Somehow, a game featuring a 5-5 team against a 4-6 one in Week 12 is shaping up to go a long way toward deciding a division winner. That's the situation in the NFC East Sunday, as the division-leading New York Giants face second-place Washington. With the division's other two teams struggling even more than these two, the winner of this game should have the fast track on a playoff berth.
Fantasy football advice, Week 12: Who to start/sit for Giants vs. Washington
It’s a battle for first place in the NFC East.
The Giants will be without tight end Larry Donnell, whose season is in jeopardy after an MRI on his neck during the week. Washington, meanwhile, has a lengthy injury report, though the only fantasy-relevant name is running back Alfred Morris, who is probable to play despite a rib injury.
Sunday’s game between the two teams will be played in Washington, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
GIANTS
Start ‘em: We haven't gotten a lot of consistency from Eli Manning of late, with three great games and three bad ones in his last six, but against Washington's middling secondary, he should have plenty of opportunity to produce Sunday. ... Odell Beckham Jr. is somewhat matchup-proof, but that doesn't mean you don't get excited when the matchup is as attractive as this one. ... Josh Brown has been one of fantasy's best kickers this year.
Start ‘em?: Since Week 2, Rueben Randle has had at least four fantasy points in every game, though he's had six or fewer in five of eight games in that time, as well. If you need a few points, he'll likely give you that, but he has a low ceiling. ... With Larry Donnell shelved maybe for the season, Will Tye starts to look a bit interesting, on the heels of his five-catch, seven-target, 56-yard game last time out. He's a decent TE2. ... The Giants' defense has done more on special teams than on defense this year, but that counts just as much. It's a boom-or-bust play on the risky side of usable.
Sit ‘em: There's just nothing for fantasy in the New York running game. Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen are the ones worth minor consideration, but the continued presence of Andre Williams and Orleans Darkwa renders the entire group unusable.
WASHINGTON
Start ‘em: There was some brief worry about a knee injury for Jordan Reed, but he isn't even on the injury report, so he should be good to go in a nice matchup. ... Week 11 was miserable for Dustin Hopkins just like it was for the rest of the Washington team, but overall he's been perfectly productive.
Start ‘em?: Sunday was the first big game of the season for DeSean Jackson, with 87 yards and a score. Still, his injury problems have robbed him of consistency. He's a risky flex option.
Sit ‘em: At this point, I have to admit there's some credibility to Kirk Cousins' game, but given that he has more single-digit fantasy games this season than games of 20-plus, the floor is also low. You don't want that much unpredictability out of your fantasy quarterback. ... The mess of a running situation with Alfred Morris, Matt Jones and Chris Thompson is impossible to parse or expect anything out of. ... With Jackson back and producing, there's not as much to feed Pierre Garcon or Jamison Crowder. ... The Washington defense has been mediocre-to-above this year, but the Giants are perfectly suited to take advantage of the unit's weaknesses.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr., Josh Brown, Jordan Reed, Dustin Hopkins
Start if you're desperate: Rueben Randle, Will Tye, New York defense, DeSean Jackson
Bench: Rashad Jennings, Shane Vereen, Andre Williams Orleans Darkwa, Kirk Cousins, Alfred Morris, Matt Jones, Chris Thompson, Pierre Garcon, Jamison Crowder, Washington defense
