We have learned a lot in the first 11 weeks of the season, so we can use that to inform our lineup decisions. The best way to do so is to focus on the matchup, consider the game script and compare your thoughts with FantasyPros’ expert consensus rankings (ECR).
You’ll find three fantasy football booms to start and three busts to bench for Week 12. By this point in the season, we have a good sense of player projections. With that in mind, let’s make those lineup decisions easier for you in Week 12.
Fantasy Football Week 12 Start/Sit Advice
Fantasy Football Boom Starts
Bryce Young (QB – CAR) @ SF
Bryce Young is coming off a huge game against the Falcons, where he threw for 448 yards and three touchdowns in a thrilling overtime victory. This was a case where the Panthers exploited a decimated Falcons secondary.
Up next is another great matchup against the 49ers, who have been picked apart by Jacoby Brissett and Matthew Stafford in the last two games. Don’t be surprised if Young throws for another 250+ yards and two touchdowns. Expect him to pepper Tetairoa McMillan with targets in this one.
David Montgomery (RB – DET) vs. NYG
David Montgomery has 40 rushing yards or fewer in four of his last five games. This has led head coach Dan Campbell to publicly state that Montgomery needs more carries. This is the perfect spot for that to happen, as the Lions are heavy favorites at home against the Giants.
It sets up as the ideal game script for Montgomery, where the Lions control the game, resulting in more rushing volume. It also helps that the Giants rank 32nd in expected points added (EPA) against the run this season.
Michael Wilson (WR – ARI) vs. SF
Michael Wilson finds his way in the boom section of this column for the second week in a row. Hopefully, if you read last week, you were able to start Wilson for his blowup game against the 49ers.
Unfortunately, the one spot where I have Wilson, I couldn’t play him, since my wideouts were Justin Jefferson, Emeka Egbuka and George Pickens. I’m not making that mistake again this week. We can fire up Wilson with confidence, since Marvin Harrison Jr. is out once again. The Cardinals have gone pass-heavy with Brissett under center, and the Jaguars rank 18th in fantasy points per game allowed to wideouts.
Fantasy Football Bust Sits
Dak Prescott (QB – DAL) vs. PHI
Dak Prescott is coming off a terrific game against the Raiders, but it’s a good idea to leave him on your bench this week. The Eagles’ defense looks like a major problem right now, especially since they traded for EDGE rusher Jaelen Phillips, who is fitting in like a glove in Vic Fangio’s unit.
There are several widely available options at quarterback that you can replace Prescott with this week, including Young against the 49ers. This feels like a low-scoring divisional game.
Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV) vs. CLE
Ashton Jeanty has been one of the biggest busts in fantasy football this season. It’s hard to trust him against the Browns, led by all-world EDGE rusher Myles Garrett. The Raiders’ offensive line is an absolute turnstile, so expect Garrett to manhandle this group.
Don’t expect to see any holes for Jeanty to find running room. If he makes a fantasy impact, it would be through the air. However, this is an ugly game environment with one of the lowest totals on the slate. I’d seriously start David Montgomery over Jeanty this week.
Justin Jefferson (WR – MIN) @ GB
Justin Jefferson is averaging only 10.4 half-PPR points per game with J.J. McCarthy under center. That would rank as the WR27 on the season. The Vikings have gone more run-heavy to compensate for their quarterback’s struggles.
On top of that, Minnesota has a 17.5 implied team total against a tough Packers defense. I don’t think the Vikings will have much success through the air in this game. With that in mind, I’m boldly benching Jefferson for Michael Wilson in one spot.
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