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Who should I start in Fantasy Football? NFL Week 12 roster recommendations by position
With a whopping six teams on bye this week and fantasy playoffs rapidly approaching, you’ll need to be careful about your lineup this week. Here’s our recs.
As Week 11 of the NFL season has wrapped up, there are only a few more games left of the fantasy season before playoffs begin. This week, setting your lineups gets complicated as six teams have their bye weeks in Week 12, so it may be time to visit that waiver wire.
Whether you’re still a win or loss away from making it to your league’s postseason, coasting by in first or second place, or just trying to avoid the toilet trophy given to last place (every league does that, right?), here’s our advice for who to start in Week 12. But first, let’s consider the bye and injuries.
- Atlanta Falcons
- Buffalo Bills
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- New Orleans Saints
- New York Jets
With these teams out, there will be some significant holes that need filling. In Week 12, there’s no Josh Allen, Alvin Kamara, Ja’Marr Chase, or Bijan Robinson, just to name a few.
Key injuries in Week 12:
- RB Isaiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs (ankle): Set to return from IR in Week 12, but could potentially wait to play until Week 13
- WR Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons (hamstring): Falcons are on bye this week and Mooney is expected to return by Week 13
- RB Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders (ankle): Questionable for Week 12
- RB Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders (groin): Questionable for Week 12
- RB Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans (concussion): Questionable for Week 12, but usually takes over a week to clear protocol
- WR Gabe Davis, Jacksonville Jaguars (knee): Out for the season
- WR Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (hamstring): Questionable but could potentially return in Week 12
NFL Fantasy Football Week 12: recommended starters
Quarterbacks
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos @ Raiders:
Nix is not a weekly starter just yet, but he’s making a name for himself in fantasy and should be assessed weekly. Last week, he put up 307 yards and four touchdowns against the Falcons. That makes three out of his last four games in which he’s thrown multiple touchdowns. This week, he happens to be up against a Raiders defense that has allowed the eighth-most points to opposing quarterbacks.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers vs Ravens:
Herbert had a slow start to the season, but has recently had a breakthrough with the Chargers beginning to lean on their passing game more. After not scoring even 15 points over the first seven games, Herbert has scored at least 19 in his last four. This week, he’s up against a Ravens defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Running Backs
Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs @ Panthers
If you’re wondering if you should still start Hunt even as Isiah Pacheco comes back to the Chiefs, the answer is yes. In his first game back, Pacheco will take some time to get back to his full self. Plus the Panthers are one of the worst teams in the league, and the Chiefs will have plenty of scoring opportunities for both players.
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Giants
White and Bucky Irving have both been dominating with their shared touches in Tampa Bay, with White putting up at least 15 PPR points in three of their last four games. In their game against the 49ers, White logged fewer carries and rushing yards than Irving, but put up more receptions and receiving yards, making him a versatile option.
Wide Receivers
Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers vs Ravens:
Even when he isn’t targeted much, McConkey has found ways to make big impacts. He’s up against the Ravens defense in Week 12, which have given up the most non-PPR points to opposing wide receivers this season. With Herbert taking advantage of his passing game, lately, McConkey could have even more opportunities against Baltimore.
George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers @ Browns:
Pickens continues to thrive with Russell Wilson under center for the Steelers, averaging 17.7 PPR points since he took over. He has a favorable matchup against the Browns this week, who have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.
Tight Ends
Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Giants:
While it’s possible that Mike Evans could be returning to the Bucs this week, which could see Otton’s targets take a slight hit, he’s still worth a start. He’ll still be the second-favorite target of Baker Mayfield’s, and his stats over the last four games leave me hopeful he’ll be able to keep up the momentum.
Will Dissly, Los Angeles Chargers vs Ravens:
Dissly has seen a huge increase in targets over the last five games and is getting into a groove with Justin Herbert. He had his best game all season last week with four receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals for 18 fantasy points. He should have a similar performance against the Ravens in Week 12.
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