Uncover the Hidden Gems in Week 12 Fantasy Football

BYES and Key Matchups

In Week 12, several teams have byes, including ATL, BUF, CIN, JAX, NO, and NYJ. This sets the stage for some intense matchups. For example, the Steelers take on the Browns on Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET. The Browns have seen a significant increase in their pass percentage since Jameis Winston became the starter, but they face a tough matchup against the Steelers, who have the ninth-toughest PassEPA and rank inside the worst three APA matchups for both QB and WR. Nick Chubb's RBTouch% was also at its lowest in Week 11, indicating that the Browns may not be able to "unleash" him as easily as before.

Another notable matchup is the Vikings against the Bears on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Jordan Addison had only three double-digit fantasy scores this year, all coming with a touchdown. The Bears have been tough on wide receivers, allowing just five double-digit scores and only three wideouts to catch over 82 yards. D'Andre Swift also saw a decrease in his RB rushes percentage in Week 11, suggesting a major timeshare with Roschon Johnson.

Lions vs. Colts

Jameson Williams has had a mixed bag of fantasy performances, with three non-double-digit scores and five of 11.9+ including two over 20. This week, he faces a tougher matchup against the Colts, who have the third-heaviest Zone%. Jared Goff needed the second-fewest attempts in the Super Bowl era to reach 20 passing touchdowns. Anthony Richardson had his best game in Week 11 but still has a long way to go. The Lions run the most man coverage, which could be beneficial for Josh Downs, who is Top 11 in YPRR and FPs per Target against man coverage.

Patriots vs. Dolphins

Drake Maye has been performing well, averaging 18.5 FPPG with eight passing touchdowns in the four games he's thrown 30+ times. However, Jaylen Waddle hasn't been as productive, with his lowest fantasy points since Week 1. He's become benchable and even droppable.

Buccaneers vs. Giants

If Mike Evans returns, he's a WR1. If Jalen McMillan is back with Evans, he's a worthy flier as a WR4. If both are out, the Bucs will likely rely more on the running back and Cade Otton. It's not advisable to risk other Bucs wide receivers or anyone not named Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy Jr. on the Giants.

Cowboys vs. Commanders and Chiefs vs. Panthers

Xavier Worthy is truly boom or bust, with 14.3 FPPG in games with a touchdown and just 2.3 in games without one. If Isiah Pacheco is back, he's an RB2 but risks sharing work with Kareem Hunt. If Pacheco is out, Hunt becomes a RB1. With Adam Thielen back, both he and Xavier Legette are risky WR4s with some upside.

Titans vs. Texans

Since Week 6, Calvin Ridley has been fourth in TmTGT% and sixth in First Read%, but his Catchable% is only 61st among those with a min. 25 targets. The Texans have the lowest Catchable% and Adj Comp% allowed. Nico Collins had a lower route percentage in his first game back but is expected to see an increase in Week 12.

Broncos vs. Raiders

The only names to trust on the Broncos are Bo Nix and Courtland Sutton. In the Raiders backfield, even with Zamir White and Alexander Mattison out, it's not advisable to risk Ameer Abdullah or rookie Dylan Laube against the Broncos.

49ers vs. Packers

Jauan Jennings has been on fire, with a 35.5 TmTGT% in the past two weeks. The Packers' top-scoring WR weeks have been dominated by Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Dontayvion Wicks. Jordan Love's Turnover Worthy Throw% has increased, and his accuracy rate has decreased.

Cardinals vs. Seahawks

James Conner's RBTouch% varies depending on the game situation. After DK Metcalf's return, Jaxon Smith-Njigba's target percentage also changed. These details can have a significant impact on their fantasy performances.

Eagles vs. Rams

The Eagles secondary has turned a corner since their bye. Their young defensive players, like Quinyon Mitchell, have been performing well. The highest yardage total allowed since the bye was to Ja'Marr Chase, and he's the only wideout to top 4.2 points against them.

Ravens vs. Chargers

Rashod Bateman is the only Ravens player besides Zay Flowers to have two games with a TmTGT% of 20+. Mark Andrews' route percentage and TmTGT% change with Isaiah Likely on the field. The Ravens are crushing the field in APA, which is good for their opponents.

Week 12 Sleepers

Quarterback

Bo Nix, DEN - Can he still be considered a sleeper? Nix has the Raiders and has been playing well.

Running Back

Austin Ekeler, WSH - The Commanders should have an easy win, and Ekeler could benefit from the backfield touches. Bucky Irving, TB - With the Buccaneers coming out of the bye, Irving could see some extra playing time.

Wide Receiver

Quentin Johnston, LAC - His reception volume may not be high, but the matchup and touchdown rate are promising. Rome Odunze, CHI - He was Caleb Williams' most-trusted third-down target and had the highest AirYD/TGT in Week 11.

Tight End

Ja'Tavion Sanders, CAR - With Ian Thomas on IR, Sanders has had a significant target percentage in the past six games, and the Chiefs have been vulnerable to tight ends.

Fun with Ranks

This week's list features the best (worst?) cartoon villains. The ranks have two caveats: no anime and only TV shows. From the late 80s to the early 2000s, we have The Joker from Batman TAS, Skeletor from He-Man, Slade from Teen Titans, Shredder from TMNT, Megatron from Transformers, Azula from Last Airbender, Mumm-Ra from Thundercats, Bill Cipher from Gravity Falls, Aku from Samurai Jack, Evil Morty from Rick and Morty, Hexadecimal from ReBoot, Mom from Futurama, Mr. Burns from The Simpsons, and The Monarch from The Venture Bros.

Week 12 Fantasy Football Projections

These projections can differ from the rankings. It's important to consider added context such as the need for highest upside, even if risky. Download the link added on Thursday for the latest rankings.