Week 12 of the fantasy football season is here, and we’re back with another crop of start/sit options. We have a nice set of data about each team through six weeks, and can make informed decisions on good plays and traps. With that in mind, we’ll pick quarterbacks who should exceed expectations in Week 12, along with three you should probably sit.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 12: Wide receivers
We break down the top starting options at wide receiver this week, along with some players who should be avoided.
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Start
It’s pretty simple: When playing at home, Hilton is a must-play. In reality, Hilton has only smashed in two of his four home starts, but the two duds came against Jacksonville and Pittsburgh. This time, he gets to face one of the leakiest pass defenses in all the land, so fire him up and watch him go.
Two major injury situations set Cooper up for a potential blow-up afternoon. Robert Woods is out, which should send more targets in Kupp’s direction. And the Saints’ secondary sensation Marshon Lattimore has been ruled out, making all the Rams’ receivers that more viable. Sammy Watkins has been too unreliable, but with consecutive six-catch games, Kupp is ready to rock.
JuJu Smith-Schuster has been ruled out of Sunday night’s game, and that is the opening Bryant needs to finally regain his form. Even with JSS trending up the past few weeks and Bryant seemingly trapped in Mike Tomlin’s doghouse, the fact remains that Bryant only trailed 15-9 in targets the past two weeks. Bryant is a sneaky play this week, with the Packers likely selling out to contain Antonio Brown.
Sit
Jordy Nelson, Packers at Steelers
It’s a shame, but Nelson simply cannot be trusted in fantasy lineups until Aaron Rodgers gets back on the field. Brett Hundley is not an NFL-capable quarterback and the Steelers’ pass defense is so formidable that Nelson is almost certain to be shut down yet again. Nelson has 10 catches for 92 yards over the past four games combined. Wow.
We’re not really going to trust Blaine Gabbert to put together a solid passing game against the defense, are we? He had a nice game last week, but that was the Texans, who are about the exact opposite of the Jags when it comes to defending the pass. Maybe the savvy Fitzgerald comes through, but I wouldn’t count on it.
Marqise Lee, Jaguars at Cardinals
Same problem on the other side of this game. Lee is likely to draw Patrick Peterson with Allen Hurns ruled out, and that is the kiss of death for a receiver.
