Wed Nov 19 8:54am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Collins is playing at high level
I think I have said this in past columns but this season is just flying along. Crazy. Hopefully, you are sitting pretty and ready to make a long playoff run. At this point, you have a pretty good idea of what is happening in your leagues with just a few weeks left. As always, plan ahead for some of these crucial remaining games. Get those defenses and kickers with favorable matchups before the week of their games. A proactive owner is usually a winning owner. Good luck the rest of the way!
Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . . .
I would just steer clear of the Broncos backfield right now. I don’t trust it. RJ Harvey played the most snaps out of the backs last week (61 percent), but didn’t do much with that work. I probably like him the most because of his pass-catching ability but I don’t like that Jaleel McLaughlin started getting more playing time late in that game. And Tyler Badie was involved as well. This is likely to be a hot-hand approach, making it a tough call to start any of these guys on a weekly basis. You just don’t know which one will emerge each week.
I find it funny the difference between fantasy and reality when it comes to Justin Fields. He has been pretty awful all season and just lost his starting job. But even with that said, he has 20-plus fantasy points five of nine games. He has produced some big games for his fantasy owners, showing you the disconnect between actual play on the field and fantasy numbers. Just something to keep in mind when drafting players.
I’m excited to see what Tyler Shough does the rest of the season. He is coming out of his bye and his best game of the season. I like some of his matchups the rest of the season (Falcons, Dolphins, Panthers, Jets), so he has some fantasy potential if he keeps making progress. He is a player I’m going to keep an eye on the rest of the year.
The tight end position continues to be a tough one. You just don’t know what you are going to get from many of these guys from week to week. Outside of Trey McBride and Brock Bowers, I don’t think there is anyone you can really trust to post good numbers every week. It has been another frustrating season for fantasy owners at the tight end position. This makes you want to target one of these elite guys next year so you don’t have to deal with the headache on a weekly basis.
Many thought Drake Maye would have a breakout season this year but I’m not sure anyone thought he was going to have the season he is currently having. He is third overall in fantasy quarterback scoring. He has eight of 11 games with 20-plus fantasy points. Maye just looks so cool in the pocket. Nothing rattles him and he does such a great job of spreading the ball around to a host of receivers. And he already throws one of the best deep balls in the game in year two. I can’t imagine what he is going to do once he gets a legit, elite No. 1 receiver on his side. Maye is something special.
News and Notes: Receiver Odell Beckham was officially reinstated by the commissioner on Tuesday. Beckham remains a free agent and is free to sign with any team.
HOT PLAYS
Kenneth Walker, RB, Seahawks. Walker continues to split work with Zach Charbonnet, but is getting a good amount of work. He has 15-plus touches two straight and double-digit rush attempts every game this season. Walker can have that big game any given week with that amount of work. He can build on his big game last week against the Titans in Week 12. Tennessee allows the eighth most fantasy points to running backs, giving up 130-plus rushing yards three of four games. This unit has struggled against the run all year.
Nico Collins, WR, Texans. Collins is playing his best football of the season right now. He is third overall in fantasy receiver scoring his last three games. He has at least seven receptions all three of those games. He is hitting his stride at a good time for fantasy owners. He plays the Bills this week, a team that does pretty well against the pass but could jump out to a lead on the Texans, causing them to throw more. Look for Collins to rack up the targets once again. Don’t get scared by the matchup.
Jared Goff, QB, Lions. Goff had one of his worst games of the season last week. He missed on a lot of the passes he normally makes and scored just a touchdown. But the conditions weren’t great in this game, dealing with a lot of wind, and the matchup was tough against a good Eagles defense. We look for Goff to rebound this week. Remember, he had 22-plus fantasy points two straight before last week. And he plays the Giants, a team that allows the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots. Henderson has multiple touchdowns two straight games and 12-plus fantasy points three straight. He is finally showing that potential that made him such a high draft pick in fantasy leagues his rookie year. Rhamondre Stevenson could be back sooner than later, but it sure seems Henderson should keep starting and getting double-digit touches. As long as that happens, look for Henderson to keep producing big. He might have another monster game this week against the Bengals, a team that allows the most fantasy points to running backs. The Bengals have allowed 250-plus rushing yards two of three games.
Jameson Williams, WR, Lions. Williams has the fourth most fantasy points at receiver his last three games. He is starting to flourish, especially with Dan Campbell now calling plays. Williams has touchdowns three straight and four of five games. He has 19-plus points two straight. He is getting more chances overall - not just as a deep threat. Williams is showing an expanded route tree and making the most of his chances. He can have another big game this week against the Giants, a team that allows the sixth most fantasy points to receivers.
COLD PLAYS
Baker Mayfield, QB, Bucs. Mayfield isn’t having quite the season you are accustomed to from him. He has less than 175-passing yards two of three games and less than 15 fantasy points two of four. He isn’t showing the same consistency as past years, but all the injuries at receiver for him is not helping matters. Mayfield can only do so much on his own. We think he might have another so-so showing this week against the Rams, a team that allows the seventh fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. The Rams have allowed fewer than 200-passing yards four times this season.
Romeo Doubs, WR, Packers. Doubs might play the most of any Packers receiver but that doesn’t always lead to great production. He got eight targets last week but still managed to score fewer than double-digit fantasy points. He has fewer than double-digit points two straight and three of four games. Doubs is not a plug-and-play option for fantasy teams. And a game this week against the Vikings is not a great time to use him. Minnesota allows the sixth fewest fantasy points to receivers and just held both the Ravens and Bears passing attacks to less than 200-passing yards.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Raiders. Jeanty ran just six times for seven yards last week. It was his worst rushing game of the season. The only positive is he had a career-best six receptions. This salvaged his fantasy day a little. But even with that said, you have to worry about Jeanty’s production and workload in this offense. He has been more up and down than you would like. And he could have a down game this week against the Browns. Cleveland allows the sixth fewest fantasy points to running backs. The Browns have allowed fewer than 100-rushing yards five of 10 games.
James Cook, RB, Bills. Cook has cooled just a little since his great start to the season. He is 13th overall in fantasy running back scoring his last three games. He has less than 55-rushing yards two straight. He is still having a good overall season, ranking sixth overall in fantasy running back scoring, but showing he isn’t immune to the so-so showing. We like him to have one of those ho-hum games this week against a great Texans defense. Houston has allowed fewer than 100-rushing yards all but three games this year. And they have allowed less than 20 points three of four games.
Jake Ferguson, TE, Cowboys. Ferguson is having a solid overall season but becoming a little more touchdown-dependent lately. He does not have more than 50 yards in a game since Week 3. If he doesn’t find the end zone, he can bust. And we aren’t sure he scores this week against the Eagles. The Eagles allow the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Philadelphia has allowed just 16 points the last two games against high-powered offenses (Packers and Lions).
SLEEPERS
Bryce Young, QB, Panthers. Young had maybe the best game of his career last week, throwing for 448 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover against a pretty solid Falcons pass defense. It was an impressive performance from Young, who had fewer than six fantasy points two straight games before last week. Hopefully, this game gets Young going and he starts to show more consistency going forward. He is setup for another solid game this week against the 49ers, a team that allowed 452-passing yards to the Cardinals last week. San Francisco allows the ninth most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Devin Neal, RB, Saints. Neal is getting more work these days, playing at least 35 percent of the snaps three straight games. He has three receptions two of those games. And with the Saints coming out of a bye, it would not surprise to see them try to get the rookie more involved offensively to see what they have with him. And if he can get around double-digit touches this week against the Falcons, look for Neal to do well. Atlanta allows the fourth most fantasy points to running backs. They gave up 323-rushing yards just two weeks back.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Browns. Jeudy is finally starting to get a few more looks, having 19 targets his last two games. He had just three receptions last week but you have to like the seven looks he had in the game. And if Shedeur Sanders starts, that might be a positive for Jeudy because he will likely push the ball down the field more than Dillon Gabriel. Jeudy could get some chances to break some big plays against a bad Raiders secondary. Las Vegas allows the second most fantasy points to receivers and 30-plus points three of four games.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans. Spears played the most snaps at running back for the Titans last week and had a season-high five receptions. His work in the passing game is really helping his floor right now, having at least three receptions five straight games. He still isn’t producing great numbers for fantasy teams, but does have at least 8.4 fantasy points those five games. It isn’t terribly by any means. And if the Titans hope to have success offensively this week against a good Seahawks defense, it likely will be on the ground. The Seahawks have allowed at least 119-rushing yards three straight games.
Andrei Iosivas, WR, Bengals. Iosivas is likely the biggest benefactor from the Ja’Marr Chase one-game suspension this week. He should slot into the starting role opposite Tee Higgins. And he could rack up some targets in a game that Bengals could be throwing often to keep up with the high-powered Patriots offense. Iosivas has some fantasy potential to do good things in Week 12. He already has two games this year with 13-plus fantasy points as the third option in this passing game.
High/Low Scoring Games
Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.
High Scoring Games: Colts/Chiefs, Giants/Lions, Patriots/Bengals, Jaguars/Cardinals, Eagles/Cowboys, Bucs/Rams, Panthers/49ers.
Low Scoring Games: Seahawks/Titans, Browns/Raiders, Falcons/Saints.
Bye Weeks: Broncos, Chargers, Dolphins, Commanders.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) was seen "making some grabs" during Wednesday's practice. Irving has not played since suffering foot and shoulder injuries back in Week 4, but he was limited in practice all of last week and is nearing a return to Tampa's backfield. The 23-year-old is probably going to need to do more in practice this week to have a shot at playing in Week 12 versus the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on his status the rest of the week, but a difficult decision is likely coming this weekend, especially with the Bucs playing on Sunday night. If Irving is cleared to make his return in Week 12, fantasy managers could be looking at a three-man, hot-hand approach in the team's backfield with Irving, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, who exploded for three touchdowns last week.
From RotoBaller
Per the Pewter Report, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) was not seen at the portion of practice on Wednesday that was open to the media. Godwin has not played since injuring his fibula in Week 5, but he's been making progress and was limited in practice all of last week. A DNP to begin this week would be a downgrade for the 29-year-old, but we'll have to wait and see what his official status is. The Bucs have been bringing Godwin along slowly after he suffered a dislocated ankle in Week 7 of last year, which was the reason he didn't make his debut this year until Week 4. Reports have suggested that Godwin might not return until December, so fantasy managers who have been stashing him all this time shouldn't be surprised if he's not cleared to play this Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (ankle) has been ruled out for the Week 12 contest this Sunday against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars, head coach Jonathan Gannon said. Demercado suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 11 and will sit out this weekend. Given the nature of the 26-year-old's injury, there's a good chance he'll miss another game in Week 13 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, too. Meanwhile, Trey Benson (knee) is having his 21-day practice window opened this week, so he's nearing a return for the first time since injuring his knee in Week 4. When Demercado gets over his ankle injury, he just might be the No. 4 RB on Arizona's depth chart, so he's certainly not worth stashing in 12-team fantasy leagues. With Demercado out this week and Benson probably not ready to return yet, Bam Knight could get one more week as the RB1, with Michael Carter working on passing downs.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has ruled out wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendix) for the Week 12 game on Sunday against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. Harrison had an appendectomy last week and will miss his second straight game this weekend. It remains to be seen if the 23-year-old second-year wideout will be able to return in Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's been another disappointing season for the fourth overall pick, although he has improved since quarterback Jacoby Brissett took over for the injured Kyler Murray (foot). Through nine games in 2025, Harrison has a 34-525-4 line on 62 targets. Michael Wilson, who had an incredible 15 catches for 185 yards last week with Harrison out, should once again be primed for a heavy target load in Week 12. Greg Dortch should serve as the WR2 again for Arizona, too.
From RotoBaller
The Arizona Cardinals are opening the practice window for running back Trey Benson (knee) to return from Injured Reserve, according to Tyler Drake of AZ Sports. Benson has been on IR since Week 4 due to a knee injury. While this move does not guarantee that he will be active for Week 12 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, it's clearly a positive sign that Benson's return will come in the next few weeks. Across four games this season, the 23-year-old has recorded 224 scrimmage yards on 42 touches. With running back James Conner (ankle) out for the season, Benson profiles as the clear RB1 in Arizona once fully healthy. If Benson remains sidelined for Week 12, the Cardinals will likely turn to a combination of Bam Knight and Michael Carter to handle backfield snaps against Jacksonville.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said he's hopeful that wide receiver Drake London (knee) will be able to play in Week 13 against the New York Jets, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. Although the Falcons haven't officially ruled London out for their Week 12 divisional game against the New Orleans Saints this Sunday, the 24-year-old is not expected to play after spraining the PCL in his left knee in the Week 11 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. The good news, though, is that fantasy managers might be without London for just one game. London's fantasy stock might fall a bit with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) done for the year, but he should still be considered a must-start in all fantasy lineups when he returns from his knee sprain. With London out this weekend, Darnell Mooney and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. should be QB Kirk Cousins' top aerial targets.
From RotoBaller
Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union did not list Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (ankle) among the players who were not participating in the team's Wednesday walkthrough. Tuten was forced to exit early from his team's Week 11 win over the Los Angeles Chargers due to an ankle injury. However, his apparent on-field presence during practice on Wednesday could be a positive sign for his status in Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals. Before leaving the game against the Chargers, Tuten was on his way to a breakout performance with 74 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. If he is active in Week 12, it's possible that Jacksonville will continue shifting touches away from veteran back Travis Etienne and towards Tuten. Fantasy managers should check back throughout the week as more information around Tuten's injury status is released.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) does indeed need surgery that involves "full reconstruction" of his torn ACL and faces "at least" nine months of recovery, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Penix Jr. suffered the injury during his team's Week 11 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The injury occurred in his left knee rather than his right, which is notable considering he tore his right ACL twice during his collegiate career. A nine-month recovery timeline from late November means Penix Jr.'s availability for the start of the 2026 season could be in question. For the remainder of 2025, Atlanta will likely turn to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has struggled across three games (one start) worth of action so far this season. Cousins profiles as a low-end fantasy QB2 heading into a Week 12 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that tight end David Njoku (knee) is considered day-to-day with a knee injury and is "working hard to be able to play" in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders, per Scott Petrak of BrownsZone. Across nine games this season, the 29-year-old has hauled in 30 receptions for 288 yards and three touchdowns on 45 targets. However, Njoku's usage has trended down in recent weeks, as he's hauled in just three catches for 28 yards on four targets over his last two games. If Njoku is unable to play in Week 12, it could mean a boost in playing time and target share for Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Over his last five games, Fannin Jr. is averaging seven targets per game and could profile as a low-end fantasy TE1 if Njoku is out.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said on Tuesday that he is "very in favor" of the team signing wide receiver George Pickens to a long-term contract extension, per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. The Cowboys acquired Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers this past offseason but have not yet locked him into a contract beyond the 2025 season. Across 10 games in his first season in Dallas, the 24-year-old has recorded 58 catches for 908 yards and seven touchdowns on 83 targets. Pickens is on pace for career-high marks across the board and appears to be the perfect complement to star Cowboys wideout CeeDee Lamb. However, Pickens has a history of off-field issues and was benched for the first offensive series of Dallas' Week 11 win over the Las Vegas Raiders for reasons that remain unclear. Still, Schottenheimer has remained effusive in his praise of Pickens and is apparently on board with continuing to work with him in the years to come.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (concussion) is expected to return to practice on Wednesday "in some capacity," per ESPN's Jordan Raanan. Dart suffered a concussion in Week 10 that forced him to miss New York's Week 11 loss to the Green Bay Packers. It remains to be seen whether Dart will be able to practice in full on Wednesday or if he will be limited, but either way, his presence on the field is a positive sign for his chances of playing in Week 12 against the Detroit Lions. Across nine games (seven starts) this season, Dart has thrown for 1,417 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions while rushing for 317 yards and seven scores on 57 attempts. If active, he profiles as a solid fantasy QB1 in Week 12 against Detroit. If Dart cannot return, veteran quarterback Jameis Winston would be in line to make his second straight start for the Giants on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is expected to start in Week 12 with Dillon Gabriel in concussion protocol. Sanders will make his first NFL start against the Las Vegas Raiders after a rough debut in Week 11, where he completed just four of 16 passes for 47 yards and an interception against the Baltimore Ravens. The matchup is far more favorable this time around, as the Raiders' defense has struggled throughout the season and was even considered a potential landing spot for Sanders during the draft process. While Sanders should draw plenty of attention as Deion Sanders' son prepares for his first start, he profiles as a low-end QB3 for fantasy purposes in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman could be a healthy scratch again in Week 12. On the WGR550 radio show, head coach Sean McDermott didn't specify whether Coleman would play against the Houston Texans. The 2024 second-round pick has been inconsistent this season, hauling in 32 of 49 targets for 330 yards and three touchdowns in nine games. He was late to a team meeting last week, and the team decided to sit him as punishment against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Coleman is out again in Week 12, Gabe Davis and Tyrell Shavers would see an uptick in volume. Fantasy managers will have to keep a close eye on this situation to see if Coleman will or will not play in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday night's matchup against the Houston Texans. Kincaid suffered a hamstring injury in Week 10's loss to the Miami Dolphins and will now miss his second straight game. Before going down, he was on pace for a breakout season, catching 29 of 36 targets for 448 yards and four touchdowns in just eight games. With Kincaid sidelined, Dawson Knox will handle TE1 duties, while rookie Jackson Hawes is expected to see an increased role. However, Knox managed just one catch in Week 11, making him a risky fantasy replacement. Kincaid's next chance to return will be in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills second-year receiver Tyrell Shavers is coming off a breakout performance in Week 11, posting 90 yards and a touchdown on four receptions against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Keon Coleman's surprising healthy scratch opened the door for several Bills receivers, and Shavers took full advantage, logging a career-high 53% of the snaps. While Coleman's status for the Week 12 Thursday night matchup against the Houston Texans remains unclear, Shavers has likely earned a larger role in the offense. He isn't quite fantasy-relevant yet, but another strong showing against a tough Houston secondary could put him firmly on the radar.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas is in line for an expanded role in Week 12. Through 10 games, he's caught 19 of 35 targets for 256 yards and one touchdown, averaging 5.2 PPR points per game. With star receiver Ja'Marr Chase suspended for the week, the Bengals will lean on Tee Higgins, Iosivas, and Mitchell Tinsley to fill the void. Higgins is expected to draw coverage from Patriots shutdown corner Christian Gonzalez, along with safety help, which should leave Iosivas in more favorable matchups. As Cincinnati fights to keep its season alive, Iosivas could become a key piece of the game plan. He profiles as a high-floor fantasy option and a low-end WR3 for Week 12 against New England.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney is expected to see more targets moving forward. It's been a rough 2025 campaign for the sixth-year receiver, who has caught just 16 of 42 targets for 224 yards and no touchdowns in eight games. However, with Drake London (knee) likely to miss multiple weeks due to a PCL injury, Mooney should step into a much larger role. Both Brock Bowers and Ricky Pearsall dealt with PCL sprains this season and missed four or more weeks. With Michael Penix Jr. (knee) out for the season, Kirk Cousins will take over at quarterback and could lean on Mooney heavily, like he did at times in 2024. Mooney now projects as the top option in the passing game and should be one of the most popular waiver-wire adds this week.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back out of Virginia Tech, Bhayshul Tuten (ankle), exited during the third quarter of Sunday's Week 11 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers with an ankle injury and didn't return. Important to note: he mentioned in an interview with Jamal St. Cyr, Sports Anchor for News4JAX, that his ankle is "good." Now, players are usually going to always say things like that, especially after a career day where he appeared to be in a 50/50 split with Travis Etienne from the first snap of the game for the first time all season. Regardless, Tuten was one of the most prized possessions on the waiver wire this week, and for good reason; he averaged a healthy 4.93 YPC in Week 11 and looked really efficient, breaking tackles and racking up yards after contact. With ETN in the picture, it's unlikely that Tuten will take over the backfield; however, moving forward, this may be more of a 50/50 split, giving both running backs low-end RB2 status. Fantasy managers will want to keep tabs on Tuten's practice logs this week, as they prepare to take on the Arizona Cardinals, who rank in the bottom 10 in fantasy points allowed to the running back position.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has emerged as a reliable backup running back this season. Through 10 games, he's totaled 448 yards and five touchdowns on 97 touches. He's been strong in the two games where starter Jaylen Warren either missed or exited early, racking up 239 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 41 touches. With Warren still banged up and an ideal Week 12 matchup on deck against the Chicago Bears, Gainwell could be in line for another heavy workload. Given how efficient he's been both in his backup role and starting role, fantasy managers should view Gainwell as one of the top handcuff running backs to target moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker exploded in Week 11 with 140 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns. He out-touched backfield mate, Rachaad White, 19-10, and has looked like the better, more efficient runner the past few weeks. Head coach Todd Bowles mentioned on Monday that "it's hard to say" if running back Sean Tucker will see more playing time even when Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) comes back, according to the Pewter Report. It appears the Bucs may go with a hot-hand approach in the backfield while Irving remains out. Regardless, this Week 12 matchup is brutal for whoever the Bucs plan to roll out there. The Los Angeles Rams are tough against opposing running backs, ranking third overall in the fewest points allowed to the position. The positives for Tucker are that he may have overtaken White's early-down work, and, as a result, Tucker will remain in the RB3/flex conversations this week, assuming Irving is still not able to play. If Irving does play, Tucker should remain on fantasy managers' benches.
From RotoBaller