Fantasy: Start, Sit, Stash, Quit - Week 12
SSSQ is a weekly look at the under-the-radar fantasy players you should consider starting, and the potential busts you should leave on your bench. We also identify breakout candidates to stash on your roster and players you can safely cut. For the rest of your lineup decisions, consult our Week 12 rankings.
Start
Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals
vs. Browns
Dalton has gone four consecutive games without throwing an interception, tossing multiple touchdowns in three of those four outings. The Browns allow two passing scores per game.
Fearless prediction: 257 yards passing, 3 TDs
Other QBs to start
- Tyrod Taylor at Chiefs
- Joe Flacco vs. Texans
Dion Lewis, RB, Patriots
vs. Dolphins
Lewis played seven more offensive snaps than backfield partner Rex Burkhead in the Week 11 route of the Oakland Raiders. Lewis has taken over as the Patriots' leader out of the backfield, seeing totals of at least 14 touches in each of the past four weeks.
Fearless prediction: 71 yards rushing, 33 yards receiving, TD
Other RBs to start
- J.D. McKissic at 49ers
- Devontae Booker at Raiders
- Tevin Coleman vs. Buccaneers
Corey Davis, WR, Titans
at Colts
Davis has received 17 targets over his past two games and a total of 22 targets in three games since returning from injured reserve. He'll face his best matchup since rejoining the team, allowing for more productivity resulting from heavy usage.
Fearless prediction: 84 yards receiving, TD
Other WRs to start
- Corey Coleman at Bengals
- Cooper Kupp vs. Saints
- Mike Wallace vs. Texans
Jared Cook, TE, Raiders
vs. Broncos
Only two teams have allowed more touchdowns to tight ends than the Broncos. Cook's received at least five targets in each of his past four games and should have a chance for his first touchdown since Week 3.
Fearless prediction: 68 yards receiving, TD
Other TEs to start
- Tyler Kroft vs. Browns
- Greg Olsen at Jets
Sit
Blake Bortles, QB, Jaguars
at Cardinals
Bortles hasn't thrown multiple touchdowns in a game since Week 3 as the Jaguars focus on the running game and rely on a league-best defense. Bortles just doesn't provide the ceiling fantasy managers need at this stage of the season, despite another favorable matchup.
Other QBs to sit
- Ryan Fitzpatrick at Falcons
- Alex Smith vs. Bills
Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers
at Falcons
Martin has been held to just 89 rushing yards on 39 attempts over the past two games with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. Only six teams have allowed fewer rushing touchdowns on the season than the Falcons.
Other RBs to sit
- Kenyan Drake at Patriots
- Adrian Peterson vs. Jaguars
- Carlos Hyde vs. Seahawks
DeVante Parker, WR, Dolphins
at Patriots
Parker remains with just one touchdown on the season. With Matt Moore likely to start in place of an injured Jay Cutler, Kenny Stills is the top receiving option to target from the Dolphins, as he's been the recipient of all three of Moore's touchdown passes this season.
Other WRs to sit
- Robby Anderson vs. Panthers
- Larry Fitzgerald vs. Jaguars
Austin Hooper, TE, Falcons
vs. Buccaneers
Hooper's three-game run of seeing six targets ended with just two looks in the Week 11 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. He caught both but lost a yard as his yards per receptions continues a downward trend.
Other TEs to sit
- Vance McDonald/Jesse James vs. Packers
- Coby Fleener at Rams
Stash
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
Rodgers is expected to return when first eligible in Week 15. While the Packers' season will likely be beyond repair at that point, he should be available to fantasy managers for the semifinals and championship. It may be tough to turn away from the quarterback who got you there, but Rodgers possesses more upside than most regardless of matchup.
Rod Smith, RB, Cowboys
Not that Alfred Morris has been the root of the Cowboys' problems, but Smith's usage received a big bump on Thanksgiving, rushing nine times and catching two passes. He ran for 4.6 yards per attempt and a touchdown. He should be grabbed on waivers this week and kept on the bench for one more in order to assess his weekly value.
Quit
Javorius Allen, RB, Ravens
Allen effectively lost his job to recently-activated Danny Woodhead in Week 11, being outsnapped 13 to 10 on offense. Alex Collins remains in control of the rushing duties, leading the backfield with 38 snaps. Fantasy managers have no use for Allen as the third option on the depth chart.
David Johnson, RB, Cardinals
Johnson is still owned in over 50 percent of leagues but head coach Bruce Arians recently suggested he won't be returning this season. It's time for wishful fantasy managers to move on if still in contention for a championship.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)