Fantasy football Week 12: Start, sit and sleepers

Here's a look back at Week 11's action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 11 RECAP

Patriots 27, Jets 14: TreVeyon Henderson is the overall RB2 in standard formats (RB3 in PPR) in the last three games without Rhamondre Stevenson in the lineup. Henderson has produced at least 87 total yards in each game while scoring five total touchdowns.

Dolphins 16, Commanders 13 (OT): Jacory Croskey-Merritt has played more snaps, but Chris Rodriguez Jr. has been the more effective back for Washington with at least 79 yards or a TD in three straight games.

Panthers 30, Falcons 27 (OT): Only Superman himself, Josh Allen, scored more fantasy points at the quarterback position in Week 11 than Bryce Young. The former No. 1 overall pick threw for 448 yards, a career high, and three TD passes in the overtime win at Atlanta despite suffering an ankle injury early in the game.

Bills 44, Buccaneers 32: Speaking of Allen, he produced three TD passes and three rushing TDs for the second time in his career. No other player has ever done that in a game once.

Texans 16, Titans 13: Nico Collins has at least seven receptions, 10 targets and 75 yards in three straight games with Davis Mills under center for the last two.

Bears 19, Vikings 17: Luther Burden III finally passed Olamide Zaccheaus in three-receiver sets for the first time this season. Burden has played at least 44% of Chicago’s offensive snaps in two straight games after not topping 28.8% in his previous seven. This may be your last chance to grab him off the wire.

Packers 27, Giants 20: Josh Jacobs suffered a knee injury in the second quarter on Sunday at New York, and wasn’t able to return. Emanuel Wilson filled in nicely, producing 40 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries in Green Bay’s victory. Jacobs is day-to-day with a contusion, and could potentially play this weekend, but Wilson would have RB2 upside if he’s out.

Steelers 34, Bengals 12: Chase Brown is the overall RB13 in standard formats (RB9 in PPR) since Week 7 and has four straight games with at least 100 total yards.

Jaguars 35, Chargers 6: Travis Etienne Jr. is the overall RB13 in standard formats (RB12 in PPR) through 11 weeks with at least 15 touches in nine of 10 games this season. Etienne also has at least 55 total yards in every game with a TD in five of his last nine.

Rams 21, Seahawks 19: Matthew Stafford wasn’t great, but he was good enough against Seattle, completing 15 of 28 passes for 130 yards and two scores. In his last seven games, Stafford has completed 65.8% of his passes for 1,818 yards, 22 touchdowns and no interceptions.

49ers 41, Cardinals 22: Jacoby Brissett set an NFL record for completions with 47 against San Francisco on Sunday. Brissett finished as Week 11’s QB4 with 452 yards and two TDs in the loss. He is the overall QB8 since he took over for an injured Kyler Murray in Week 6, and has produced at least 258 passing yards and two TDs in all five of his starts this season.

Ravens 23, Browns 16: Shedeur Sanders completed only four passes in his NFL debut after Dillon Gabriel left the game against Baltimore with a concussion. Three of those passes went to Cedric Tillman. Food for thought with Sanders starting against the Raiders this week.

Broncos 22, Chiefs 19: Troy Franklin led Denver with 84 yards on four receptions and eight targets in the victory over Kansas City. Franklin is the overall WR5 in standard formats (WR8 in PPR) since Week 7 with at least 84 yards or a TD in four of his last five games.

Eagles 16, Lions 9: Brock Wright only had two receptions for eight yards in his first game after Sam LaPorta was placed on injured reserve. Wright did receive seven targets, so we’ll chalk the lack of production up to a difficult matchup at Philly.

Cowboys 33, Raiders 16: Since CeeDee Lamb returned from his ankle injury in Week 7, George Pickens is the overall WR16 in standard formats (WR12 in PPR) with at least 78 yards in all four games. Lamb is the overall WR11 in standard formats (WR13 in PPR) with at least seven receptions for 74 yards or a TD in all four.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Here are my best bets for Week 12:

BUFFALO AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Nico Collins (HOU).

Who to start: Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintains flex appeal despite the difficult matchup as the overall WR37 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) with at least six receptions or a TD in seven of 10 games this season. Woody Marks (HOU) has RB2/flex upside against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs. Jayden Higgins (HOU) has flex appeal with at least four receptions for 55 yards or a TD in three of the last four games. The Texans D/ST is averaging 11.3 fantasy points per game since Week 4.

Who to sit: I’m fading both Keon Coleman (BUF) and Joshua Palmer (BUF) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Dawson Knox (BUF) remains TD-dependent even with Dalton Kincaid out (hamstring) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. The Bills D/ST only deserves streaming consideration in deeper leagues. Davis Mills (HOU) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, including only four TD passes in the last six games. Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends, including four-or-fewer receptions in every game this season. Christian Kirk (HOU) remains TD-dependent with only six receptions for 35 yards on 15 targets in the last three games. Jaylin Noel (HOU) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only five targets in the last three games.

Sleeper: Nick Chubb (HOU) faces a defense that has allowed multiple rushing TDs to running backs in four of the last six games.

PITTSBURGH AT CHICAGO

Obvious starters: D’Andre Swift (CHI), Rome Odunze (CHI).

Who to start: DK Metcalf (PIT) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Jaylen Warren (PIT) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (ankle). Aaron Rodgers (PIT) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (wrist) against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) deserves streaming consideration as the overall TE8 in standard formats (TE11 in PPR) since Week 7. Caleb Williams (CHI) faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Colston Loveland (CHI) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends.

Who to sit: Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) remains TD-dependent unless Warren is out. Both Calvin Austin III (PIT) and Roman Wilson (PIT) remain boom-or-bust candidates despite a premium matchup. Jonnu Smith (PIT) remains TD-dependent with only 12 targets in the last four games. The Steelers D/ST is on the road and faces an offense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Kaleb Johnson (PIT) only has nine touches in the last three games. Darnell Washington (PIT) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in eight of 10 games this season. DJ Moore (CHI) is a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in four his last six games. Kyle Monangai (CHI) is TD-dependent and hasn’t topped 28 rushing yards in three of his last four games. Cole Kmet (CHI) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in eight of his nine games this season.

Sleeper: Luther Burden III (CHI) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including six TD receptions in the last five games.

NEW ENGLAND AT CINCINNATI

Obvious starters: Drake Maye (NE), Stefon Diggs (NE), Tee Higgins (CIN).

Who to start: Both TreVeyon Henderson (NE) and Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) have RB2/flex upside against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs — Henderson remains an obvious starter if Stevenson misses another game with a toe injury. Hunter Henry (NE) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends, including 10 TDs in the last six games. Kayshon Boutte (NE) has flex appeal with at least 55 yards and a TD in the last three games he finished before suffering a hamstring injury in Week 9. The Patriots D/ST faces an offense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Joe Flacco (CIN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed nine TD passes in the last four games.

Who to sit: DeMario Douglas (NE) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer targets in five of his last seven games. Mack Hollins (NE) is TD-dependent with Boutte back. I’m fading Chase Brown (CIN) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Sleeper(s): Noah Fant (CIN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends, including 31 receptions for 272 yards and two TDs in the last four games. Andrei Iosivas (CIN) faces a defense that has allowed seven TDs to wide receivers in the last three games and should see his usage increase with Ja’Marr Chase suspended this week.

N.Y. GIANTS AT DETROIT

Obvious starters: Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET).

Who to start: Jaxson Dart (NYG) is an obvious starter if he’s active (concussion). Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR30 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) through 11 weeks. Theo Johnson (NYG) is the overall TE6 across most fantasy formats since Week 4 and faces a defense that has allowed a TD to tight ends in two of the last three games. Jared Goff (DET) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 12 TD passes in the last five games. David Montgomery (DET) is the overall RB22 in standard formats (RB24 in PPR) through 11 weeks, and faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs. Jameson Williams (DET) is the overall WR2 in standard formats (WR4 in PPR) since Week 9 with at least four receptions for 66 yards and a TD in three straight games. The Lions D/ST is always a solid streaming option at home, especially after a loss.

Who to sit: I’m fading Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) and Devin Singletary (NYG) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Sleeper(s): Darius Slayton (NYG) has flex appeal if he’s active (hamstring) against a defense that has allowed nine TDs to wide receivers in the last six games — Isaiah Hodgins (NYG) would have flex appeal in deeper leagues if Slayton misses more time. Brock Wright (DET) faces a defense that has allowed at least five receptions or a TD to tight ends in six straight games.

MINNESOTA AT GREEN BAY

Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN).

Who to start: Jordan Addison (MIN) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR20 in standard formats (WR24 in PPR) since Week 4. Aaron Jones (MIN) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB15 in standard formats (RB17 in PPR) since Week 9 with at least 81 total yards or a TD in three straight games. Josh Jacobs (GB) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee), but I’d be surprised if he plays this week. Emanuel Wilson (GB) has RB2 upside if Jacobs is out against a defense that has allowed a rushing TD by a running back in four straight games. The Packers D/ST faces an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: TJ Hockenson (MIN) is TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in four straight games. Jordan Mason (MIN) is TD-dependent with six-or-fewer touches in three of the last four games. JJ McCarthy (MIN) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading the Vikings D/ST on the road against an offense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Jordan Love (GB) is the overall QB14 since Week 6 with only seven TD passes in his last six games. I’m fading Romeo Doubs (GB), Matthew Golden (GB) and Christian Watson (GB) against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers — I consider all three receivers TD-dependent this week.

Sleeper: Luke Musgrave (GB) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends, including a TD in three of the last four games.

SEATTLE AT TENNESSEE

Obvious starters: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), Kenneth Walker III (SEA), Seahawks D/ST.

Who to start: Sam Darnold (SEA) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed at least 274 passing yards or multiple TD passes in four straight games. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs with at least double-digit touches in eight of his nine games this season. Rashid Shaheed (SEA) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Who to sit: Cooper Kupp (SEA) remains TD-dependent with only 10 targets in his last three games. AJ Barner (SEA) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in eight of his 10 games this season. Tony Pollard (TEN) is the overall RB52 in standard formats (RB51 in PPR) since Week 8. Tyjae Spears (TEN) only has flex appeal in deeper PPR formats. Both Elic Ayomanor (TEN) and Chimere Dike (TEN) are dealing with injuries and face a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Sleeper(s): Both Chig Okonkwo (TEN) and Gunnar Helm (TEN) deserve streaming consideration against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends, including 20 receptions for 249 yards and two TDs in the last three games.

INDIANAPOLIS AT KANSAS CITY

Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Tyler Warren (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Rashee Rice (KC).

Who to start: Both Isiah Pacheco (KC) and Kareem Hunt (KC) have flex appeal against a defense that has allowed five rushing TDs to running backs in the last three games.

Who to sit: I’m fading Daniel Jones (IND) against a defense that has only allowed nine TD passes in 10 games this season. Both Alec Pierce (IND) and Josh Downs (IND) are TD-dependent against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. The Colts D/ST faces an offense on the road allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Xavier Worthy (KC) is TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in four of his last five games. The Chiefs D/ST faces an offense allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Sleeper: Marquise Brown (KC) has flex appeal with at least 48 yards or a TD in five of his last seven games.

N.Y. JETS AT BALTIMORE

Obvious starters: Breece Hall (NYJ), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL).

Who to start: Mark Andrews (BAL) is the overall TE4 in standard formats (TE6 in PPR) since Week 9. The Ravens D/ST is tied with the Texans as the second-highest scoring defense in fantasy since returning from its bye in Week 8.

Who to sit: Mason Taylor (NYJ) faces a defense that has only allowed 13 receptions and no TDs to tight ends in the last four games. Tyrod Taylor (NYJ) faces a defense that has only allowed two TD passes in the last five games. Adonai Mitchell (NYJ) is a boom-or-bust candidate until further notice. Rashod Bateman (BAL) remains TD-dependent if he’s active (ankle). Isaiah Likely (BAL) is TD-dependent if he’s active (calf). Justice Hill (BAL) has six touches in the last three games.

Sleeper: John Metchie III (NYJ) has flex appeal in deeper PPR formats with Garrett Wilson on IR against a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

CLEVELAND AT LAS VEGAS

Obvious starters: Quinshon Judkins (CLE), Brock Bowers (LV), Ashton Jeanty (LV).

Who to start: Both Jerry Jeudy (CLE) and Cedric Tillman (CLE) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including seven TDs in the last four games. The Browns D/ST faces an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: I’m fading David Njoku (CLE) if he’s active (knee) and Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Shedeur Sanders (CLE) faces a defense that has allowed one-or-fewer TD passes in six of 10 games this season. Geno Smith (LV) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Both Tre Tucker (LV) and Tyler Lockett (LV) are TD-dependent against a defense allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Michael Mayer (LV) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in six of his last seven games.

Sleeper: The Raiders D/ST faces an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

JACKSONVILLE AT ARIZONA

Obvious starters: Trey McBride (ARI).

Who to start: Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (shoulder). The Jaguars D/ST faces an offense that has committed multiple turnovers, allowed at least six sacks or a defensive TD in four straight games. Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) has flex appeal if he’s active (ankle) against a defense that has allowed six rushing TDs to running backs in the last four games. Jacoby Brissett (ARI) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 11 TD passes in the last four games. Michael Wilson (ARI) has WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed seven TD receptions to wide receivers in the last five games.

Who to sit: Trevor Lawrence (JAC) faces a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Both Jakobi Meyers (JAC) and Parker Washington (JAC) are TD-dependent even if Thomas misses more time. I’m fading both Bam Knight (ARI) and Michael Carter (ARI) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Sleeper: Brenton Strange (JAC) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (hip).

PHILADELPHIA AT DALLAS

Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), Saquon Barkley (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), George Pickens (DAL), Javonte Williams (DAL).

Who to start: Both AJ Brown (PHI) and DeVonta Smith (PHI) maintain WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Eagles D/ST on the road against an offense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Tank Bigsby (PHI) remains TD-dependent with Barkley healthy. Dak Prescott (DAL) faces a defense that hasn’t allowed multiple TD passes since Week 4. Jake Ferguson (DAL) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Jahan Dotson (PHI) is an absolute flex flier in deeper leagues against a defense that has allowed 17 TD receptions to wide receivers in the last nine games.

ATLANTA AT NEW ORLEANS

Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Chris Olave (NO).

Who to start: Darnell Mooney (ATL) has flex appeal as the Falcons’ de facto WR1 with Drake London out (knee). Tyler Allgeier (ATL) has flex appeal in deeper standard formats against a defense that has allowed at least one rushing TD in four straight games. Alvin Kamara (NO) has RB2/flex upside against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs. Juwan Johnson (NO) has at least five receptions for 53 yards or a TD in four straight games.

Who to sit: It’s hard to trust Kirk Cousins (ATL) against a defense that hasn’t allowed a TD pass in three of the last four games. Kyle Pitts (ATL) is TD-dependent against a defense that has only allowed a tight end to top 40 yards once since Week 5.

Sleeper(s): The Falcons D/ST faces an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Tyler Shough (NO) deserves streaming consideration in deeper leagues against a defense that has allowed 10 TD passes in the last four games.

TAMPA BAY AT L.A. RAMS

Obvious starters: Emeka Egbuka (TB), Puka Nacua (LAR), Davante Adams (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR), Matthew Stafford (LAR).

Who to start: Tez Johnson (TB) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR21 in standard formats (WR28 in PPR) since Week 6 with at least five receptions or a TD in four of the last five games. The Rams D/ST is tied for the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy with the Seahawks since Week 6.

Who to sit: Baker Mayfield (TB) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, including only five TD passes in the last five games. I’m fading Bucky Irving (TB), if he’s active (shoulder/foot), Sean Tucker (TB) and Rachaad White (TB) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m fading the Buccaneers D/ST on the road against an offense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Blake Corum (LAR) is TD-dependent in what should be a competitive matchup. Terrance Ferguson (LAR) faces a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends, and hasn’t allowed a TD to the position since Week 5.

Sleeper: Cade Otton (TB) faces a defense that has allowed at least 10 receptions for 70 yards or a TD to tight ends in three straight games.

CAROLINA AT SAN FRANCISCO

Obvious starters: Rico Dowdle (CAR), Tetairoa McMillan (CAR), Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF).

Who to start: Xavier Legette (CAR) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including six TD receptions in the last four games. Brock Purdy (SF) has finished as the weekly QB5, QB12 and QB14 in his three starts this season.

Who to sit: Chuba Hubbard (CAR) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 8. Jalen Coker (CAR) has three-or-fewer receptions in four of his five games this season. I’m fading Jauan Jennings (SF) and Ricky Pearsall (SF) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Brian Robinson Jr. (SF) remains TD-dependent while McCaffrey is healthy.

Sleeper: Bryce Young (CAR) deserves streaming consideration against a decimated 49ers’ defense who have allowed 732 passing yards and six TD passes the last two games.