Fantasy football cheat sheet: Week 12 sleepers and injury updates
It’s Week 12 of the NFL season, which means there are two weeks remaining in most fantasy leagues. Despite it being a critical point in the season, some key players will be unavailable to owners this weekend because of bye weeks.
For many owners, the playoffs are right now. It’s sink or swim. I’m here to help keep you afloat.
We’ve combed the far reaches of the Internet and culled only the choicest fantasy tips and advice. Below you’ll find easily digestible nuggets addressing some of the critical situations fantasy owners will face from week to week.
Dig in. And dominate.
Bye weeks: Chiefs, Vikings, Cardinals, Chargers.
Detroit Lions RBs: A running-back-by-committee approach has emerged in Detroit, and the best candidates for help in Week 12 are Bo Scarbrough and J.D. McKissic. Both could be serviceable in an appealing matchup on the road against the Redskins. Scarbrough figures to get the bulk of carries while McKissic will be featured more in the passing game. Scarbrough likely gets a few more overall touches and has the better chance at getting in the end zone, but McKissic could offset that in PPR leagues. Scarbrough is available in nearly all ESPN leagues; McKissic is owned in 22 percent of leagues.
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Indianapolis Colts RBs: With starter Marlon Mack out with a broken hand, Indianapolis will cobble together its backfield in a key divisional matchup against the Texans. Jonathan Williams entered following Mack’s injury against the Jaguars, and more than picked up the slack, finishing with 116 yards. Nyheim Hines did run for a TD last week, but it would be tough to expect that again. Williams stands to inherit the bulk of the carries (and a better chance at getting in the end zone) while Hines will continue to be a part of the passing game. Williams is available in virtually all ESPN leagues; Hines is owned in 30 percent of leagues.
Taylor Gabriel, WR, Bears: Gabriel is coming off a week in which he saw a whopping 14 targets. He has more than 50 yards in receiving in three of the past four games, compensating with a TD in the game he didn’t reach that mark. And now Gabriel and Chicago face a New York Giants’ secondary that is ranked 25th in passing defense. The Bears also get the Lions’ secondary (ranked 30th) in Week 13. All that said, it’s a little tough to recommend Gabriel as a WR2; he seems more like a flex play for those in a pinch. He’s owned in just 7 percent of ESPN leagues.
Ryan Griffin, TE, Jets: Griffin has emerged as a popular target for New York quarterback Sam Darnold. Despite missing the mark last week by recommending a tight end who faced Oakland, I will not be deterred. We’re going back to the well and suggesting Griffin as a potential play as the Jets host that same Raiders’ defense. Griffin turned in his best game of the season in Week 11 with five receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. While he put up a dud in what was a solid matchup in Week 10, Griffin tallied 66 and 50 yards with two TDs the two weeks before that. The Raiders are ranked 27th against the pass, and with top TEs like Austin Hooper (knee), George Kittle (ankle) and Travis Kelce (bye) all unavailable, Griffin would appear to be a solid choice. Griffin is owned in 1 percent of ESPN leagues.
Fringe Starters
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Michael Gallup, WR, Cowboys: Gallup has had a nice season and Dallas QB Dak Prescott is looking for him consistently. But the Cowboys have their work cut out for them in a road game at New England. The Patriots’ defense has been dominant and represents a significant challenge for the Cowboys. Amari Cooper only played on 55 percent of Dallas’s snaps last week because he’s dealing with a banged-up knee. If the Pats zero in on keeping him in check, then Gallup and Randall Cobb figure to get more looks. It’s still a tough recommendation, but Gallup is in the mix for WR2/flex consideration.
Miles Sanders, RB, Eagles: Sanders played a high number of snaps in Week 11 with teammate Jordan Howard out with a shoulder injury. Howard is still working his way back and his status remains up in the air heading into this weekend’s matchup against the Seahawks. Even if Howard returns, Sanders should continue to see enough time on the field. His ability as a pass-catcher, especially in light of the injuries to Philadelphia’s receiving corps, figures to keep him involved.
Injury Decisions
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Brandin Cooks, WR, Rams: Los Angeles will have Cooks back for Week 12 as he has cleared concussion protocol. L.A. plays Monday night against the Ravens. Cooks’s production has always been a bit erratic. Baltimore’s defense has picked it up in recent weeks in a big way so if you have better options, use them. Some owners may need to roll the dice with a guy who at least plays a lot of snaps and has big play potential, but the Rams have had few big plays this season.
Evan Engram TE, Giants: Engram is dealing with a foot injury and sat out Thursday’s practice. His status doesn’t look good for Week 12. Look for an alternative.
Devonta Freeman, RB, Falcons: Atlanta will not have Freeman available this weekend against the Buccaneers. Brian Hill was a popular pickup last week but didn’t produce much. Tampa Bay has been a generous defense, but it’s hard to recommend anyone out of the Falcons’ backfield.
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Austin Hooper, TE, Falcons: Atlanta has ruled out Hooper (knee) for Week 12.
Jordan Howard, RB, Eagles: Howard sat out Week 11 with a shoulder injury and is listed as questionable heading into Week 12. Should Howard play, it sounds like his owners should temper their expectations. Before the injury, Howard had seen an uptick in carries. Owners need to have a backup plan, but if Howard suits up in Week 12, he’s a RB2/flex consideration.
Alshon Jeffery, WR, Eagles: Jeffery missed Week 11 with an ankle injury but did take part on a limited basis in Wednesday’s practice. Philadelphia’s Week 12 matchup vs. Seattle offers some appeal, but Jeffery’s questionable listing Friday should give owners pause. The game is early so Jeffery owners will know if he’s good to go; he could be a flex consideration.
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George Kittle, TE, 49ers: San Francisco’s tight end is listed as questionable as he continues to work his way back from a knee injury. The game is Sunday night, but Kittle owners will have to make a decision Sunday morning. The safe move is finding an alternative instead of taking a potential zero. Otherwise, grab Kittle’s backup, Ross Dwelley.
Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks: Seattle expects to have Lockett (shin) available in Week 12.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Steelers: Pittsburgh will not have Smith-Schuster, who is still recovering from a concussion.
Read more on the NFL:
The AFC is changing, with Lamar Jackson leading the charge
NFL power rankings Week 12: The Ravens are on a roll and they move to the top
It’s time to start taking the Raiders and Jon Gruden seriously again
The Eagles are the NFL’s biggest enigma just two seasons removed from a Super Bowl win
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