The Fanatics Start/Sit Advice for Week 12
It’s hard to believe that we are almost at the end of the fantasy football season already. This week will some teams playoff aspirations will go up in flames, others will clinch a playoff berth or hang on to stay alive one more week. Everyone knows to start Saquon Barkley and Michael Thomas every week, so the focus of this article are players who are a tier or two below the every week fantasy mainstays that are being started regardless of matchup. The recommended starts or sits change based on the situation, so its best to look at these as players who will over- or underperform their usual weekly output.
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Quarterback
The Fanatics QB Start of the Week
Sam Darnold (NYJ) vs OAK
After seeing ghosts in New England, many thought the fantasy value of Sam Darnold was completely shot. He’s quietly put together back to back games of 20+ fantasy points, throwing for four touchdowns and nearly 300 yards last week (293). Up next is an Oakland defense that gives up the sixth-most passing yards per game (262.2), the third-most passing touchdowns (24), and gives up the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing Quarterbacks. With the Jets also having a suspect defense, giving up the ninth-most points per game, this game has sneaky shootout potential and see plenty of points scored. Expect Darnold to continue his streak of at least 20 fantasy points and a rock-solid streamer this week.
Other Starts
- Jeff Driskel (DET) @ Was
- Baker Mayfield (CLE) vs Mia
The Fanatics QB Sit of the Week
Jared Goff (LAR) vs BAL
(note: This is for 1QB leagues. With byes it’s hard to sit any QB in Superflex/2QB)Â
Not only is Jared Goff facing one of the hottest defenses in the league in the Baltimore Ravens, Goff hasn’t thrown for 250 yards or a touchdown since Week 8 versus Cincinnati (Los Angeles was on bye Week 9). Since trading for Marcus Peters opposing Quarterbacks have averaged 215.5 yards per game and yet to throw for more than one touchdown in a game (they held Deshaun Watson to none in Week 11). They’ve had an interception in every game since Week 4 and are peaking at the right time. Goff is playing possibly the worst football of his career at the moment, and the Ravens aren’t a get right spot. I’d be looking elsewhere in all leagues if possible. I’d start Darnold, Nick Foles, even Ryan Tannehill over Goff this week.
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Other Sits
- Daniel Jones (NYG) @ CHI
- Carson Wentz (PHI) vs Sea
Running Back
The Fanatics RB Start of the Week
Tevin Coleman (SF) vs GB
After blowing up for 105 yards and three touchdowns against the Panthers in Week 8, Tevin Coleman has failed to rush for over 40 yards or score a touchdown in any game since. That should change against a Packers defense that has given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs and allowed 11 rushing touchdowns on the season. Matt Breida missed practice Wednesday and is battling an ankle injury and is trending towards missing Week 12. If Breida is out (which looks likely), Coleman will get the heavy share the backfield with Raheem Mostert picking up some extra carries.
Other Starts
- Derrius Guice (WAS) vs Det
- Kareem Hunt (CLE) vs Mia
The Fanatics RB Sit of the Week
Devin Singletary (BUF) vs DEN
The changing of the guard is certainly upon us in Buffalo, as Singletary has out-carried Frank Gore two of the last three weeks and has as many targets in the last three weeks (11) as Gore has all season. With that being said, Gore is still getting red zone carries and the matchup this week is against a Broncos defense that has only allowed seven rushing touchdowns and a game that projects to be one of the lowest scoring this week. Singletary shines when he’s catching the ball, and it’s not likely the Bills will be playing catchup against a Brandon Allen led offense. Singletary’s arrow is pointing up, but I’m looking elsewhere this week.
Other Sits
- Jamaal Williams (GB) @ SF
- Brian Hill (ATL) vs TB
Wide Receiver
The Fanatics WR Start of the Week
Calvin Ridley (ATL) vs TB
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers give up a lot of production through the air. They allow the second-most passing yards per game (290.9), have allowed the second-most passing touchdowns, and have given up the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. With Austin Hooper officially out for Week 12 and Mohammed Sanu shipped out of town, Ridley is in line for plenty of targets to continue his recent strong play. This game has shootout potential with an over/under for this game is over 50, so plenty of points are expected to be scored.
Other Starts
- Tyrell Williams (OAK) @ NYJ
- DK Metcalf (SEA) @ PHI
The Fanatics WR Sit of the Week
Michael Gallup (DAL) @ NE
A lot has been said about how the Patriots have had an easy schedule to start the season, but there is no denying how impressive the defense has been. They’ve only given up four passing touchdowns all season, and give up the second least passing yards per game (152.6). They’ve given up the least amount of fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and have only allowed seven receivers to score double-digit points all season, the lone 20+ point performance was from Golden Tate in Week 6. Gallup can still have a decent game with the number of targets he’s seen recently, but his floor is extremely low this week.
Other Sits
- Marquise Brown (BAL) @ LAR
- Allen Lazard (GB) @ SF
Tight End
The Fanatics TE Start of the Week
Ryan Griffin (NYJ) vs OAK
Chris Herndon was a popular sleeper at the tight end position this offseason, but his replacement has been extremely productive in his absence. He ranks as the 15th tight end in fantasy, ahead of bigger names like Jimmy Graham, T.J. Hockenson, and Noah Fant. Seattle is a top-five matchup for opposing tight ends and has allowed six to score double-digit points in ten games, including 20+ points twice. Griffin has had double-digit points in four of the last six weeks and with all the injuries and byes, Griffin is a great streamer this week.
Other Starts
- Jacob Hollister (SEA) @ PHI
- Greg Olsen (CAR) @ NO
The Fanatics TE Sit of the Week
Noah Fant (DEN) @ BUF
Buffalo has been the toughest matchup for opposing tight ends this season, only allowing two to score double digits and not allowing a single touchdown to the tight end position. This game projects to be a low scoring game and it wouldn’t be surprising to see slow-paced, grind it out game with the weather expected in the 40s. With the state of the tight end position what it is in fantasy, I find it hard to suggest benching anyone. Especially with byes, you may not have someone better to play. These three are simply players I don’t see performing this week.
Other Sits
- Gerald Everette vs BAL
- Jimmy Graham @ SF
Defense
The Fanatics Defense Start of the Week
Atlanta vs TB
Since Dan Quinn turned over play-calling duties after the bye, the Falcons defense has been dominant. They haven’t allowed a touchdown since the second quarter vs Seattle in Week 8 and has 11 sacks and four interceptions in the past two games. Atlanta faces Jameis Winston and the Buccaneers and although they can score, the Bucs give up the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Winston leads the league in interceptions and gets sacked on average the third most per game (3.6). Even if Tampa Bay can put up points, there should be plenty of turnovers and an opportunity for the Falcons defense to have a big game
Other Starts
- Detroit @ WAS
- Cleveland vs MIA
The Fanatics Defense Sit of the Week
Los Angeles Rams vs BAL
Lamar Jackson. That’s the analysis, Lamar Jackson.
Other Sits
- Jacksonville @ TEN
- Indianapolis @ HOU
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