Defensive games could alter roster calls
Fantasy football users will find Week 12 a daunting expedition of challenging matchups, especially those who rely on the Cardinals, Chiefs, Chargers and Vikings, who are all off this week.
With few projected offensive slugfests on the docket, scores could be low, but for those competing for playoff spots or building a money-winning DFS lineup, finding hidden gems is key to success.
Start: Sam Darnold, QB, Jets: The second-year pro is turning a corner, evidenced by a 6:2 TD to INT margin the last three weeks. Darnold could continue to shine for his fantasy users as he faces a Raiders defense that allows the eighthmost fantasy points to QBs along with the third-most TD passes allowed (24).
Sit: Jared Goff, QB, Rams: Goff has failed to throw a TD pass in his last two games while also tossing three INTs. The Ravens have solved their early season issues against passers and have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to QBs. The Ravens are also tied for third with just nine TD passes allowed.
Start: Nick Chubb, RB, Browns: The lack of TDs is a mild concern, but Chubb has rushed for at least 87 yards in eight of his last nine games, including four games of at least 100 yards. He’s a definite must-start against a Dolphins defense that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to RBs and is second only to the Bengals in most rushing yards allowed.
Sit: Miles Sanders, RB, Eagles: Granted, it was the Patriots, but Sanders had just 38 yards on 11 carries while getting the bulk of the carries with Jordan Howard down. If Howard is sidelined again, a heavy dose of Sanders may not go far against the Seahawks, who are ranked 12th in fewest rushing yards allowed.
Start: T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts: He’s a potential game-time decision, but if Hilton plays, it presents another opportunity to continue his career of dominating against the Texans secondary. In 15 games against the Texans, Hilton has a combined 82 catches for 1,519 yards and 10 TDs, numbers he can improve on as the Texans have the sixth-worst fantasy defense against receivers while also giving up 22 TD passes.
Sit: Terry McLaurin, WR, Redskins: His production has continued to decline. After breaking out as a reliable WR2, McLaurin hasn’t scored a TD since Week 6 while totaling a mere 158 yards since Week 7. The uncertainty of rookie QB Dwayne Haskins also doesn’t help his cause, even against a Lions defense that has allowed the third-most receiving yards and fifth-most TD passes.
Start: Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens: Lamar Jackson has no qualms of getting his tight end heavily involved, having targeted him eight times in three of the last five games. Andrews also has scored three TDs in the last two games and is also the best deep threat at his position, having caught 11 passes for at least 20 yards this season.
Sit: Jimmy Graham, TE, Packers: The 49ers have made opposing tight ends a non-factor, ranking second only to the Bills in fewest fantasy points allowed at the position. Graham has yet to have more than 65 receiving yards this season and has 20 or fewer yards in three of his last five games. There will be better options on the waiver wire.
Start: DJ Chark, WR, Jaguars: His two best games this season have come with Nick Foles under center as two of his three 100-yard games have come with the former Super Bowl MVP at the helm. Chark will be good for double-digit targets and will benefit from the Titans’ focus on RB Leonard Fournette.
Sit: Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys: Prescott has accounted for 1,098 yards and nine TDs in his last three games but will face the almost impregnable pass defense of the Patriots, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points to QBs. The Patriots have given up just four TD passes and a league-low 5.3 yards per completion, numbers that will cool off the fantasy playoff hopes of anyone willing to start Prescott.
Start: Jamison Crowder, WR, Jets: The prime beneficiary of Sam Darnold’s recent success, Crowder has caught 18 passes for 240 yards and three TDs in his last three games. The Raiders are 27th in passing yards allowed per game, making Crowder a solid option in any format.
Sit: Tyler Eifert, TE, Bengals: The Steelers have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, but it doesn’t mean adding Eifert to your roster, as he has managed 21 yards or fewer in five of his past six games.