Updated: September 4, 2025
- What to do without the Rams and Chiefs stars
- Lamar Jackson is a fringe fantasy starter and the highest ranked rookie QB
- Barkley leads the way in Week 12 with all position leaders on bye
Week 12 sees fantasy owners scrambling to replace Chiefs and Rams stars, as they both are enjoying their bye week, after they put on a epic Monday night performance.
Fantasy managers need backup plans when marquee players are resting. It's not just about losing Mahomes or Gurley for a week, but adjusting lineup depth without them. Smart moves include picking high upside replacements like Justin Jackson or Josh Reynolds.
Beyond selecting individual player substitutes, consider overall strategy refinements during this period. It's a chance to test different team formations or innovate with unconventional plays that might just pay off. For instance, employing a “handcuff” strategy ensures backups for your stars are ready to step in and keep the team steady during their absence.
In leagues with smaller benches, tougher decisions might come into play, making trade negotiations another viable route for temporary adjustments. Looking ahead and planning for these bye weeks can avoid last-minute scrambling and keep your team competitive.
With only the two teams off, lineups won't be as thin as last week. However, the Rams and Chiefs combine for the current leaders in all four offensive positions, with Patrick Mahomes, Todd Gurley, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce all leading their respective position groups.
It's crunch time for fantasy owners so let's get to it.
Read on to find my Top 20 QBs and Top 100 PPR Flex plays heading into Week 12.
If you're looking to mix some fantasy football with more traditional wagers, head over to MyBookie where they have a “Fantasy Betting” option that will allow you to play over/unders on projected fantasy outputs for the week.
Lamar Jackson's Rise as a Rookie QB
Week 12 Top 20 QBs
| Rank | Player (Team) | Opponent | Last Weeks Points | Points YTD | Current 2018 Position Rank | DFS Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drew Brees (NO) | ATL | 30.5 | 239.4 | QB 3 | $6,700 |
| 2 | Andrew Luck (IND) | MIA | 23.9 | 217 | QB 7 | $6,400 |
| 3 | Cam Newton (CAR) | SEA | 24.5 | 229.2 | QB 5 | $6,200 |
| 4 | Matt Ryan (ATL) | @NO | 13.7 | 232.4 | QB 4 | $6,100 |
| 5 | Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) | @DEN | 20.7 | 227.7 | QB 6 | $6,100 |
| 6 | Kirk Cousins (MIN) | GB | 17 | 188.4 | QB 11 | $5,500 |
| 7 | Carson Wentz (PHI) | NYG | 0.8 | 140.6 | QB 22 | $5,900 |
| 8 | Tom Brady (NE) | @NYJ | BYE | 175.5 | QB 14 | $6,500 |
| 9 | Aaron Rodgers (GB) | @MIN | 21.6 | 207.7 | QB 9 | $5,800 |
| 10 | Philip Rivers (LAC) | ARI | 19.6 | 197.9 | QB 10 | $5,800 |
| 11 | Russell Wilson (SEA) | @CAR | 17.6 | 187.2 | QB 13 | $5,600 |
| 12 | Deshaun Watson (HOU) | TEN | 9 | 187.4 | QB 12 | $6,000 |
| 13 | Lamar Jackson (BAL) | OAK | 15.7 | 43.1 | QB 36 | $5,700 |
| 14 | Andy Dalton (CIN) | CLE | 19.3 | 166.4 | QB 15 | $5,300 |
| 15 | Jameis Winston (TB) | SF | 15.6 | 81.9 | QB 29 | $6,000 |
| 16 | Baker Mayfield (CLE) | @CIN | BYE | 128.4 | QB 26 | $5,500 |
| 17 | Dak Prescott (DAL) | WAS | 14.8 | 163.5 | QB 17 | – |
| 18 | Eli Manning (NYG) | @PHI | 17.1 | 153.6 | QB 20 | $5,700 |
| 19 | Case Keenum (DEN) | PIT | 8.2 | 135.8 | QB 25 | $4,700 |
| 20 | Matt Stafford (DET) | CHI | 13.4 | 156.7 | QB 18 | – |
Lamar Jackson's electrifying playstyle has fantasy owners buzzing. His ability to scramble effectively adds a valuable dimension to his game.
In his first start against the Bengals, he netted over 100 rushing yards and secured a win. While still developing as a passer, his rushing potential can significantly impact fantasy scores. Keeping injuries in mind, his use depends on league settings favoring dual-threat QBs.
Keep an eye on Jackson's passing improvement, as his chemistry with receivers grows. This will bolster his fantasy value, especially in leagues where passing touchdowns score highly. Coaches' open-field play designs also boost his output, making him a tempting starter against teams with vulnerable secondary defenses.
Balancing the risk of interceptions with his rushing yard gain is key for capitalizing on his potential each week.
Brees and Ryan Ready for another Heavyweight tilt
Way back in Week 3 the Saints and Falcons combined to put up 80 points. Ryan and Brees were responsible for five a piece. Brees even ran two in, which you can't expect to be repeated.
But I do expect the offensive outputs to be repeated. The Falcons own one of the league's worst defenses, so whether Ryan is trading blow for blow with Brees, or just playing catch up, it will lead to solid fantasy outputs for both QBs.
Cousins due for a day
Through 10 games the Vikings $84 million investment is looking a little questionable. The Vikings sit at 5-4-1 and a game and a half back of division leader Chicago Bears.
With a huge divisional game on tap for Week 12 against the Aaron Jones-led Packers … Oh, I mean Aaron Rodgers-led Packers, my bad … Cousins could not pick a better spot to prove his worth to his home fans and the front office.
This is a freaking filthy throw and catch like how do you defend this pic.twitter.com/EwzWvIB1Fn
— Drew Mahowald (@DrewMahowald) August 12, 2018
Sure, Cousins hasn't accounted for more than two TDs in a game since Week 4, and has only posted one 300-yard game over his last five outings, but he did put up 425 and 4 TDs in Week 2 against this same Packer defense.
I'd expect that is his ceiling this week, but anywhere close to those numbers makes him worth the investment.
Week 12 Top 100 PPR Flex Rankings
| Rank | Player (Team)(Pos Rank) | Opponent | Last Weeks Points | Points YTD | Current 2018 Position Rank | DFS Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saquon Barkley (NYG)(RB1) | @PHI | 35.2 | 252.8 | RB 3 | $9,100 |
| 2 | Alvin Kamara (NO)(RB2) | ATL | 17.8 | 262.7 | RB 2 | $8,300 |
| 3 | Melvin Gordon (LAC)(RB3) | ARI | 21.6 | 230.9 | RB 5 | $8,600 |
| 4 | Michael Thomas (NO)(WR1) | ATL | 19.2 | 230.2 | WR 3 | $8,900 |
| 5 | Christian McCaffrey (CAR)(RB4) | SEA | 17 | 218.8 | RB 7 | $7,900 |
| 6 | Ezekiel Elliot (DAL)(RB5) | WAS | 33.1 | 211.4 | RB 8 | – |
| 7 | James Conner (PIT)(RB6) | @DEN | 10.9 | 233.7 | RB 4 | $7,800 |
| 8 | Leonard Fournette (JAX)(RB7) | @BUF | 22.1 | 63 | RB 50 | $6,700 |
| 9 | Odell Beckham Jr (NYG)(WR2) | @PHI | 18.5 | 198.4 | WR 8 | $8,800 |
| 10 | Davante Adams (GB)(WR3) | @MIN | 26.6 | 221.3 | WR 4 | $8,000 |
| 11 | Adam Thielen (MIN)(WR4) | GB | 15.6 | 230.3 | WR 2 | $7,800 |
| 12 | Antonio Brown (PIT)(WR5) | @DEN | 22.7 | 208.7 | WR 5 | $8,700 |
| 13 | Julio Jones (ATL)(WR6) | @NO | 23.8 | 205.8 | WR 7 | $8,300 |
| 14 | DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)(WR7) | TEN | 14.6 | 206.3 | WR 6 | $7,900 |
| 15 | Nick Chubb (CLE)(RB8) | @CIN | BYE | 104.7 | RB 27 | $6,300 |
| 16 | David Johnson (ARI)(RB9) | @LAC | 16.4 | 169.9 | RB 10 | $7,300 |
| 17 | Joe Mixon (CIN)(RB10) | CLE | 14.2 | 136.1 | RB 17 | $6,800 |
| 18 | Mike Evans (TB)(WR8) | SF | 24 | 179.7 | WR 11 | $7,700 |
| 19 | TY Hilton (IND)(WR9) | MIA | 36.5 | 132.5 | WR 23 | $6,500 |
| 20 | Keenan Allen (LAC)(WR10) | ARI | 24 | 163.1 | WR 15 | $7,100 |
| 21 | Matt Breida (SF)(RB11) | @TB | BYE | 118.6 | RB 19 | $5,700 |
| 22 | Phillip Lindsay (DEN)(RB12) | PIT | 26.6 | 145.7 | RB 12 | $5,600 |
| 23 | Juju Smith-Schuster (PIT)(WR11) | @DEN | 18.4 | 171.9 | WR 13 | $7,500 |
| 24 | Stefon Diggs (MIN)(WR12) | GB | 31.6 | 177.9 | WR 12 | $7,600 |
| 25 | AJ Green (CIN)(WR13) | CLE | INJ | 147.7 | WR 18 | $7,600 |
PPR leagues bring new strategies to light, where every reception counts towards the score. This format really boosts players like James White and Christian McCaffrey due to their frequent targets.
Slot receivers and pass-catching backs are gold here. Compared to standard leagues, player evaluation shifts as volume of receptions can outscore sheer yardage, shaping drafting and waiver wire decisions differently.
Barkley Keeps The Throne Warm For A Week
Coming off his third 100-yard rushing performance of his rookie season, Barkley is a safe bet at number one overall while Gurley watches at home for a week.
Barkley is averaging over 20 touches per contest for over 120 total yards. His TD per game pace on such a dismal offense is a tribute to his talent.
Highlights from @Saquon Barkley's three-touchdown game! #TBvsNYG#GiantsPride pic.twitter.com/jxXWcDIlmz
— NFL (@NFL) November 19, 2018
Eli and the Giants offense have looked more functional the last two weeks following their bye, albeit against the Niners and Bucs, and this week's opponent – division rival Philadelphia Eagles – promises to post a little more resistance.
But Barkley will make his plays. Back in Week 6 he torched the Eagles for 229 total yards and a TD on 22 touches, and will continue to be fed early and often this time around.
Breida Looks Like A Great Daily Play
Flex positions offer a strategic advantage, letting managers slot in an extra RB, WR, or TE. Choosing the right Flex can mean the difference between winning and losing a matchup.
It's all about assessing matchups and potential game scripts. Players like Tarik Cohen, who impact both rushing and receiving, make ideal Flex choices. Rotating this spot based on opponent vulnerabilities keeps lineups fresh.
The Niners own the leagues third-best rushing attack. Yes, the Niners.
Matt Breida is front and center of the production, accumulating 632 yards on only 113 carries. The Niners head into Tampa this week, who own the league's worst scoring defense, giving up 32.9 points a game.
49ers Film Room: Matt Breida is a bright spot in this otherwise dark season
Link: https://t.co/aQehCKrsbC pic.twitter.com/4HwF89Dsk2
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) November 15, 2018
The Bucs are almost middle of the pack against the run, but expect the Niners to try to control the game and keep a scary Bucs offense on the sidelines.
Breida should have a busy week as long as the Niners can keep it close. Breida's daily price of $5,700 saves you a fortune over other top backs and his production has a great chance to match them this week.
| Rank | Player (Team)(Pos Rank) | Opponent | Last Weeks Points | Points YTD | Current 2018 Position Rank | DFS Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Zach Ertz (PHI)(TE1) | NYG | 3.5 | 187.4 | TE 2 | $6,400 |
| 27 | Dalvin Cook (MIN)(RB13) | GB | 2 | 44.4 | RB 66 | $5,400 |
| 28 | Aaron Jones (GB)(RB14) | @MIN | 27.3 | 117.6 | RB 20 | $6,000 |
| 29 | James White (NE)(RB15) | @NYJ | BYE | 205.2 | RB 9 | $7,400 |
| 30 | Adrian Peterson (WAS)(RB16) | @DAL | 17.1 | 141.1 | RB 13 | – |
| 31 | Tevin Coleman (ATL)(RB17) | @NO | 11.5 | 137.1 | RB 16 | $5,200 |
| 32 | Marlon Mack (IND)(RB18) | MIA | 13.9 | 97.4 | RB 33 | $5,500 |
| 33 | Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)(WR14) | PIT | 10.2 | 170.7 | WR 14 | $5,500 |
| 34 | Josh Gordon (NE)(WR15) | @NYJ | BYE | 94.4 | WR 53 | $6,400 |
| 35 | Kenny Golladay (DET)(WR16) | CHI | 25.3 | 149.2 | WR 17 | – |
| 36 | Julian Edelman (NE)(WR17) | @NYJ | BYE | 101.1 | WR 49 | $7,000 |
| 37 | George Kittle (SF)(TE2) | @TB | BYE | 147.5 | TE 3 | $6,200 |
| 38 | Sony Michel (NE)(RB19) | @NYJ | BYE | 74.4 | RB 45 | $5,800 |
| 39 | Lamar Miller (HOU)(RB20) | TEN | 13.8 | 105.8 | RB 25 | $4,500 |
| 40 | Tarik Cohen (CHI)(RB21) | @DET | 6 | 138.9 | RB 15 | – |
| 41 | Mark Ingram (NO)(RB22) | ATL | 22.3 | 89.8 | RB 36 | $6,100 |
| 42 | Tyler Boyd (CIN)(WR18) | CLE | 11.1 | 161.9 | WR 16 | $6,000 |
| 43 | Jarvis Landry (CLE)(WR19) | @CIN | BYE | 131 | WR 24 | $5,900 |
| 44 | Alshon Jeffery (PHI)(WR20) | NYG | 7.3 | 103.2 | WR 44 | $5,800 |
| 45 | Allen Robinson (CHI)(WR21) | @DET | 6.9 | 103.7 | WR 41 | – |
| 46 | Greg Olsen (CAR)(TE3) | SEA | 8.9 | 74.7 | TE 15 | $4,400 |
| 47 | Chris Carson (SEA)(RB23) | @CAR | 12.3 | 88 | RB 38 | $4,600 |
| 48 | LeSean McCoy (BUF)(RB24) | JAX | BYE | 93.1 | RB 35 | $4,200 |
| 49 | Gus Edwards (BAL)(RB25) | OAK | 19.5 | 27.6 | RB 74 | $4,400 |
| 50 | Kenyon Drake (MIA)(RB26) | @IND | BYE | 122 | RB 18 | $4,700 |
Gus The Bus Enters the Fantasy Discussion
Everyone is on Gus “The Bus” Edwards after a Week 11 performance that saw him running alongside ultra-athletic rookie QB Lamar Jackson and teaming with him for 234 yards.
Edwards was responsible for 115 on 17 carries and a TD.
I'm not fully sold on coach Harbaugh's ringing endorsement, but if Gus is the back to tote the rock for the Ravens while Jackson starts, I want him in my lineup.
Gus Edwards' breakout game has shot him into the fantasy conversation. His style complements Lamar Jackson’s running game, potentially giving him an edge over other Ravens backs.
The combination of Edwards' power running and Jackson's agility could redefine Baltimore's offensive approach. Fantasy managers should monitor his usage closely, as he might become a reliable starter in run-friendly matchups.
Whoever happens to be the primary ball carrier when Jackson is in, I want. Edward's Week 11 performance should have earned the bruising back that chance over the incumbent Alex Collins.
| Rank | Player (Team)(Pos Rank) | Opponent | Last Weeks Points | Points YTD | Current 2018 Position Rank | DFS Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | Dion Lewis (TEN)(RB27) | @HOU | 4.2 | 115.8 | RB 21 | $4,800 |
| 52 | Jordan Howard (CHI)(RB28) | @DET | 7.5 | 103.3 | RB 30 | – |
| 53 | Rob Gronkowski (NE)(TE4) | @NYJ | BYE | 77.8 | TE 14 | $5,100 |
| 54 | Doug Baldwin (SEA)(WR22) | @CAR | 18.2 | 68.7 | WR 68 | $5,100 |
| 55 | Amari Cooper (DAL)(WR23) | WAS | 6.6 | 93.8 | WR 54 | – |
| 56 | Calvin Ridley (ATL)(WR24) | @NO | 6.7 | 136.9 | WR 21 | $5,400 |
| 57 | Tyler Lockett (SEA)(WR25) | @CAR | 12.2 | 140.4 | WR 20 | $5,200 |
| 58 | Golden Tate (PHI)(WR26) | NYG | 9 | 130.8 | WR 25 | $4,800 |
| 59 | Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)(WR27) | @LAC | 16.3 | 111 | WR 33 | $5,000 |
| 60 | DeSean Jackson (TB)(WR28) | SF | 7.8 | 142 | WR 19 | $4,900 |
| 61 | Keke Coutee (HOU)(WR29) | TEN | 12.7 | 59.3 | WR 84 | $4,600 |
| 62 | Courtland Sutton (DEN)(WR30) | PIT | 10.8 | 80.9 | WR 59 | $4,400 |
| 63 | Corey Davis (TEN)(WR31) | @HOU | 4.9 | 117.9 | WR 28 | $5,200 |
| 64 | Sterling Shepard (NYG)(WR32) | @PHI | 4.2 | 124 | WR 26 | $5,300 |
| 65 | Peyton Barber (TB)(RB29) | SF | 19 | 88.8 | RB 37 | $3,900 |
| 66 | Isaiah Crowell (NYJ)(RB30) | NE | BYE | 115.3 | RB 22 | $4,100 |
| 67 | Josh Adams (PHI)(RB31) | NYG | 16.2 | 33.2 | RB 71 | $3,800 |
| 68 | Duke Johnson (CLE)(RB32) | @CIN | BYE | 99.2 | RB 31 | $5,100 |
| 69 | Austin Hooper (ATL)(TE5) | @NO | 6.7 | 114.5 | TE 7 | $4,200 |
| 70 | Trey Burton (CHI)(TE6) | @DET | 1.9 | 108.2 | TE 8 | – |
| 71 | David Njoku (CLE)(TE7) | @CIN | BYE | 84.8 | TE 12 | $3,800 |
| 72 | Theo Riddick (DET)(RB33) | CHI | 8 | 70.4 | RB 47 | – |
| 73 | Jalen Richard (OAK)(RB34) | @BAL | 12.3 | 106 | RB 24 | $4,300 |
| 74 | Austin Ekeler (LAC)(RB35) | ARI | 8.9 | 104 | RB 29 | $3,700 |
| 75 | Elijah McGuire (NYJ)(RB36) | NE | BYE | 18.4 | RB 81 | $3,600 |
The Fantasy World Is A Better Place With Larry Fitzgerald Relevant
After a very unproductive opening six games to the 2018 season, Larry has turned it around and proved there is still production left in his 35-year-old body.
Move over, T.O.
Larry Fitzgerald now has the second-most receiving yards in NFL history, behind only Jerry Rice. pic.twitter.com/OasLyAEQ5Q
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 11, 2018
Over the Cardinals last four games, Fitz has caught 20 passes for 215 yards and scored four times on 34 targets.
It's tough relying on bad QBs for fantasy production for your WRs. And make no mistake, rookie Josh Rosen is not currently good, but Fitz has earned his way into the middle of the vast WR3 conversation.
| Rank | Player (Team)(Pos Rank) | Opponent | Last Weeks Points | Points YTD | Current 2018 Position Rank | DFS Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | Alex Collins (BAL)(RB37) | OAK | 7.8 | 108.6 | RB 23 | $4,500 |
| 77 | TJ Yeldon (JAX)(RB38) | @BUF | 5.2 | 149.5 | RB 11 | $4,100 |
| 78 | Nyheim Hines (IND)(RB39) | MIA | 4.4 | 104.1 | RB 28 | $3,600 |
| 79 | Taylor Gabriel (CHI)(WR33) | @DET | 13.9 | 109.1 | WR 35 | – |
| 80 | Mohamed Sanu (ATL)(WR34) | @NO | 9.9 | 103.1 | WR 45 | $4,500 |
| 81 | Marquise Goodwin (SF)(WR35) | @TB | BYE | 75.8 | WR 63 | $5,600 |
| 82 | Devin Funchess (CAR)(WR36) | SEA | 5.9 | 110.6 | WR 34 | $4,700 |
| 83 | Danny Amendola (MIA)(WR37) | @IND | BYE | 103.7 | WR 41 | $4,600 |
| 84 | Jack Doyle (IND)(TE8) | MIA | 8.3 | 48.9 | TE 29 | $4,100 |
| 85 | Vance MacDonald (PIT)(TE9) | @DEN | 11.7 | 90.7 | TE 11 | $4,300 |
| 86 | Cameron Brate (TB)(TE10) | SF | 3.6 | 48.9 | TE 29 | $3,600 |
| 87 | Jordan Reed (WAS)(TE11) | @DAL | 20.1 | 100.2 | TE 9 | – |
| 88 | Adam Humphries (TB)(WR38) | SF | 15 | 108.2 | WR 36 | $4.000 |
| 89 | Tyrell Williams (LAC)(WR39) | ARI | 4.2 | 111.4 | WR 32 | $4,700 |
| 90 | Marquez V-Scantling (GB)(WR40) | @MIN | 1.8 | 77 | WR 62 | $4,800 |
| 91 | DJ Moore (CAR)(WR41) | SEA | 28.7 | 97.6 | WR 51 | $4,600 |
| 92 | Chris Godwin (TB)(WR42) | SF | 8 | 117.3 | WR 29 | $4,100 |
| 93 | Doug Martin (OAK)(RB40) | @BAL | 6.8 | 50.2 | RB 59 | $3,900 |
| 94 | Mike Davis (SEA)(RB41) | @CAR | 7 | 97.6 | RB 32 | $4,000 |
| 95 | Derrick Henry (TEN)(RB42) | @HOU | 4.6 | 78.1 | RB 42 | $3,700 |
| 96 | Royce Freeman (DEN)(RB43) | PIT | 10 | 71 | RB 46 | $3,600 |
| 97 | Rashaad Penny (SEA)(RB44) | @CAR | 4.6 | 52.5 | RB 58 | $3,700 |
| 98 | Christian Kirk (ARI)(WR43) | @LAC | 16.7 | 104.7 | WR 40 | $4,500 |
| 99 | TreQuan Smith (NO)(WR44) | ATL | 31.7 | 83.1 | WR 58 | $4,700 |
| 100 | Anthony Miller (CHI)(WR45) | @DET | 10.4 | 93.2 | WR 55 | – |
Scanning the Week 12 Bargain Bin
Jack Doyle's return in Week 8 has led to the fading out of first half hero Eric Ebron.
Ebron received no targets in Week 11, and though Doyle only earned four himself, he caught them all for 43 yards.
Since his return, Doyle has hauled in 13 of his 14 targets. With QB Andrew Luck riding hot and spreading the ball around like wildfire, it's hard to rely on any one of the Colts targets. But Doyle's assertion as the starting TE in an offense capable of putting up big points makes him an attractive option at $4,100 in this week's Bargin Bin.
Good luck in Week 12! Happy Turkey Day!
The post Fantasy Football Week 12 Quarterback And Top 100 Flex Rankings appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.
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