Welcome back to Week 12 of Still Keeping It Real with Fantasy! It was a great week in the NFL with exciting games between the Chiefs and Bills and a couple of nail-biting divisional matchups between the Ravens and Steelers and Seahawks and 49ers. The Chiefs undefeated season came to an end after their loss to the Bills. There are many exciting matchups this week starting with a playoff rematch between the 49ers and Packers, a Sunday night matchup between the Eagles and Rams, and on Monday night, a matchup consisting of the Harbaugh brothers who face off for the first time since John beat Jim in Super Bowl XLVII. For fantasy owners trying to sneak into the playoffs, The Lance’s expert advice is here for Week 12 to give you an edge against your friends and enemies.
News/Injuries
Mike Evans (WR) – Coming off of their Week 11 bye, Mike Evans is expected to return in Week 12 against the Giants after being placed in after Week 7 and not playing for four weeks.
Jonathan Brooks (RB) – The rookie running back is yet to play this season due to recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered last November when playing for Texas. Jonathan Brooks was a full participant in practices during Weeks 9 and 10 before their Week 11 bye. Barring any setbacks, Brooks should be set to return behind starter Chuba Hubbard.
Isaiah Pacheco (RB) – Since Week 2, Isaiah Pacheco has been on IR. Pacheco is expected to play Week 12 against the Panthers; however, it is unclear if Pacheco will regain his workhorse role or if he will split carries with Kareem Hunt.
Starts
Brian Robinson Jr. (RB) – After missing back-to-back weeks, Brian Robinson Jr. returned from a hamstring injury with a 14-point performance. Robinson goes up against an injured Cowboys defense coming off of yet another loss.
George Pickens (WR) – George Pickens has broken out ever since Russell Wilson took over quarterback duties, averaging over 17 points per game. Pickens goes up against a woeful Browns defense that gives up the fourth most points to wide receivers this season.
Sits
Chuba Hubbard (RB) – Chuba Hubbard has been the only player on the Panthers this year who has been a consistent starter in fantasy lineups this season; however, he goes up against the Chiefs who give up the least amount of points to running backs this year. In addition, rookie running back Jonathan Brooks will play for the first time this season, taking touches away from Hubbard.
Jonathan Taylor (RB) – After enjoying a great start to the season Jonathan Taylor has struggled to generate fantasy points over the past three games. Anthony Richardson’s reintegration into the starting lineup is also an obstacle for Taylor as Richardson will not only take carries away from Taylor, but Richardson also does not throw many checkdown passes.
Waiver Wire
Taysom Hill (TE) – With all of the injuries on offense for the Saints, a surprising league-high 41-point performance from Taysom Hill makes him a must-add. With the tight end position being inconsistent and top-heavy, Hill becomes a starting tight end despite being a boom-or-bust player.