The race to the playoffs is in full swing, and with players breaking out and getting injured, some previously overlooked options are now available for Week 12. Check out these 15 under-the-radar players from various positions who might be worth considering for your starting roster. Some may require a waiver claim, while others may already be on your roster and finally ready to make their debut this week.
QUARTERBACK
Jameis Winston, NO at Atlanta - Derek Carr is still in the concussion protocol and injured his shoulder in Week 10. The week 11 bye helped, but it may not be enough time for healing for him to suit up in Week 12 against the Falcons. If that's the case, look for Jameis Winston to start. Winston has a more lively arm, and his throws tend to have more air yards than Carr's. New Orleans has leaned towards this style of offense with Winston in the past, and now he'll have the chance to put up solid numbers against an opponent who has been poor against quarterbacks, especially lately. Since Week 8, Atlanta has allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, allowing 8 total touchdowns in three games. The game script for this matchup could favor a strong outcome for the passing/receiving game of the Saints. If Winston does get the start, he is worthy of a spot start this week if you're looking for a lifeline.
Gardner Minshew, IND vs Tampa Bay - The Colts return home after winning two straight road games against beatable foes Carolina and New England. They will face a Buccaneers team who have struggled against the pass since Week 6, allowing 322 yards passing per game and 2.0 passing touchdowns. Minshew has not had a 300-yard game since back-to-back 300-yard efforts in Week 6 and 7, but this matchup may shift the balance in his favor. The Bucs have allowed five 300-yard games this season, including three of their last four and four of their last six.
Dak Prescott DAL, vs Washington - It is no secret that Dak Prescott is a worthy starter, but this matchup bears mentioning. Prescott has been performing exceptionally well, achieving three 300-yard games out of the last four, along with a total of 14 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions. On the upcoming game against Washington, it's important to note that the Commanders have struggled in defending against the pass, allowing a significant 20 touchdown passes in their last eight games. In only one of those games, an opposing quarterback had just one touchdown pass. Last week, Tommy Devito threw for 246 yards and 3 touchdowns against Washington. If Devito could manage that, one can only wonder what Prescott would achieve. This presents a great opportunity for the Cowboys' passing game, and Prescott should be a must-start this week.
RUNNING BACK
Kareem Hunt & Jerome Ford, CLE at Denver - Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt have split duties for the Browns going back to Week 6. In that span, Hunt has 70.6 PPR points while Ford has 69.9. Ford has more yards and receptions, but Hunt has six touchdowns compared to Ford's two. Both are worthy of your consideration this week against a Denver team who have struggled to gain traction in stopping the run, averaging the most rushing yards allowed to running backs since Week 8 with 125.0 per game.
Kyren Williams, LAR at Arizona - The Rams' top running back has returned from IR and is scheduled to play this week against the 28th-ranked Cardinals run defense. Williams was the overall RB4 in the league through Week 6 before landing on IR with an ankle injury. Teams who survived without Williams are set to receive a major boost. Williams had 7 touchdowns in six games, and he'll face a Cardinals team who have allowed a 100-yard rusher or a running back rushing touchdown in nine of their last ten games.
Derrick Henry, TEN vs Carolina - Derrick Henry has taken a step back this season as he enters the sunset of his career. He has just four touchdowns this year and has looked un-Henry-like in the last two games (against Tampa Bay and Jacksonville). That could all be forgotten this week against the Panthers, who have seen their defense improve, but the team as a whole is a mess. Look for Mike Vrabel to lean on Henry as the team's engine this week in what could be a house of cards falling apart for Carolina.
AJ Dillon, GB at Detroit - Green Bay is coming off an emotional game against the Chargers, and Aaron Jones (MCL sprain) is not expected to suit up for the early Thursday game in Detroit for Thanksgiving. That leaves Dillon as the primary ball carrier. The volume opportunity is enough to consider Dillon as a flex option this week, but also be aware that the Lions have allowed at least one rushing touchdown to a running back in each of their last four games. Dillon is dealing with a groin injury, but he is expected to play. An absolute prayer option would be Patrick Taylor if you are in the deepest of deep leagues. The Packers are incredibly banged up and are running out of options, with an early game to boot.
WIDE RECEIVER
Josh Downs, IND vs Tampa Bay - The Colts are returning from their bye week with a gem of a matchup against the Buccaneers pass defense. In their last four games, Tampa Bay has allowed 230 yards per game to wide receivers, tops in the league with an additional 1.5 receiving touchdowns to wide receivers per game. Michael Pittman Jr is a known starter, but this week, you should also consider Josh Downs as a flex option. He had the bye week to help him heal from a knee injury. He is expected to play and should be in line for an increase in usage compared to his last few games. The Bucs have allowed 322 yards passing per game since Week 6 (that's six full games of averaging 322 yards). This has the makings of a game that puts Josh Downs back on the map. Take advantage of the opportunity.
Wan'Dale Robinson, NYG vs New England - Tommy Devito came alive against the Commanders last week to the tune of 246 yards passing and 3 touchdowns. Robinson will have a chance to be the preferred downfield option for Devito if Darius Slayton (arm) is unable to play. Robinson has a 17%, 12%, and 15% team target share over the last three games. Expect those to jump 5-7% if Slayton is out. That spells a good opportunity, especially against the Patriots, who have allowed 229 yards and 1.3 receiving touchdowns per game to wide receivers over their last three games.
Gabe Davis, BUF at Philadelphia - You may think that Davis is a far cry from a starting lineup spot with a 0-0 line in two of his last three games. However, the opportunity is ripe for him to come alive this week against the Eagles. New offensive coordinator Joe Brady had this to say about Davis - "He (Gabe Davis) had zero catches in the game, but in my mind, he was the player of the game... oftentimes we see stats, and it doesn't paint the whole picture of how the game is being played." If Brady was impressed with his play, then we should take notice. It is also worth mentioning that Philadelphia has allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers since Week 8, averaging 19 receptions for 227 yards and 2.0 touchdowns per game to wide receivers. Stefon Diggs is the immediate thought as one who will benefit, but don't rule out Davis as someone to rebound in a big way with a notable outing.
Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, GB at Detroit - The Packers are hurting with injuries everywhere on offense. Watson and Doubs are the healthiest options available, and they may see 70% of the team's targets on Thursday against the Lions. Luke Musgrave is out with a lacerated kidney, Jayden Reed is questionable with a chest injury, and Dontayvion Wicks has a knee/concussion. Watson and Doubs may be the best options by default, especially if Reed cannot go. Raise Watson and Doubs up your flex rankings due to expected volume alone. Detroit has allowed 5 touchdowns to wide receivers in the last two games (CHI and LAC).
TIGHT END
Kyle Pitts, ATL vs New Orleans - This week is the opportune time to start Kyle Pitts in a fantasy game. Atlanta is coming off their bye week, but more importantly, Pitts saw a 28% team target share in Week 10. This stat is the reason why Pitts is the better pick than Jonnu Smith, but realistically, both could find success this week. Pitts has averaged four receptions per game over his last six games, and this week's matchup won't be a better setup than this game against New Orleans. The Saints have allowed six touchdowns to tight ends in their last seven games. The chances are high for Atlanta to find a tight end in the end zone, and Pitts is the one who has seen his target share increase in recent weeks.
Dalton Kincaid, BUF at Philadelphia - Dalton Kincaid has come alive over the last five games, catching no fewer than five passes in each. The injury to Dawson Knox (wrist) opened the door for Kincaid to come alive as a helpful target for Josh Allen and the Bills' offense. Knox is slated to come off IR, but there is no certainty that he is ready to be made active in this week's game at Philadelphia. Kincaid is a known starter, but it should also be made aware that Philadelphia has allowed a touchdown to a tight end in each of the last three games. This sets up perfectly for Kincaid to make a fantasy difference once again.
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