It looks as if Adrian Peterson won’t be suiting up for a game this year, so it’s time for all of us to move on. I’m meeting Marlins’ outfielder Giancarlo Stanton in Puerto Rico for the weekend to help him spend his newfound money. There’s no way like a casino if you’re blowing through that kind money. Therefore, the fantasy tips will be a little more quick-hitting this week.
Below is a list of guys I’m focused on for one reason or another this week. They’re especially important in daily fantasy sports (DFS) leagues like DraftKings. If you’re curious about guys you don’t see listed here, you can always find me on Twitter (@MrT_BroBible) to ask questions, but remember to mention league specifics like PPR. You can always ask about trades as well.
You Know Who You Should Start?
Mark Sanchez (QB – Philadelphia)
You’re worried after what you saw from the Eagles’ offense last week, but I’m here to tell you that it’s time to once again fire up the Sanchize. The Titans have gotten better against the pass, but expect the Eagles to rebound after last week’s dud and the Titans to sink after giving it all at home against the Steelers.
Isaiah Crowell (RB – Cleveland)
Somehow Crowell is on top of Cleveland’s food chain as we step into Week 12. He should be in for a big night with Ben Tate released and the Falcons allowing the second-most points to fantasy running backs. He’s a great DFS league play this week.
Tre Mason (RB – St. Louis)
Mason did what he could in recent weeks against some of the league’s best run defenses. It’s clear he’s the Rams’ lead back and he’ll be doing serious work against the Chargers, who allow 4.4 yards per carry.
Jordan Matthews (WR – Philadelphia)
It’s time to acknowledge that Matthews is the #2 option in the Eagles’ passing offense. He built a rapport with Sanchez when they were working on the second unit together and now is shining in his featured role.
Cecil Shorts III (WR – Jacksonville)
Garbage time is a wonderful thing and there should be plenty of it on Sunday when the Jaguars take on the Colts. Shorts becomes the clear #1 receiver in Jacksonville with Allen Robinson sidelined for the year and will see many targets this weekend.
Niles Paul (TE – Washington)
Jordan Reed is nursing a hamstring injury in the same leg that dealt with it earlier in the year. The 49ers aren’t as dominant against tight ends now that Patrick Willis is out for the year, so Paul should step in for Reed and produce. He’ll be a sneaky DFS play since he hasn’t played much recently.
You Know Who You Should Sit?
Russell Willson (QB – Seattle)
Arizona has really stepped up their pass defense in recent weeks as Patrick Peterson returned to elite form. Wilson hasn’t broken 200 yards in the last four games and shouldn’t do much in this ugly affair.
Jonas Gray (RB – New England)
You’re excited to start Gray after he went off for 200 yards and four touchdowns last week, but remember he’s going against the best run defense in football. The Lions have allowed the fewest rushing yards to running backs, so Shane Vereen will be the featured RB in this one.
Alfred Morris (RB – Washington)
Morris has looked better with Robert Griffin III behind center, but he’s going against a stout 49ers’ rush defense this week. As with Gray, look for a lot more of Morris’ counterpart, Roy Helu, specifically since Washington will likely be trailing the whole game.
Golden Tate (WR – Detroit)
Matt Stafford isn’t great in cold weather and Darrelle Revis will be shadowing Tate all night. Those are two pretty clear factors going against Tate in this one.
Michael Crabtree (WR – San Francisco)
Don’t be fooled by last week’s 14-point performance in standard leagues. Crabtree only had 3 catches and you can’t always count on touchdowns from wide receivers. The Redskins’ secondary isn’t great, but neither is Crabtree’s performance this year.
Owen Daniels (TE – Baltimore)
Few teams defend fantasy TEs as well as the Saints. They’re second in yardage allowed to the position and have given up only three touchdowns on the season. As much as Daniels is featured at times, look for Baltimore to be run heavy and attack vertically in the passing game. Vertical routes are not Owen Daniels.