Fantasy Football Week 12: Start ’em, Sit ’em

Everyone grab your turkey legs, we’ve got Thanksgiving games this week!

While they’re not the most exciting, it’s always glorious to celebrate America’s pastime of Thanksgiving and football for another year. Week 11 handed us some more injuries, including Geno Smith (throwing arm, probable for Thursday), Aaron Jones (knee, out Thursday), De’Von Achane (knee, questionable for Friday), Kenneth Walker (oblique, doubtful for Thursday), and Cooper Kupp (ankle, further evaluation needed).

On the bright side, week 12 is another week with no byes! So there’s no need to worry about that while adjusting your lineups this time.

Ian’s Record: 52-37

Start ’em

Kyler Murray (QB, Cardinals) vs. Rams

In his first two games back, Murray already has a couple rushing touchdowns as he tries to get reacclimated with Arizona’s offense. This bodes well fantasy wise, as racking up rushing yards and touchdowns for a QB adds points up quickly.

There’s nothing to really be scared of with the Rams right now, and the two other times they faced QBs with escapability like Murray (Jalen Hurts, Anthony Richardson), they allowed rushing touchdowns both times. He’ll score at least once through the air as well as on the ground for a second consecutive week.

Kyren Williams (RB, Rams) at Cardinals

After a five-week stint on IR, Williams is finally off that list and set to return to LA’s backfield, a much needed addition as the Rams have struggled to put up points as of late.

The Rams also waived Darrell Henderson Jr. to make room, so it’s clear Williams is immediately resuming his role as RB1.

Arizona has flat out stunk against the run in the past six weeks. In that span, they’ve surrendered the fifth most fantasy points per game as well as seven rushing touchdowns. Williams will come out with a bang on Sunday.

Tank Dell (WR, Texans) vs. Jaguars

Currently riding a three-game win streak, Tank Dell has been absolutely feasting as he shoots up WR rankings in that span. Four touchdowns on 20 catches for 319 yards as the Texans continue to prove they may be worthy of the AFC South crown.

Houston has quickly become one of the most exciting teams to watch in football, and they have a big test this week as they attempt to sweep the Jaguars for the fifth time in six years. If they pull it off, they’d be heading into the final third of the season atop they’re division.

If I were to put money on it, I’m riding on Dell to torch Jacksonville just like he did in week 3.

David Njoku (TE, Browns) at Broncos

Njoku has put up double-digit fantasy points in each of Cleveland’s last six contests, most recently receiving 15 targets from newly-appointed starter Dorian Thompson-Robinson. 

Pittsburgh has been mostly unforgiving to opposing TEs as of late, which means Njoku has a much higher ceiling this week if his workload is anything like it was last week.

Denver still ranks dead last in fantasy points allowed to opposing TEs, so if DTR continues to use Njoku as his favorite target, he’ll reach the endzone in this game eventually.

Sit ’em

Russell Wilson (QB, Broncos) vs. Browns

While the Broncos now own the longest active win streak in the NFL, Wilson put up over 200 passing yards in only one of those four games. Denver keeps winning yes, but Wilson hasn’t had a fantasy-viable performance since week four.

Don’t go chasing Denver’s newfound success into the Browns this week. Wilson may get the better of Cleveland’s rookie starter, but their defense is way too nasty to opposing QBs to believe Wilson will look any different than he has (fantasy wise) these past few weeks.

Zach Charbonnet (RB, Seahawks) vs. 49ers

With Kenneth Walker set to watch this game from the sideline, I would consider Charbonnet a big boom-or-bust play this week. And if it isn’t obvious, I’m picking bust.

Since acquiring Chase Young at the trade deadline in week 8, San Francisco has surrendered the fourth fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs, most recently holding Rachaad White to 3.3 yards per carry.

With Walker out his production will undoubtedly see an uptick, but his production worries me after he could only muster a little over 3 yards a carry against the Rams. Pass.

Jakobi Meyers (WR, Raiders) vs. Chiefs

Despite a frustrating loss in their Super Bowl rematch, the Chiefs have been containing WRs extremely well over the past couple weeks.

WRs they’ve managed to keep out of the endzone recently include A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle. KC held those four receivers to the fifth fewest cumulative fantasy points in those two contests, as well as eight sacks and an interception.

Meyers already has been pretty quiet in Vegas’ last four games after finding the endzone three weeks in a row through weeks 5-7. Don’t expect that to change as Chris Jones and the Chiefs’ pass rush gives Aidan O’Connell trouble all afternoon.

Tyler Conklin (TE, Jets) vs. Dolphins

Tim Boyle is set to start for the Jets on Black Friday. That’s all you should really need to know if you were even thinking of starting Conklin.

Miami’s defense as a whole has started to come around with the return of Jalen Ramsey, as he has three interceptions already in just three games played. Even if Boyle goes out there and does okay, Garrett Wilson should be his go-to target all afternoon. Pass.

BYES: NONE

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!