Welcome to the weekly wide receiver/cornerback breakdown for fantasy football Week 12! We will review each of the outside matchups, as well as my 10 favorite matchups in the slot. Then, below the charts in this article, I break down my five absolute favorite matchups to use for DFS purposes. It is Thanksgiving week and all teams are back on the schedule for this one before we reach the final two weeks with teams on bye. The three Thursday games make some lineup decisions difficult, but don’t worry, I have you covered. This article is also critical for fantasy football DFS players, as this will help you gain a competitive advantage when setting your lineups. Follow me on Twitter (@fightingchance) as well!

 

NFL Week 12 WR-CB Matchup Report

Thanksgiving Day
Left WR vs Right CB
Wide ReceiverTeamDK / FD $CornerbackOppMatchup
Stefon DiggsBUF$8000 / $9300Jeff OkudahDETSafe
It wasn't a banner game on Sunday against the Browns but he still did have a touchdown to sve his four catch, 48-yard effort. This is going to be the matchup of all matchups against the Lions who give up a ton against the pass and even Daniel Jones threw for over 300 yards against them. Josh Allen should go bananas and Diggs will be the main target. He is one of the best plays of the week and a killer for the Thanksgiving DFS slate.
Michael GallupDAL$4600 / $5700Fabian MoreauNYGRisky
Another very ho-hum effort for Gallup as he had just three catches for 41 yards on four targets against the Vikiings in a game where the Cowboys offense dropped 40 points. The issue is a lot was done by the running backs, even through the air as Tony Pollard stole the passing show. Gallup has scored double digit fantasy points in full PPR leagues just once all season and that was completely aided by a touchdown catch. He shouldn't be in lineups nor a consideration for the Thanksgiving DFS slate.
DJ Chark Jr.DET$3800 / $5000Tre'Davious WhiteBUFRisky
He did not have a catch in his first game back after injury, but I am also sure the Lions were trying to work back in slowly. The matchup isn't great against the Bills on Thanksgiving, and while he has some upside there is plenty of room for him to bust out completely again. Right now, it is too much of a risk to trust Chark for your weekly lineups with no teams on bye, and I think there are better low priced options on the Thursday slate.
Justin JeffersonMIN$8200 / $8600Jonathan JonesNESafe
We certainly expected more out of Jefferson than the 30+ yards he put up on Sunday against the Cowboys, but this is one where you just have to turn the page and move on. It isn't a trend, the Cowboys defense just came to play that day and nothing worked for the Vikings. I extrapolate nothing from it, nor do I take it into consideration when getting ready for Thanksgiving. Now, the Patriots secondary is very good and the slate is limited for elite options. I still like Stefon Diggs the most, but I have no problem going back to Jefferson for DFS games on Thursday. He is one of the three best receivers in football and the Pats will have their hands full with him. Give me all the Jefferson you can on Thursday night.
DeVante ParkerNE$3900 / $5400Patrick PetersonMINRisky
He almost didn't play on Sunday but turned out to be active. However, it wasn't much of an impact as Parker had just two catches for 19 yards on two targets. The Patriots pass game is anemic at best, horrendous at worst. The Vikings pass defense is no great thrill at all, but I just can't put trust in anyone in this passing game right now other than Jakobi Meyers. Parker should either be on your bench or more likely the waiver wire and shouldn't be considered for the Thanksgiving DFS slate either.
Darius SlaytonNYG$5000 / $6400Trevon DiggsDALModerate
Was it the matchup against the Lions, or is Slayton becoming a fringe fantasy factor? He had five catches for 86 yards on Sunday against the Lions. That is now four straight games and five of six where he has had at least 50 receiving yards and has two touchdowns in four weeks. The matchup is much tougher this week against the Cowboys who he had no catches against back in Week 2, but he is a much bigger part of the offense now. Slayton is a decent WR3/flex in season long leagues and a nice bargain option on the Thursday Thanksgiving slate.
      
Right WR vs Left CB
Wide ReceiverTeamDK / FD $CornerbackOppMatchup
Gabe DavisBUF$5300 / $7200Jerry JacobsDETSafe
After being boom-or-bust for most of the season, Davis is showing a little consistency lately, or maybe just because the Bills have played a couple of soft offenses in a row. He had five catches for 68 yards on Sunday against the Browns, and this matchup is probably as good as it gets all year against the Lions. I am generally not a huge Davis fan but he is a great start in season long and I am a big fan of his on Thanksgiving DFS rosters.
Noah BrownDAL$3500 / $5200RoDarius WilliamsNYGRisky
The Cowboys offense hasn't really led itself to a lot of fantasy goodness through the air outside of CeeDee Lamb or Tony Pollard lately, and I can't see that changing on Thursday. The Giants defense is pretty strong, and Brown has had only one game where he had 50 receiving yards since Michael Gallup was healthy. This NFC East game should be a bit of a banger and fairly defensive and I don't see Brown having anything resembling a fantasy relevant game against New York.
Kalif RaymondDET$4100 / $5500Dane JacksonBUFModerate
I trust him more than D.J. Chark coming into this game, but I don't really trust Chark at all so that isn't a high bar. Raymond has exactly three catches in four straight games, but only one of those does he have more than 50 receiving yards. The Lions should be behind in most of this game and that could help him with some garbage time production, but I would only use him if you are really looking to pay up for a couple studs in DFS and are looking for a huge cost savings but don't expect a lot here.
Adam ThielenMIN$4900 / $5900Jalen MillsNERisky
It just keeps getting worse instead of better for Thielen as he had just two catches for 25 yards on only three targets against the Cowboys in Week 11. He had the same number of targets as K.J. Osborn and Jalen Nailor if that gives you an idea of how important Thielen has become to this offense. You can continue to play him at your flex if you are into 7-10 fantasy points in full PPR leagues, but I'm hoping you've worked the waiver wire well enough this season that you have better options than Thielen at this point with all teams back on the schedule for Week 12.
Tyquan ThorntonNE$3300 / $5300Akayleb EvansMINRisky
You could also put Nelson Agholor here but it really doesn't matter. The Patriots passing game has really floundered since committing to Mac Jones and that is crushing most of their receivers value. Not that I think Thornton would be killing it will Bailey Zappe, but I think the offense would fare better. Nevertheless, don't consider Thornton in any sort of fantasy contest for Week 12.
Kenny GolladayNYG$3700 / $5300Anthony BrownDALRisky
Richie James had more catches and the touchdown last week, but no one should be considering any second level Giants receivers. Golladay had his best game of the season, but that is kind of laughable as he had just two catches for 29 yards. The Giants won't be playing the Lions again and will have a harder time with the Cowboys secondary. Leave Golladay on the waiver wire and don't consider him even on a shorter Thanksgiving slate.
      
Slot WR vs Slot CB
Wide ReceiverTeamDraftKings/FanDuelCornerbackOppMatchup
CeeDee LambDAL$7100 / $7900Darnay HolmesNYGSafe
A week after a monster game against the Packers, Lamb was just ok in Week 11 against the Vikings with five catches for 45 yards. You would think in a game where the team scored 40 points that Lamb would have gone bananas, but Dallas put up a lot of points early through the running backs and then just cruised. Don't let this make you shy away from him this week, especially with the short slate on Thursday. Lamb torched the Giants for eight catches and 87 yards with a touchdown back in Week 3 and I would expect similar output this week. He is a great play for Thanksgiving Day and always is for season long leagues as well.
Amon-Ra St. BrownDET$6600 / $7600TAron JohnsonBUFSafe
It was another strong game and St. Brown is on a roll. He had seven catches for 76 yards and now has had seven catches or more in three straight, and 55+ yards in four straight. He is really the focal point of the passing game, and the Lions are able to succeed through the air most of the time. I love St. Brown as a mid-range salary guy as the Bills secondary has dealt with a lot of injuries and even gave up a huge game to freaking Jacoby Brissett on Sunday.
Jakobi MeyersNE$5100 / $6700Chandon SullivanMINSafe
After being quite the factor for a nice period, Meyers production has started to falter the past two weeks as he has had just nine catches for 94 yards and no scores combined in the last two weeks. Mac Jones is struggling, but the Patriots have also played two pretty strong pass defenses in the Colts and Jets. I don't think they will put up a ton of points against the Vikings, but I would put Meyers as my WR3 in season long and is a definite option on the Thanksgiving DFS slate as a lower priced option.
      
Sunday/Monday
Left WR vs Right CB
Wide ReceiverTeamDK / FD $CornerbackOppMatchup
DeAndre HopkinsARI$7700 / $8400Asante SamuelLACSafe
He has three fewer receptions than DK Metcalf and the dude has played half the games! Hopkins had another nine catches for 91 yards on Monday night in Mexico City against a tough 49ers secondary and he now has 12 or more targets in four of five games. I don't think it matters who the quarterback is, the Cardinals offense isn't going to be great, but Hopkins is going to get his. With the volume he is getting, against a Chargers secondary that is getting baten on the regular, Hopkins is a great choice for season long and DFS contests.
Drake LondonATL$4900 / $6100Kendall FullerWASModerate
He has scored in two straight weeks, but London still has only six catches and 40 yards combined in those two games. The Falcons just don't throw a lot, but perhaps the injury to Kyle Pitts can help London a little. Of course, Pitts wasn't doing much, so it is likely he is still a less than ideal flex play. They are playing Washington who is terrible against the pass, but with every team playing win Week 12, I am not excited at all for his prospects in Week 12.
Demarcus RobinsonBAL$4300 / $6200Tyson CampbellJACSafe
I have to say I didn't have Demarcus Robinson being fantasy relevant on my 2022 fantasy football bingo card, but here we are. After six catches in Week 8, Robinson was terrible in Week 9 before the bye last week. He came out firing in Week 11 with nine catches and 128 yards. I don't think that this is long term value, but I still like Robinson this week against the Jaguars again in Week 12. Cambpell has allowed three touchdowns this season and I think Robinson is worth a flex spot in season long leagues, but I am not chasing points in DFS games.
DJ MooreCAR$5000 / $6200Patrick SurtainDENRisky
Baker Mayfield getting back under center is the worst thing that could happen to D.J. Moore. After his three catch effort in Week 11 he now has three straight games with less than 30 receiving yards. The Broncos secondary is extremely tough and I don't think you can trust any Panther receivers in Week 12.
Darnell MooneyCHI$5100 / $6100Sauce GardnerNYJModerate
After a great spurt, Mooney seems to be falling off again. He does have a touchdown in two of the last three weeks, but Mooney only has 123 receiving yards combined in the last three weeks. Justin Fields and David Montgomery are what makes this offense go. He has great efficiency catching over 85% of passes lately, but his nine targets in two weeks scares me. Sauce Gardner has been one of the best corners in football in his rookie season and with no teams on bye this week you might want to look in another direction from Mooney in Week 12.
Tee HigginsCIN$6900 / $8200Kristian FultonTENSafe
While he wasn't really involved in the offense early, once the second quarter hit, the Steelers had no answer for Higgins who had nine catches for 148 yards on 13 targets in Week 11. Ja'Marr Chase is off crutches and is supposed to practice in some capacity this week, but I really feel even if he plays that won't impact Higgins too much. The thing that will impact Higgins is a pillow soft matchup against the Titans who have allowed the third most passing touchdowns in the league so far with 18. Coming off a strong Week 11, I am ready to go right back to Higgins again for the Sunday slate of DFS for Week 12.
Amari CooperCLE$6400 / $7800Carlton DavisTBModerate
This is getting frustrating. Cooper has been really up and down this season, although thankfully for his fantasy players he has had more ups than downs. He had eight catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday against the Bills a week after having just 32 yards against the Dolphins. It is the last week before Deshaun Watson returns and Jacoby Brissett has been better than I expected. However, the Tampa Bay secondary is pretty strong and this one scares me for Cooper. I would still play him in season long leagues even with no one on bye, but I am avoiding Browns receivers for DFS purposes.
Courtland SuttonDEN$5600 / $7100Jaycee HornCARModerate
With no Jerry Jeudy, it made it easier for Sutton to produce, which he did to an extent. However, his five catches and 80 yards feel a little hollow with no touchdowns and the fact that Jeudy was out and the Broncos faced the Raiders. This should have been a slam spot for the top receivers on the team. It is another easy matchup this week against the Panthers, but the Broncos offense is just too weak to trust for any DFS contests. With this pillow soft matchup though, I still play him in season long leagues and hope he can return 12-14 fantasy points in PPR scoring.
Allen LazardGB Darius SlayPHIModerate
The volume was there for Lazard as he had 11 targets against a beatable Titans secondary, but he had just five catches for 57 yards on Thursday night. He didn’t help himself as he had a couple drops, but this Packers passing game is just all out of whack in 2022. Lazard is also having to deal with the emergence of rookie Christian Watson. He goes from a cupcake matchup against a weak Titans secondary to the best in the league in Darius Slay and the Eagles defense. Lazard is a flex at best for Week 12 as there are no teams on bye this week and not a terrible option in the Sunday night DFS showdown slate.
Brandin CooksHOU$5200 / $6400Xavien HowardMIAModerate
He had three catches for 70 yards in Week 11 against the Commanders and that is two weeks out of three that he has had over 70 receiving yards. That is good news, the bad news is that it was against the Titans and Washington and hasn't had a touchdown since Week 4. And not that the Dolphins is elite, but the Texans are switching quarterbacks this week, and that doesn't give me much confidence that the offense is going to move any better with Kyle Allen at center. Unless you are desperate I would shy away from Cooks. 
Michael Pittman Jr.IND Akhello WitherspoonPITModerate
He has had a bit of a resurgence since Matt Ryan got back under center, but Pittman still isn't lighting the world on fire. He did have six catches for 75 yards against a strong Eagles secondary and this week the matchup gets a lot easier against the Steelers who have just been giving up yards and points like it is their job when in fact their jobs are the opposite. It is a bit of a long shot to count on Pittman for DFS purposes, but this is the matchup to do it for especially in a showdown slate. With Matt Ryan back under center I think you can at least trust him as a lower WR3 or a flex spot in season long leagues.
Marvin Jones Jr.JAC$4100 / $5400Marlon HumphreyBALRisky
It has been a very underwhelming season for Jones who hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 3. The Jaguars actually threw a ton in Week 10 against Kansas City and he was still only targeted three times and caught one pass. He hasn’t had 50 receiving yards in three games and the Ravens defense has been improving as the weeks go on. Jones remains off the fantasy radar.
Marquez Valdes-ScantlingKC$4000 / $5800Jalen RamseyLARModerate
Even in a game where Kadarius Toney left early, JuJu Smith-Schuster was out, and Mecole Hardman was on IR, Valdes-Scantling finihsed with one catch for 18 yards on four targets. Pathetic. It wasn't even a tough matchup against a Chargers secondary that is average but nothing exciting. He is so inconsistent you never know when to trust him, well never is the right answer, and I like either Skyy Moore or Justin Watson better if you wanted to use a Chief this week.
Davante AdamsLV$8600 / $9000Tariq WoolenSEASafe
Despite the fact that the Raiders offense has been pretty awful, Adams is on absolute fire. He had seven catches for 141 yards and two touchdowns in Week 11 and now has five scores in three weeks. He has three straight games of over 125 receiving yards and two of those games were against tough defenses in Denver and Indianapolis. The Seahawks are really gelling as a defense but right now you just can't sit Adams. He is a monster in both season long and DFS contests for Week 12.
Joshua PalmerLAC$5400 / $6800Trayvon MullenARISafe
With Mike Williams dinged up again, Palmer had himself a day with eight catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns Sunday night against the Chiefs. Even with Keenan Allen back, Palmer was the guy who was making the big plays in this offense, and right now I don't think that you can argue that he could be the go-to man for a while. We will still see Allen get his work in the short range and over the middle, but when Justin Herbert is looking to make a big play, this is the guy to do it. The Cardinals secondary is terrible and coming off a short week and I am a big fan of Palmer's for Week 12 in both season long and DFS contests.
Allen Robinson IILAR$5500 / $6800Josh WilliamsKCModerate
It was the start of the post-Cooper Kupp Era for 2022 for the Rams and while Allen Robinson found the end zone, he had just four catches for 47 yards on five targets. The even bigger factor now is that the team is going to be without Matthew Stafford and that makes everything even uglier. The only hope for Robinson is that the Chiefs are beating the Rams so badly that there is half the game for garbage time. I could see the argument for Robinson in a flex in a season long league, based on the fact that the Rams are probably going to have to throw a lot, but with a giant question mark at quarterback with Bryce Perkins and Robinson being pretty bad himself this year, I hope you have a better option. 
Jaylen WaddleMIA$7300 / $8100Steven NelsonHOUSafe
Those who have been counting on the Dolphins pass game are thrilled to see them come off of a bye, even if it isn’t an ideal matchup against the Texans. Nelson is barely allowing 60% of passes to be caught for 9.8 yards per catch and just one touchdown all year. The Dolphins are sure to run plenty in this one as the Texans are absolutely embarrassing as a defense on the ground. However, Waddle is sure to get his still his as he has had five or more targets in five straight weeks and three touchdowns in the three previous games before the bye. Waddle isn’t an elite DFS option, but there is never a reason to sit him in season long leagues.
Chris OlaveNO$6600 / $7300Charvarious WardSFSafe
This kid is an absolute stud as there is barely any other reliable option to throw to on this team and he keeps producing even with a crappy quarterback. Olave had a big game against the Rams with five catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. Sure, half of his yards did come on the big score, but he has been consistent for most of the season. The Saints will have a tough one against the stout 49ers secondary, and that might make me shy away from him in DFS games, but he can have a big game at any time and I couldn't fault you for putting him in a daily lineup and he should always be a start in season long leagues.
Garrett WilsonNYJ$4300 / $6000Jaylon JohnsonCHIRisky
I thought he might be "Zach Wilson-proof" after a couple of good games with the Jets shaky quarterback under center, but it all came unraveled in Week 11 where the Jets had 77 yards passing and Wilson had just two catches for 12 yards. Jets fans are now coming to realize that Zach Wilson isn't the answer, and the team is going with Mike White at quarterback. He did have one really good game last season, but for the most part has looked like just another below average quarterback. He could be better than Zach Wilson but I don't think you can trust anyone on this Jets offense with such a question mark at quarterback
A.J. BrownPHI Jaire AlexanderGBSafe
He had a decent bounce back game from his one catch effort in Week 10, but it still wasn't vintage Brown in Week 11 with five catches for 60 yards. Are we seeing some correction in how good the Eagles offense actually is? Or as it a tough matchup against the Colts? I still think it was more of the matchup and I actually love Brown to bounce back in a big way this week. Jaire Alexander has been a shell of what he's been in the past and the Packers secondary has given up a ton of yards and scores lately. Ryan Tannehill of all people just threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns against them! With Green Bay's suspect defense, Brown is going to be a monster play in the Sunday night DFS showdown slate even with a high price tag and you never sit this guy in season long leagues obviously.
Diontae JohnsonPIT Stephon GilmoreINDModerate
If you've been reading this column all season long you have heard my feelings on Johnson getting more frustrated by the week. I thought he would continue his PPR gold ways and give us 14-16 fantasy points per week. After Week 11, I think I'm done with him. I'm not cutting him but I think I'm done playing him. He had four catches for 21 yards against the Bengals, and it is clear that this offense is now George Pickens from a fantasy perspective. The Colts secondary is very strong and just kept A.J. Brown mostly in check. Unless you are really dealing with injuries I would keep Johnson on my bench in Week 12 with all teams back on the schedule and honestly I have a hard time trusting him even in Monday's showdown slate.
Deebo SamuelSF$6800 / $6900Marshon LattimoreNOSafe
Deeeeeebo! The guy we've been waiting for a while showed up in Mexico City Monday night as Deebo had seven catches for 57 yards and 37 more yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown. It was vintage Samuel as he gained yards after the catch all night and followed blockers perfectly. The question is, will we see that guy again or will the team struggle to keep him involved. The way the Saints defense has been giving up yards and scores lately make me think that we can believe again as the 49ers offense looks like a juggernaut right now with Christian McCaffrey joining the fun. The Niners are a hard team to predict which guys are going to go off, but New Orleans will likely struggle to stop any of them again and I like Samuel in season long and DFS games.
DK MetcalfSEA$6500 / $7200Rock Ya-SinLVSafe
The Seahawks had a tough game offensively in Munich back in Week 9 before their bye, but Metcalf still had six catches for 71 yards in the game and was the first time in three weeks that he didn’t score. The Bucs secondary has been a disappointment based on their talent this season, but they played up to it that day. The Raiders, on the other hand, are one of the worst secondaries in football as they have allowed 17 passing touchdowns to this point. Only the Chiefs and Steelers have surrendered more. Metcalf is still the top receiver on this team and is an awesome option in both season long and DFS games as he has had two weeks to stew on the Munich game and get ready for this super soft matchup.
Mike EvansTB$6700 / $7600Denzel WardCLESafe
It has been a rough couple games for Evans before the bye as he combined for ten catches and 94 yards, and he hasn’t scored since Week 4. He still has double digit targets in four of nine games this season, and is still the most dangerous weapon on this team. The Browns have allowed a lot in the last six weeks as they gave up 23 points to the Falcons, 30 for the Chargers, 38 to the Patriots, 23 to the Ravens and 39 to Miami. The Tampa pass game has been incredibly anemic this year, but I expect them to pick it up a little bit this week. It is in Cleveland so it isn’t going to be ideal weather, but hell Tom Brady played in New England for 20 yards. Load up Evans in both season long and DFS contests.
Robert WoodsTEN$4700 / $5700Eli AppleCINModerate
Was it a lucky game? Was it a good matchup? Is Woods getting healthy? He had his second best game of the season last Thursday as he had six catches for 69 yards on seven targets. I tend to think that it was just a lucky game and I still think that this is a low-powered passing offense and we can’t count on Ryan Tannehill to throw for over 300 yards many times and not against the Bengals. You can put him in your flex if you think last game was a sign of things to come for the Titans, but I am not ready to trust Woods yet and I feel better about rookie Treylon Burks going forward.
Terry McLaurinWAS$5800 / $7500Darren HallATLModerate
He wasn't bad in Week 11, but I was hopeful for more even in a tougher matchup. McLaurin had four catches for 55 yards against Houston in a game where the Commanders did a lot of work on the ground as most teams do against Houston. He still had seven targets, and his volume has been very strong especially since Taylor Heinicke took over. I do think the Commanders quarterback did play well enough to keep the job, and that bodes well for McLaurin. The matchup gets super nice this week against the Falcons who can't stop anyone against the pass and I love McLaurin in both season long leagues and DFS contests for the shorter than usual Sunday slate for Week 12.
      
Right WR vs Left CB
Wide ReceiverTeamDraftKings/FanDuelCornerbackOppMatchup
Marquise BrownARI$5300 / $7000Michael DavisLACModerate
We thought he would play in Week 11, but now Brown is set to return for the first time since Week 6 and we will have to see how he coexists with DeAndre Hopkins, and especially Rondale Moore. They get a good matchup to come back to in Week 12 with the Chargers who are not a good secondary at all. I still think that Brown might not completely be up to full strength, so I might wait to give him a start until after the team's Week 13 bye, but I can definitely see reasoning for wanting to get him back into your lineups, but remember things are different than they were on the team now than when he was getting 17 targets back in Week 3.
Damiere ByrdATL$3100 / $5200Benjamin St. JusteWASRisky
The Falcons offense really doesn't make anyone fantasy relevant in the passing game, even though Drake London scores some touchdowns. Byrd had just two catches for 29 yards, and I really think outside of perhaps some crazy outlier where he makes a long catch this is all you can expect from him. He isn't fantasy relevant in any format.
Devin DuvernayBAL$4700 / $5600Tre HerndonJACRisky
We kind of got excited for this guy with the Rashod Bateman injury and he was scoring a few touchdowns. Well, all of that excitement is gone now as Duvernay's production has gone right in the crapper. He has just one catch in each of the last two weeks, and not only that but he only has one target in each of those games. The Ravens passing game isn't enough to keep Mark Andrews and two wide receivers fantasy relevant, and right now that top receiver is Demarcus Robinson. Duvernay should be on waiver wires all over fantasy leagues.
Terrace Marshall Jr.CAR$3900 / $5700Damarri MathisDENModerate
I don't think that anyone benefits more from Baker Mayfield being under center than Marshall. Well, maybe the opposing team because Mayfield is awful, but if we are talking about the Pathers, it is only Marshall through the air. He had three catches for 76 yards and he has been fairly reliant on making one somewhat big play each game. He does have over 50 receiving yards in three of the last four and he has three or four receptions in three of the last four as well. He isn't getting a ton of volume with six targets or fewer in the last three, and the Panthers offense is dwindling. Against the tough Broncos secondary you can probably put Marshall at your flex, but I expect a day of pain for Baker and not a lot of passing yards.
Chase ClaypoolCHI$3900 / $5500D.J. ReedNYJRisky
I thought when the Bears traded for Claypool and gave him six targets in his first game with the team when he had only been with them for less than a week it was a sign that he was going to be a bigger part of the offense. Especially considering the lack of talent that they have after Darnell Mooney. But Claypool has combined for just three catches for 19 yards in the last two weeks and until we see some sort of change, we can't consider putting him into our lineups. I would continue to stash him in case the breakout comes, but especially against a tough Jets pass defense, Claypool belongs on your benches.
Ja'Marr ChaseCIN$7600 / $8800Roger McCrearyTENSafe
I am listing him second here because of the uncertainty of him playing, although it seems like there's a real shot this week. If he doesn't go, no other Bengals receiver that plays on the outside is worth consideration. If he does play, how much can we trust Chase? He hasn't played since Week 7, and to me this seems like bringing him back a little early. It will be so tempting as the Titans secondary is really bad and if Chase is active it is nearly impossible not to put him into your season long lineups. I will love him for Week 13 against the Chiefs, but even if he goes this week I feel uneasy about giving him the start although I will do it.
Donovan Peoples-JonesCLE$4800 / $6300Jamel DeanTBSafe
He doesn't ever seem to get a lot of fantasy attention, but Peoples-Jones just keeps producing. I mean he isn't a league winner, but he consistently gives you double digit fantasy points every week and had five catches for 61 yards and a score against Buffalo in Week 11. This will be his toughest task of the year likely against Tampa, but that team is still somewhat in disarray although they are coming off their bye. Peoples-Jones isn't a DFS target at all, but he is still a viable flex option even in a less than stellar matchup against the Bucs.
Kendall HintonDEN$3700 / $5400Donte JacksonCARModerate
He is far from spectacular, but Hinton has been making a little noise with the injury to Jerry Jeudy. He had three catches for 57 yards in Week 11 and now has seven catches for 119 in two games since the Broncos bye. Hinton is best known as the guy who played quarterback in 2020 that one week the whole Broncos QB room got Covid, but now he is making a slight name for himself at receiver. He does have a really good matchup against the Panthers secondary, but his volume is not really very strong and Russell Wilson isn't playing well. The only way I could see using Hinton is if you are in a DFS GPP and you are looking for an extremely low priced option to jam a few studs into your lineup. If that doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement that's because it wasn't meant to be.
Christian WatsonGB James BradberryPHISafe
It is Christian Watson’s world, we are just living in it! The oft-injured rookie has taken the NFL and fantasy football by storm in the last two weeks. A week after 107 yards and three touchdowns, Watson followed that up with another 48 yards and two more touchdowns, including one where it was a free play where the Titans were already going to be called for a penalty. He is a physical specimen, and he certainly has a world of opportunity here as the Packers don’t have a true number one receiver. This is going to be a tough matchup though as the Eagles secondary is the NFL’s best. You might have a better option considering that there are no teams on bye but Watson is going to be tough to keep out of your flex spot in season long league and is going to be highly played in DFS cash games in Week 12 showdown slates.
Nico CollinsHOU$4100 / $6000Keion CrossenMIAModerate
He's decent, but that's the best I can say for Collins right now. I really thought that the Texans offense would be better this season, especially the passing game, but it hasn't happened. Collins does have 17 targets in the last two weeks, which is encouraging, but it has come to be just ten catches for 97 yards in those games. Miami has a middle of the road secondary, but it is hard to trust any Texans right now when they aren't scoring points and are switching quarterbacks. Leave Collins on your bench or waiver wire for Week 12.  
Alec PierceIND Levi WallacePITRisky
What once was a promising start for the rookie has gone all kinds of sideways of late. He did have eight targets in Week 11 which is an encouraging sign, but he has just four catches for 51 yards in the last THREE games combined. Matt Ryan is at least bringing a little respectability back to the offense, but it just isn't amounting to much left after Michael Pittman and Parris Campbell get theirs. While the volume last week was something to notice and the Steelers secondary is terrible, I can't recommend Pierce in any sort of fantasy lineup this week.
Zay JonesJAC$4600 / $5700Marcus PetersBALRisky
Funny, earlier when I brought up Marvin Jones for the Jaguars I mentioned that he hasn’t scored since Week 3. It must be a Jones thing because Zay has also not scored since Week 3. However, Zay actually had a great game with eight catches on ten targets for 68 yards the Chiefs in Week 10. Kansas City allows the most passing touchdowns and a lot of yards through the air and Jones hasn’t had ten points in full PPR scoring since Week 3 and this isn’t an easy matchup. If you’ve picked him up, I would leave him on your bench with no teams on bye this week.
Skyy MooreKC$3000 / $5400Derion KendrickLARModerate
Justin Watson played more snaps, but Moore led the wide receivers with tafgets and catches. I think I might like Watson a big more, but it is quite the toss up. The Rams seem to be fading away on offense, and while their defense still has some playmakers, they just gave up a huge game to Andy freaking Dalton last week. Moore or Watson could be a nice bargain play in DFS GPPs and a possible grab and flex play on your season long teams in Week 12.
Mack HollinsLV$4400 / $5600Michael JacksonSEARisky
He was slightly better this week with Renfrow and Waller still out, but Hollins finished with six catches for 52 yards. That is a solid game, but not something that I think will be consistent and production you can count on. It was a tough matchup against the Broncos and this week it doesn't get much easier against a Seattle secondary that has really come together more as the season has progressed. Derek Carr has had a really iffy season and I don't like the Raiders traveling on the road up to Seattle this week. If you picked up Hollins after his good game I would implore you to leave him on your bench this week and wait until Week 13 against the Chargers.
DeAndre CarterLAC$3700 / $5900Marco WilsonARIRisky
I am going off the assumption that Mike Williams is going to be back out again. Carter has had a few solid games, but with Keenan Allen back that really drops his value. He had three catches for 33 yards against the Chiefs on Sunday night, and honestly that is what I think you can expect from him going forward when one or more of the Chargers main receivers are healthy. The Cardinals secondary isn't very good, but neither is Carter and he should remain on waiver wires.
Van JeffersonLAR$4500 / $5600Trent McDuffieKCRisky
He was tied for the most targets to wide receivers but that total was just five and Jefferson came down with just three catches and 41 yards. It appears that the question of who will step up with Cooper Kupp out is no one. The Rams also now have a huge hole at the quarterback position with Bryce Perkins and they are clearly going nowhere fast. The Chiefs are one of the weakest secondaries in football and give up a ton but even with the Rams likely playing from behind most of the game, Jefferson is nothing but a desperation flex in that you hope he somehow comes down with a big play. 
Trent SherfieldMIA$3200 / $5400Derek StingleyHOURisky
It was his best game before the Dolphins bye as Sherfield had a season best four catches for a season best 63 yards and his first touchdown of the season. Stingley is dinged up, but the Texans secondary is still pretty decent. Sherfield isn’t likely to have another game like Week 9 again and he can easily be left on fantasy waiver wires.
Jarvis LandryNO$4400 / $5800Deommodore LenoirSFModerate
He plays half and half in the slot and on the outside, but he wouldn't make my favorite slot plays and the other Saints receivers not named Olave suck, so why not cover Landry here? He had a second straight game with three catches and 30ish yards which isn't going to cut it for fantasy purposes regardless of who is quarterbacking for New Orleans. He has just ten targets in the last two weeks and the 49ers are one of the best secondaries in the league. For the sake of your chances of making the fantasy playoffs I really hope you have a better option than Landry for your flex in Week 12.
Denzel MimsNYJ$3100 / $5200Kindle VildorCHIRisky
Corey Davis didn't practice at all last week which doesn't bode well for his return this week. However, it really doesn't matter much because the Jets passing game is among the worst in football. Mims had two catches for 35 yards on a decent six targets and could have had an easy walk in touchdown if Zach Wilson wasn't awful. The Jets will turn to Mike White this week and I can't say that gives me any more confidence than Zach Wilson did and I would avoid this entire offense this week.  
DeVonta SmithPHI Rasul DouglasGBSafe
He now has six catches in each of the last two games, and Smith finished with 78 yards in Week 11 and I think he is going to be a prime beneficiary of the injury to Dallas Goedert. The Eagles don't have a lot of weapoins in the passing game, and Smith now has 17 targets in the last two weeks. He gets a great matchup against the Packers in Week 12 who lost one of their better corners in Eric Stokes recently. I could see both Eagles receivers going off in this one as Green Bay has really given up the booty lately. Look for Smith's usage to continue to be steady and I think he has a great chance of another game with 75+ receiving yards and I love him on the Sunday night showdown slate.
George PickensPIT Isaiah RodgersINDSafe
The rookie continues to impress and the Steelers offense at least looks like it is running a little more smoothly lately. Pickens is now the receiver that you want in terms of fantasy as he is going to be the one catching touchdowns and he is the only real downfield threat they have. He had four catches for 83 yards and a touchdown last week against the Bengals and has now scored in two of the last four games. The Colts secondary is pretty strong but on the Monday night showdown slate he is likely your best option from the Steelers point of view and I would still give him a start in season long leagues as well.
Brandon AiyukSF$6400 / $6700Paulson AdeboNOSafe
Last week it was Aiyuk who was kind of the man left out of the 49ers offense with just four targets, but he still made the most of it with two catches for 20 yards because both of them were touchdowns. He has returned 14+ fantasy points in full PPR leagues for five straight weeks now, and even in off games he has been productive. He and Jimmy Garoppolo have a great chemistry right now and Aiyuk is undeniably one of the better fantasy wide receivers to play. A Saints secondary which once was a team to avoid has become a DFS sweet spot against the pass. You'll want some sort of exposure to the 49ers pass game in your lineups this week.
Tyler LockettSEA$6200 / $7400Anthony AverettLVSafe
After having consistent yards and catches early in the season, Lockett’s production in those departments has dipped a little, but he scored in three straight weeks before the bye. He hasn’t had 70 receiving yards since Week 5, but the Raiders can’t stop anyone through the air. I would prefer Metcalf to Lockett in DFS games just because he is the bigger play threat and tends to get more volume, but Lockett is still a great season long option, and this is a spot where he could have one of his huge Lockett-type blow up games.
Julio JonesTB$4000 / $5400Martin EmersonCLERisky
He scored for the second time in three weeks in Week 10 before the bye, but Jones still has only seven catches in those three games. He also has just 102 yards combined in those three games. He is averaging just four targets per game in the five that he ass able to actually play in and I can’t trust Jones in any fantasy format.
Treylon BurksTEN$4200 / $5900Tre FlowersCINModerate
Turf toe slowed down his rookie season, but Burks had 14 targets in the last two weeks and broke out in a big way on Thursday night with seven catches for 111 yards. His previous career-high was 55 yards, so this was a huge game for the rookie. He showed a great ability to run routes, good hands, and toughness with the ball in his hands. The Bengals have allowed just nine passing touchdowns in nine games, although they have dealt with some injuries in the secondary. I am not ready to trust Burks in DFS games because I still don’t trust Ryan Tannehill to have another game like that, but Burks has become a guy I am willing to start in season long leagues.
Jahan DotsonWAS$4000 / $5800Cornell ArmstrongATLRisky
I always say watch when there is a quarterback change because different throwers favor different guys. Obviously not the elite guys, but the next tier down on a team, like Dotson. Before his injury, Carson Wentz was looking his way a decent amount and the kid was producing. In his two games since returning with Taylor Heinicke under center, Dotson has had just two catches on three targets for 27 yards and obviously no touchdowns. The matchup is ideal, and perhaps the rookie finds the end zone, but there is no reliable evidence that will happen so he should remain on your bench.

Now, here are my 10 favorite matchups in the slot in Week 12.

Slot WR vs Slot CB
Wide ReceiverTeamDraftKings/FanDuelCornerbackOppMatchup
Tyreek HillMIA$8800 / $9200Desmond KingHOUSafe
The bye came at a great time for Hill because despite the fact he scored in Week 9, it was one of his worst games of the season with five catches for 44 yards. It was only the third game all season where he failed to have 50 receiving yards, and with the Dolphins having two weeks to get ready for this one, I expect Tua to still have a strong game. King is the weak link in the secondary allowing just under 70 percent of passes to be caught for over 11 yards per grab. Hill has been one of the best fantasy receivers in 2022 and there is no reason to sit him in season long or not consider him for DFS games.
Chris GodwinTB$6000 / $7000Greg NewsomeCLESafe
He had his first touchdown of the season in Week 10 before the Bucs bye, and Godwin has been the most targeted receiver on the team. He has had either six or seven catches in every game except Week 1, but Godwin’s yardage total has been inconsistent. Godwin has four games of under 60 receiving yards and four games over 60 receiving yards. This one screams a good matchup against the Browns who have been giving up big yardage and big points in the last six weeks. I like Godwin as an option in both season long and DFS games for Week 12.
Keenan AllenLAC$6100 / $7300Antonio HamiltonARISafe
He not only survived his first game back since Week 7, I'd say Allen thrived with five catches for 94 yards. A lot of it came late, but hey better late than never, including a beautiful diving catch. His other top receiver, Mike Williams, did not come through the game unscathed and will either be limited or out. The Cardinals secondary is pretty awful, and while Josh Palmer has burst on the scene, I still expect Allen to be a highly utilized player. Against the Cardinals I would consider him in DFS contests (although I like Palmer more) and for the first time since Week 1 I feel confident putting Allen in my season long lineups as well.
Christian KirkJAC$6500 / $7700Damarion WilliamsBALSafe
It was another huge week for Kirk as he had nine catches for 105 yards on 12 targets with two touchdowns in Week 10 against the Chiefs before the Jags bye. That was his third touchdown in two games and he had over 75 yards in three of four games before their week off. He’s had a strong season with nearly 700 yards and seven touchdowns in ten games, but this isn’t the most ideal matchup. However, to me, Kirk has become a must-start in season long leagues, but this isn’t an ideal one to consider him for DFS purposes.
Tyler BoydCIN$5900 / $6700Joshua KaluTENModerate
Man, I really thought that Boyd would be more of a factor with Ja'Marr Chase out. However, it just hasn't happened. He did have seven targets in Week 11 against the Steelers, but had just two catches for 42 yards and even one of those came very late. The Titans secondary is very porous, but at the same time Chase might return in this one, and Boyd hasn't really made much noise even in other soft matchups. I would still put him in my flex in my season long leagues, but I really don't feel good about it anymore.
Parris CampbellIND Arthur MauletPITModerate
We always knew that the talent was there for Campbell, he has always just been unable to stay healthy. Well, 2022 has been different as he has been out there every week, and lately Matt Ryan has been looking his way a bunch. He had five catches for 67 yards against a very tough Eagles secondary and that makes it 12 catches for 143 yards with a touchdown in the last two games. He now faces a Steelers secondary that gave up huge numbers to the Bengals last week, and let's face it have given up huge numbers to everyone this year. At 22 passing touchdowns, the Steelers have surrendered the most scores through the air this season. Pittman might be a more popular play, but give me Campbell both in season long and the dreadful Monday Night Football DFS showdown slate.

Thanksgiving Slate

Elite

Stefon Diggs vs. Jeff Okudah

The Giants did lose their best corner last week and the Vikings aren’t a great secondary, but if you look at the Thanksgiving slate the worst defense is Detroit. Couple that with Diggs having a tremendous season. He did have just four catches for 48 yards last week against the Browns, but Diggs should have a huge bounceback game. The Bills are looking to get back on track and absolutely smoke someone and this is the perfect opportunity. The Lions haven’t really played well on Thanksgiving in a while and I expect a 100-yard game and a touchdown from Diggs. 

Affordable

Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. TAron Johnson

He hasn’t scored since Week 2, but St. Brown has three or more catches in three of the last four games and 69 yards or more in three of the last four. He has been the absolute focal point of the passing game since returning from his concussion and the Bills secondary has been allowing a lot through the air (see Jacoby Brissett’s stats last week). He is averaging 9.5 targets in the last four weeks and the Lions are likely to be playing from behind in this one which is a great game script for St. Brown at a more reasonable price than I expected. 

Bargain Bin

Darius Slayton vs. Trevon Diggs

Wan’Dale Robinson is now out for the year and that severely limits the number of passing options that Daniel Jones has to throw to again. Slayton has over 50 yards in five of seven games and 181 in the last two weeks. The Cowboys secondary is very strong and this isn’t likely to be a high scoring game, but Kenny Golladay stinks, Richie James is just a guy, and the Giants have no pass catching tight end left. Slayton should be looking at 8+ targets again in Week 12 and is a great bargain given the volume he is likely to see. 

 

Sunday Main Slate

Elite

Davante Adams vs. Tariq Woolen

The Seahawks defense is solid, but the Raiders just have no one else to throw to with Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller on IR. I mean there is Mack Hollins, but let’s be realistic here. I would rather the game be inside in Vegas, but Adams played many years in Green Bay, so no matter what it is like in Seattle that shouldn’t phase him. He has 26 catches for 413 yards and five touchdowns in the last three weeks and I expect another big game for one of the best in the business again.

Tee Higgins vs. Kristian Fulton

Some of the other top options scare me a little, so I am going a little low here for elite options for Higgins. He just had a huge game against the Steelers and whether Ja’Marr Chase is back or not, he won’t be 100%. Honestly, I think if Chase comes back that actually helps Higgins a little as the Titans won’t be able to solely focus on him. The Titans secondary continues to deal with injuries and Fulton is still nursing a sore hammy. This is a great receiver in a great matchup and he should give you a fantastic return. 

Affordable

D.K. Metcalf vs. Rock Ya-Sin

He has five or more catches in three straight games and seven of ten all season long. He has scored in two of the last three and has been more consistent than Tyler Lockett. Metcalf avoided serious injury a few weeks ago and somehow looks better since the injury scare. The Raiders have allowed the fourth most touchdown passes in the league. Even Russell Wilson looked decent against them even if Denver didn’t score a touchdown through the air. Metcalf has a four-inch height advantage on Rock Ya-Sin and coming off a bye I love Seattle to win this game and torch the Raiders through the air. 

Brandon Aiyuk vs. Paulson Adebo

Everyone will be flocking to Deebo this week after his big performance on Monday night, but let’s not forget that Aiyuk still scored 16 fantasy points in full PPR scoring despite being targeted just four times. Adebo is allowing 77% of passes to be caught for 13.5 yards per grab and has surrendered four touchdowns this season. The 49ers offense should be high flying again this Sunday and I love Aiyuk to keep the good times rolling. 

Bargain Bin

Josh Palmer vs. Trayvon Mullen

Mike Williams hasn’t been ruled out yet, but even if he plays, he clearly won’t be near 100%. Palmer has exactly eight catches for exactly 106 yards on exactly ten targets in two of the last three weeks and last Sunday night he even threw in two touchdowns. The third game in there was against San Francisco who has a tough secondary. The Cardinals gave up yards and touchdowns to almost everyone on the 49ers roster on Monday night and now they are coming back on a short week against another offense that knows how to sling the ball around. Palmer’s price is way too low and I love him in this spot, 

*Information gathered from research done at Pro Football Focus.

 

Related Fantasy Football Articles: