Fantasy football managers know that every lineup decision can make or break a week, and choosing the right players to start or sit is where championships are won. With the 2025 NFL season underway, matchups, stats, and trends are more important than ever. Each week, we’ll break down the top fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em picks at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, defense, and kicker to help you set the best possible lineup. From favorable matchups and scoring trends to players you should avoid in tough spots, my weekly guide is built to give you an edge.
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Quarterbacks to Start
Jared Goff DET
Jared Goff comes into this week looking to rebound after a rough outing where pressure completely disrupted Detroit’s offensive rhythm. Philadelphia forced him off his spots on nearly 40 percent of his dropbacks, limiting his ability to operate from clean pockets where he thrives. Even with that setback, Goff still ranks among the league’s most efficient passers, and his tied for second in the NFL in passing touchdowns. Despite the inconsistent production this year, Goff is on track for his third-highest PPG average of his career at 17.4. When the Lions keep him upright, his timing-based approach and chemistry with his receivers allow him to dissect defenses with ease, especially in controlled environments.
This matchup gives Goff a prime fantasy football start opportunity thanks to a vulnerable Giants secondary that has struggled all year. New York ranks near the bottom of the NFL in pass yards allowed, passing touchdowns allowed, and fantasy points surrendered to quarterbacks. Pressure has been a major weakness as the Giants sit below average in sack and pressure rate, which pairs perfectly with Goff’s clean-pocket-dependent production. Since Week 7, the Giants have allowed the second-most passing touchdowns and the sixth-highest passer rating, further raising his ceiling. With Dan Campbell dialing up plays and the Lions returning home indoors, Goff profiles as a strong start in all fantasy football formats.
Bryce Young CAR
Bryce Young delivered the best performance of his career last week, erupting for 448 passing yards and three touchdowns in a game no one expected to unfold that way. It marked only the second time this season he topped 7.0 yards per attempt and reached 200 passing yards, showing a rare spike in efficiency. Carolina also posted a rare positive pass rate over expectation, which aligned with Young’s breakout showing. Across the season, his accuracy and efficiency numbers remain near the bottom tier, ranking 31st in yards per attempt and 38th in highly accurate throw rate. Even so, his confidence and rhythm looked noticeably different in Week 11, and the Panthers’ offense finally showed signs of life.
This week provides Young with another fantasy football start opportunity against a struggling 49ers pass defense. Since Week 7, San Francisco has allowed the most passing yards per game, the fourth-most passing touchdowns, and the fourth-highest CPOE. They were just tormented for an NFL-record 47 completions by Jacoby Brissett, showing how beatable they’ve become through the air. Since Nick Bosa went down with a season-ending injury, the 49ers’ pass rush has been nonexistent. Young’s week-to-week floor remains very shaky, but the matchup keeps the door open for another spike performance. In fantasy, this makes him a volatile but appealing start for managers chasing upside.
Jacoby Brissett ARI
Jacoby Brissett has been one of the most consistent fantasy performers at the quarterback position, finishing as a QB1 in every single start this season. He has thrived in Arizona’s pass-heavy approach, ranking first in passing yards per game since Week 6. His accuracy metrics have held steady as well, with Brissett landing inside the top 15 in yards per attempt, passing touchdowns, and highly accurate throw rate. The Cardinals have relied on him heavily with their backfield decimated by injuries, resulting in multiple games with over 44 pass attempts. With his steady decision-making and high-volume role, Brissett has become a reliable presence in an offense that leans fully into his strengths.
This week positions Brissett as a fantasy football start due to an extremely favorable matchup with Jacksonville. The Jaguars have surrendered at least 17 fantasy points to six of their past seven quarterbacks and rank among the most generous defenses in passing touchdowns allowed. Their run defense has been one of the league’s best, which should push Arizona toward another pass-centric game plan. With the Cardinals’ running back room depleted and Jacksonville allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, volume once again tilts heavily in Brissett’s favor. He enters Week 12 as a strong start across all formats thanks to elite usage and matchup-driven upside.
Quarterbacks to Sit
Jordan Love GB
Jordan Love enters Week 12 after an up-and-down stretch where he delivered two top-ten finishes but also two weeks as the QB24. His efficiency metrics remain respectable, ranking eighth in yards per attempt and 13th in passing yards per game among qualifying quarterbacks. However, his consistency has fluctuated heavily, and he has exceeded 18 fantasy points only three times all season. Love’s per-dropback accuracy places him squarely in the middle of the pack, and Green Bay’s offense has struggled to sustain drives in tougher matchups. Despite the Packers’ impressive EPA marks, his volatility raises concerns, especially with the Packers leaning more heavily into the run game in recent weeks.
This week makes Love a sit due to the matchup with Minnesota’s improving defense. The Vikings generate pressure at one of the highest rates in the league and rank sixth in sacks, which is a problem for Love, whose performances dip sharply under duress. Minnesota has tightened up significantly in coverage since Andrew Van Ginkel’s return, allowing the 13th-fewest yards per attempt and ranking 15th in passer rating during that span. While Love has performed well against the blitz, the Vikings’ overwhelming volume of pressure remains a major obstacle. Expect inconsistency from this Packers passing game this week, and I want no part of Jordan Love in my starting lineup.
Dak Prescott DAL
Dak Prescott has been one of the most efficient passers in the league this season, ranking top five in passing yards per game, passing touchdowns, and catchable target rate. His command of the offense has been strong, and Dallas has leaned into a more balanced offense that frequently puts Prescott in a position for high-end production with the improved supporting cast. Even so, his earlier matchup with Philadelphia produced one of his quietest statistical results despite solid on-field play. Prescott has been strong against the Eagles over his career, averaging 23 PPG in his last three home games against them. While he remains a high-quality quarterback, this particular week presents unique challenges.
This matchup still profiles Prescott as a sit, given the elite form of the Eagles’ pass defense since Week 7. Philadelphia has allowed the second-fewest passing touchdowns, the third-lowest passer rating, and the tenth-lowest CPOE in that span. Their pressure rate sits inside the top five, making it one of the most difficult environments for any quarterback to navigate. The addition of Jaelen Phillips has also given the Eagles a much-needed boost on their defensive line. While Prescott has excelled in home games, this specific defensive matchup historically caps his upside. In fantasy football, managers may need to pivot to a streamer like Jacoby Brissett or Bryce Young this week over Prescott.
Trevor Lawrence JAC
Trevor Lawrence has produced modest results throughout the season despite Jacksonville’s success in the standings. Over his last three games, he has averaged only 177 passing yards while posting a 2:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Multiple passing touchdown games have been rare, occurring only twice this year, and his fantasy performances often rely on outlier rushing production. Lawrence ranks near the bottom in yards per attempt and highly accurate throw rate, indicating ongoing struggles in pushing the ball efficiently. Even with a reliable target volume, the Jaguars’ passing game hasn’t translated into consistent fantasy production.
This week makes Lawrence a sit due to the matchup with Arizona, a defense that has kept opposing quarterbacks in check most weeks. The Cardinals rank seventh in fewest fantasy points allowed to the position and have limited efficiency by allowing the eighth-fewest yards per attempt and the highest CPOE since Week 7. Only three quarterbacks have topped 20 fantasy points against them, and most of those matchups involved unusual game flow. Lawrence’s low touchdown rate combined with Arizona’s defensive profile creates a capped ceiling scenario. This week, he is best viewed as a sit outside of deeper Superflex formats.
Running Backs to Start
Alvin Kamara NO
Alvin Kamara returned as the centerpiece of the Saints’ offense, showing strong involvement across both phases despite some efficiency concerns and getting phased out before the trade deadline. In Week 10, he logged more than 25 touches and over 60% of the offensive snaps while handling every red-zone carry. Even though his explosive run rate and yards-after-contact metrics sit near the bottom of the league, his ability to force missed tackles still gives him a stable baseline. Volume has never been in question, and his workload has remained consistent even in games where the offense hasn’t fully clicked. With his touch count trending upward for the first time this season and the Saints in a neutral gam script, Kamara has a strong outlook for the first time in weeks.
This week’s matchup positions Kamara as a strong start, given that Atlanta has quietly become one of the most generous defenses to opposing running backs. No team has allowed more fantasy points to the position since Week 7, and several rushers have posted RB1-level production in that stretch. Their struggles in yards before contact, explosive runs allowed, and overall tackling inefficiency create a perfect setup for a high-volume back like Kamara to take advantage. The lack of touchdowns in recent weeks shouldn’t deter managers, as his role inside the red zone remains secure. With the trends of both usage and matchup aligning, Kamara belongs in starting lineups across all formats this week.
Kenneth Walker SEA
Kenneth Walker’s role showed signs of stabilizing last week as the Seahawks leaned on him more heavily than they have in recent games. His snap share led the backfield, and he handled the most carries while also running more routes than Zach Charbonnet. Explosive-run metrics continue to reflect his big-play potential, and his ability to force missed tackles places him among the best in the league on a per-touch basis. While questions remain about the distribution of red-zone work, his overall involvement has risen since Week 9, including improved usage in the passing game. Seattle’s coaching staff has also publicly noted his growing importance, hinting that his opportunities may continue trending upward.
This matchup gives Walker a viable path to being a strong start in fantasy football, even if the Titans’ recent defensive improvement adds some risk. Tennessee has allowed meaningful production to several running backs throughout the season, ranking high in touchdowns allowed and fantasy points surrendered to the position. Although their run defense looked stronger with key defenders returning, Seattle’s expected positive game script should still provide Walker enough chances to produce. His efficiency, paired with potential for goal-line work, creates a profile worth trusting despite volatility. Everything points toward Walker being a worthwhile start in Week 12 for fantasy football managers seeking upside.
David Montgomery DET
David Montgomery enters the week with a relatively modest production stretch, but his role in the Lions’ offense remains clear and dependable. His touches have fluctuated, yet he still handles a significant portion of early-down work and maintains a steady presence near the goal line. While his explosive-play metrics and yards-after-contact numbers sit in the middle of the league, his physical style and fit within Detroit’s run game keep him consistently involved. The Lions continue to use him situationally in favorable scripts, and his touches tend to climb in games where Detroit controls possession. Even during recent quieter outings, Montgomery has retained a workload that offers a stable foundation.
In fantasy football, Montgomery profiles as a solid start this week thanks to a matchup against a Giants defense that has been one of the league’s weakest units against the run. New York ranks bottom two in rushing yards allowed since Week 7 and continues to give up chunk plays at an alarming rate, offering Montgomery an ideal rebound opportunity. With Detroit heavily favored, the expected game script leans toward increased early-down volume. His red-zone presence further boosts his value, especially against a defense that has surrendered multiple rushing touchdowns in recent weeks. I don’t always buy into it, but Dan Campbell mentioned that he NEEDS to get Montgomery the ball more. Montgomery carries RB2 appeal in Week 12, making him a strong start in fantasy football lineups.
Running Backs to Sit
Aaron Jones MIN
Aaron Jones has stepped into a commanding role in Minnesota’s backfield, operating with nearly 70% of the snaps over the past two games. His involvement has been steady, with more than 15 touches per contest and a clear lead over the other Vikings’ running backs. While his efficiency numbers haven’t been exceptional, the team continues to feed him consistently as part of their early-down and passing plans. Jones’ recent streak of double-digit fantasy performances highlights how volume alone has carried him. Even with modest per-touch metrics, his workload remains secure enough to offer a stable floor.
However, this week presents a much tougher landscape, placing Jones firmly in sit consideration for fantasy football. Green Bay has tightened significantly against the run since Week 7, limiting explosive plays and tackling efficiently at every level. This matchup strips Jones of his usual volume-based advantage, as the Packers have allowed very few successful rushing outings during that stretch. Their recent performances, including strong showings against multiple lead backs, suggest that this will be an uphill battle for Minnesota’s run game. While Jones offers some revenge-game narrative appeal, the defensive matchup makes him a risky play, positioning him as a sit in Week 12.
Zonovan “Bam” Knight ARI
Zonovan Knight enters Week 12 coming off a modest performance, highlighted by limited rushing opportunities and a small share of the backfield snaps. His usage last week dipped due to game script, as the Cardinals leaned on Michael Carter in passing situations while Knight handled sporadic early-down work. With Trey Benson’s practice window opening, Knight may only have one more productive week left in him. His efficiency metrics, including yards after contact and missed-tackle rate, sit near the lower end of the league, making him highly dependent on game flow. While he has produced usable fantasy outputs in spots this year, his profile remains volatile.
This week shapes up poorly for Knight, making him a clear sit. Jacksonville’s run defense has been one of the league’s strongest since Week 7, ranking near the top in limiting rushing yards, explosive plays, and tackle-breaking opportunities. Their consistency in shutting down early-down runners creates a significant obstacle for a player who relies on volume to deliver fantasy value. Knight’s path to meaningful production is slim, especially with touchdown chances limited by the Jaguars’ disciplined red-zone defense. Given both matchup concerns and uncertain usage, Knight should remain on fantasy benches in Week 12.
Ashton Jeanty LV
Ashton Jeanty heads into this week with significant concerns after recording one of his least effective rushing performances of the season. Despite staying involved as a pass-catcher, his six carries for seven yards underscore how inconsistent his workload has become. The Raiders’ offensive line injuries have created major issues, reducing Jeanty’s ability to find running lanes and forcing the coaching staff into predictable passing scripts. His season-long inefficiency, reflected in multiple games under four yards per carry, highlights deeper structural problems in the offense rather than Jeanty’s struggles. Even with strong target volume, Jeanty’s floor has clearly lowered over the past month.
Given the matchup, Jeanty becomes a recommended sit in fantasy football this week as he faces a Browns defense that has smothered opposing running backs all season. Cleveland ranks near the top of the league in limiting rushing production, explosive plays, and fantasy points allowed, making this a nightmarish environment for early-down backs. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage will likely force Las Vegas into passing game scripts, further limiting Jeanty’s rushing involvement. While he may still catch passes, the odds of an efficient or high-scoring outing are slim. With both the matchup and offensive environment stacked against him, Jeanty is a strong sit candidate for Week 12.
Wide Receivers to Start
Michael Wilson ARI
Michael Wilson enters Week 12 coming off a breakout performance that shocked nearly the entire fantasy football community. With Marvin Harrison Jr. sidelined, Wilson stepped into a dominant role and immediately delivered career-best production, capturing a massive 31.6% target share and an even larger 60.9% air-yard share. His 185-yard eruption showcased his ability to win downfield, earn first-read opportunities, and operate as a true perimeter focal point. Wilson’s efficiency metrics, highlighted by 3.94 yards per route run and four deep targets, reflected not just volume but meaningful involvement. While it’s unreasonable to expect a repeat of his WR1 overall performance, the underlying usage spike is a critical sign of trust in his direction.
This week, Wilson projects as a strong start in fantasy given another opportunity to function as Arizona’s primary receiver. Jacoby Brissett has attempted 44 or more passes in three of five starts, and Marvin Harrison Jr. previously averaged 11 targets per game, opening the door for steady volume. Jacksonville has struggled badly against perimeter receivers, ranking inside the top 10 in PPR points per target allowed since Week 7. Their secondary has repeatedly surrendered explosive plays, making Wilson’s downfield profile especially relevant. Even with regression expected from last week’s monster outing, his role and matchup give him top-15 upside, making him a confident start across lineups.
Jameson Williams DET
Jameson Williams enters Week 12 riding one of the hottest stretches of his young career, fueled by Dan Campbell’s recent takeover of play-calling duties. His route tree has noticeably expanded, resulting in 10 catches for 207 yards and two touchdowns on 14 targets across the last two games. Williams has transformed from a pure field-stretcher into a versatile perimeter threat, earning at least six targets in three straight contests after failing to do so in five of his first seven games. His efficiency has surged as well, posting 2.73 yards per route run with a 30.9% air-yard share and 91 receiving yards per game since Week 9. The absence of Sam LaPorta has also allowed Williams to inherit more middle-field opportunities and red-zone work, further stabilizing his floor.
This week’s matchup places Williams firmly in start territory for fantasy football lineups as he faces a Giants defense bleeding production to receivers. New York ranks top five in fantasy points allowed to the position and has already given up 14 receivers with 14+ PPR points this season. Their weakness aligns perfectly with Williams’ skillset, as the Giants have allowed the third-most yards to perimeter receivers and are vulnerable to deep passing, allowing the third-most yards on targets of 20+ air yards. With Williams running 77% of his routes outside and commanding an increasingly reliable target share, everything points toward another strong outing. He has been a top-20 WR in four of his last five games, and Week 12 presents another prime opportunity to keep that streak alive as a must-start option.
Chris Olave NO
Chris Olave continues to perform at a high level despite fluctuating quarterback play, ranking as the WR12 in fantasy points per game while maintaining elite underlying usage. His deep-target volume sits top-five in the league, and he has remained a major factor inside the red zone. Tyler Shough’s two starts have produced one down week and one strong WR6 finish, yet Olave’s route efficiency and first-read involvement have remained stable. Over that span, he has earned a 20.8% target share, a dominant 40.1% air-yard share, and an impressive 3.50 yards per route run. His performance against single-high coverage, where Atlanta ranks first in usage, has been exceptional, posting a 23.3% target share and 4.04 YPRR since Week 9.
Given both the matchup and usage, Olave projects as an excellent start for fantasy football this week. The Falcons have allowed the second-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers since Week 7, and their secondary has repeatedly surrendered explosive plays. Olave has consistently produced against Atlanta, scoring at least 14.6 PPR points in three straight meetings before this season. His recent consistency, highlighted by 12+ points in five of his last six games, further boosts his reliability heading into Week 12. With Shough leaning on him as the primary weapon and Atlanta’s coverage profile aligning with his strengths, Olave is a confident start across all formats.
Wide Receivers to Sit
Jordan Addison MIN
Jordan Addison enters Week 12 in a difficult stretch as his connection with quarterback J.J. McCarthy remains inconsistent. Even with a red-zone touchdown in Week 11, he managed only 10 PPR points on two catches for 20 yards despite seeing seven targets. Across McCarthy’s three starts, Addison has totaled just seven receptions for 103 yards and one score on 22 targets, reflecting significant inefficiency. His yards per route run have dipped to 1.04 over that span, and his deep-target opportunities have failed to translate into meaningful production. While his target share remains respectable, the overall passing environment has limited his reliability.
This week sets up poorly for Addison, making him a sit in fantasy despite a seemingly neutral matchup. Green Bay’s pass defense has recently become more vulnerable on the perimeter, but McCarthy’s 50% completion rate last week raises major concerns about the offense’s ability to support consistent receiver output. Addison’s deep targets, typically a strength, run into a secondary that has allowed limited explosive plays since Week 7. His volatility is too high for most fantasy formats, making him viable only as a boom-bust flex in three-receiver leagues. Managers seeking stability should sit Addison in Week 12.
Michael Pittman Jr IND
Michael Pittman Jr. enters Week 12 with strong season-long production, ranking as the WR11 in fantasy points per game while maintaining a 21% target share. Before the Colts’ bye week, he had a season low of 2 catches for 19 yards against the Falcons after three straight 20-point performances. While the production has been elite, regression is due as he is the expected WR17 in expected PPG while having the 56th highest air yards share and 79th average depth of target among receivers. It does not bode well this week against the Chiefs, who have been very successful this season at limiting the top opposing receiver.
Pittman lands in sit consideration for fantasy football lineups. Kansas City has allowed the fourth-fewest yards and touchdowns to wide receivers and ranks top seven in limiting fantasy points to the position. Their elite numbers against deep throws and perimeter receivers pose a major problem for both Pittman and Alec Pierce, who run most of their routes outside. The Chiefs have also allowed zero touchdowns on deep passes this season, minimizing Pittman’s upside. While he is the preferable option over Pierce, Pittman has a tough matchup to overcome in Kansas City.
Darnell Mooney ATL
Darnell Mooney has recently stepped into a larger role for Atlanta with Drake London sidelined. Over the last two weeks, he has seen a 25.9% target share and a 37% air-yard share. His first-read involvement has spiked to nearly 29%, yet the production has not followed, as he’s averaged just 25.5 receiving yards during that stretch. Efficiency concerns are evident, with only 0.91 yards per route run, indicating difficulty converting volume into meaningful fantasy output. Even with multiple seven-target games, the lack of touchdowns and big-play involvement has kept Mooney’s floor extremely low. His chemistry with Kirk Cousins resulted in a WR16 season last year, but in tough matchup’s I am not confident in trusting him.
This week’s matchup keeps Mooney firmly in sit range for fantasy as he faces a Saints secondary that has historically slowed perimeter receivers. New Orleans has allowed only middling production to outside wideouts since Week 7, and their physical coverage style limits smaller receivers like Mooney. While the volume could remain steady with London out, the efficiency issues combined with a challenging matchup make him too unreliable to trust. Three receivers have hit double-digit PPR points in the past two games vs. New Orleans, but Mooney’s profile doesn’t match the type of players who succeeded. Until he sees a better matchup or produces in his new role, treat him as a sit.
Tight Ends to Start
Hunter Henry NE
Hunter Henry is starting to show signs of life in an otherwise inconsistent New England passing game, delivering at least six targets in two of his last three outings. His involvement has trended upward, and the Patriots have leaned on him as a reliable short-to-intermediate option when drives stall. Even though his yardage totals haven’t always spiked, his role has remained steady, and his usage in scoring areas has quietly improved. Henry ranks 2nd among TEs in deep targets while ranking 3rd in air yards share. The matchup he draws this week only strengthens the case for including him in fantasy football start conversations.
This is the exact type of setup fantasy managers chase when choosing who to start because Cincinnati has been shredded by tight ends all season. The Bengals have allowed the most yards, most touchdowns, and the most fantasy points per game to the position, with multiple opponents dropping massive performances on them. Nine tight ends have eclipsed double-digit PPR points against Cincinnati, and several have approached or surpassed 30 points. Henry hasn’t posted a huge fantasy football ceiling in recent weeks, but he has maintained a sturdy floor and now gets his cleanest path to a spike week. With volume, matchup, and scoring opportunity aligning, Henry becomes a strong start candidate in Week 12.
Dallas Goedert PHI
Dallas Goedert’s involvement in the Philadelphia offense remains dependable even as the team cycles through its usual mix of explosive downfield plays and controlled intermediate concepts. His seven-catch outing against Dallas earlier in the season showed how easily he can command targets when the coverage structure favors him. Goedert continues to rank near the top of the position in target share, first-read usage, and involvement in high-value areas like the red zone. Even more impressive for the veteran is that he sits at 7th among TEs in points per target, and in a matchup like he has this week, the more volume could result in a monster game.
This week, Goedert lands on the start side thanks to another favorable matchup against the Cowboys. Dallas has struggled against tight ends of late, allowing multiple players to post 12-plus PPR points in recent weeks, and has had their fair share of struggles defensively this year. The Cowboys deployed a heavy dose of two-high in the first meeting, a structure that funnels targets toward players like Goedert, who thrives in the short and intermediate zones. While his recent fantasy football finishes haven’t been elite, the volume should return in a big way here. Given his previous success in this matchup and the defensive tendencies he’ll encounter again, Goedert fits firmly into start territory for Week 12.
Mark Andrews BAL
Mark Andrews has taken a winding path through the season, mixing modest receiving outputs with critical scoring plays that keep him fantasy-relevant. His recent stretch has leaned heavily on touchdowns, including a surprising 35-yard rushing score that boosted his production last week. Even with limited yardage totals, he continues to draw meaningful red-zone attention and remains one of Baltimore’s most trusted weapons when plays break down. His target share and first-read rate remain strong enough to sustain consistency, and the Ravens continue to dial up creative ways to get him involved. Despite the volatility, Andrews has stayed inside the start conversation for fantasy football managers most weeks.
Touchdown dependency is usually a warning sign, but this matchup keeps Andrews in the start range because the Jets have allowed the third-most touchdowns to tight ends this year. New York’s defense excels at limiting yardage but routinely surrenders scores inside the 20, which aligns perfectly with where Andrews has been most productive. His three straight TE1 finishes have all come in games where he found the end zone, and this contest sets up with a similar blueprint. With scoring chances likely again, Andrews remains a priority start in fantasy football lineups.
Tight Ends to Sit
Jake Ferguson DAL
Jake Ferguson remains an integral part of the Dallas passing game, but his role has shifted as the offense has re-centered itself around CeeDee Lamb and the vertical passing attack. Since Lamb returned to full form, Ferguson has taken a clear backseat, posting just one game over 30 receiving yards in the past month. His targets have remained average but not impactful, and he’s increasingly reliant on red-zone opportunities to salvage fantasy value. Ferguson is currently sitting at a 4.1 average depth of target, and with the reduced volume, he is not cashing in with much fantasy production. Although he leads the team in red-zone targets, those looks haven’t resulted in much production with the tough matchups as of late. This kind of volatility pushes him toward the sit bubble in fantasy football.
The matchup only reinforces the sit case, as Philadelphia has suffocated tight ends all season. The Eagles have allowed the second-fewest yards to the position and just one tight-end touchdown, making them one of the worst defenses to start against. Ferguson’s efficiency has dipped, and this game projects to funnel targets away from tight ends and toward perimeter receivers instead. His fantasy football profile becomes touchdown-or-bust in a spot where touchdowns rarely happen against Philadelphia’s defense. With safer options available at the position, Ferguson is best viewed as a sit this week.
Theo Johnson NYG
Theo Johnson has settled into a meaningful role for the Giants, emerging as a touchdown-driven option who has flashed TE1 production when the volume cooperates. His involvement since Week 4 has been solid, with a strong target share and a lineup of red-zone opportunities that keep him fantasy-relevant. However, the inconsistency remains obvious, as his efficiency fluctuates and his scoring reliance creates unpredictable outcomes. Last week’s dip with Jameis Winston under center underscored the fragile nature of his usage. Even with multiple TE1 weeks this season, his profile leans more toward matchup-dependent risk than weekly reliability in fantasy football.
This is not the matchup to chase, making Johnson a strong sit candidate. Detroit has quietly improved against tight ends, allowing bottom-half fantasy production to the position and limiting yardage in recent weeks. Over the past month, Detroit’s defense has only allowed 11.1 PPG to tight ends. Without a touchdown, his fantasy football floor remains extremely low even if Jaxson Dart returns this week from a concussion. Given the tough matchup and inconsistent production outside of red zone scores, Johnson is a strong sit this week.
Juwan Johnson NO
Juwan Johnson has delivered a roller-coaster season, swinging between stretches of strong involvement and frustrating disappearances. His early-season production created optimism before he went quiet for several weeks, only to resurface again with a pair of strong outings leading into the bye. Under Tyler Shough, his yardage production has been efficient, but the volume has remained low with just four targets in each of the rookie’s starts. Johnson has shown big-play ability and red-zone upside, but those traits alone haven’t created consistent fantasy value. His volatility makes him difficult to trust in tough matchups instead of being a lineup lock.
This week brings an especially tough matchup, pushing Johnson into the sit recommendation. Atlanta has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends and faces fewer tight-end targets than almost any defense in the league. While the Falcons can occasionally be beaten downfield, they rarely give up meaningful production to tight ends, and New Orleans’ passing volume doesn’t project to bend that trend. Johnson’s recent touchdowns have skewed perception, but his target counts remain too low to rely on in fantasy football lineups. With a stingy defense ahead, he profiles as a sit for Week 12.
DEF to Start
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are an easy start in fantasy football this week, drawing a Raiders offense that has been a gold mine for opposing defenses thanks to Geno Smith’s turnover issues and high sack rate. Cleveland has generated at least three sacks in four straight games while forcing multiple takeaways in nearly every matchup, highlighted by a 17-point explosion against Baltimore. Smith has been sacked 10 times over his last two outings and has thrown an interception in three straight games, setting up another high-pressure environment for a Browns front led by Myles Garrett. With 18 sacks in their past four contests and a matchup against one of the league’s most mistake-prone offenses, this is a defense that needs to be in fantasy football lineups everywhere.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay profiles as a strong start this week against a Vikings offense struggling behind J.J. McCarthy, who has thrown at least one interception in every start and taken sacks at a top-five rate. Minnesota has allowed 34 sacks and committed 18 giveaways, making them one of the best matchups for fantasy defenses all season. The Packers may not always deliver splash plays, but this environment sets the table for one of their better outings with Lambeau providing a boost and McCarthy continuing to put the ball in harm’s way. With Minnesota ranking top four in fantasy points allowed to opposing DSTs, fantasy managers should feel confident rolling out Green Bay.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore is a clear start this week as they face a Jets offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, including 36 sacks and 12 turnovers. The Ravens defense has tightened up recently and gets to face off against the Jets, who will trot out Tyrod Taylor over Justin Fields without Garrett Wilson. With Baltimore ranking near the top in Week 12 projections and playing at home against a bottom-tier scoring offense, all indicators point toward a productive outing. This is one of the safest and highest-upside DST plays of the week.
DEF to Sit
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are a firm sit this week, heading into Dallas to face an offense that has averaged 35.3 points per game at home and rarely allows defenses to generate meaningful fantasy production. The Cowboys’ explosive passing attack has held opponents to the fourth-fewest defensive fantasy points, and a projected high-scoring environment further limits Philadelphia’s upside. While the Eagles’ defense is talented, this matchup offers too much risk and too little reward, making it a spot where managers should pivot to better streaming options.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City belongs on the sit list this week as they take on a Colts offense that has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses and continues to operate efficiently behind an 8-2 record. The Chiefs have posted just two fantasy points in back-to-back games and have reached double digits only three times this season, giving them one of the lowest ceilings among viable DSTs. With Indianapolis protecting the ball well and limiting sack opportunities, this matchup offers little upside for fantasy football purposes, making Kansas City an easy fade.
Kickers to Start
Cam Little JAC
Cam Little is a strong start this week thanks to a favorable matchup against an Arizona defense that ranks top-three in fantasy points allowed to kickers and has repeatedly given up double-digit outings. Little has been steady all season with a 16-for-20 field goal mark and elite long-range accuracy, including three makes from 50-plus yards. Even though he didn’t attempt a field goal last week, his recent 28-point two-game stretch shows the upside he brings when Jacksonville stalls near scoring range. With the Cardinals allowing 10.2 points per game to kickers on the road and six different kickers hitting 11 or more against them, Little is a locked-in start.
Tyler Loop BAL
Tyler Loop is one of the hottest kickers in fantasy football and remains a start this week against a Jets defense that allows the most fantasy points to opposing kickers. He has scored 12 or more points in three of his last four games and has been nearly automatic, converting seven of his last eight field goal attempts. The Jets have allowed multiple field goal makes in nearly every matchup, with only two kickers failing to hit that mark all season. Given Loop’s recent consistency and the high volume of attempts opponents see against New York, he carries legitimate top-five upside again.
Kickers to Sit
Harrison Butker KC
Harrison Butker is a sit this week as Kansas City continues to provide him minimal volume, with just two field goal attempts over his last four games and no recent double-digit fantasy performances. Indianapolis has allowed only one kicker to score more than nine points this season and severely limits field goal opportunities, especially at home. With the Colts ranking near the top in preventing kicker production and the Chiefs leaning on red-zone efficiency rather than stalled drives, Butker offers little upside and should be benched in fantasy football lineups.
Will Reichard MIN
Will Reichard is an easy sit this week against a Green Bay defense allowing just five fantasy points per game to kickers at Lambeau Field, one of the toughest environments for the position. Minnesota’s offensive struggles have capped his scoring potential, and he has averaged just 7.5 points across his last four outings despite strong early-season accuracy. The Packers have held most opposing kickers under nine points at home, making Reichard far too risky given the Vikings’ inconsistency. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for Week 12.
