With three games coming your way on Thursday for Turkey Day, we bring you our weekly Studs, Duds and Sleepers a couple of days early for Week 12.
QUARTERBACKS
Stud: Russell Wilson – Wilson should put up big numbers this week against the 49ers. He’s going up against a defense that has allowed Dak Prescott and Kirk Cousins have had huge fantasy weeks against them. Wilson has a chance to finish as the number one fantasy quarterback for Week 12. He’s a good option in all formats.
Dud: Alex Smith – The Chiefs are struggling on offense and Smith has come back to earth after a scorching start to the season. He was awful against a poor Giants defense last week. The Bills aren’t playing well, but they’ve held opposing quarterbacks to 18 fantasy points or less in every matchup since Week 7. Smith is a low-end QB1 that I’m avoiding in daily leagues.
Sleeper: Andy Dalton – The Bengals’ offense has struggled this season, but playing the Browns could change that. Dalton threw three touchdowns against the Broncos last week. He will probably have to throw the ball since the Bengals’ rushing attack is non-existent. He’s a solid streaming option if you need one and worth a look in daily leagues.
RUNNING BACKS
Stud: Christian McCaffrey – McCaffrey gets a Jets defense that has fared well against opposing running backs at times this season. That said, the Panthers are featuring McCaffrey in the passing game more than they are in the backfield. With Cam Newton hitting his stride, it feels like McCaffrey’s production will continue to rise starting with this matchup against New York.
Dud: Kenyan Drake – Drake struggled last week and the Dolphins’ offense is a train wreck. New England hasn’t allowed an opposing teams’ lead back to score a rushing touchdown in over a month. It’s hard to play any Dolphins this week, including Drake.
Sleeper: Alfred Morris – Morris ran for 91 yards last week, but has yet to find the end zone since becoming the lead back for Dallas. That’ll change this week. The Chargers have allowed four running backs to run for 100+ yards this season. Dallas is reeling, but something tells me they bounce back on offense and Morris has a good day.
- GSI Cheat Sheet – Rankings
- Week 12 Fantasy Stock Market Report (via Pro Football Focus)
- ESPN 1530: Week 12 Fantasy Football Preview – coming soon
- Week 12 Podcast – Reasons For Thanks
- Office Pool Picks: Week 12
WIDE RECEIVER
Stud: T.Y. Hilton – Hilton faces a very beatable Titans’ secondary this week. Tennessee limited opponents’ big plays up until a few weeks ago. Since then, A.J. Green, Antonio Brown and Brandon LaFell have all had big fantasy days against them. Hilton only needs one play to make your fantasy week and I think he comes up with a few against in a home matchup against the Titans.
Dud: Amari Cooper – What in the world happened to Cooper? He’s struggled this season and has only went over 100 yards once. He did explode in Week 7 against Kansas City. Outside of that game, he only has two receiving touchdowns and hasn’t surpassed 62 yards receiving all season. He has a touch matchup against a desperate Denver secondary. Stay away from him in daily leagues and he’s not much more than a low-end WR2 for Week 12.
Sleeper: Emmanuel Sanders – Sanders is struggling right now, but he’s due for a breakout. This could be the week. Oakland’s defense is below average and usually offenses switch things up a bit when an offensive coordinator gets fired. Sanders is talented and should get a shot to make plays against the Raiders. He’s a WR3 with upside and worth considering in daily leagues.
TIGHT END
Stud: Jimmy Graham – The 49ers have given up a touchdown to an opposing tight end in four-straight games. I expect Russell Wilson to throw a lot in this game and Graham should benefit from that. He’s a top-five play at tight end for Week 12.
Dud: Zach Ertz – The Bears are one of the best teams in the NFL at guarding opposing tight ends. They’ve only allowed two starting tight ends to score on them this season. Ertz is probably a must play in most season long leagues, but I’m avoiding him in daily leagues.
Sleeper: David Njoku – Njoku only has two receptions in his last two games. That has to change if the Browns’ offense is ever going to be successful. I expect Hue Jackson to use Njoku more this week against a Bengals’ defense that has struggled at times this season against opposing tight ends. Njoku is worth a look in deep leagues.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Stud: Jacksonville – The Jaguars have come back to earth a bit, but they’re going on the road to take on a bad offensive line. Not to mention Blaine Gabbert is starting at quarterback for the Cardinals. Sacksonville could get back on track and have a huge week against Arizona.
Dud: New Orleans – The Saints’ defense is much improved, but they’re hard to trust on the road against a powerful Rams’ offense. I expect Los Angeles to rebound this week after a bad loss to the Vikings. Avoid using the Saints’ defense if you can.
Sleeper: Cincinnati – The Bengals are at home and have to win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Browns may score early, but Cincinnati’s pass rush is much improved and could force DeShone Kizer into a few mistakes. The Bengals are a nice streaming option for Week 12.
