3. However, Henry will be a solid TE1 option in 12-plus team leagues this week. The Bengals have given up the most fantasy points to TEs this year.
Matchups We Hate:
RB Chase Brown
Chase Brown being on this list doesn't mean you should sit him, but expectations should be tempered in this game. The Patriots have given up the second-fewest fantasy points, the fewest rush yards, and the fewest rush touchdowns to RBs this season. Considering New England has only let one RB score over 14 PPR fantasy points since Week 3, Brown will be more of an RB2 play.
Other Matchups:
QB Joe Burrow
With Joe Burrow practicing in full this week, there's a strong chance he starts Sunday's game against the Patriots. He will come in as a QB1 option in all formats if he suits up. The Patriots have allowed over 19 fantasy points to a QB in three straight games and given up nine passing touchdowns since Week 8.
WR Tee Higgins
With Ja'Marr Chase officially suspended for this week's game, Tee Higgins should see more opportunities in the passing game. Higgins is already averaging 18.5 PPR fantasy points in five games with Flacco under center, and his 17.8% target share in those games should only increase with Chase out.
Although Christian Gonzalez will shadow him in this game, the Patriots corner ranks 38th in fantasy points allowed per game. So, Higgins will be a solid WR2 play in Week 12.
WR Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs had one of his better receiving days of the season last week, as he caught nine passes for 105 yards. Following that performance, Diggs will remain a solid WR2 option for fantasy managers. Cincinnati has given up the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing slot WRs, and just a few weeks ago, Olamide Zaccheaus scored 17.8 PPR fantasy points against this defense while working primarily in the slot.
Injuries:
- Rhamondre Stevenson (toe)
New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens
Matchups We Love:
Derrick Henry has been a better fantasy option as of late. He has totaled over 70 rush yards in five straight games, and his RB8 fantasy finish last week was his highest since Week 1. Now, he gets a Jets defense that has allowed some big fantasy performances to RBs in recent weeks. For that reason, Henry is a must-start RB1.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Tyrod Taylor
Tyrod Taylor will start in place of Justin Fields this week. However, fantasy managers should not be starting Taylor in most formats this week. Baltimore has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs over the last six weeks, which has included holding Matthew Stafford to 9.3 fantasy points in Week 6 and Caleb Williams to 12.8 fantasy points in Week 8.
TE Mason Taylor
Mason Taylor's fantasy value improves slightly with Taylor now starting. Still, he should only be started in 16-plus team leagues this week. The Ravens have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing TEs, and this defense has given up just one receiving touchdown to the position since Week 2. That makes him a riskier option in Week 12.
Other Matchups:
Lamar Jackson has surprisingly finished outside the top-12 at the QB position in back-to-back games. That doesn't really matter, though, because Jackson will remain a must-start QB1 this week against the Jets. New York has allowed a top-10 fantasy QB finish in three straight games, and this defense is allowing the eighth-most rush yards per game to QBs this season.
RB Breece Hall
Breece Hall continues to dominate the backfield touches in this New York offense. He has seen at least 16 touches in three straight games, and his snap share has hovered around 71% across the past two weeks. So, Hall will be a solid RB2 play this week against the Ravens. Baltimore has allowed an RB to score above 15 PPR fantasy points in four of its past five games.
WR Zay Flowers
Zay Flowers continues to be a high-floor WR option for fantasy managers. He scored in double figures in PPR formats in four straight games, and his 13 PPR fantasy points per game rank as the WR24. As a result, Flowers will be a low-end WR2/high-end WR3 this week against the Jets. Stefon Diggs just caught nine passes for 105 yards against this New York secondary last week while working primarily in the slot.
Jets WRs
Fantasy managers shouldn't start any Jets pass catchers in Week 12. If you had to start one, though, John Metchie III is likely your best option. He caught three passes for 45 yards and one touchdown last week while playing a season-high 83% of the team's offensive snaps. Metchie should only be started in 16-plus team leagues this weekend.
TE Mark Andrews
Mark Andrews has been a much better fantasy option over the past few weeks. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in three straight games and has scored four touchdowns across those three contests. However, Andrews will be a touchdown-dependent TE1 this week. The veteran has caught just eight passes for 68 yards since Week 9.
Injuries:
- Rashod Bateman (ankle)
Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans
Matchups We Love:
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been the best WR in fantasy this year. He ranks first in fantasy points per game (21.8), first in receiving yards per game (114.6), and third in receptions per game (7.2) among all WRs. Now, he'll go up against a Titans secondary that ranks 30th in terms of receiving yards allowed to opposing WRs. So, Smith-Njigba is an automatic WR1.
TE Chig Okonkwo
Chig Okonkwo has some sneaky TE1 potential this week. Calvin Ridley, Chimere Dike, and Elic Ayomanor could all be out for this game, which means Okonkwo could be Cam Ward's top option in this offense. Given that the Seahawks are allowing the third-most fantasy points and the most receptions to opposing TEs this year, he could be started in some 16-plus team leagues.
Matchups We Hate:
Titans RBs
It's probably a smart idea to sit both Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard in all formats this week. Not only have both of these RBs struggled to make an impact in recent weeks, but this is not an ideal matchup for either. The Seahawks are allowing just 70.2 rush yards per game (fourth-fewest), and only one RB has scored above 14 PPR fantasy points against this defense since Week 6.
Other Matchups:
QB Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold has had a few rough weeks in a row. He scored just 5.9 fantasy points in Week 10 and then 8.3 fantasy points in Week 11. Therefore, Darnold will be more of a QB2 option this week against the Titans. Tennessee ranks 20th in fantasy points allowed and has let up just 10 passing touchdowns since Week 5.
QB Cam Ward
Cam Ward should not be started in most leagues in Week 12. His 9.2 fantasy points per game rank as the QB40, and he has only thrown six passing touchdowns through 11 weeks. That's enough reason to sit him in most Superflex formats.
Seahawks RBs
It has been frustrating to own Kenneth Walker III in fantasy this year. However, things could be trending up for him. Mike MacDonald raved about Walker earlier this week, and the 25-year-old played a season-high 43 snaps in Week 11. Considering Tennessee has allowed over 16 PPR fantasy points to an RB since Week 3, Walker is a solid RB2 play.
As for Zach Charbonnet, he can also be a solid play in some 12-plus team leagues. He has seen double-digit carries in four of the past five games, and the Titans have allowed the second-most rushing touchdowns this season. That certainly works in Charbonnet's favor, as he has scored five rushing touchdowns since Week 4.
TE AJ Barner
AJ Barner had a career performance last week, catching 10 passes for 70 yards en route to a 17.1 PPR fantasy points day. Given that Barner has finished as a top-14 fantasy TE in four of Seattle's last seven games, he can be started in some 16-plus team leagues this week against the Titans. Tennessee has let up a top-12 fantasy TE finish in three straight contests.
Injuries:
- Elic Ayomanor (hamstring)
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
J.J. McCarthy has definitely struggled in his first five career starts. He has thrown more interceptions (eight) than passing touchdowns (five), and his 168.4 pass yards per game are not an encouraging sign. As a result, McCarthy will be a riskier QB2 option this week against the Packers. Green Bay ranks seventh in fantasy points allowed and first in rush yards allowed to the QB position.
Packers RBs
There is a chance that Josh Jacobs (knee) misses this week's game against the Vikings. If he plays, fantasy managers should continue to start him as an RB1. If he misses, Emanuel Wilson becomes an interesting play in all formats. He took over as the team's primary back once Jacobs left last week's game. However, he would be a low-end RB2 against a Vikings defense that hasn't allowed a top-20 RB finish in three straight games.
WR Romeo Doubs
After strong fantasy showings in both Week 7 and Week 9, Romeo Doubs has been an inconsistent fantasy option in recent weeks. Unfortunately, things don't get easier for him in a Week 12 matchup against the Vikings. Minnesota has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points and the fewest receptions to WRs this year. For that reason, Doubs will be a lower-end WR3.
Other Matchups:
QB Jordan Love
Jordan Love hasn't been a dominant QB1 this season. He has just two top-12 QB finishes since Week 5, and his 16.8 fantasy points per game rank as the QB17. So, Love is only worth starting as a QB1 in 18-plus team leagues this week. The Vikings have given up the seventh-fewest passing yards through 11 weeks.
Aaron Jones Sr. has dominated the Vikings' backfield since returning from injury. He has played over 65% of the team's offensive snaps in back-to-back games and saw a season-high 19 opportunities in last week's win. Therefore, Jones can be started as a middle-of-the-pack RB2 this week against the Packers. Green Bay allowed two Giants RBs to finish with over 17 PPR fantasy points last week.
Vikings WRs
It has been tough sledding for both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison lately. Jefferson hasn't finished as a WR1 since Week 5, and Addison has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in three consecutive games. With the Packers not allowing many big games to opposing WRs, this isn't the best matchup for either Vikings playmaker.
However, Jefferson will still come in as a WR1. It's hard to sit him because he can go off at any time. As for Addison, he will fall to WR4 status and is a much riskier play in all formats.
Fantasy managers can't be starting T.J. Hockenson in most formats. He only has one top-12 fantasy TE finish through 11 weeks and has caught three passes or fewer in four straight contests. That's enough reason to sit him in almost all leagues. The Packers have also limited TEs to under 10 PPR fantasy points in four consecutive weeks.
Injuries:
- Josh Jacobs (knee)
New York Giants at Detroit Lions
Matchups We Love:
QB Jared Goff
Jared Goff has been a hit-or-miss QB1 this season, with only three top-12 fantasy QB finishes through 11 weeks. However, Goff will come in as a solid QB1 play against the Giants in Week 12. New York has given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing QBs this year, and this defense has allowed a top-10 fantasy QB finish in five of the past six games.
Lions RBs
Both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery could be started in leagues this week. Gibbs will be a must-start RB1 and should be in all lineups. As for Montgomery, he will be a low-end RB2 against a Giants defense that has allowed 10 rushing touchdowns to the position this year. New York also ranks 30th in fantasy points allowed to opposing RBs in 2025.
Lions WRs
Amon-Ra St. Brown will continue to be a must-start WR1 for fantasy managers. As for Jameson Williams, his fantasy value is certainly trending up. He has scored above 16 PPR fantasy points in four of his last five games and has totaled over 85 receiving yards in back-to-back weeks. So, Williams is a strong WR2 play this week. The Giants have allowed the fifth-most receiving yards to WRs.
Jameson Williams 40-yard TD!!!
DETvsPHI on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/IhhOHzlbjv— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2025
Wan'Dale Robinson will continue to be a high-floor WR3 option in Week 12. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in four of the past six games and has seen at least nine targets in three consecutive contests. Now, he gets a favorable matchup against a Lions defense that is allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to slot WRs this year.
Matchups We Hate:
Giants RBs
Although both Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary scored over 17 PPR fantasy points last week, both Giants RBs should be sat in most cases this week. The Lions have given up the fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs, and only one RB has scored above 14.5 PPR fantasy points against this Detroit defense. That makes both Tracy and Singletary RB3s for the week.
Other Matchups:
QB Jaxson Dart
Jaxson Dart (concussion) is on track to return from a one-game absence this week. In his return, Dart will come in as a solid QB1 option against the Lions. Detroit has allowed over 18 fantasy points to a QB in four of the last six games, and this defense has also let four different QBs run for over 30 yards in a game since Week 3.
TE Theo Johnson
Theo Johnson has emerged as a consistent TE1 option in recent weeks. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in five of Dart's seven starts and has caught at least three passes in five consecutive contests. Therefore, Johnson can be started as a TE1 in some 14-plus team leagues. The Lions have allowed a receiving touchdown to the position in two of the past three weeks.
TE Brock Wright
With Sam LaPorta (back) currently on injured reserve, Brock Wright should continue to have a role in this Detroit offense. Although Wright only caught two passes for eight yards last week, his seven targets and 83% snap share are both encouraging signs moving forward. So, he can be started in some 18-plus team leagues in Week 12.
Injuries:
- Jaxson Dart (concussion)
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Games
Jacksonville Jaguars at Arizona Cardinals
Matchups We Love:
Only one QB has finished as a top-12 option at the position in five straight weeks. That QB is Jacoby Brissett. After a QB4 fantasy finish last week against the San Francisco 49ers, Brissett will continue to be a QB1 in Week 12. The Jaguars have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points and the fourth-most pass touchdowns per game to opposing QBs.
TE Trey McBride
In five games with Brissett, Trey McBride has two TE2 finishes, two TE1 finishes, and a TE6 finish. Considering McBride has finished as the overall TE1 in back-to-back weeks, he should be in all lineups this week. The Jaguars have given up the second-most fantasy points to the TE position through 11 weeks.
Matchups We Hate:
Trevor Lawrence has been a better fantasy option recently. He has finished top-14 at the QB position in five of the past six games and just recently finished as the overall QB12 last week against the Chargers. However, Lawrence will be a risky QB1 play in most leagues this week. The Cardinals have let only two QBs finish top-14 at the position since Week 3.
RB Trey Benson
There's a chance that Trey Benson (knee) returns in Week 12 following a multi-game absence. Even if he does, though, Benson will be hard to trust in most fantasy leagues. He will certainly be limited in his first game back, and the Jaguars have been one of the defenses against fantasy RBs this season. Jacksonville ranks sixth in fanatsy points allowed, second in rush yards allowed, and third in rush touchdowns allowed.
Other Matchups:
Travis Etienne Jr. has been a reliable fantasy option in recent weeks. He has scored above 15 PPR fantasy points in three consecutive games and has totaled 57 carries over those three weeks. So, Etienne will be a solid RB2 option this week against the Cardinals. Arizona has allowed nine rushing touchdowns to the position over its last seven games.
Jaguars WRs
There's a chance that Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) returns in Week 12. If he does, Thomas will be a middle-of-the-pack WR2. That would push both Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers to WR4 status.
If Thomas misses another game, then Washington and Meyers become better fantasy plays this week. Washington would be a lower-end WR3, and Meyers would be a higher-end WR3 after catching five passes for 64 yards last week. The Cardinals are allowing 12 receptions per game to opposing WRs this season, which ranks 23rd in the NFL.
With Marvin Harrison Jr. out another week, Michael Wilson should continue to act as the top WR in this offense. Wilson had a career day last week, as he caught 15 passes for 185 yards en route to a 33.5 PPR fantasy point day. This week, the Cardinals playmaker will be a solid WR2 option against a Jaguars secondary that just allowed Nico Collins to total 136 receiving yards a few weeks back.
Injuries:
- Trey Benson (knee)
- Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle)
Cleveland Browns at Las Vegas Raiders
Matchups We Love:
WR Jerry Jeudy
Jerry Jeudy being on this list doesn't make him a must-start. His quarterback this week will be Shedeur Sanders, and he has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in eight of the team's nine games. However, Jeudy can be started in some 14-plus team leagues this week. The Raiders have allowed the third-most fantasy points to WRs this year.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Geno Smith
Geno Smith should not be started in most Superflex formats this week. He only managed to score 13.9 fantasy points against the Cowboys last week and has finished outside the top-26 at the QB position in five of his past seven games. Given that the Browns are allowing just 13.8 fantasy points per game to opposing QBs, Smith is a must-sit.
Ashton Jeanty had his worst rushing day of the season last week, running just six times for seven yards. Unfortunately, things don't get easier for him in a Week 12 matchup against the Browns. Cleveland ranks fourth in fantasy points allowed to the RB position and is only allowing 84.5 rush yards per game. For that reason, Jeanty is a riskier RB2 play.
WR Tre Tucker
Tre Tucker salvaged his fantasy day last week with a late touchdown, as he caught four passes for 47 yards and one touchdown. However, Tucker will be a low-end flex play this week in a brutal matchup against Cleveland's secondary. The Browns have allowed the second-fewest receiving yards to WRs this year and have let only two WRs catch more than three passes in a game since Week 7.
Browns TEs
It remains to be seen if David Njoku (knee) will play this week after failing to practice on Wednesday and Thursday. If he winds up missing this game, Harold Fannin Jr. becomes a much better play. However, Fannin will have a tougher matchup against a Las Vegas secondary that has allowed just two top-14 fantasy TE finishes this season. Still, he can be started in some 14-plus team leagues if Njoku is out.
Other Matchups:
QB Shedeur Sanders
Sanders will make his first career start in Week 12. In his limited action last week, Sanders completed just four of his 16 passes for 47 yards and one interception. As a result, fantasy managers should stay away from Sanders in all Superflex formats this week. He doesn't have much of a fantasy ceiling in this game.
After looking like a fantasy star in the first month, Quinshon Judkins has come back down to reality. He has finished outside the top-24 at the RB position in four of his past five games and has scored a touchdown in just one game since Week 5. So, Judkins will be more of a low-end RB2 this week. The good news for him is that the Raiders have let up over 75 rush yards to an RB in three straight games.
TE Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers will continue to be a set-it-and-forget-it TE1 option for fantasy managers. He ranks second in fantasy points per game, third in receptions per game, and second in receiving yards per game among all TEs. The Browns have also allowed six touchdowns to opposing TEs this season.
Injuries:
- Dillon Gabriel (concussion)
- David Njoku (knee)
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints
Matchups We Love:
RB Alvin Kamara
The last time we saw Alvin Kamara on the field, he had one of his better fantasy days of the season. He ran for 83 yards en route to an RB17 fantasy finish. Therefore, Kamara can be started as a low-end RB2 this week in a plus matchup against the Falcons. Atlanta has allowed nine RBs to finish top-24 at the position since Week 6.
Matchups We Hate:
In two games with Tyler Shough under center, Juwan Johnson totaled 12.1 PPR fantasy points (Week 9) and 19.2 PPR fantasy points (Week 10). So, some fantasy managers might be looking to start him in Week 12. However, it's best to avoid him as a TE1 in most cases this weekend. The Falcons have allowed just one top-12 TE finish in 2025.
Other Matchups:
QB Kirk Cousins
With Michael Penix Jr. out for the season, Kirk Cousins will be the Falcons' starting quarterback moving forward. In his one start this season, Cousins scored just 7.1 fantasy points. Therefore, he will be a lower-end QB2 option against the Saints this week. Only one QB has finished as a top-24 fantasy QB against this New Orleans secondary since Week 7.
QB Tyler Shough
Tyler Shough will come in as a low-end QB2 option against the Falcons. Although Shough finished as the overall QB11 in his last start in Week 10, Atlanta has allowed the ninth-fewest passing yards per game this season. For that reason, Shough should not be started in most Superflex formats in Week 12.
Bijan Robinson will come in as a must-start RB1 against the Saints in Week 12. He just finished as the overall RB4 last week and should be in all lineups again this weekend. The Saints have given up the eighth-most rushing yards to the position through 11 weeks.
WR Chris Olave
Chris Olave will come in as a solid WR2 play against the Falcons. He totaled five catches for 104 yards and one touchdown in his last game back in Week 10, and the Falcons just allowed Tetairoa McMillan to post a monster eight-catch, 130-yard, two-touchdown performance last week. So, Olave should be in most lineups.
With Drake London (knee) already ruled out, Darnell Mooney should see more opportunities in the passing game. Although Mooney totaled just one catch for 11 yards without London in a game earlier this year, he should post better numbers this time around. He'll have a full week to work with Cousins as the WR1, and the Saints have been suspect in the secondary. That makes Mooney a WR3 in Week 12.
Kyle Pitts should be involved more in the passing game, with London already ruled out. He totaled nine catches for 59 yards with Cousins under center in a Week 8 game against the Dolphins, and this Saints defense ranks around league average in terms of fantasy points allowed to the TE position. Therefore, Pitts will be a low-end TE1.
Injuries:
- Drake London (knee)
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
Matchups We Love:
QB Jalen Hurts
Despite scoring under 15 fantasy points in back-to-back games, fantasy managers should expect Jalen Hurts to bounce back in Week 12. The Cowboys have allowed the most fantasy points and most touchdowns per game to opposing QBs this season. Considering Hurts scored 24 fantasy points against this Dallas secondary back in Week 1, he will be a must-start QB1.
Fantasy managers have definitely been fed up with Saquon Barkley in recent weeks. He has scored under 13.5 PPR fantasy points in four of his past five games, and his 66.2 rush yards per game rank as the RB15 on the year. However, Barkley should continue to be in all fantasy lineups. The Cowboys have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points and fifth-most receptions to opposing RBs in 2025.
Eagles WRs
Both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith will be strong WR2s in fantasy this week. The Cowboys have been suspect in the secondary all season long, ranking 27th in yards allowed per completion, 31st in fantasy points allowed per game, and 32nd in receiving touchdowns allowed. So, both Eagles WRs should be in most lineups this week.
Matchups We Hate:
It might be a smart idea to sit Jake Ferguson in some leagues this week. Ferguson only scored 7.3 PPR fantasy points in his first meeting against the Eagles this year, and Philadelphia hasn't allowed a TE to finish top-12 at the position since Week 5. Considering this defense has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing TEs, the Cowboys playmaker is a riskier TE1.
Jake Ferguson scores on 4th down and hits a mime celly 😂
DALvsLV on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/LJhp4h08o5— NFL (@NFL) November 18, 2025
Other Matchups:
QB Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott will come in as a low-end QB1 this week. He has thrown for at least three touchdowns in five of his last seven games and always seems to play well against the Eagles at home. Although Philadelphia hasn't given up multiple passing touchdowns in a game since Week 4, Prescott is still a solid start in most formats.
The fantasy production hasn't been there for Javonte Williams in recent weeks, but he continues to run the ball well on the ground. He has totaled over 80 rush yards in back-to-back games, and his rush share percentage has hovered around 71% over the past two contests. So, Williams will be a high-end RB2 against an Eagles defense that has allowed a top-10 RB finish in consecutive weeks.
Cowboys WRs
Both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens should be in all lineups this week. Even though Lamb and Pickens will be matched up against Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in this game, that shouldn't hurt their fantasy numbers too much in Week 12. Lamb totaled five catches for 66 yards and one touchdown last week, and Pickens reeled in nine catches for 144 yards and one touchdown in that same game.
After starting off the season well, Dallas Goedert has now finished outside the top-16 at the TE position in three of the past four games. With only 113 combined yards over those four contests, the Eagles playmaker will be a touchdown-dependent TE1 this week. The good news for Goedert, though, is that the Cowboys have allowed the third-most receptions per game to opposing WRs.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Rams
Matchups We Love:
QB Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford is simply balling out right now. He has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in eight of his last nine games and has scored above 25 fantasy points five different times since Week 4. Now, he gets an incredible matchup against a Buccaneers secondary that just allowed Josh Allen to finish as the overall QB1 last week. So, Stafford is a solid QB1 in Week 12.
Although Blake Corum is seeing more opportunities on offense, Kyren Williams continues to be a reliable RB option for fantasy managers. He has scored above 16 PPR fantasy points in three straight games and has totaled four rushing touchdowns since Week 9. As a result, Williams is a low-end RB1 against a Buccaneers defense that has allowed a top-10 fantasy RB in four of its past five games.
Matchups We Hate:
Despite some more difficult matchups in recent weeks, Baker Mayfield has finished as a top-10 fantasy QB in consecutive games. Unfortunately, Mayfield has another tough matchup on deck against the Rams. Los Angeles has allowed just one QB to finish top-12 at the position since Week 6. That makes Mayfield a riskier QB1 option.
Buccaneers RBs
There's a chance that Bucky Irving suits up this week for the first time since Week 4. Either way, though, fantasy managers should be sitting all Buccaneers RBs. Even if Irving misses another game, both Rachaad White and Sean Tucker will be riskier flex plays. The Rams have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to RBs and have only given up two rushing touchdowns all season.
Other Matchups:
WR Emeka Egbuka
Emeka Egbuka hasn't been a consistent WR option in recent weeks, finishing with under 10 PPR fantasy points in four of the last five games. However, fantasy managers should continue to start him as a WR2 in all formats. He has a 34% target share over the last three weeks, and the Rams have allowed a WR to score over 17 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back weeks.
Rams WRs
Fantasy managers should continue to start both Puka Nacua and Davante Adams in all formats. Nacua will come in as a WR1, while Adams will be more of a WR2. The Buccaneers rank 22nd in fantasy points allowed, 25th in receptions allowed, and 25th in receiving yards allowed per game to opposing WRs. That works in both Nacua and Adams' favor.
TE Cade Otton
It's not a surprise that Cade Otton didn't do much last week, as the Bills have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing TEs this year. However, this is a much better matchup for Otton. The Rams have let four different TEs finish top-14 at the position since Week 9, which included AJ Barner catching 10 passes for 70 yards last week. Therefore, Otton is a low-end TE1 in Week 12.
Injuries:
- Bucky Irving (shoulder/foot)
- Chris Godwin (fibula)
Matchup Analysis - Monday Night Football
Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers
Matchups We Love:
WR Tetairoa McMillan
McMillan is coming off a career performance in Week 11 in which he totaled eight catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Now, he gets a fantastic matchup against the 49ers' secondary on Monday night. Michael Wilson just torched this San Francisco secondary for 185 yards last week. So, make sure to keep the rookie in your lineups this week.
Matchups We Hate:
49ers WRs
Although Ricky Pearsall only caught one pass last week, it was encouraging that he played 75% of the team's offensive snaps. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Pearsall to have better fantasy performances moving forward. Nevertheless, both Pearsall and Jauan Jennings will fall to WR3 status this week against the Panthers. Carolina has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs this year.
Of these two 49ers WRs, Jennings is the better play, considering the Panthers rank around league average in terms of fantasy points allowed to slot WRs. The slot is where Jennings plays around 26% of the time. As for outside WRs like Pearsall, the Panthers have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game.
Other Matchups:
QB Bryce Young
Bryce Young had a career performance last week, throwing for 448 yards and three touchdowns. He'll look to continue that against a 49ers defense that ranks 27th in pass yards allowed per game. So, Young can be started as a QB1 in some 16-plus team leagues this week. San Francisco has allowed a QB to score over 22 fantasy points in four straight games.
QB Brock Purdy
In his first game back from injury last week, Brock Purdy finished as the QB6 in fantasy. He threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns en route to a 19.3 fantasy point day. Purdy will now come in as a low-end QB1 against the Panthers in Week 12. Carolina has allowed a top-10 fantasy QB finish in five of the last eight weeks.
Christian McCaffrey has been unreal for fantasy managers this year. He is averaging 25.8 PPR fantasy points per game and has finished as the overall RB1 in three of the last five weeks. So, you are starting McCaffrey in every format.
RB Rico Dowdle
Rico Dowdle will come in as a low-end RB1 this week against the 49ers. Although he has rushed for under 55 yards in back-to-back games, his rush share continues to be elite. He has carried the ball 25 times (Week 9), 18 times (Week 10), and 19 times (Week 11) over the last three weeks. Given that the 49ers just let Kyren Williams finish as the RB5 last week, Dowdle is a solid start in most formats.
George Kittle got his quarterback back last week and immediately had his best fantasy day of the season. He caught six passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns en route to a 24.7 PPR fantasy point day. Fantasy managers should continue to start him as a TE1 in this matchup against the Panthers.
Injuries:
None
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