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Start-sit questions can worry even the best fantasy managers. Here’s a traffic light report to help you prepare for week 12.
✅ Green light
RB Bucky Irving at Giants
He was the best runner in the Tampa Bay backfield, averaging 1.3 more yards per rush than Rachaad White. Running lanes should be available against a Giants front seven that yields 5.3 YPC, worst in the NFL.
WR Quentin Johnston vs. Ravens
The Chargers slightly favor the run, but it’s a small gap; Justin Herbert’s play has improved in recent weeks. Johnston is along for the ride (touchdowns in three straight games) and Baltimore’s injury-ravaged secondary isn’t offering much resistance.
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QB Bo Nix at Raiders
In the early weeks, he was an athletic quarterback who ran a lot and occasionally threw a few passes. His passing efficiency has improved significantly. Over his last seven starts, Nix has a decent 7.4 YPA and a 106.2 rating
QB Matthew Stafford vs. Eagles
Philadelphia’s defense is on the rise, but so is Stafford; Since getting his top two receivers back four games ago, he is averaging 2.5 touchdown passes and 291 passing yards per week.
WR Jauan Jennings at Packers
I don’t understand why he isn’t universally ranked above Deebo Samuel Sr. yet; he continues to outdo him every week. Remember: in our game it’s the numbers, not the names.
🫤 Yellow light‌
QB Jayden Daniels vs. Cowboys
Is the nagging rib injury stifling him as a runner? He has racked up just 23 rushing yards over the past two weeks, logging a pair of QB24 finishes. The Cowboys are favored, but Washington may not keep up the pace for the full three hours.
QB Anthony Richardson vs. Lions
Detroit’s defense has become a problem, but Richardson got his groove back in the comeback win over the Jets and provides a useful backboard in every start.
WR Malik Nabers vs. Buccaneers
Maybe Tommy DeVito’s move sounds like a downgrade, but remember how poorly Daniel Jones played. The Giants will likely target Nabers after their bye week, and Tampa Bay’s secondary has been a mess all year. There’s no chance I’m benching Nabers anywhere.
RB Chuba Hubbard vs. Chiefs
I think Jonathon Brooks’ presence is an overrated angle; Yes, Brooks was an early pick, but don’t overlook the contract extension Hubbard earned. The biggest problem is the Chiefs’ rush defense, which is the worst matchup for opponents in 2024.
RB Austin Ekeler vs. Cowboys
He may not be needed for four periods if the Commanders gain control of the game, but Ekeler is essentially the No. 2 receiver in Washington, scoring double-digit points in three straight periods, including an eight-catch gem against Philadelphia last week.
TE Luke Schoonmaker at Commanders
He’s probably a safe bet for 4-6 catches if Jake Ferguson is scratched as expected. It’s also possible that CeeDee Lamb is limited, or maybe not at all anymore. Tight end is such a tricky position; we take what we can get.
🛑 Red light
QB CJ Stroud vs. Titans
He hasn’t been better than QB14 in seven weeks, in part because Joe Mixon is the touchdown priority on the goal line. Tennessee isn’t the easy matchup you might expect, ranking a respectable 11th in defensive DVOA.
‌WR DJ Moore vs. Vikings
He’s sitting on three touchdowns this year and is averaging less than 10 yards per catch in eight of 10 games. Rome Odunze could be the better fit offensively as the Bears close out the year with new OC Thomas Brown.
WR Jaylen Waddle vs. Patriots
The Dolphins have unlocked TE Jonnu Smith and Tyreek Hill is too good to be benched, but Waddle is a harder pill to swallow. He’s scored just one touchdown all year and hasn’t rushed for 60 yards since opening day. In shallow formats, you have my permission to drop Waddle.
TE Mark Andrews at Chargers
His role shrank last week when Isaiah Likely returned and the Chargers’ seam coverage has been excellent all year.
