Fantasy football advice, Week 12: Who to start/sit for Vikings vs. Falcons
Both teams need a win to stay in front in their respective playoff races.
At least until Sunday's game, the Minnesota Vikings sit atop the NFC North. A loss would bring the team to 7-4, in a tie with the recently struggling Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons still have a tenuous grasp on the NFC's second Wild Card slot despite losing four of five. They need to start winning games again if they want to hold that grip. The two teams play one another Sunday.
The Vikings should have quarterback Teddy Bridgewater ready to go for Sunday despite a shoulder injury. Atlanta, meanwhile, will play the game at well less than full strength, with running back Devonta Freeman, wide receiver Leonard Hankerson and kicker Matt Bryant all sidelined with injuries.
The Falcons host the Vikings Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
VIKINGS
Start ‘em: Against an Atlanta team that struggles versus the run, Adrian Peterson could have a field day Sunday. ... Before Week 11's one point, Blair Walsh had kicked for at least seven fantasy points in eight straight.
Start ‘em?: He's cooled since a hot start, but Stefon Diggs is still in the flex conversation. ... Week 11 was probably the best game of Kyle Rudolph's career; he's not much beyond a desperation TE2, but it was nice to see he has big numbers in him.
Sit ‘em: What a frustrating second season it’s been for Teddy Bridgewater, who has played himself out of any sort of fantasy consideration. ... The Vikings’ defense has struggled more of late, and the Atlanta offense is strong enough to take advantage.
FALCONS
Start ‘em: There's really no reason to ever consider benching Julio Jones. Lop off a couple limbs and he'd still probably find a way.
Start ‘em?: The last time Matt Ryan cracked 20 fantasy points, there was still a week left in the Major League Baseball regular season. It's been a while. ... With Devonta Freeman out, Tevin Coleman becomes the Atlanta starter again. He looked decent early, but you can't just expect him to do what Freeman has been doing. Be careful. ... Leonard Hankerson's absence clears the way for Jacob Tamme to produce; he's a strong TE2. ... The Falcons' defense has averaged 7.3 fantasy points over its last four, 8.4 over its last seven.
Sit ‘em: For the season, Roddy White is averaging 2.8 fantasy points a game, with seven games of two or fewer. It's not been good. ... Shayne Graham will handle Atlanta's kicking duties with Matt Bryant out. There's a reason he was unemployed in Week 12 of the NFL season.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Adrian Peterson, Blair Walsh, Julio Jones
Start if you're desperate: Stefon Diggs, Kyle Rudolph, Matt Ryan, Tevin Coleman, Jacob Tamme, Atlanta defense
Bench: Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota defense, Roddy White, Shayne Graham
