Fantasy Flex: Start/Sit Advice (Week 12)

Week Twelve begins with a three game lineup on Thanksgiving, starting at 11:30 a.m. CT. As we all remember to set our fantasy lineups earlier than usual, let’s break down the best match-ups to exploit and the top options to start or sit. Lucky for us, there are no teams on bye this week.

Start:

Quarterback

Dak Prescott (QB - DAL) vs Redskins: Dallas’ rookie quarterback is having a great season, and I don’t see any reason for that to change today. Prescott has thrown for at least 247 yards and two TDs in each of his last five games. He faces a mediocre Washington pass defense this week. Prescott has been solid all year, proving himself as a reliable starting option in all leagues.

Running Back

Thomas Rawls (RB - SEA) vs Buccaneers: Rawls returned from injury last week set to share carries with rookie C.J. Prosise, who strung together solid fantasy performances in Weeks Ten and Eleven. Unfortunately, Prosise sustained an injury that will sideline him for a while, leaving Rawls to reclaim his lead role in Seattle. The running back takes on the 25th ranked Tampa Bay run defense this week and should be in line for a big game.

Wide Receiver

Sterling Shepard (WR - NYG) vs Browns: Shepard struggled through the middle stretch of the season, leaving his fantasy owners a little worried. He has returned to his early season form over the last three games, scoring a touchdown in each game. He should have another solid outing this week as he faces the Browns’ 22nd ranked pass defense.

Tight End

Zach Ertz (TE - PHI) vs Packers: I had Ertz in the sit column last week and am fully willing to admit I was wrong. Ertz nabbed his first touchdown of the season and seems to have returned to his status as a key piece of the Eagles’ offense. With at least six receptions in each of his last three games, he’s a worthwhile option in PPR leagues. Even better, Ertiz is facing a struggling Green Bay pass defense this week.

Sit:

Quarterback

Matthew Stafford (QB - DET) vs Vikings: Stafford has struggled over his last three games, all of which have been against top five pass defenses (Houston, Jacksonville, Minnesota). This week, he faces off with the Vikings once again and is likely in line for a similar outcome. Try to get a quarterback with a better match-up in your lineup for this week.

Running Back

Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson Jr. (RBs - CLE) vs Giants: Neither Crowell nor Johnson has amassed more than 30 rushing yards in in the last four weeks. They have only one touchdown over that span combined (Crowell scored in Week Eight). The backfield in Cleveland is a mess. Steer clear this week as they face a solid Giants run defense.

Wide Receiver

Tyrell Williams (WR - SD) vs Texans: Houston should be looking for vengeance this week after being robbed against the Raiders on Monday Night Football. The Texans boast one of the best pass defenses in the league and should continue to shut down opposing receivers. Williams is better served on your bench for this unfavorable match-up.

Marvin Jones (WR - DET) vs Vikings: Over his last three games, Jones has failed to exceed three reception or eclipse 33 receiving yards. His fall from fantasy grace has been mighty, and this week he faces one of the top pass defenses in the NFL. Leave him on your bench, as I’m sure was your plan already.

Tight End

Coby Fleener (TE - NO) vs Rams: It’s always hard to recommend sitting a player at a thin position, but Fleener has an awful match-up against the sixth best pass defense in the league this week. The Saints’ tight end has failed to rack up more than 45 yards in his last five game. He has only one touchdown over that stretch. Keep Fleener on your bench this week if you can afford to.

What are your thoughts this week, fantasy owners? Is there anyone you are prioritizing in your lineup? Anyone you are avoiding? The comments section is yours to debate, discuss, predict, and ask for fantasy advice as we head into Week Twelve.