Fantasy plays: Players to start and
sit for NFL Week 12
[November 20, 2025]
By DORIAN COLBERT
By Week 12, every roster decision counts in fantasy football. Roles
are locked in, byes are thinning out and benches and playoff
implications sharpen every start/sit call. These are the plays and
fades that can give you the edge this week.
Quarterbacks
Start: Caleb Williams, Bears vs Steelers
Williams has settled into a mid-season rhythm, and Chicago has
steadily expanded the offense around him. Pittsburgh has allowed
steady passing production — at least one passing score in four
straight games — and has struggled to contain quarterbacks who
extend plays. Williams’ blend of designed runs and aggressive
downfield attempts gives him strong QB1 upside in Week 12.
Other locks:
— Drake Maye vs Bengals
— Jared Goff vs Giants
— Jordan Love vs Vikings
Avoid: Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers vs Rams
Mayfield has been serviceable in favorable matchups, but this week’s
spot against the Rams is a sharp downgrade. Los Angeles has
tightened up defensively over the past month, allowing the
third-fewest passing yards per game in that span while generating
consistent pressure with its interior rush. Mayfield has struggled
when moved off his spot, and the Bucs’ offensive line has allowed
frequent collapses against aggressive fronts. Mayfield carries a low
floor and an even lower ceiling in Week 12.
Running backs
Start: Rico Dowdle, Panthers vs 49ers
Dowdle has taken command of Carolina’s backfield. The 49ers have
allowed 4.4 yards per carry over their past three games and have
been vulnerable to backs in the passing game. Dowdle’s blend of
early down work, receiving involvement, and goal-line opportunity
makes him a strong RB2/flex play in Week 12 — even in a tougher
matchup.
Other locks:
— James Cook vs Texans
— Rachaad White vs Rams
Avoid: Blake Corum, Rams vs Buccaneers
Corum’s workload may be rising, but his fantasy output hasn’t
followed. Tampa Bay has allowed only one rushing touchdown in its
past four games and continues to bottle up early down runs. Without
goal-line work or big plays, Corum’s ceiling stays low.
[to top of second column] |
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18), right, looks to pass
as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson (55) defends during the
first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in
Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)
Wide receivers
Start: Christian Watson, Packers vs Vikings
Watson draws a strong matchup against Minnesota’s secondary, which
has struggled with perimeter speed and contested-catch receivers.
His downfield role brings volatility, but Green Bay has leaned more
heavily on the pass in recent weeks, giving Watson legitimate WR2
upside against a beatable coverage unit.
Other locks:
— Khalil Shakir vs Texans
— Amon-Ra St. Brown vs Giants
— Emeka Egbuka vs Rams
Avoid: Rashid Shaheed, Seahawks vs Titans
Shaheed’s value hinges on deep-ball accuracy, and Tennessee has
allowed one of the lowest explosive-play rates in the league this
month. With his target floor already shaky, he’s best treated as a
bench stash this week.
Tight ends
Start: Juwan Johnson, Saints vs Falcons
Johnson has seen his role expand in recent weeks, with increased red
zone usage and deeper route assignments. With his rising involvement
and a young QB who leans on his TEs, Johnson is a sneaky but strong
TE1 play for Week 12.
Other locks:
— Cade Otton vs Rams
— Trey McBride vs Jaguars
— Pat Freiermuth vs Bears
Avoid: Mason Taylor, Jets vs Ravens
Taylor’s role remains inconsistent, and this is one of the toughest
matchups he’ll have all season. Baltimore has smothered tight ends,
allowing minimal yardage in the middle of the field while generating
pressure that forces quick throws outside. With Taylor running a low
number of high-leverage routes and offering almost no red zone
reliability, he carries one of the lowest ceilings in Week 12.
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