Cairo Santos Riding Momentum into Must-Start Matchup
Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos is coming off his best game of the season in Week 11, knocking down four of five field goals, including the game-winner to beat the division rival Minnesota Vikings. It's been an up-and-down year for Santos, who's fought through injuries and kicker controversy with Jake Moody earlier in the year. With Moody in Washington and the injuries behind the veteran kicker, Santos will look to fire off a strong finish to his 12th season. He faces a great matchup in Week 12, against a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to kickers this season. With good weather expected and a ton of confidence, Santos is worth starting in Week 12.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Bears D/ST Dependent on Aaron Rodgers' Status
The Chicago Bears' defense was as disruptive as ever in Week 11, forcing two interceptions against the Minnesota Vikings. The Bears' defense continues to force turnovers at the highest rate in the NFL, totaling 23 turnovers in 10 games. However, like they have all season, the injury bug has bitten this defense. Linebackers Tremaine Edmunds (groin) and T.J. Edwards (hand/hamstring) have been ruled out, and Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Jaquan Brisker are all questionable to play this week. The Bears face the Steelers in Week 12, and their starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers (wrist), enters this game questionable. In his career, Rodgers has won 24 of 29 games against the Bears, and he might try to fight through injury in what appears to be his final game in Soldier Field. The status of Rodgers will determine the value of this defense, as they are much riskier of an option with Rodgers starting, rather than Mason Rudolph.
Source: Chicago Bears
Source: Chicago Bears
Colston Loveland's Role Limiting His Week 12 Outlook
Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland has slowed down in the past few weeks, hauling in three of four targets for 40 yards against the Minnesota Vikings. While Kmet was out due to a concussion, Loveland was far more productive, including a 118 and two-touchdown game against the Bengals. Despite his high draft capital and elite talent, Loveland is playing fewer snaps this season than Kmet (71% to 59%), and without a sure-fire role in the Bears' offense, Loveland will continue to disappoint this season. The matchup is ideal, as the Pittsburgh Steelers have allowed the sixth most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. While a good matchup is there for the taking, Loveland will have to overcome a lack of volume to be worth starting this week.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Joe Burrow Won't Be Activated This Week
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) won't be activated for Sunday's matchup against the New England Patriots, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The star quarterback will remain on injured reserve for the time being, with Joe Flacco set to make his sixth straight start for the Bengals. Burrow underwent surgery to repair his Grade 3 turf toe after getting injured during Cincinnati's Week 2 win over Jacksonville. While he is close to returning, he will likely need one more week to be cleared. Head coach Zac Taylor said that the 28-year-old "has done everything he can," after practicing in full on Wednesday and Thursday this week before being limited on Friday. Burrow said that he planned to return on Thanksgiving night against the Ravens, and we should know more about his status for that game early next week.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Luther Burden III Trending Up Ahead of Steelers Matchup
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III has officially supplanted Olamide Zaccheaus as the WR3 in this Bears' offense. Over the past two games, Burden has played more snaps than Zaccheaus and has caught six passes for 78 yards in those games. Despite the Bears' running more two-TE sets in Week 11, Burden managed to play his second-most snaps of the season (44%), while Zaccheaus played his lowest (14%). Burden also faces a great matchup in Week 12, as the Steelers' defense has allowed the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season. This week could be the one that fantasy managers view as the "Luther Burden Breakout Game", but without a configured role in this Bears' offense, he's labeled as a high-upside WR5 in Week 12.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
DJ Moore Hard to Trust Despite Good Matchup
Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore will be hard to trust ahead of Week 12's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. After being drafted as a top-25 receiver in fantasy drafts this season, Moore has hauled in 31 of 51 targets for 421 yards and one touchdown in 10 games. Whether his connection with quarterback Caleb Williams is not there or his current role in the scheme, Moore's struggles have been evident this season. Moore faces a Steelers defense in Week 12, which has allowed the most PPR fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season. However, with his current struggles, Moore should not be considered a starting option in fantasy matchups for Week 12.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Rome Odunze Set for Big Game Against Steelers
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze has struggled to find consistency in recent weeks, putting up just two catches for 41 yards in Week 11's win over the Minnesota Vikings. The second-year receiver has been held to under three catches in four of his last six games, as the team has relied more on the run game. Odunze has also seen his snap count decrease in recent weeks, dropping from a snap share of 95% or more to under 80% in the previous two weeks. Odunze will look to bounce back in Week 12, against a Steelers defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season. The Steelers play a lot of man coverage as well (fourth-highest rate in the NFL), and Odunze has prospered against man coverage this season. In the three games Odunze has faced teams that play man coverage at a similar rate to the Steelers, he's scored over 20 PPR points in all three games. Odunze is set to bounce back in a big way in Week 12.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Devin Singletary in Flex Consideration for Week 12 Against Lions
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary scored two touchdowns last week en route to finishing as the RB14 with 17.7 PPR points in Week 11 against the Green Bay Packers. Singeltary has held down the goal line work over the past two weeks with Cam Skattebo (ankle) out for the season, handling all nine running back carries inside the 10-yard line. The 28-year-old has been out-touched 38 to 28 by fellow running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. in those two games, but Singletary has been more productive for fantasy purposes so far. The veteran is the Giants' preferred back in pass-down situations as well, creating plenty of dump-off opportunities for Jameis Winston, who is filling in for an injured Jaxson Dart (concussion). Singletary ranks as RotoBaller's RB36 for Sunday against Detroit.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Monangai is Touchdown-Dependent Against Tough Steelers Run Defense
Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai has found the endzone in back-to-back weeks and continues to be a factor in this offense. Since Week 7, Monangai has averaged 76.2 scrimmage yards per game and has scored three touchdowns in those five games. While his role has shrunk since the return of D'Andre Swift, Monangai continues to produce and find the endzone. However, without a key receiving role and a limited snap share (39%), Monangai is very risky entering a tough Week 12 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This Steelers defense has allowed the eighth fewest fantasy points to running backs this season and hasn't allowed two running backs on the same team to total over 35 rushing yards in a game. While Monangai is performing well, the seventh-round pick is a high-risk RB3 in Week 12.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
D'Andre Swift Faces Tough Matchup Against Steelers
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift handled a heavy workload in Week 11, totaling 21 carries for 90 yards in the 19-17 win over the Minnesota Vikings. While most fantasy managers were concerned about Swift's fantasy value with rookie Kyle Monangai, Swift has averaged over 18 total touches in the previous two weeks and returned to his normal snap share of 61%. Monangai will still be a factor in this offense, especially near the goal line, but Swift is still the starting back moving forward. He faces a tough matchup in Week 12, against a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has allowed the eighth fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. This will be Swift's toughest matchup since Week 2, but with the Bears' offense moving the ball well and their solid offensive line play, Swift is a mid-RB2 in Week 12.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Caleb Williams' Rushing Upside Gives Him QB1 Value Against Steelers
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams continues to do just enough for the Bears this season. While Week 11 wasn't Williams' best showing from a fantasy perspective, he's still in the midst of a breakout season. In 10 games, Williams has completed 194 of 325 passes for 2329 yards, with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions, while adding 272 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He gets a nice matchup in Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have allowed the eighth most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. While Pittsburgh has been better as of late, they have strictly faced pocket quarterbacks, and their only game against a quarterback that is averaging more rushing yards per game than Williams is Justin Fields, who tormented their defense in Week 1. With no inclement weather expected and an ideal matchup, Williams is a low-end QB1 in Week 12.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Tyrone Tracy Jr. Projects as Solid Flex For Week 12 Against Lions
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has received the bulk of the touches in the backfield over the past two weeks with Cam Skattebo (ankle) out for the season, recording 33 carries for 159 yards along with five catches (six targets) for 51 yards. Tracy's 38 touches over those two weeks rank as the ninth most in the league among running backs, but veteran Devin Singletary has taken away some of the more high-value opportunities, handling all nine running back carries inside the 10-yard line. So it has been a split backfield for the most part, with Tracy handling most of the work between the 20s and Singletary getting the goal line and pass down responsibilities. Things could change, but that limits Tracy's upside and will make it tough to find the end zone. The 25-year-old should still see plenty of volume in Week 12 against Detroit and ranks as RotoBaller's RB29 in PPR leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jameis Winston In QB2 Territory For Second Straight Start Against Lions
New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston is set to make his second consecutive start in Week 12 against the Lions, with Jaxson Dart (concussion) ruled out. Winston was serviceable last week against the Packers in his first start of the 2025 season, completing 19 of 29 passes for 201 yards, one interception, and one fumble to go along with three carries for 10 yards and a touchdown. The veteran had a few turnovers like usual, but otherwise kept the Giants in the fight in a one-score loss. Winston started seven games for the Browns last year and delivered legit fantasy value, producing one top-five QB week, three top 12 weeks, and ranking as the QB12 in points per game (18.8). He gets a solid matchup on Sunday against a Lions defense that has allowed the 12th most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, and ranks as RotoBaller's QB24 for Week 12.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Tre Mann Dealing With Ankle Soreness
Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's matchup with the Clippers after sitting out Wednesday's loss at Indiana. The reserve guard has played a volatile role this season, averaging 10.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 22.0 minutes on 36.5 percent from the field. His recent stretch has been modest, averaging 8.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 21.2 minutes, but the three-point attempts remain steady enough for deeper formats. If he's cleared, Mann should slide back into his reserve guard slot behind LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton, which would trim KJ Simpson's minutes and slightly curb Sion James' secondary touches. He profiles more as a situational option, offering streaming appeal for threes and light assists when the minutes are there.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jaden Ivey Could Make Season Debut Soon
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (reconditioning) is listed as questionable for Saturday's matchup in Milwaukee, putting him on the verge of his first appearance of the season. The third-year guard averaged 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 29.9 minutes last year, giving him steady counting-stat appeal despite efficiency swings and light defensive output. If cleared, he should immediately slide into Detroit's guard rotation behind Cade Cunningham and Duncan Robinson, likely trimming Daniss Jenkins' workload and reducing minutes for Ron Holland II on the wing. Managers in competitive leagues should be prepared to add or activate Ivey, since his points and assists help balance deeper builds despite the efficiency tradeoffs.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Tobias Harris Listed as Questionable for Saturday
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (ankle) is questionable for Saturday at Milwaukee after missing nine straight games. He has appeared in only six games this season but still produced 13.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 32.2 minutes. If he's cleared to return, he slots back in as a reliable rotation piece who can contribute across categories without creating efficiency issues or turnovers. His return would reshape Detroit's forward rotation, likely reducing opportunities for Ron Holland II and Javonte Green while tightening Isaiah Stewart's path to minutes at the four and five.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Aaron Gordon Expected to Miss Time With Hamstring Injury
Denver Nuggets forward/center Aaron Gordon (hamstring) exited Friday's win at Houston after just three minutes and is expected to miss time, according to head coach David Adelman. Gordon has been in and out of the lineup recently, sitting two games earlier in the month. He was in the middle of a strong season, averaging 18.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 28.3 minutes. His last five games included 16.6 points and 6.8 rebounds on 50.9 percent shooting and 40.9 percent from deep. Peyton Watson should be the primary beneficiary, with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown gaining wing minutes and Jonas Valanciunas seeing a small bump.
Source: Vic Lombardi
Source: Vic Lombardi
Matas Buzelis Leaves Friday's Game Early With Ankle Issue
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (ankle) exited Friday's loss to Miami after 18 minutes and did not return. The second-year forward has averaged 14.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 27.7 minutes, with a recent five-game run of 13.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on 45.5 percent shooting. If Buzelis misses time, Patrick Williams and Jalen Smith should take most of the frontcourt workload. Kevin Huerter may see extra run in smaller lineups, and Josh Giddey and Ayo Dosunmu could get minor usage bumps. Managers should continue holding Buzelis, as his current role and production remain secure once he's healthy.
Source: K.C. Johnson
Source: K.C. Johnson
Gabriel Vilardi Has Two Goals in Losing Effort
Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi scored two goals in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Vilardi's power-play goal in the first period put Winnipeg 2-1 up, but the Jets couldn't handle the Hurricanes on home ice. Early in the third period, Vilardi potted the game's final goal. Vilardi is an attractive fantasy piece as Kyle Connor's and Mark Scheifele's companion on the first line and the top power-play unit. However, he has had a limited impact in recent weeks, finishing scoreless in six of his last eight appearances. Before the slump, Vilardi was performing very well, providing hope for fantasy managers that he could soon regain his scoring touch. For the season, Vilardi has amassed 16 points (eight goals, eight assists) in 20 games.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jordan Staal Provides Two Goals in Friday's Win
Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal lit the lamp twice in Friday's 4-3 road win over the Winnipeg Jets. Staal already had his first goal of the night just 16 seconds into the game and also found the back of the net early in the second period. The Hurricanes captain has turned it up a notch offensively lately, scoring four goals across the past four games. Overall, he has managed seven goals and two assists in 21 outings. Staal has always had scoring spurts during his 20-year NHL career, but he usually doesn't contribute enough offensively to warrant fantasy interest.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Matt Boldy Amasses Three Points in Impressive Road Win
Minnesota Wild winger Matt Boldy bagged two goals and one assist as the team kicked off a three-game road trip on Friday with a 5-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Boldy needed less than four minutes to open the scoring and added a power-play assist midway through the first period. He completed his three-point night with the game's final goal at the 17:48 mark in the second frame. Boldy grabbed multiple points for the fourth time this month. The 24-year-old has been on a scoring tear in November, tallying six goals and four assists during a six-game point streak. The hot stretch has made Boldy Minnesota's leading goal-scorer with 13 markers. Overall, he has posted 25 points in 22 games.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Filip Gustavsson Shuts Out Penguins Friday
Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson turned aside 19 shots to record his second shutout of the season in Friday's 5-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins. There are now four goalies with multiple shutouts this season, and two of them play for the Wild. Jesper Wallstedt has also done an impressive job for Minnesota. For most of the campaign, Wallstedt has even outperformed Gustavsson, but he has started to turn his season around. Gustavsson has gone 4-1-1 in November, improving his overall record to 6-7-2. He has a 2.79 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. With both netminders in top form, Wallstedt and Gustavsson have alternated starts lately. If the trend continues, we will see Gustavsson next on Wednesday night against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Josh Doan Pots Two Goals Friday Night
Buffalo Sabres winger Josh Doan netted two goals in Friday's 9-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, recording his second multi-goal game of the season. Doan kicked off a three-goal first period for Buffalo and scored the last of the team's three goals in the second frame, reaching seven goals for the season. In 23 outings, Doan has also recorded seven assists. As a young player, Doan has done a good job on a struggling team. He could see more success in the upcoming games after earning a top-line role, joining forces with Buffalo's top scorers, Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Alex Tuch Tallies Four Assists in Big Win
Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch notched four assists in Friday's dominant 9-3 home win over the Chicago Blackhawks. He set up one power-play goal and already had two assists after the first period. Tuch's impressive playmaking display has tied him with Tage Thompson as Buffalo's leading scorer this season. Through 21 outings, he has tallied 20 points, scoring seven goals and delivering 13 assists. However, Tuch's efforts in general have been disappointing this month. Prior to Friday night, he had managed only five points in nine November outings. Tuch will now attempt to build some momentum on Sunday in a tough matchup against the Eastern Conference-leading Carolina Hurricanes.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Vinnie Hinostroza Suffers Serious Injury Friday
Minnesota Wild center Vinnie Hinostroza (undisclosed) suffered a serious injury in Friday's win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports. The 31-year-old left the contest in the second period following a hit from Penguins defenseman Ryan Greaves. Hinostroza has played in all 22 Wild games this season, contributing two goals and three assists as a bottom-six player. Unfortunately, it now appears Hinostroza will miss some time. Minnesota's frontline has also recently lost Ryan Hartman (lower body) and Vladimir Tarasenko (lower body), leading to Danila Yurov being promoted to the top line.
Source: Michael Russo
Source: Michael Russo
49ers D/ST has Potential Against Carolina
The San Francisco 49ers D/ST stepped back into the fantasy football spotlight in Week 11. Their success was fueled by their two interceptions and one fumble recovery in the team's 41-22 win over the Cardinals. Unfortunately, the injury bug bit again, this time striking linebacker Tatum Bethune (ankle), who sprained an ankle during the game and will be sidelined for multiple weeks as a result. Working in the 49ers' favor is Carolina's propensity for miscues. The Panthers have the league's sixth-highest quarterback pressure rate, which could make it easier for the 49ers to get to Bryce Young. Carolina is also one of the NFL's more turnover-prone teams. Their 15 giveaways are tied for fifth-most in the league. San Francisco's D/ST isn't without its faults, but considering their matchup, they make for a viable streamer in Week 12.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
George Kittle Has a Plus Matchup In Week 12
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle finished Week 11 with six catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns on six targets. His production made him the second-highest scoring tight end in fantasy football for the second week in a row. Even with wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) returning to the lineup, Kittle remained a priority target for quarterback Brock Purdy (toe). Kittle can keep the good times rolling in Week 12, when the 49ers face the Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football. The Panthers have allowed the fourth-most receiving yards to tight ends this year and are seeing the highest average yards per target to the position. Kittle is one of the safer bets one can make on a tight end in fantasy football, and he should be locked into starting lineups for Week 12.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Demarcus Robinson Buried On Depth Chart
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson saw little change in his utilisation in the wake of Ricky Pearsall's (knee) return in Week 11. Robinson's snap share has hovered around 25% for most of the season, and that trend continued in the 49ers' 41-22 win over the Cardinals when Robinson checked in for 26% of the team's offensive snaps. Another trend that continued was his limited involvement when he was on the field, as he saw just one target that he caught for a 13-yard gain. Through eight games, Robinson now has 12 receptions for 155 yards and no touchdowns on 22 targets. Despite the 49ers' offense missing Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, and George Kittle for multiple weeks due to injuries, Robinson never found a way to make an impact. Now that all three are sharing the field, Robinson stands little chance of being a dependable fantasy contributor and is a risky bet in Week 12.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Kendrick Bourne Unlikely To Contribute In Week 12
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne took a big step back in the team's 41-22 dismantling of the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11. With Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall (knee) both on the field for the first time since Week 4, Bourne's snap share went from 68% in Week 10 to 25% in Week 11. Bourne finished the game without a single target. Bourne was riding high after back-to-back 142-yard games in Weeks 5 and 6, when injuries to Jennings, Pearsall, and George Kittle forced him to the top of the pecking order in the 49ers' passing game. As his teammates have recovered and returned to action, Bourne has seen his role diminished and has just nine targets over the 49ers' last five games. At this point, Bourne is simply a depth piece for San Francisco and holds very little potential to help fantasy football teams in Week 12.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jauan Jennings Has Top-24 Potential Against Carolina
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings held onto his role at the top of the depth chart despite Ricky Pearsall's (knee) return in Week 11. Jennings, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle led the team in targets with six apiece, though Brock Purdy's (toe) three touchdown throws went to the latter two, leaving Jennings with a mediocre 4-54-0 line in a 41-22 rout of the Cardinals. Jennings is in line for a more productive game in Week 12 against the Carolina Panthers. Carolina's secondary has been slipping lately, resulting in a top-12 finish for an opposing wide receiver in three of the last four weeks (the gap filled by a top-24 performance). Jennings straddles the line between WR2 and WR3 in Week 12 projections and is worthy of a starting slot in fantasy football lineups.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
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