Week 12 of the NFL season has arrived! Injuries have thrown a wrench into multiple receiving corps around the league, so it’s time to take a deep dive into the position with the fantasy playoffs around the corner.
Let’s break down my Week 12 start ’em, sit ’em fantasy football wide receiver picks.
Start ‘Em: Josh Downs (Colts) vs. Lions
Like many fantasy managers who roster Downs, I was concerned about Indy’s quarterback switch back to Anthony Richardson after the speedster had developed an elite rapport with veteran Joe Flacco.
Those concerns were virtually put to rest against a tough Jets secondary, as Downs racked up 19.4 PPR points with five receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. Now, it is worth noting that his target share drastically decreased with Richardson under center, which will presumably be the case moving forward. However, talent is talent, and Indy will certainly keep finding ways to get him the ball.
This week, Downs draws a matchup with the Lions, who actually allow the fourth-most fantasy points to receivers. Temper expectations slightly for the second-year receiver, but he’s still a strong WR2 with upside.
Sit ‘Em: DeVonta Smith (Eagles) at Rams
The last couple weeks have been a struggle for Smith.
After scoring at least 18 PPR points in both Week 8 and 9, Philly’s No. 2 receiver has combined for a measly 10.3 points over his last two weeks. After a strong first three outings of the year, volume has been a concern for Smith the rest of the way. The former Heisman winner hasn’t seen more than seven targets in a game since September 22. While he’s managed to find the end zone three times since then, when he doesn’t, the fantasy production is ugly.
While it’s tough to bench a player as talented as Smith, it’s the right move until he carves out a larger role in the Eagles’ offense.
Check out my full Week 12 start/sit article with picks at each position here!
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Start ‘Em: George Pickens (Steelers) at Browns
The addition of Russell Wilson has provide to be immensely valuable for Pittsburgh’s top receiver.
In the four games with Wilson under center, Pickens has averaged 17.7 PPR points. His target share hasn’t necessarily notably improved, but the quality of his targets has. The Steelers offense suddenly looks like one of the most formidable units in the league, and that should continue against the Browns, who allow the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing receivers. Fire up Pickens as a low-end WR1.
Sit ‘Em: Jayden Reed (Packers) vs. 49ers
The talent is there with Reed. Watch him run a couple routes and you’ll be convinced.
You know what’s not convincing? His target share and overall involvement in Green Bay’s offense on a week-to-week basis. The speedster has seen more than four balls come his way just once over the Packers’ last four games. In last week’s outing against the Bears, he received only two targets. Now, Reed did turn one of those into a touchdown, but I no longer want to play the boom-or-bust game with other viable options out there at receiver.
Sit the second-year WR against a strong Niners secondary.
Those are my start ’em, sit ’em Week 12 fantasy football wide receiver picks! Stay tuned for more fantasy advice later this week.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
