The past few weeks of football have truly highlighted how exciting this season is shaping up to be. Another 7 games were decided by a single score, bringing the total to an incredible 25 one-score games over the last three weeks alone! That’s a testament to the competitiveness of this season—unless, of course, you're playing the Lions, in which case, it’s been a different story!
On top of that, we’re witnessing a rookie quarterback class that’s quickly becoming one of the most promising in recent memory, drawing comparisons to the legendary 2004 class. The future of football is looking brighter than ever, and it’s clear we’re in for a thrilling ride as the season winds down. So, grab the popcorn and settle in—what's ahead will surely be a cinematic finish!
Starts
QB - Bo Nix Denver Broncos (@LV)
In Week 8, I highlighted Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix as a must-start. Since then, he’s become a "set it and forget it" option for fantasy managers, yet surprisingly, is still available in over 30% of leagues. Over the past few weeks, the rookie has been on fire, racking 10 total touchdowns and just 1 interception. Additionally, during this impressive stretch, he’s averaging more than 250 passing yards per game. Nix's stellar play has helped propel the Broncos into the playoff race, and I fully expect them to lean heavily on the rookie’s arm moving forward. With a crucial divisional upcoming matchup against the Raiders if you need a quarterback, now’s the time to snag him. Don’t let this opportunity slip by while he’s still on the waiver wire! A MUST start!
RB - Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders (Dal)
Typically, I stay away from split backfields, but there are always exceptions—especially when those backfields are part of a high-powered offense. Washington RB Austin Ekeler has been part of an effective 1-2 punch alongside fellow Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. While Robinson recently returned from injury, Ekeler only had 2 carries, which might raise some eyebrows. However, Ekeler made up for the lack of rushing attempts with a solid performance in the passing game, hauling in 8 catches on 9 targets for 89 yards. This performance marked his third consecutive game with double-digit fantasy points, proving he can still be a reliable asset in any role.
Looking ahead to Week 12, Ekeler has an appealing matchup against Dallas, who is allowing over 150 rushing yards per game this year. While Ekeler’s carries may be limited, expect him to continue his involvement in the passing game with 5 or more receptions. If you’re looking for a flex play, he’s an excellent option to consider. The combination of a solid workload and a favorable matchup makes Ekeler a strong start.
WR - Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns (Pit)
We haven’t spent much time talking about Browns football this year, and for good reason. But things are looking a little different now with QB Jameis Winston taking the reins. This offense has picked up steam under his leadership, and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has become one of the prime beneficiaries. Coming off his best game of the year where he posted 6 catches for 142 yards and a touchdown, Jeudy’s recent performance signals he’s back to being a reliable fantasy option. The key to his success is his heavy involvement, which has been substantial over the past three weeks.
During that span, Jeudy has been targeted 30 times, and that kind of volume can’t be ignored. Out of those 30 targets, he’s caught 18 of them for 294 yards and 1 touchdown. This level of consistent production makes him a must-start, regardless of any potential skepticism. Some might be hesitant due to the uncertainty surrounding the Browns, but I’m riding the hot hand for as long as he continues to get this kind of volume. If you’ve got him, make sure he’s in your lineup this week.
TE - Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins (NE)
Miami TE Jonnu Smith is coming off a scorching performance that can’t be ignored. Last week, he hauled in 6 catches for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns, showing he’s more than capable of putting up big numbers. But unlike some flash-in-the-pan performances, there’s more to his recent success than just one game. Much like we discussed with Browns WR Jerry Jeudy, it’s the significant increase in target share that has me excited about Smith’s fantasy value moving forward. With Tua Tagovailoa back at quarterback, the chemistry between him and Smith seems to be clicking, and that could make the tight end a must-start for the rest of the year.
For perspective, over the past 6 games, Smith has been targeted 6 or more times in all but one of them, which is a promising trend for any tight end. If you’re searching for a consistent option, Smith is available in over 60% of leagues and should be on your radar. His increased involvement in the offense, combined with Tua’s return, makes him a strong candidate to finish out the year as a reliable starter. If you need a tight end, don’t wait—Smith might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Defense - Philadelphia Eagles (@LAR)
I’m genuinely surprised to see that the Philadelphia Eagles are available in 40% of leagues, especially considering how dominant they've been since their Week 5 bye. Over their last 6 games, the Eagles' defense has been nothing short of elite, allowing no more than 18 points in any game. But it’s not just about limiting scores—they’ve been racking up stats, totaling 22 sacks, and forcing 11 turnovers. That kind of production makes them a must-have for fantasy managers, as it’s hard to ignore their consistency.
This week, they face a Rams offense that is somewhere in the middle of the pack offensively. Normally, I’d advise going with defenses based on strict matchups, but the Eagles' performance is so impressive lately that I see no reason not to keep riding their wave. With their ability to create turnovers and pressure the QB, this unit has the potential to continue delivering big fantasy points. If you can grab them off waivers for a Week 12 start, you’re likely to benefit from their stellar play as they look to keep their dominant run going.
Sits
QB - Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers (@Cle)
For a moment, it seemed like Pittsburgh QB Russell Wilson could be one of those late-season pickups who becomes a league winner. However, it's hard to trust him moving forward after a disappointing performance against the Baltimore Ravens (whose secondary has been one of the worst in the league). Wilson failed to take advantage of a defense that's been struggling, and now he’s coming off back-to-back games with under 210 passing yards. If he can't exploit a matchup like that, it’s tough to have faith in him going forward, especially with a much tougher test on the horizon.
This week, Wilson faces the Cleveland Browns, who are allowing just 211 passing yards per game (one of the best marks in the league). Additionally, the Steelers will likely rely on the run game against the Browns’ weaker rush defense, which should further limit Wilson’s opportunities. With the matchup stacked against him, I’m not optimistic about Wilson bouncing back. If you’re considering him as your starter, it’s probably time to look elsewhere, as it's looking like another rough outing for the veteran QB.
RB - Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins (NE)
It’s hard to ignore that Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert had a miserable outing this past week, as he most likely single-handedly lost the matchup for his fantasy teams. Despite being rostered in nearly 70% of leagues, Mostert posted a disappointing zero in fantasy points. What was once a key part of what was supposed to be a dynamic 1-2 punch in Miami’s backfield has become 2nd year RB De'Von Achane and nothing else. While injuries have been an issue for Mostert this year, the reality is that, when he’s out there, he’s not producing.
On a positive note, Mostert did have a standout two-touchdown game in Week 8, but his performance over the last three games has been underwhelming at best. During this brutal stretch, He’s rushed the ball only 13 times and has had just five targets out of the backfield. In crunch time, you need players who are involved and getting consistent touches. At this point, Mostert just isn’t providing the volume needed to justify starting him. Until further notice, he should be on your bench.
WR - Deebo Samuel San Francisco 49ers (@GB)
San Francisco WR Deebo Samuel has always been a boom-or-bust player, and drafting him comes with the understanding that his performance can fluctuate dramatically—20 points one week, 5 the next. However, this season the highs haven’t been as high, and the lows have been more consistent. Additionally, with RB Christian McCaffrey back in the fold, Samuel’s involvement in the offense has taken a hit. Since Week 4, he has surpassed 100 yards receiving just once and has caught more than 4 passes in only one game during that span.
An even more concerning trend is that even his role in the running game has diminished this year, as he hasn’t rushed for more than 15 yards since Week 3. This week, he faces a Packers defense that’s allowing fewer than 210 passing yards per game. Given his current lack of involvement, it’s best not to force Samuel into your lineup. Consider other options this week.
TE - TJ Hockenson Minnesota Vikings (Chi)
A lot of the tight ends I wanted to highlight this week are on a bye, including Falcons TE Kyle Pitts, so I ended up focusing on Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson. While Hockenson remains a big name at the position, his production so far hasn’t quite matched the hype from last year. Additionally, even though he hasn’t played many games, the ones he has played haven’t been enough to convince me he’s a must-start.
In his three games this year, he has caught 15 passes for 112 yards—solid, but unspectacular. The issue is that 8 of those catches and 72 of those yards came in a single game. With that kind of inconsistency, it's hard to rely on him, especially as we enter the critical final stretch of the year. Other, more reliable options are likely to be available.
Defense - San Francisco 49ers (@ GB)
For the second week in a row, the 49ers defense finds itself on the sit list, and the reason remains the same: it's all about the matchup. You can’t just play them based on their name alone anymore. While they’re still an overall solid unit, they’re not the same dominant defense they once were, as they've allowed 20 or more points in all but two games on the year.
Although San Fran still ranks 6th in fewest yards allowed, going on the road to face the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau could quickly change that narrative. The Packers rank 4th in total yards and 8th in points scored, making this a tough defensive matchup. With better options available, it's wise to look elsewhere for your fantasy defense in Week 12.
