The playoff push is upon us. Performance-driven breakouts and injuries have opened up some opportunities for players who could shine in Week 12. Here are 17 under-the-radar options from various positions that you might want to take a look at for your starting roster. Some of these may be waiver claims. Others may be players on your roster that may finally be worthy of a start this week.
QUARTERBACK
Matt Ryan, IND vs Pittsburgh *SuperFlex* - The Colts offense is a better performing unit with Matt Ryan under center than Sam Ehlinger. This week's opponent, Pittsburgh, has allowed the second-most passing yards per game this year (284.1), with an additional 2.1 touchdown passes per game allowed.
Mac Jones, NE at Minnesota *SuperFlex* - New England has been on a roll lately, winning five of their last six games. Their ground game has been the main force, but this week, that could change. Minnesota had their bubble pop last week in a loss against Dallas, and their pass defense has been suspect lately, allowing three 300-yard passing games in their last four games. Even Dak Prescott topped 275 yards last week, coasting to an easy win in the second half. Could Jones and the Patriots exploit this weakness? Bill Belichick is all about exploiting weaknesses. 240 yards and two scores seem doable for Jones in a "good matchup" situation in Week 12.
John Wolford, LAR at Kansas City *Last Resort* - In case of emergency, break the glass. Nobody wants to start John Wolford and the hapless, Kupp-less Rams against Kansas City, but if you have no choice, there is a silver lining. Kansas City has allowed the 5th most fantasy points to quarterbacks this year, averaging 270 yards allowed per game with 2.1 touchdown passes. The situation is bleak, but the matchup isn't horrible.
RUNNING BACK
Samaje Perine, CIN at Tennessee - This is a lukewarm play due to the opponent, but the opportunity is there for Samaje Perine to see increased volume IF Joe Mixon (concussion protocol) is unable to return from the protocol. If Mixon plays, Perine is not recommended. Tennessee is second in run defense behind only San Francisco, averaging a paltry 82 yards rushing allowed per game. Don't force yourself into starting Perine but the expected volume, if Mixon is out, could result in a semi-respectable double-digit PPR performance.
Antonio Gibson, WAS vs Atlanta - After five straight games of trailing Brian Robinson Jr in carry share percentage, Gibson took the majority of carries in Week 11. Is that a sign of things to come? Even if not, Gibson is the clear favorite receiving target in the backfield catching at least three passes in eight of eleven games this season. Atlanta has allowed at least one rushing touchdown by a running back in every game but two.
Najee Harris, PIT at Indianapolis - After a challenge-filled first half of the season, Najee Harris has turned it up recently with two 90-yard rushing games in his last two, including a two-score game in Week 11. Has he finally overcome the preseason Lisfranc injury? It is not the best matchup. The Colts have allowed only one rushing touchdown to a running back since Week 6, but if Harris has turned the corner, and he is also an option in the dump-off game of Kenny Pickett (4 receptions last week), consider him a decent start in Week 11.
Latavius Murray, DEN at Carolina - Denver has cut ties with Melvin Gordon, plus Mike Boone and Chase Edmonds are on IR. That leaves Latavius Murray as the primary ball carrier. This week's game at Carolina is likely low scoring, with the first team to 16 winning the game. Aside from the four-touchdown effort from Joe Mixon, Carolina has not allowed a rushing touchdown to a running back since Week 6. Only six different running backs have scored a rushing touchdown against the Panthers in 11 games. Murray saw 17 carries last week and should be used to that degree again in Week 12.
James Cook, BUF at Detroit - Last week, also in the friendly Ford Field dome, James Cook made the most of his 25% of offensive snaps en route to an 11-carry game that totaled 86 yards. Is Buffalo finally starting to see that Cook has the skills to be a playmaker on offense? Cook is a stretch to insert as a flex this week, but perhaps this may be the start of a strong second half of the season. He has performed well when his name is called - the problem is his name isn't called that often. Maybe that changes sooner rather than later?
Kyren Williams, LAR at Kansas City - The Rams recently released Darrell Henderson, leaving Cam Akers and Kyren Williams atop the depth chart. Williams is a decent receiving back, and he could see an abundance of touches this week against the Chiefs, especially targets in the second half. Los Angeles will want to know what they have in the young running back. A three+ catch game is in the cards this week.
WIDE RECEIVER
Garrett Wilson, NYJ vs. Chicago - Zach Wilson has only four touchdown passes this season, and he has five interceptions. Since his return in Week 4, only four times has a wide receiver had more than three catches in a game. It isn't rosy being a Jets wide receiver. However, Garrett Wilson is the clear top target. Before the tough defensive struggle against New England last week, Wilson had four, six, and eight receptions entering Week 11. His matchup this week against Chicago should be easier.
Greg Dortch, ARI vs Los Angeles Chargers - Rondale Moore is out with a groin injury which opens the door for Greg Dortch to resume his winning ways. In games without Moore, Dortch has picked up the slack, and then some with 7-63, 4-55-1, 9-80, and 9-103. He is worth a pickup on the waiver wire and is a legit flex starter for as long as Moore is out.
Demarcus Robinson, BAL at Jacksonville - Robinson was Lamar Jackson's top target in Week 11 against Carolina. Mark Andrews saw his share of targets (8) compared to Robinson (9), but it was Robinson who exceeded the 100-yard mark. His spike in volume and usage may have been a fluke due to Carolina's bracket coverage on Andrews, but he showed he can be a reliable target when called upon. Robinson is a fringe flex start this week, but if he has another solid outing, his fantasy appeal will take a sharp turn to the north.
Darius Slayton, NYG at Dallas - The Giants are going in the wrong direction while the Cowboys are in hot pursuit of the Eagles. Darius Slayton was developing into the Giants' top wide receiver target before Wan'Dale Robinson's ACL injury. Saquon Barkley may lead the team in targets, but Slayton will be the top wide receiver on the team moving forward. New York has a tough matchup this week against the Cowboys, owners of the top pass defense and most sacks, but Slayton should see an increase in target volume by default.
Parris Campbell, IND vs Pittsburgh - Parris Campbell averages 4.4 receptions per game with Matt Ryan under center. The Colts average 39.7 pass attempts with Ryan compared to 26.0 with Sam Ehlinger. In the last four games with Ryan, Campbell has 7-57-1, 10-70-1, 7-76-1, and 5-67. It's safe to say he is worthy of a flex start at the absolute worst. To make it more enticing, the Steelers allow the most PPR points to wide receivers this year and average 203 yards and 1.4 touchdowns per game against them.
Zay Jones, JAC vs Baltimore - Zay Jones has 28 targets in the last four games. He has not scored since Week 3 but he is the clear #2 target behind Christian Kirk. He is a fringe flex start, but the game script may be in his favor this week against the Ravens.
TIGHT END
Juwan Johnson, NO at San Francisco - This is a tough matchup against the 49ers, but Johnson has scored five touchdowns in his last five games, including one each in his last three. Since Week 6, he has the third-most targets on the team (28) behind Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave (41 each). He may be a gamble to start, but he keeps proving doubters wrong.
Gerald Everett, LAC - at Arizona - The Cardinals allow the most PPR points (20.2) to opposing tight ends this season. They have allowed nine touchdowns to the position in 11 games. Everett is the clear receiving threat at tight end, out-targeting the next closest option (Tre McKitty) 55 to 13. Everett has a great matchup this week and is worthy of a start if you have him.
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