Lineup Prep: Week 12

Wed Nov 20 9:02am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Conner can have big Week 12


It is really crazy to me that there are just a few weeks left in the regular fantasy season. The seasons seem to go faster and faster every season, especially as I get older. So take some time to enjoy the ride every year. Fantasy football is a great game and release from your everyday life. Don’t take it for granted. I know things don’t always go your way in fantasy land, but it is still enjoyable to participate and makes your Sundays a lot more interesting. Hopefully, things are trending well for you in 2024. We are in the home stretch.

Now for my random thoughts for the week . . . .

The Miami Dolphins can pop their champagne once again with the Chiefs losing last week. It was bound to happen to the Chiefs, though. Kansas City played a lot of close games and still seems to be lacking something offensively right now. Patrick Mahomes just isn’t playing at his same elite level as usual for him. I think he will find it, but Mahomes and the offense just don’t seem in synch right now.

I really don’t think Jayden Daniels is healthy right now. I think his rib injury is a lot worse than what he is leading on. He just isn’t taking the chances down the field anymore. He just dinked and dunked down the field last week, throwing for just 191 yards despite throwing the ball 32 times. I think it will come out after the season is over, but Daniels is dealing with something that is slowing him down. He doesn’t look like the same quarterback from earlier this season.

The Jets are a complete dumpster fire right now. You have to wonder if they are having buyer’s remorse on Aaron Rodgers. He has thrown for less than 200 yards two straight and still doesn’t have a 300-yard game this season. It seems his best days are behind him. It might have been smarter for the Jets to address the quarterback position in this past year’s deep class of quarterbacks. New York could be set back for a few more seasons once again.

It pains me to see Chris Godwin still ranked 12th overall among fantasy receivers. He hasn’t played the last three games but still ranks that high. He was having some sort of season before his ankle injury. I took him in nearly every one of my leagues. Oh, what could have been? I will enjoy the time I had with Godwin this year.

Rookie tight end Brock Bowers sure looks to be a fantasy force for years to come. I thought it would be hard for any fantasy tight end to top Sam LaPorta’s rookie season, but Bowers is going to do that. And doesn’t have Jared Goff throwing him passes. Just imagine what Bowers will start doing when a competent quarterback is on his side. This guy is a legit star.

With so many kickers having huge seasons and making 50-plus yard kicks look easy, I didn’t expect to see Justin Tucker to be a fantasy disappointment. He is struggling, though, especially with the longer kicks. You just don’t normally see that with him. Tucker has already missed six field goals this season. He has not missed more than six fields in a season since 2015. The good news is his fantasy production is still solid, but it would look a lot better if not for the struggles from long distance.

Jameis Winston is just another prime example of why NFL teams should take the backup quarterback spot very seriously. Winston has looked great in a starting role. I don’t get why more NFL teams don’t have top, quality backup like Winston. If you are the Cowboys right now, would you rather have Cooper Rush or Winston? Or maybe you are the Giants, would Winston look better than Daniel Jones? If I were a general manager, I would make it a priority to have a more than competent backup on my roster. It just makes too much sense to me.

I like the way the Dolphins are trending right now. They are getting healthy and playing some good football on both sides of the ball. I think their offense is going to really get going in the coming weeks. Tyreek Hill can still salvage his season. I know he has really disappointed to date, but a lot of things were working against him. I’m not sure I feel the same way about Jaylen Waddle, though. He just isn’t getting the consistent work and produced similar disappointing number last year.

News and Notes: The Chiefs signed receiver Tyquan Thornton on Tuesday. Kansas City is taking a chance on the talented receiver that was just let go by the Patriots. . . . .The Jets fired general manager Joe Douglas on Tuesday. New York continues to overhaul things in their organization. The firing of Douglas could signal the end of Aaron Rodgers in New York.

HOT PLAYS

Bo Nix, QB, Broncos. Nix is eighth overall in fantasy quarterback scoring his last three games and 11th overall for the season. He has 30-plus fantasy points two of four games and is coming off his best game of the season. Nix threw for 307 yards and four touchdowns against the Falcons in Week 11. Expect another big game this week against the Raiders, a team he had three touchdowns against in Week 5. The Raiders allow the eighth most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Nix is a top-10 play once again this week.

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Patriots. Stevenson had another solid game last week, finishing with 89 total yards and four catches. He scored 12.9 fantasy points. He has 20-plus fantasy points two of four games in the emerging Patriots offense. Stevenson should get a heavy workload this week against a Dolphins team that is good against the pass but struggles to stop the run. Stevenson had a touchdown and 92 total yards against Miami in Week 5. He scored 19.2 fantasy points in that game. Miami allows the ninth most fantasy points to running backs.

James Conner, RB, Cardinals. Conner had his best fantasy game of the season his last time out, scoring 22.3 fantasy points against a good Jets defense. He has at least 14 fantasy points four straight games, posting very consistent numbers in the Cardinals offense. He has 100-yard rushing games two of four. Conner should do well again this week against a Seahawks team that allows the 11th most fantasy points to running backs.

Josh Downs, WR, Colts. Downs showed last week he can still produce big with Anthony Richardson as his starting quarterback. Downs had five receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. He has 12-plus fantasy points four straight games. Downs is up to 21st overall in fantasy receiver scoring. He just keeps getting it done. And remember, he missed the first two games of the season. Downs has a matchup for success this week, getting the Lions. Detroit is 27th against the pass compared to fifth against the rush.

Malik Nabers, WR, Giants. We don’t think the addition of Tommy DeVito to the starting lineup is a bad thing for Nabers. He can’t be worse than Daniel Jones, right? Nabers continues to rack up the targets despite all the offensive woes for the Giants, though. He has double-digit targets three straight games and reached double-digit fantasy points all of those games. We like him to perform better this week in a game the Giants could have to throw more often. Nabers gets the Bucs, a team that allows the fifth most fantasy points to receivers but has been stout against the run.

COLD PLAYS

Sam Darnold, QB, Vikings. Darnold got it going again last week, scoring three touchdowns against a good Titans pass defense. He played much better than the past few games, but he still isn’t a sure thing at this point. He has fewer than 20 fantasy points three of six games. Darnold has been more hit or miss since a hot start, showing he might not be the long-term option at the position for the Vikings. We think another one of those down games could come this week against the Bears. Chicago allows the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks and ranks ninth overall against the pass.

D’Andre Swift, RB, Bears. Swift played a season-low 57 percent of the snaps last week, seeing backup Roschon Johnson getting more playing time. A new offensive coordinator could be limiting the load of Swift a little going forward. Swift did score a touchdown last week but his overall numbers were a little down. He has fewer than 75-rushing yards three straight games. It could be tough sledding for him this week against the Vikings, especially if he gets a few less touches. Minnesota allows the second fewest fantasy points to running backs and ranks first overall against the run, allowing just 74.4-rushing yards per game.

Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers. You would have thought Samuel would see his touches increase with Brandon Aiyuk done for the season. That hasn’t really been the case, though. Jauan Jennings has been the biggest benefactor of the Aiyuk injury. Samuel scored just 6.2 fantasy points last week and averages just 5.6 targets per game this year, his lowest total since his rookie season. Samuel plays the Packers this week, a team that allows the 10th fewest fantasy points to receivers.

Tucker Kraft, TE, Packers. Kraft is still seventh overall in fantasy tight end scoring but has cooled the last few weeks. He didn’t catch a pass last week and had just a target in the game. He has just four catches his last two games and failed to hit double-digit fantasy points either of those games. He is hard to trust right now, especially this week against the 49ers. San Francisco has done well against the tight end, allowing the sixth fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Go with safer options.

Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers. Hubbard has been great this year, ranking ninth overall in fantasy running back scoring. He has two straight games with 20-plus fantasy points and had a season-high 153-rushing yards his last game. We might temper expectations for him this week, though. He is tough to bench because of his consistency - just don’t expect him to top 20 points once again in Week 12. Hubbard gets a great Chiefs run defense this week. Kansas City has allowed more than 100-rushing yards just three times all year. The Chiefs allow the fewest fantasy points to running backs and are third overall against the run, allowing just 85.3-rushing yards per game.

SLEEPERS

Austin Ekeler, RB, Commanders. Brian Robinson returned last week but that didn’t slow Ekeler from having another good showing. He got a ton of looks in the passing game, catching a season-high eight passes for 89 yards. Jayden Daniels doesn’t look healthy and is struggling to complete passes down the field, so look for Ekeler to continue to get a workout in the passing game. He has 17-plus fantasy points three straight games. Ekeler should have another good game against a reeling Cowboys team this week. Dallas allows the fourth most fantasy points to running backs.

Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers. Johnston has touchdowns three straight games. He is a top red zone target for the Chargers and getting more looks than ever in a Chargers passing game that is starting to click. Johnston had a season-high eight targets last week. It would not surprise to see Johnston find the end zone again this week against the Ravens. Baltimore has struggled against the pass nearly all season and allows the most fantasy points to receivers.

Rome Odunze, WR, Bears. Odunze is becoming a bigger part of the Bears passing game. He had double-digit targets last week for just the second time this season. He had six catches for 65 yards on 10 targets. Oduzne has double-digit fantasy points two of three games. Oduzne could rack up double-digit looks again this week against the Vikings. Minnesota is very good against the run but ranks just 28th overall against the pass. The Vikings allow the third most fantasy points to receivers.

Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles. Goedert can be a boom-or-bust fantasy play but showing more consistency since his return from injury. He has double-digit fantasy points two straight games. He had five catches for 61 yards on five targets last week. Goedert can keep up his good ways this week against the Rams. Los Angeles allows the seventh most fantasy points to tight ends and ranks just 22nd overall against the pass.

Elijah Moore, WR, Browns. Moore is another Browns receiver that has flourished since the insertion of Jameis Winston as the Browns starting quarterback. He has double-digit fantasy points three of four games. He scored his first touchdown of the season last week, catching six passes for 66 yards and a score. Moore has at least eight targets three straight. Look for him to keep it up this week against the Steelers. Pittsburgh has a good defense but if you are going to have success against them, it will be throwing the ball. The Steelers are fourth overall against the run, allowing just 90.8-rushing yards per 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: Cardinals/Seahawks, 49ers/Packers, Eagles/Rams.

Low Scoring Games: Titans/Texans, Vikings/Bears.

Byes: Falcons, Bills, Bengals, Jaguars, Saints, Jets.

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.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 12

Player Notes
Laviska Shenault Jr. Nov 20 11:20pm CT
Laviska Shenault Jr.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (back) did not practice on Wednesday. The fifth-year receiver injured his back during last Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers. As of now, his status for Week 12 is up in the air, but Wednesday's absence isn't a good sign. Regardless of whether Shenault suits up this week against the Arizona Cardinals, he should be left on waivers in all fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Nov 20 10:10pm CT
Diontae Johnson

Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken acknowledged last week that the team has had a tough time finding ways to involve new wide receiver Diontae Johnson into their offense after acquiring him at the trade deadline from the Carolina Panthers. ESPN's Dan Graziano gets the sense that Baltimore considered Johnson too good of a player to pass on at the price that the Panthers were asking. He also gives the Ravens an option to use more three-receiver sets than they typically utilize if they want to go in that direction. Baltimore doesn't roll with many three-receiver sets, though, and aren't expected to have a major midseason scheme shakeup, which means that Johnson could just end up being a veteran insurance policy for top receiver Zay Flowers. He has only one catch on four targets for six yards in his three games with the Ravens and should be left on benches in Week 12 versus the Chargers.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Nov 20 10:00pm CT
Mike Williams

The Pittsburgh Steelers have brought new wide receiver Mike Williams along slowly after acquiring him at the trade deadline from the New York Jets, but they expect him to have a role for them at some point and are planning to get him more involved in the offense in the coming weeks. Williams entered the game due to an injury to Calvin Austin III to catch the game-winning touchdown pass in the Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders and was even more limited in the Week 11 win over the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. ESPN's Dan Graziano doesn't expect Williams to do much on Thursday night against the division-rival Cleveland Browns, though, on a short week with potentially bad weather in Cleveland. The 30-year-old played 12% of the snaps in Week 10 and 32% last week, catching a combined one pass on one target for 32 yards and a touchdown.

From RotoBaller

Josh Paschal Nov 20 9:50pm CT
Josh Paschal

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that the Detroit Lions didn't acquire pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith at the trade deadline this year to replace Aidan Hutchinson (leg), who is out for the rest of the season. Instead, the Lions expect the 32-year-old veteran to be a key complementary player on their defensive line. The Lions will rely heavily on defensive tackles Alim McNeill and DJ Reader to generate a pass rush, while Smith and Josh Paschal start on the outside. Smith played 37 defensive snaps in his first game with the team in the Week 11 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, generating half a sack. Fowler expects Detroit to continue to be smart about Smith's snaps, which means fantasy managers in IDP leagues should temper expectations. The Lions are going to need a total team effort to replace Hutchinson's All-Pro production.

From RotoBaller

Denzel Perryman Nov 20 9:50pm CT
Denzel Perryman

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman (groin) could be considered week-to-week after he was hurt in the Sunday night win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11. Perryman is getting second opinions on his groin this week and could be forced to miss the Monday night showdown against the Baltimore Ravens to close out Week 12 action. The Chargers won't have their first official practice of the week until Thursday, where it's likely Perryman will be listed as a DNP. Losing the 31-year-old veteran linebacker for a date against a high-octane offense like the Ravens would be a key blow to the Bolts' defense this week. In 10 games for the Chargers so far in 2024, Perryman has been productive with 54 tackles (38 solo) and one sack.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Nov 20 9:40pm CT
Bo Nix

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler likes Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix to have another big day for his fantasy managers in the Week 12 divisional matchup against a depleted Las Vegas Raiders defense. Nix has become the first rookie QB since Justin Herbert with multiple games with at least a 75 percent completion percentage and at least three touchdown passes. The 24-year-old from Oregon had the best game of his career in the Week 11 blowout win over the Atlanta Falcons, throwing for 307 yards and four touchdowns. He was already trending up in fantasy heading into last week's game, but after that performance, he should be rostered in pretty much all fantasy leagues. Vegas' D has been a top-10 fantasy matchup for QBs all year and they've given up the most fantasy points to the position in the last three weeks. Nix is a firm QB1 as Denver looks to sweep their division rivals in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Moore Nov 20 9:30pm CT
Elijah Moore

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler thinks Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore is a sleeper for WR2 duty heading into a divisional showdown in primetime on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers to kick off Week 12 action. Moore has had 29 targets the last three weeks with quarterback Jameis Winston running the offense. He had 66 receiving yards and his first touchdown of the year in the Week 11 loss to the New Orleans Saints. At 2-8 on the year, Fowler sees no reason why the Browns will stray from a high-volume passing attack with Winston in a tough matchup against the visiting Steelers this week. There's no arguing that Cleveland's pass-catchers have become more interesting with Winston under center, but the matchup certainly isn't ideal for fantasy purposes against a top defense with nasty weather expected.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Nov 20 9:20pm CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

ESPN's Dan Graziano thinks New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. could have a big Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are giving up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to RBs this year. Although Tracy had a costly overtime fumble in the Week 10 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Germany before their Week 11 bye, the rookie did have his third 100-yard rushing performance as well. The fumble shouldn't affect his role moving forward, with Graziano writing that the Giants see him as a more dynamic option than Devin Singletary in an offense that is turning to Tommy Devito under center moving forward. It wouldn't be a surprise for the G-Men to lean on the ground game as much as possible this week against Tampa. Tracy should be viewed as a high-end RB2 for fantasy managers in a week with six teams on bye.

From RotoBaller

Derek Stingley Jr. Nov 20 9:10pm CT
Derek Stingley Jr.

Houston Texans defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. (hip) logged a limited session in the team's first practice of the week. The former third-overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft has been battling a hip ailment for the last two weeks, though it didn't stop him from suiting up in Week 11's 34-10 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. In fact, Stingley Jr. began last week as a DNP before elevating his practice status over the ensuing two days and entering the weekend without a designation. Houston is likely giving the 23-year-old a bit of rest after he recorded two tackles and an interception -- his second of the season -- on his highest total snap count of the season (74). He's likely not in danger of missing the Texans' Week 12 tilt against the Tennessee Titans. Still, fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on his practice participation over the next two days.

From RotoBaller

Harrison Bryant Nov 20 8:50pm CT
Harrison Bryant

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant (ankle) was labeled as a DNP on Wednesday for the team's first practice of the week. Bryant did not suit up for the Raiders' Week 11 outing against the Miami Dolphins, and it's the third time he was listed as a non-participant dating back to last Wednesday while battling through an ankle injury. Second-year tight end Michael Mayer returned to action against Miami after a lengthy absence and participated in 52% of Las Vegas' snaps, so it's likely that when Bryant is active, he'll be back to playing third fiddle in the TE room. Still, with standout rookie tight end Brock Bowers garnering 26.4% of the team's targets, Mayer and Bryant will just be vying for the scraps.

From RotoBaller

Ben Sinnott Nov 20 8:40pm CT
Ben Sinnott

Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott (illness) was a limited participant in their first practice of Week 12. The 22-year-old has been active for every game this season, and while he isn't in danger of missing his first contest just yet, we'll see if he can improve his practice status leading up to the Commanders' home matchup against their division-rival Dallas Cowboys this Sunday. Fellow tight end Zach Ertz (NIR) was tagged with a DNP, but it's apparently just a day of rest for the veteran. The rookie has seen his snap share dwindle over the previous few weeks, logging his lowest total of the season in last weekend's 26-18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles (9%). Still, he's reeled in all three of his targets in 2024 for 18 yards and a touchdown. If Sinnott can't play, Ertz and John Bates will pick up the slack as the only other active tight ends on the roster.

From RotoBaller

Emari Demercado Nov 20 8:20pm CT
Emari Demercado

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (shoulder) was a limited participant in the team's first practice after their Week 11 bye. The TCU product evidently picked up a shoulder issue at some point between Arizona's 31-6 victory over the New York Jets in Week 10 and Wednesday's practice, but that he could log a limited session suggests it might not be that serious. The Cards have a divisional clash on tap with the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday, and the 25-year-old will have two more opportunities to elevate his practice status before the team must label him with a designation for the Week 12 road tilt. Rookie running back Trey Benson has seen his snap and opportunity share increase over the team's last few games and would be in line for more work behind lead back James Conner if Demercado can't suit up.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman Nov 20 8:00pm CT
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman turned in his slowest performance since being elevated to a full-time role last week as he caught just three passes for 47 scoreless yards in a loss to the New Orleans Saints. Tillman will look to bounce back at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12's Thursday night game. The Steelers have been tough on opposing receivers this season as they are allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Tillman has shown a high ceiling since taking over as a starting receiver in Cleveland, making him a strong play as a high-end WR3 heading into Week 12 despite the difficult matchup.

From RotoBaller

Dustin Hopkins Nov 20 8:00pm CT
Dustin Hopkins

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins struggled in a Week 11 loss to the New Orleans Saints, missing two of his four field-goal attempts. He will look to bounce back at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12's Thursday night game. The Steelers have been a difficult matchup for kickers in fantasy this season, allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. With six misses on 20 field-goal attempts this season, Hopkins is not a recommended fantasy option for Week 12's slate of games.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Nov 20 7:50pm CT
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford has been quiet in the two games that he's shared the backfield with Nick Chubb this season, rushing for just 15 yards on seven carries. The return of Chubb from injury has relegated Ford to mostly passing-game work after he opened the season as the team's lead back. Ford will hope to produce better numbers in a home matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12's Thursday night game. Ford isn't getting consistent enough work for fantasy gamers to trust in starting lineups, especially in a tough matchup against a Pittsburgh defense that is allowing the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season.

From RotoBaller

Jerry Jeudy Nov 20 7:50pm CT
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (knee) turned in his best game of the season last week, catching six passes for 142 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the New Orleans Saints. He will look to stay hot at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12's Thursday night game. The Steelers have been a difficult matchup for receivers this season as they allow the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. The veteran receiver is listed without an injury designation heading into Thursday despite being listed with a knee injury on the practice report earlier in the week. Jeudy's performance last week was certainly encouraging but the prohibitive matchup in Week 12 does not set up for a likely encore. That being said, Jeudy is still worth plugging into fantasy lineups as a WR3 this week.

From RotoBaller

Jameis Winston Nov 20 7:40pm CT
Jameis Winston

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston has passed for at least 334 yards and two touchdowns in two of his past three starts. He will look to stay productive at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12's Thursday night game. The Steelers' tough defense represents a difficult matchup for Winston as they are allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season. A weather forecast that calls for rain and cold also doesn't bode well for Winston's game. Fantasy gamers should treat him as a low-end QB2 for Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Nov 20 7:40pm CT
Nick Chubb

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb has been held to just 163 rushing yards and one touchdown on 53 carries through four games this season. He will look to break out at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12's Thursday night game. The Steelers have been a difficult matchup for opposing running backs this season as they are allowing the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. Chubb should continue to see the majority of the carries for the Browns but he may struggle to find much room to operate against Pittsburgh. Fantasy gamers should treat him as a mid-range RB3/flex option heading into Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Nov 20 7:30pm CT
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) missed another practice on Wednesday as the club begins preparing for their Week 12 tilt against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. In addition, Brady Russell (foot) was a DNP. Fant suffered a groin injury the day before Halloween and missed games in Weeks 9 and 11 (Seattle had a bye in Week 10). Unless the 27-year-old is able to make progress in two practices to close out the week, he figures to be in line to miss a third straight game. If that happens, rookie AJ Barner will represent a low-end TE2 sleeper for the third straight week. The 22-year-old fourth-round selection out of Michigan earlier this year has caught six passes on 11 targets for 42 yards and no touchdowns the last two games with Fant sidelined. Barner's lone TD pass of his rookie season came back in the Week 4 loss to the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Nov 20 7:30pm CT
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell is coming off a stellar performance in Week 11 and will hope to pick up right where he left off against the Cleveland Browns in Week 12. Boswell has been the most reliable fantasy scorer at his position this season, having made 29 of his 30 field goal attempts and all 20 of his extra-point tries. This is an especially appealing spot for Boswell, not only because the Browns surrender the 13th-most fantasy points per contest to kickers, but also because of the game environment many are expecting on Thursday night. This AFC North showdown is projected to be a defensive battle with touchdowns coming at a premium. Even with the possibility of harsh weather conditions in Cleveland, fantasy managers can lock Boswell into starting lineups.

From RotoBaller