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 Busts? Players To Consider Avoiding

Keith Hernandez analyzes NFL players to consider sitting or benching for Week 12. These are his top potential fantasy football lineup busts to avoid starting.

Heading into Week 12, let's take a look at a list of the players used the most around the league at their positions. At running back, Dalvin Cook leads the league with 214 rushing attempts, followed by Nick Chubb (201), Chris Carson (200), Christian McCaffrey (199) and Ezekiel Elliott (194). Austin Ekeler and McCaffrey are tied for the most targets (74) in the passing game, with James White (62), Tarik Cohen (61) and Alvin Kamara (59) rounding out the top five.

Michael Thomas leads all receivers with 114 targets, followed by Keenan Allen (108), DeAndre Hopkins (104), Julian Edelman (100) and Mike Evans (97). At tight end, Travis Kelce has the most targets (91), followed by Zach Ertz (85), Darren Waller (72), Mark Andrews (70) and Evan Engram (68). These players aren't immune to bust weeks, but they're typically the safest plays at their position on a week-to-week basis due to the expected volume.

Below are 10 potential busts for Week 12 of the 2019 fantasy football season.

Editor's Note: Discover RotoBaller’s top Fantasy Football Sleepers to gain an edge in your drafts. Our free who to draft tool and expert picks spotlight undervalued players, breakout candidates, and late-round gems for all league formats.

 

Potential Quarterback Busts for Week 12

Tom Brady - New England Patriots Vs. Cowboys

Brady started the year off hot with seven touchdowns and no interceptions the first three weeks, but that was against the Steelers, Dolphins and Jets. In seven games since then, he has seven touchdowns and five interceptions, and he's thrown one TD and a pick the last two games. He hasn't gone over 300 yards passing since Oct. 10 against the Giants. Brady ranks 15th in fantasy points per game (21.2).

Dallas has been pretty solid against the pass for most of the year, but the main thing working against Brady is that Mohamed Sanu (ankle) will be out, and Phillip Dorsett (concussion) could be sidelined or limited as well. We could see a lot more three-and-outs if Brady is throwing to Edelman and two rookies.

Jared Goff - Los Angeles Rams Vs. Ravens (Monday night)

Since he thrashed the winless Bengals for 372 yards and two touchdowns on Oct. 27, Goff has been pitiful against the Steelers and Bears in back-to-back weeks, throwing no touchdowns and three interceptions. He ranks 21st in fantasy points per game (19.7) at his position and is facing a Ravens Defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game (15.3) to QBs the last five weeks. Goff could also be without Robert Woods (personal) again, too.

Others: Josh Allen (Vs. Broncos), Aaron Rodgers (@49ers)

 

Potential Running Back Busts for Week 12

Aaron Jones - Green Bay Packers @ 49ers

The Packers have a tough test coming out of their bye on the road against a stout defense. Jones is tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns with 11, but he ranks 16th among RBs with 135 attempts on the season and continues to share valuable touches with Jamaal Williams. In a game where Green Bay could struggle to move the ball consistently with limited offensive plays, Jones may underwhelm. The Niners D has allowed the fourth fewest fantasy points per game (12.9) to opposing running backs this year.

Mark Ingram - Baltimore Ravens @ Rams (Monday night)

Ingram has the benefit of playing for an explosive offense led by exciting QB Lamar Jackson, which is a big reason why he has eight scores on the ground. He also has double-digit carries in all but one game this season and is averaging 4.9 yards per carry. However, if LA's talented defensive front can control the line of scrimmage, which they're plenty capable of doing, Baltimore's ground game could struggle. The Rams have allowed only 245 rushing yards and no scores on 80 attempts the last five weeks (four games).

Josh Jacobs - Oakland Raiders @ Jets

The talented rookie is fourth in the NFL with 923 rushing yards. He has a touchdown or 100 yards rushing in his last three games and has seen 20-plus carries in four of the last six contests. You can't argue with his production for a contending Raiders squad. But Gang Green's rush defense is much better than their passing D, and Derek Carr could easily take advantage through the air and allow Jacobs a little breather. Jacobs typically doesn't see many targets in the passing game, either.

Others: Christian McCaffrey (@ Saints), Chris Carson (@ Eagles), Joe Mixon (Vs. Steelers)

 

Potential Wide Receiver Busts for Week 12

Amari Cooper - Dallas Cowboys @ Patriots

The Pats have been one of the stingiest defenses against receivers all year, and they're also the only team not to allow a touchdown to a wideout in the last five weeks (four games). Despite battling through ailments for much of the year, Cooper has the fourth most fantasy points (130.6) at his position. Don't be surprised if he's still effective, but playing at less than 100 percent against Stephon Gilmore -- one of the best corners in the league -- isn't usually a recipe for success.

John Brown - Buffalo Bills Vs. Broncos

Brown is coming off his best game of the season with nine catches (14 targets) for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Everyone had been waiting for his ceiling, but it came against the Dolphins. Brown does have the fourth most targets (46) of any receiver the last five weeks, but Denver's secondary has been good at slowing down opposing passing games and quarterback Josh Allen is known to be inconsistent. Expect Chris Harris Jr. to shadow Buffalo's top wideout.

Courtland Sutton - Denver Broncos @ Bills

Just imagine if Sutton didn't have Brandon Allen throwing him passes... He still scored in Week 9 and went over 100 yards in Week 11 against the Vikings, but Sutton's downside is scarier going up against a solid Bills Defense on the road. Allen could very well be better than Joe Flacco was earlier this year, but he also doesn't have much upside. And the Bills defense has allowed the sixth fewest fantasy points per game (18.2) to receivers all season.

Others: Tyler Lockett (@ Eagles), D.J. Moore (@ Saints), Golden Tate (@ Bears)

 

Potential Tight End Busts for Week 12

Jimmy Graham - Green Bay Packers @ 49ers 

This one is easy. In the last five weeks, Graham ranks 26th in the league at his position with 17 targets. He comes in at 20th at his position with 5.5 fantasy points per game over that same span. San Francisco's defense has been the stingiest to tight ends in the last five weeks, allowing 15 receptions, 110 yards, a touchdown and 3.4 fantasy points per game. Graham is getting to the point where it's more surprising if he has a good game.

Gerald Everett - Los Angeles Rams Vs. Ravens (Monday night)

The 25-year-old has had somewhat of a breakout year with 35 catches (57 targets) for 385 yards and two touchdowns. But he had just one grab for 20 yards last week and hasn't scored since Oct. 2o against the Falcons. He could see even fewer looks if both Brandin Cooks (concussion) and Robert Woods (personal) are back in action. On top of it, the Ravens have been the second toughest team on tight ends in the last five weeks.

Others: Noah Fant (@ Bills), Jared Cook (Vs. Panthers)

More Weekly Lineup Prep




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

Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy With Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Bo Bichette

Out Again on Tuesday
Trent Grisham

Likely Heading to Injured List
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Royce Lewis

Twins Activate Royce Lewis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
Corbin Carroll

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
Yordan Alvarez

Could Return Early Next Week
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Kerry Carpenter

Shelved with Hamstring Issue
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard Waived By Milwaukee
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Andrei Kuzmenko

Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Morgan Geekie

Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Ivan Provorov

Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Alex Pietrangelo

Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Matias Maccelli

Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Evan Bouchard

Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Vladimir Tarasenko

Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Patrick Kane

Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Brad Marchand

Lands Six-Year Extension
Aaron Ekblad

Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Mitchell Marner

Heads to Vegas
Randy Arozarena

Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Shea Langeliers

Hits Three-Run Homer In Return From Injured List Monday
Wilyer Abreu

Belts Grand Slam and Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
New York Knicks

Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign With Knicks
Zack Wheeler

Tosses Eight Shutout Innings, Punches Out 10
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
George Springer

Exits Early Monday With Neck Injury
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Clippers

Brook Lopez Strikes Deal With Clippers
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Hunter Goodman

Likely Headed to Injured List
Chicago Bulls

Tre Jones Remaining in Chicago
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith Signing With Rockets
Atlanta Hawks

Caris LeVert Joining Pistons
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF