Start ‘Em, Sit 'Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups based on a PPR scoring system in fantasy football. This column will not cover the elite players in the NFL like Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey, Davante Adams, or Travis Kelce. Instead, I'll look at the players you have the most questions about to help you set the most effective starting lineup possible. For all of your final fantasy lineup decisions, be sure to check out my weekly player rankings which will be updated daily throughout the 2021 NFL season.
Byes: Cardinals, Chiefs
Week 12 PPR Rankings: QUARTERBACKS | RUNNING BACKS | WIDE RECEIVERS | TIGHT ENDS | FLEX | KICKERS | TEAM DEFENSES (DST)
Week 12 Start ‘Em: Wide Receivers
Start of the Week
D.J. Moore at Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Moore came back to life with the return of Cam Newton, scoring a touchdown and 16 fantasy points in a loss to Washington. I’d stick with him this weekend, too, as the Panthers face off against a Dolphins defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. What’s more, Miami has given up the fifth-most points per game to receivers lined out wide.
Week 12 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: QUARTERBACKS | RUNNING BACKS | WIDE RECEIVERS | TIGHT ENDS | KICKERS | TEAM DEFENSES
Start ‘Em
Brandin Cooks vs. Jets (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Cooks had a stinker last week, posting a mere 3.8 fantasy points on just three targets against the Titans. I'd forgive and forget, though, as he'll still be a viable flex option against the Jets. The Men in Green have given up the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers over the last four weeks, allowing an average of 206.5 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Michael Gallup vs. Raiders (Thur. 4:30 p.m. ET, CBS): Targets are key to success for wide receivers, and Gallup should see a ton this week against the Raiders. He saw 10 targets against the Chiefs last week, and the Cowboys will be without Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb on Thanksgiving Day. While the matchup isn’t great on paper, the Raiders have allowed 13-plus fantasy points to 10 different wide receivers this season.
Brandon Aiyuk vs. Vikings (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Aiyuk has awoken from his slumber, scoring 18-plus fantasy points in two of his last three games. He’ll be in the flex starter conversation this week, as the Niners host a Vikings team that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers over the last four weeks. Minnesota has also allowed the seventh-most points per game to enemy receivers lined out wide in 2021.
Elijah Moore at Texans (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Moore has been hot in recent weeks, as he’s scored 27-plus points in two of his last three games while scoring at least 13 in each of his last four games. I’d continue to roll with the rookie this week, as the Jets face a Texans defense that’s allowed the most fantasy points per game to receivers lined out wide. That’s where Moore has run 74 percent of his routes this season.
More Starts
- Michael Pittman Jr. vs. Buccaneers (1 p.m. ET, Fox)
- Jakobi Meyers vs. Titans (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
- Darnell Mooney at Lions (Thurs. 12:30 p.m. ET, Fox)
DFS Bargains
- Elijah Moore at Texans ($5,600)
- Brandon Aiyuk vs. Vikings ($5,300)
- Jakobi Meyers vs. Titans ($5,000)
Week 12 Sit ‘Em: Wide Receivers
Sit of the Week
Odell Beckham Jr. at Packers (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Beckham Jr. will play his first full game as a member of the Rams this week, making him a viable flex option in many fantasy leagues. But what kind of rapport has he gained with Matthew Stafford in such a short period? And while the Packers gave it up to Justin Jefferson and Adam Theilen last week, their defense has allowed the fourth-fewest points to road wideouts.
Sit ‘Em
Courtland Sutton vs. Chargers (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS): Sutton’s numbers have taken a tumble in recent weeks, as he’s failed to score more than six fantasy points in each of his last three games. Next is a tough matchup against the Chargers, who have given up just five touchdown catches and the second-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts. Unless you're desperate for a flex, I will sit Sutton this weekend.
Kenny Golladay vs. Eagles (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Golladay is the healthiest he’s been all season, but he’s still not producing in the stat sheets. He was held to one catch versus the Buccaneers last week, and his two targets left a lot to be desired. Next up is a date with the Eagles, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing receivers lined out wide. At this point, Golladay could be droppable in some leagues.
Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports
Jarvis Landry at Ravens (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Landry posted a solid 14.2 fantasy points in a win over the Lions, but it was his first good stat line since Week 1. In fact, he had been held to 10 or fewer points in each of his previous five games. The veteran is a tough sell this week, as the Browns face a Ravens defense that’s allowed just 4.3 catches per game and two touchdowns to receivers running routes out of the slot.
More Sits
- Emmanuel Sanders at Saints (Thur. 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
- Tyler Boyd vs. Steelers (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
- Marquez Callaway vs. Bills (Thur. 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
DFS Fades
- A.J. Brown at Patriots ($7,100)
- Mike Williams at Broncos ($5,700)
- Courtland Sutton vs. Chargers ($5,400)
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on Sports Illustrated and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame. Click here to read all his articles here on SI Fantasy. You can follow Michael on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for your late-breaking fantasy news and the best analysis in the business!
