Week 12 NFL DFS Picks - Top Value Plays, Sleepers & Stacking Tips (2025)

RotoBaller's Week 12 NFL DFS value plays, sleeper picks, and tournament stacks for daily fantasy football on FanDuel, DraftKings, and Yahoo. Win big in DFS with our expert research and advice.

In this article, I will highlight my three favorite Week 12 DFS stackable games to target and give the rationale for how I plan to attack each game. My first game to target will be the Patriots and Bengals. The 9-2 Patriots are well ahead of schedule, led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye, who is squarely in the MVP conversation. The Bengals are spiraling, and to make things worse, Ja'Marr Chase has been suspended by the NFL for one week for spitting on Jalen Ramsey in Week 11.

I also love the AFC showdown between Indianapolis and Kansas City. The 5-5 Chiefs are riding a two-game losing streak and facing a what feels like must-win game at Arrowhead to save their playoff hopes. This desperation falls squarely on the shoulders of Patrick Mahomes and the KC offense. The Colts are coming off a bye following an incredible performance where Jonathan Taylor ran wild for 244 yards and 3 scores (51.1 fantasy points) in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons. The Chiefs, if smart, will focus their entire defensive game plan on limiting Taylor, forcing Daniel Jones to throw more than he did against the Falcons.

We wrap things up with an NFC battle between Philadelphia and Dallas. This is a clash of narratives: the Eagles' recent elite defense vs. the Cowboys' lethal home offense. Hear me out for a second. I am betting that the Cowboys' need to win and their track record of scoring 40+ points in three out of four home games force this contest into a shootout, forcing the Eagles to abandon their conservative offensive approach.

NFL DFS Stacks & Value Picks: Week 12 Guide

Teams on a Bye:

Denver Broncos, LA Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders

Teams playing Thursday PM, Sunday PM, and Monday PM (not on main slate):

Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, LA Rams, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers

New England Patriots (9-2) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (3-7)

• Current Game Spread: Patriots -5.5
• Current Game Total: 49.5

Maye (FanDuel $8,900): Maye is currently leading the NFL with 2,836 passing yards, ranks 3rd in the NFL with 20 touchdown passes, and maintains an amazing 71.9% completion rate against only 5 interceptions. Maye is set up for his best statistical week, as the Bengals defense ranks dead last in almost every category: 32nd in total points against (334 total points), 28th in passing yards allowed (2,573 yards), and 32nd in passing touchdowns allowed (25 passing touchdowns).  Against this historically bad unit, Maye is the highest-ceiling quarterback on the slate, making him a no-brainer selection as he is averaging slightly over 20 FPPG. Maye is in my top 3 DFS QBs in Week 12. 

WR Stefon Diggs ($6,700 FanDuel): Although having a quiet season by his standards (59 catches, 659 yards, 3 TDs), he delivered one of his best performances of the season last week against the Jets (9 of 11 targets for 105 yards). The Maye / Diggs stack is one of the safest pairings in DFS, as Diggs should easily eclipse his season average (11.13 FPPG) against this swiss cheese secondary. Outside of Diggs, the rest of the Patriots' receiving corps is volatile due to Maye's tendency to distribute the ball. 

RB TreVeyon Henderson ($7,500 FanDuel): Rookie running back Henderson’s fantasy outlook is a bit murky this week as the Patriots expect Rhamondre Stevenson to return from injury. It would be smart for DFS players to avoid Henderson this week until the backfield workload clears up with Stevenson back in the rotation.

WR Tee Higgins ($7,500 FanDuel): Higgins has been a bit up and down this year (11.89 FPPG), but has saved his fantasy season thanks to his ability to find the end zone.  Scoring 7 TDs (3rd in the NFL) on 35 catches for 544 yards, Higgins will now have the opportunity to serve as the Bengals' WR1 this week with Chase suspended. If the Bengals have any shot at scoring against a Patriots defense that has given up only 4 total rushing touchdowns (2nd in NFL), it will be through the air.

QB Joe Flacco ($7,500 FanDuel): Flacco's volume makes him a calculated risk. After throwing for 1,035 yards and 9 TDs to 2 INTs in his previous three games, he struggled last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers (199 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception). However, the Bengals should fall behind early this week due to their poor defense and the Patriots' offensive efficiency, forcing Flacco (16.72 FPPG) to drop back and air it out all game. Betting on Flacco's volume and low price tag is a smart move.

RB Chase Brown ($6,900 FanDuel): While the Patriots are extremely tough against the run (1st in NFL vs RBs), they surprisingly rank dead last (32nd in NFL) in stopping running backs in the passing game, allowing 61 receptions to the running back position. This is the key leverage point: Chase Brown (11.73 FPPG) is one of the league's top receiving backs, logging 39 catches (4th among RBs) for 229 receiving yards (7th among RBs). With Chase suspended, Brown should be heavily involved in the passing game, mitigating his low rushing floor and potentially making him a rewarding option in DFS play. Given the opponent, Brown's roster percentage should be low this week, making him a high-risk, high-reward option.

Sleeper Targets:

Both TE Noah Fant ($5,200 FanDuel) (30 catches, 256 yards, 3 TDs) and WR Andrei Iosivas ($5,600 FanDuel) (19 catches, 256 yards, 1 TD) are two sleepers to consider in this matchup. With Chase out, someone other than Higgins must step up, and the cheapest way to access the Bengals' passing volume is through Fant (6.82 FPPG) and Losivas (5.25 FPPG). If the Patriots' top corner, Christian Gonzalez, shadows Higgins all game, Fant / losivas could be in for a big day.

Recommended DFS Stacks

• Maye / Diggs (Patriots Core Stack): The highest-floor QB/WR pairing in this matchup. 
• Maye / Diggs / Higgins (Primary Game Stack): The safest stack, Pairing Maye + Diggs with Bengals' WR1. 
• Maye / Diggs / Brown (Value Game Stack): Uses the high-floor passing attack and runs it back with the receiving back who exploits the Patriots' lone defensive weakness. 
• Flacco / Higgins (Bengals Stack): Bets on the Flacco/Higgins volume.
• Flacco / Higgins / Brown (Bengals Triple Stack): A full investment in the Bengals in a game where they should be playing keep up.

**Replace Higgins or Brown with either sleeper Fant or Losivas to save salary.

Indianapolis Colts (8-2) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (5-5)

• Current Game Spread: KC -3.5
• Current Game Total: 50.5

QB Patrick Mahomes ($8,100 FanDuel): Mahomes ranks 4th in the NFL with 2,625 passing yards and has thrown 18 touchdowns (8th) against 6 interceptions. The Colts' defense is middle-of-the-pack (17th in total yards, 25th in points allowed), providing a favorable setup for a quality performance. Mahomes (averaging 22.8 FPPG) is expected to come out swinging with his team's back against the wall in this must-win game. Mahomes is a sure-fire play in all fantasy formats. 

WR Rashee Rice ($8,100 FanDuel): Rice had a disappointing Week 11 (6 catches for 38 yards), but his overall usage is elite (26 catches for 253 yards and 3 scores in four games). He benefits this week from a Colts secondary that ranks 23rd against WRs in fantasy. The Mahomes/Rice stack is a great play in Week 12, betting on the game's high total and high target share against a weak secondary.

TE Travis Kelce ($6,000 FanDuel): Kelce is my preferred value tight end. He's been rolling as of late (18.9, 10.6, and 19.6 fantasy points over his past three games), and this week faces a Colts team that has struggled against TEs (3rd most FPPG allowed). As the 5th most expensive TE on FanDuel, Kelce could easily finish in the top 2, providing a massive return on investment.

WR Michael Pittman ($6,600 FanDuel): Pittman is the safest target on the Colts' side. While he had a season low output in Week 10 (2 catches for 19 yards), his overall performance is bankable: in games where he sees 8 or more targets, he has scored 19, 19.5, 17.3, 12.6, and 17 fantasy points. The game script dictates he will hit that 8-target threshold here, making him a steal at his price point against a tough KC secondary that ranks 3rd in FPPG allowed to opposing WRs.

Fades:

RB Jonathan Taylor ($10,000 FanDuel): JT has been the best running back in the NFL (averaging 27.39 FPPG). However, this is the most difficult decision on the slate: he faces a Chiefs defense that ranks 7th in FPPG allowed to RBs, and he is the most expensive back on the board. While he can certainly put up 25 fantasy points, the risk of the Chiefs selling out to stop the run, in addition to the significant salary cap hit, suggests pivoting to a cheaper RB.  Let the other managers take the risk this week. 

TE Tyler Warren ($6,500 FanDuel): Rookie TE Warren has been excellent (11.13 FPPG) but has not found the endzone in three straight games, which limits his upside against a Chiefs defense that has given up the 7th fewest fantasy points to TEs. Kelce is the preferred option at TE with a cheaper cap hit.

RB Kareem Hunt ($6,400 FanDuel): Hunt is an easy fade this week. With Isiah Pacheco highly doubtful again this week (missed the past 3 weeks with an MCL strain), Hunt will continue to be KC’s lead back, but the Colts have given up only 923 rushing yards (3rd best) this year. Hunt is extremely touchdown-dependent and has scored over 12 fantasy points only once in three games without Pacheco. It is better to spend your money elsewhere.

Sleeper Target:

WR Alec Pierce ($6,100 FanDuel): The connection between Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce has gained momentum in recent weeks. Pierce is the downfield threat for the Colts. Against a defensive coordinator like Steve Spagnuolo, who relies on exotic blitz packages, Pierce should have plenty of downfield opportunities against man coverage. If the Colts' offensive line can provide Jones just enough time to locate Pierce on the deep ball, the speedster has the potential to be a fantasy match-up winner. With such a low price point in a game projected for 50.5 points, Pierce offers the perfect sleeper opportunity to inject massive upside into your DFS lineup in Week 12. He is a high-risk, high-reward bet in Week 12.

Recommended DFS Stacks

• Mahomes / Rice / Pittman (or Pierce) (Full Game Stack): Pairs the two WR1s (or sleeper pick) from the high-volume offenses, capitalizing on both the Chiefs' urgency and Pittman's value.
• Mahomes / Kelce / Pittman (or Pierce) (Value Stack): Uses the affordable Kelce and Pittman (or Pierce) to pay down at tight end and receiver while locking in Mahomes.
• Jones / Pittman (or Pierce) / Kelce (Colts + Kelce Stack): Bets on the Jones/Pittman (or Pierce) volume and uses the affordable Kelce as the primary run-back. 
• Mahomes / Rice / Warren (Young Upside Stack): Uses the two most explosive young pass-catchers in the game.

I don't blame you if you want to take a shot on Taylor this week. I simply don't love his price point in this match-up.

Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) vs. Dallas Cowboys (4-5-1)

• Current Game Spread: Eagles -3.5
• Current Game Total: 47.5

QB Dak Prescott ($7,900 FanDuel): Dak continues to play at an MVP level, throwing for 2,587 yards (5th in the NFL), 21 touchdowns (2nd), against only 6 interceptions, and leading the NFL with a 75.1 QBR. Coming off a 268-yard, 4-touchdown performance, Prescott (averaging 20.52 FPPG) is a calculated risk worth taking in this pivotal matchup.

WR CeeDee Lamb ($9,000 FanDuel): Lamb (averaging 16.15 FPPG) is the key that makes this offense hum. He caught 6 passes for 66 yards and a score last week, and despite the low yardage, his day could have been better had Prescott not missed him wide open in the end zone late in the 4th quarter. Defenses have had no answers for Lamb this year, and I don't expect the Eagles to either. 

WR George Pickens ($7,700 FanDuel): Pickens (averaging 17.08 FPPG) just had his best performance with Lamb active (3 games), securing 9 passes for 144 yards and a score. While Prescott may rely on his "ol' faithful" Lamb in this rivalry game, Pickens remains an excellent pick at his price point. However, tampering with your expectations would be wise.

QB Jalen Hurts ($9,000 FanDuel): Hurts (averaging 20.43 FPPG) is the most expensive QB on the slate. Though Hurts has struggled recently, scoring just 14.5 and 12.02 fantasy points over the past two games, the Cowboys' defense ranks 32nd in FPPG against QBs, making this a great get-right spot. The Cowboys will try to force Hurts to throw, which gives him a solid floor in Week 12. Rostering Hurts is a vote of confidence in his throwing ability. Pair the possible passing volume with his ability to run, and Hurts could be worth the price tag. 

WR A.J. Brown ($7,900 FanDuel): Brown (averaging 9.86 FPPG) is having a poor statistical year (38 catches for 457 yards and 3 touchdowns) and has been visibly frustrated. He has scored 10 or more fantasy points only twice in 2025. However, given the high-scoring expectation, Brown's low salary hit makes him a calculated risk.

WR DeVonta Smith ($7,200 FanDuel): Smith is preferred over Brown for consistency/floor. Despite his worst statistical output last week (1 catch for 8 yards), Smith could be a steal at his price point. He offers a steadier floor than Brown, but Brown holds the higher ceiling if you believe the passing game finally breaks out.

RB Saquon Barkley ($9,000 FanDuel): Barkley is a strong play regardless of game script. The Dallas defense gives up an average of 143 rushing yards to RBs, a weakness the Eagles will attack if they don't fall behind early. If the Eagles are forced to pass, Barkley can still put up good fantasy numbers as he is an elite pass-catching RB. Barkley, despite being "disappointing" for season-long owners, could explode here against this Dallas defense in Week 12.

Fades:

TE Jake Ferguson ($6,400 FanDuel): Since Lamb's Week 7 return, Ferguson's production has fallen, failing to reach 10 points and becoming extremely touchdown-dependent. Against an Eagles defense that has given up the 2nd fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season, he should be avoided.

RB Javonte Williams ($8,200 FanDuel): Williams is having a resurgence (averaging 15.92 FPPG), but his price is the 7th highest (RB) on the slate. Given the likely game script with the Cowboys attempting to put up a crooked number to force the Eagles to pass, fading Williams at this hefty price is the smart move.

Recommended DFS Stacks

• Prescott / Lamb (Dallas Stack): Betting on the most reliable connection.
• Prescott / Pickens (WR2 Stack): A slightly riskier play that pays off if the Eagles prioritize neutralizing Lamb.
• Hurts / Smith (Eagles Steady Floor Stack): A high-floor stack for the Eagles, trusting Smith's target share.
• Hurts / Brown (Boom-or-Bust Stack): Can Brown and Hurts figure it out? 
• Hurts / Barkley / Lamb (Full Game Stack): The top combination, pairing the Eagles' dual-threat engine with their high-volume back and running it back with the most explosive player on the Cowboys.
• Prescott / Lamb / Brown (Passing Stack): A high-variance stack that bets on both teams' WR1s.
• Prescott / Pickens / Smith (Passing Stack 2.0): Uses the cheaper WRs from both sides in what could be a shootout.

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