As Week 12 of the NFL season approaches, fantasy football managers face critical decisions regarding their lineups. This week’s analysis highlights key players to start and sit, providing insights based on recent performances, matchups, and overall potential.
Start Jameson Williams
Jameson Williams, wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, has emerged as a strong contender since Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties. Williams has demonstrated his ability to capitalize on opportunities, making him a compelling start for fantasy teams this week. His matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers presents a unique opportunity for significant production.
Sit Baker Mayfield
In contrast, Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should be sat this week. The Buccaneers’ passing game has struggled to find its rhythm in recent weeks. Their upcoming opponent, the Los Angeles Rams, boasts the highest team PFF coverage grade in the NFL for the current season, making it a challenging matchup for Mayfield and the Buccaneers’ offense.
As fantasy managers navigate these decisions, community insights from the PFF Discord and Bluesky have been instrumental. Many players remain uncertain about their selections, prompting a ranking of various options. It is advisable for managers with multiple players in contention to prioritize those ranked highest.
At the bottom of each position list, alternative players are suggested for both starting and sitting decisions. Players not mentioned are generally close in ranking, and factors such as injuries or weather may influence their status as the game day approaches.
Running Back Insights
One of the standout running backs for Week 12 is Quinshon Judkins from the Cleveland Browns. Judkins has played a consistent role in the Browns’ offense, logging 77.2% of offensive snaps on early downs since Week 3, excluding his Week 8 injury absence. His contributions include a remarkable 96% of short-yardage snaps and 75% of goal-line snaps.
Despite his limited involvement in third downs and two-minute drills, Judkins has averaged 21 carries per game when the Browns win or lose by a touchdown or less. Conversely, he averages just 13 carries per game in games where the Browns are down by multiple scores. This week presents challenges, as the Browns are four-point underdogs against the Las Vegas Raiders. With rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders taking the helm, game script may be impacted, potentially increasing reliance on Judkins.
The Raiders’ defense has shown vulnerability recently, with no opposing running back averaging more than 4.0 yards per carry on multiple attempts for the first nine weeks. However, they have allowed both J.K. Dobbins and Javonte Williams to exceed this mark in the last two weeks. The Raiders’ run defense has seen a decline in performance, dropping below a PFF run-defense grade of 60.0 in their last four games.
Given this context, Judkins becomes a high-end RB2 option. Any running back with the potential to exceed 20 carries should be considered a solid start in fantasy leagues. Managers are encouraged to include Judkins in their starting lineups, as his opportunity for a breakout performance is significant.
As always, for the most current information, fantasy managers should consult the weekly PFF fantasy rankings. These resources offer real-time insights to assist in making informed start-sit decisions as game day approaches.
