👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 12 Boom and Bust Candidates: Drew Brees, Odell Beckham Jr., LeSean McCoy & More

We’re at the point of the season where just one more win may get you into the postseason, and just one more loss may keep you out. It may be the most wonderful time of the year as far as holiday season, but in fantasy football land, this is the end of the line for a lot of owners who’ll make the wrong decisions. Let’s hope that’s not you.

To be extra sure, we’ve created a boom/bust list of players who are most likely to have superb showings on Sunday or Monday, and the others who will disappoint and end many fantasy playoff hopes. Good luck.

 

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

Potential Booms of the Week

Quarterbacks:

Eli Manning, QB, Giants: It has been a very up and down season for the younger Manning, but an extra week of preparation for the Redskins makes Manning a great play this Sunday. He has thrown 10 TDs in his last three games and the Redskins have allowed nine TD passes in their last three games.

Drew Brees, QB, Saints: Over the last three games, the Texans have been downright nasty against QBs, allowing just one passing TD and an average of 194.7 passing YDs per game. Still, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Andy Dalton and Marcus Mariota are not Drew Brees. I like the future hall of famer to get back on track this week.

Running Backs:

T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jaguars: Despite not topping 100 YDs since Week 7, T.J. Yeldon has still gotten a lot of touches and offers fantasy owners a high floor and ceiling in any given week. Facing the San Diego Chargers, who are giving up the most fantasy points to RBs in the NFL, Yeldon should be a lock for a huge game.

Chris Ivory, RB, Jets: Chris Ivory did not look great last week against the Texans, gaining just 36 rushing YDs, but then again, no one on the Jets did. This week, the power back gets a home matchup with a Miami Dolphins squad that has allowed 465 rushing YDs and four rushing TDs over the last three games. Expect a nice score from Ivory.

Wide Receivers:

Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Giants: A big game for Eli generally means a big game for OBJ. The second-year wideout has over 100 receiving YDs in each of his last three games and gets a gift matchup against the Redskins in Week 12. Washington has allowed 39 receptions, 513 receiving YDs and five receiving TDs to WRs over the last three weeks.

Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals: The 49ers are near the bottom of the league in pass defense. Larry Fitzgerald torched them for 134 YDs and two TDs in Week 3. Fitzgerald has at least 90 receiving YDs in six games this season. In their last two games, the Niners have surrendered 28 receptions, two TDs and 316 YDs to WRs.

Tight Ends:

Gary Barnidge, TE, Browns: Fantasy owners certainly missed Gary Barnidge last week, as the TE has grown into a true stud at the position this season, scoring seven TDs so far. Don’t let Baltimore’s defense against TEs (only two TDs allowed this season to the position) scare you off. Barnidge is matchup proof.

Jordan Reed, TE, Redskins: Entering Week 11, Jordan Reed had scored five TDs in the previous three weeks and was looking like a Top 5 TE. Things stalled a bit in Week 11 against Carolina, but they’ve been shutting everyone down. Reed is clearly Kirk Cousins’ favorite target, and the Giants have shown some vulnerability against TEs (363 YDs three TDs in last four games).

Defenses:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers have put up double-digit fantasy points in each of the past two weeks and face an Indianapolis team that has allowed defenses to score at least nine in three of the past four weeks.

Kansas City Chiefs: Since Week 5, few defenses have been better than Kansas City’s. They haven’t allowed a team to score more than 18 points in any game during that stretch and have racked up at least 10 fantasy points in five out of six games since then.

 

Potential Busts of the Week

Quarterbacks:

Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons: Let’s face it, Matt Ryan has been an underachiever this season. Generally considered a top 10 fantasy QB, Ryan had his first three TD game of the season last week. Minnesota has been great against QBs, allowing just one 300 YD passing game since Week 3 and no three TD performances all season.

Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals: After an unbelievably strong start to the season, Andy Dalton has slowed down somewhat in recent weeks. In two of his last four games, he’s posted single digit fantasy football performances and he has also turned the ball over four times in the last four weeks. The Rams have allowed multiple passing TDs just twice this season and 300 YDs passing just once.

Running Backs:

LeSean McCoy, RB, Bills: The elusive RB has played well as of late, but draws an unfortunate matchup against the seemingly impenetrable Chiefs defense. With Kansas City having allowed just a single 100 YD game and one rushing TD to RBs since Week 5, things don’t look good for LeSean McCoy this game.

Frank Gore, RB, Colts: The Buccaneers have a sneaky good defense and have not given up a rushing TD since Week 4. While Frank Gore has been solid this season, he has been largely unspectacular (no 100 YD rushing games, only four TDs). He doesn’t offer much reason to believe he can rise above a bad matchup.

Lamar Miller, RB, Dolphins: The Jets have one of the best run defenses in the league (one rushing TD allowed, three games with 100-plus rushing YDs allowed) and have already shown they can shut Lamar Miller down. Though these Dolphins appear to be a different team than the Week 4 version the Jets crushed, Miller still looks like a good candidate to put up a second consecutive dud.

Thomas Rawls, RB, Seahawks: Thomas Rawls looks ready to become the next fantasy RB star following his impressive 209 YD performance against the 49ers last week. But hold your horses a bit. First, he was at home facing the sorry 49ers. Second, he’s squaring off against a much better Pittsburgh defensive front in Week 12. Though they’ve shown some cracks in the armor recently, the Steelers have been among the best units against the run this season.

Wide Receivers:

A.J. Green, WR, Bengals: A.J. Green has been another fantasy bust this season, with two impact games the entire year. St. Louis has been strong against WRs, limiting them to 346 receiving YDs and one score over the past five weeks. In a game that could see Dalton struggle, Green is not a strong play this week.

Sammy Watkins, WR, Bills: Last week’s tilt with the Patriots looked like a great game for Sammy Watkins to explode. Instead, he put up another sub-par performance with just 39 receiving YDs. Even against a suspect Kansas City secondary in Week 12, Watkins is not someone you can trust anymore.

Tight Ends:

Jordan Cameron, TE, Dolphins: Jordan Cameron actually got in the end zone last week, but still only had two receptions for 21 YDs. His season high in receptions is four. At a very shallow position, it’s hard to get picky about TEs, but when you add in the fact that the Jets have given up 15 receptions, 124 receiving YDs and no scores to TEs since Week 7, it’s clear Cameron is a bad start.

Defenses:

Denver Broncos: It seemed like a risky idea to start the Broncos against the Packers in Week 8 and they scored 11 fantasy points. Then in the following two weeks it seemed they had favorable matchups and have totaled just seven. Heading into a game against the Patriots, there’s no way I trust the Broncos defense. No defense has scored more than six against New England in 2015.

 

Diamonds in The Rough

Are injuries putting your week and potentially your season in danger? Look to the waiver for a one-week savior. We’re here to guide the way:

Jameis Winston, QB, Buccaneers: You can’t expect five TDs from him again, but he has at least 12 fantasy points in every game this season and the Colts allow an average of 16.8 fantasy points per game to QBs.

David Johnson, RB, Cardinals: Though he has limited upside because of his usage, David Johnson could sneak in some points based on the matchup against the 49ers.

Dwayne Harris, WR, Redskins: Dwayne Harris has seen his production increase over the last few weeks and is worth a shot against the soft Redskins defense.

Kyle Rudolph, TE, Vikings: It would be foolish to expect a repeat of last week’s performance, but Rudolph could get into the end zone against the Falcons, who have allowed six TDs by TEs this season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, DEF: As stated earlier, the Buccaneers have been a strong under the radar defensive option in fantasy. Indy’s offense is in disarray and has given up at least one turnover in seven out of 10 games this season.

 

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
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Nick Pivetta

Confident he'll Pitch Again This Year
Alex Lyon

Expected to Miss Playoff Opener
Jett Howard

Good to Go on Wednesday
Zach Hyman

Set to Return Thursday
Sam Steel

Back in Action Wednesday
Gustav Forsling

Sits Out Season Finale
OG Anunoby

Practices on Wednesday
Matthew Tkachuk

Rejoins Panthers Lineup Wednesday
TB

Max Crozier Available Against Rangers
Brandon Hagel

Returns for Regular-Season Finale
Trevor Story

Carries Red Sox With Five RBI on Wednesday
Sam Antonacci

Officially Called Up by White Sox
Jorge Soler

Suspension Reduced to Four Games
Harrison Bader

Giants Place Harrison Bader on 10-Day Injured List With Hamstring Strain
Matthew Golden

Packers "Clearing the Way" for Matthew Golden on WR Depth Chart
CFB

Michigan Lands Commitment From Quarterback Kamden Lopati
Arizona Cardinals

Ty Simpson Visiting With Cardinals on Wednesday
De'Von Achane

"Not Available for Trade"
Travis Hunter

Will Still Play Receiver in 2026
Ketel Marte

Serving as Designated Hitter on Wednesday
Kevin McGonigle

Tigers, Kevin McGonigle Agree to Eight-Year Contract Extension
Sahith Theegala

Brings Strong Form Into Harbour Town
Kansas City Chiefs

Jordyn Tyson in Play for Chiefs at No. 9 Overall in NFL Draft?
Wyndham Clark

Needs Putter to Show Up at RBC Heritage
Ryan Weathers

Allows Four Homers, Strikes Out 10 on Tuesday
Byron Buxton

Sets the Tone for Twins With Two Homers on Tuesday
Hunter Goodman

Homers Twice in Loss to Astros
JJ Wetherholt

Goes Yard Twice in Win Over Guardians
Colston Loveland

Could Colston Loveland Emerge as the Dynasty TE1?
Khalil Shakir

Has Khalil Shakir Fallen Too Far in Dynasty Rankings?
Christian Watson

How High is the Ceiling for Christian Watson?
Pat Freiermuth

Can Pat Freiermuth Become More Than a Depth Piece Again?
Cale Makar

Returns With Three-Assist Performance
Jimmy Snuggerud

Records First Career Four-Point Game
Tua Tagovailoa

How Much Value Does Tua Tagovailoa Offer as Falcons' Starter?
Jeremy Swayman

Ends Losing Run With Shutout Performance
Oliver Moore

Won't Play Wednesday
Nils Lundkvist

Returns for Regular-Season Finale
Roope Hintz

to Miss First Two Playoff Games
Pavel Zacha

Will Be Available for Start of Playoffs
Jalen Green

Scores Team-High 35 Points During Play-In Loss
Jrue Holiday

Nets 21 Points in Playoff Clincher
Deni Avdija

Helps Trail Blazers Into Playoffs With 41-Point Effort
Miles Bridges

Caps Off Big Night With Game-Winning Block
LaMelo Ball

Leads Hornets to Victory Versus Heat
Isaiah Jackson

Questionable Wednesday
Jacob Bridgeman

Looks to Return to Elite Form at Harbour Town
J.J. Spaun

a Volatile Option at RBC Heritage
PGA

Sungjae Im Offers High-Upside Value at RBC Heritage
Matt Fitzpatrick

Set for Another Strong Showing at RBC Heritage
Jason Day

Eyes Bounce-Back After Sunday Struggles at the Masters
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Rebound at Harbour Town
Zay Flowers

Set to Face Competition After Career-Best Season?
Detroit Lions

Lions Open to Trading Up in the NFL Draft
New York Giants

Giants and Dexter Lawrence Reach a Contract Impasse
Jordan Mason

Is Jordan Mason's Buy-Low Window Still Open?
Dak Prescott

Still a Dynasty Target After Leading NFL in Completions
CeeDee Lamb

Trending Down Slightly in Dynasty Leagues?
Ketel Marte

Diamondbacks Expect Ketel Marte to Return on Wednesday
Zay Flowers

Ravens Could Add Receiver in First Round to Pair With Zay Flowers
Cameron Young

Hoping to Secure Second Win of Season at RBC Heritage
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Again at RBC Heritage
Shane Lowry

Has Disappointing Final Round at Masters
Viktor Hovland

Hoping to Build on Final Round at Masters
Brian Harman

Struggling For Consistency Heading to RBC Heritage
Chris Gotterup

Putting Together Outstanding 2026 Season
Derwin James Jr.

Looking for a New Deal?
NFL

Oscar Delp to Visit With Buccaneers, Chargers
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Getting Hamstring Checked After Earning Save on Tuesday
Justin Thomas

Looks to Defend in Hilton Head
Kimani Vidal

Chargers Officially Re-Sign Kimani Vidal
Jordan Spieth

in Search of Improved Putting at RBC Heritage
Willson Contreras

Exits Early on Tuesday Due to Lower-Back Tightness
A.J. Brown

Still With the Eagles
Marco Penge

May Continue Up-and-Down Ride at the RBC Heritage
Jerami Grant

Coming Off the Bench Tuesday
Xander Schauffele

Could Get The Job Done at RBC Heritage
Quinten Post

Won't Play Wednesday
Jake Knapp

Keeps Building Strong Results in 2026
Draymond Green

Available Wednesday Night
Bam Adebayo

Ruled Out for Rest of Tuesday's Game
Kurt Kitayama

Trying to Regain Form From Florida
Collin Morikawa

Continues to be a Scary DFS Play at RBC Heritage
Kawhi Leonard

Ready for Play-In Action
Grayson Allen

Won't Play Tuesday Night
Bam Adebayo

Questionable to Return Tuesday
Jerami Grant

Returns to Action Tuesday
Triston Casas

Shut Down With Abdominal Strain
Jaxson Hayes

Ready for Game 1 Against Rockets
Zion Williamson

Pelicans Not Interested in Trading Zion Williamson
Johni Broome

Remains Out Wednesday
Trendon Watford

Probable for Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

is Returning on Tuesday
Royce O'Neale

and Mark Williams Available on Tuesday
Ketel Marte

Scratched on Tuesday With Back Tightness
Nick Pivetta

Heads to 15-Day Injured List With Elbow Inflammation
John Marino

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Pyotr Kochetkov

Starting for Hurricanes Tuesday
Gabriel Moreno

Diamondbacks Put Gabriel Moreno on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Matvei Gridin

Returns to Action Tuesday
Cole Ragans

Returning to the Mound on Tuesday Against Tigers
Ryan Pulock

Unavailable for Season Finale
Luis Arraez

Back in Giants Lineup on Tuesday
Evander Kane

Not Expected to Play This Week
Erik Karlsson

Kris Letang Won't Play Tuesday
Sidney Crosby

Evgeni Malkin Resting on Tuesday
CFB

Tramell Jones Jr. Outperforms Aaron Philo During Florida's Spring Scrimmage
CFB

Keelon Russell Flashes in Alabama's Spring Game
Ty Gibbs

Holds off the Field for His First Cup Series Victory at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Earns His First Runner-Up Finish at Bristol
Kyle Larson

Dominant Performance At Bristol Falls Short of Victory
Tyler Reddick

Matches his Career-Best Finish at Bristol
Alex Bowman

Crashes Early at Bristol in Return From Injury
Carlos Ulberg

Is The New Light Heavyweight Champion
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Azamat Murzakanov

Suffers His First Loss
Paulo Costa

Wins Back-to-Back Fights
Curtis Blaydes

Drops Decision At UFC 327
Josh Hokit

Remains Unbeaten
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar A Worthy DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
NASCAR

Could Bubba Wallace Be A Solid DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
Carlos Ulberg

A Slight Underdog
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Can Become UFC Champion Again
Paulo Costa

Makes his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Azamat Murzakanov

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Josh Hokit

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Curtis Blaydes

A Favorite At UFC 327
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF