Week 12 Start 'Em Sit 'Em!

Start 'Em

Tom Brady: Brady has been somewhat inconsistent this year but has bounced back after his rough weeks. After his two TO performance and a tough loss to the Rams, there's no doubt he'll be hungry to redeem himself this week. With the Chiefs coming to Tampa, it's a battle of the GOAT against the future of the NFL and Brady is going to want to out-perform Mahomes. This should be a high-scoring affair and the Bucs need this win to stay in the NFC South race. Brady knows what's at stake and won't have a repeat of his game last week. Fire him up as a possible top 5 QB option this week.

Wayne Gallman: Gallman has been a quiet RB2 in his last four starts and has established himself as a must-start. He's gone up against Philadelphia twice, Washington and Tampa Bay in those starts who are all top 10 in rush defense. He's managed 253 total yards and 5 TDs in that span which is outstanding considering the opposition. This week, the NYG gets to play the Bengals who are without Joe Burrow. The Giants have a great chance to be winning this game throughout giving Gallman the opportunity for more carries than he's received the last four weeks. Cincinnati is allowing 5 yards-per-carry to opposing RBs which is bottom of the league. Look for Gallman to record his biggest yardage total of the season while finding the end-zone at least once.

Justin Jefferson: Jefferson has been quite possibly the best rookie WR competing with Ceedee Lamb and Tee Higgins for that title. This week, the Vikings get the Panthers at home and they will be without Adam Thielen and Irv Smith. Jefferson will be the clear-cut WR1 for Minnesota and even with Cook likely getting 30+ touches, Jefferson will see targets as Cousins' top threat at receiver. With Carolina stacking the box, I wouldn't be surprised if Jefferson is able to break off a long gain at some point with single coverage. He's a must-start this week as the only weapon Cousins feels comfortable with besides Kyle Rudolph.

Hayden Hurst: Hurst had recorded 10-16 fantasy points in PPR formats in four straight games before Atlanta's week 10 bye. Last week, against a surging Saints defense he was held to no catches in a disappointing fantasy performance. This week should be a different story as the Falcons play host to the Raiders in what should be a high scoring game. Matt Ryan always plays better at home and with Gurley out, Atlanta should be throwing even more. Julio Jones is highly questionable at the moment which would be another boost to Hurst's fantasy value if he can't go. Fire Hurts up as a TE1 this week.

Sit 'Em

Ben Roethlisberger: Big Ben and the Steelers are slated to play on Tuesday night against the covid-rittled Ravens. Last time they played, Roethlisberger threw for 182 yards and 2 TDs. I don't believe Baltimore will score more than 20 points and it should be a somewhat easy win for Pittsburgh. The game flow shouldn't be in Big Bens favor as Benny Snell should be getting a lot of carries. Roethlisberger is a risky play and although he shouldn't bust, he doesn't have much upside in this one. Unless you're desperate, he's a safe bet for under 20 fantasy pts and a spot on your bench.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire: The mid-season addition of former Steelers and Jets RB Le'Veon Bell threw a wrench into Helaire's fantasy value. Last week, however, he was able to get back on track with a 69 yard, 2 TD performance against a bad LV rushing defense. This week, the Chiefs play the Buccaneers who have a top 5 rush defense allowing just 3.2 yards per carry. Mahomes will be slinging the ball all game long and I don't see Helaire or Bell doing much on the ground. Since Helaire only gets 10-15 carries per game, he should max out at about 50-60 yards and if he doesn't score he's likely to bust. Start Helaire if you have to but do so with caution and low expectations.

Tyler Boyd: Boyd was in the midst of a career year but Burrow's season-ending injury has crushed the value for all Cincinnatti WRs. This week, the Bengals play host to the Giants who have a great pass defense. With Brandon Allen taking over starting duties at QB, it is unknown who he's going to target and if he'll even go for over 150 yards. For this week, fantasy owners should bench all Bengals as it's just too risky to start any of them in what most likely will be a poor offensive showing.

Rob Gronkowski: Gronk was showing signs of his old self through weeks 6-8 but since the arrival of Antonio Brown, his value has decreased. He's only had 5 receptions for 78 yards and a score in the three games Brown's been active. This week against the Chiefs, I don't see Gronk doing too much as Brady will be looking to his big three (Evans, Godwin and Brown) a lot more than Gronk. He definitely has some upside in a TD but I don't see him getting too much usage. Start him if you must, but he is a TD or bust type player this week.