Week 12 is here, and for many, it’s win or go home. There’s no choice but to win out and the only way to do so is by making the correct start/sit decisions. Thursday Night Football is fast approaching which means I’ve done way too much research in order to conduct these rankings.
These rankings are constructed through statistical analysis, matchup data, sportsbook data, and film. With that being said, let’s dive into the rankings and look at a few must-start players for the week.
Week 12 WR Rankings
Tier 1
1. Amon-Ra St. Brown @ IND
2. A.J. Brown @ LAR
3. Justin Jefferson @ CHI
Tier 2
4. Puka Nacua vs PHI
5. Cooper Kupp vs PHI
6. Nico Collins vs TEN
7. Mike Evans @ NYG
8. Tyreek Hill vs NE
9. Terry McLaurin vs DAL
10. George Pickens @ CLE
11. CeeDee Lamb @ WAS
Tier 3
12. DK Metcalf vs ARI
13. Malik Nabers vs TB
14. Jauan Jennings @ GB
15. Courtland Sutton @ LV
16. Marvin Harrison Jr. @ SEA
17. Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs ARI
18. Deebo Samuel Sr. @ GB
Tier 4
19. DeVonta Smith @ LAR
20. Zay Flowers @ LAC
21. Jayden Reed vs SF
22. Cedric Tillman vs PIT
23. Ladd McConkey vs BAL
24. Josh Downs vs DET
Tier 5
25. Jakobi Meyers vs DEN
26. Calvin Ridley @ HOU
27. DeAndre Hopkins @ CAR
28. Jameson Williams @ IND
29. DJ Moore vs MIN
Tier 6
30. Jerry Jeudy vs PIT
31. Quentin Johnston vs BAL
32. Wan'Dale Robinson vs TB
33. Ricky Pearsall @ GB
35. Tank Dell vs TEN
36. Christian Watson vs SF
Must Start: WR
Cedric Tillman vs PIT
ESPN Projection - WR25
For the FTR start of the week, the players that will be eligible for this list are all close to being ranked as a back-end QB1/TE1 based on ESPN’s PPR projections. I understand that many of you may feel betrayed by Cedric Tillman after his disappointing 7.7-point performance. With Tillman coming out of nowhere, this may have been one of the first weeks you actually played him.
I’m asking you to take a step back and look at Tillman who is averaging 18.55 PPG over his last four games. Not only this but he drew eight targets last week bringing his average to 10 targets over the last four games. Even facing off against the Steelers, who have allowed the 7th least fantasy points (298.3) to wide receivers this season, I'm expecting a big week.
Tier 1
1. Saquon Barkley @ LAR
Tier 2
2. De'Von Achane vs NE
3. Derrick Henry @ LAC
4. Joe Mixon vs TEN
5. Jahmyr Gibbs @ IND
6. Christian McCaffrey @ GB
7. Kyren Williams vs PHI
Tier 3
8. Kenneth Walker vs ARI
9. David Montgomery @ IND
10. James Conner @ SEA
11. Josh Jacobs vs SF
12. Tyrone Tracy Jr. vs TB
13. Jonathan Taylor vs DET
14. Chuba Hubbard vs KC
15. Brian Robinson Jr. vs DAL
Tier 4
17. J.K. Dobbins vs BAL
Tier 5
18. Rhamondre Stevenson @ MIA
19. Rachaad White @ NYG
20. D'Andre Swift vs MIN
21. Bucky Irving @ NYG
22. Najee Harris @ CLE
23. Isiah Pacheco @ CAR
24. Tony Pollard @ HOU
Tier 6
25. Javonte Williams @ LV
26. Austin Ekeler vs DAL
27. Rico Dowdle @ WAS
Tier 7
28. Nick Chubb vs PIT
29. Audric Estime @ LV
30. Kareem Hunt @ CAR
31. Trey Benson @ SEA
32. Jaylen Warren @ CLE
Tier 8
33. Tyjae Spears @ HOU
34. Roschon Johnson vs MIN
35. Alexander Mattison vs DEN
36. Justice Hill @ LAC
Must Start: RB
Tyrone Tracy vs TB
ESPN Projection - RB20
Tyrone Tracy season is officially upon us. The stars are aligning perfectly as now that the rookie has had the ever important bye week, Tracy gets a great matchup. The Buccaneers have struggled a ton against running backs this year, allowing the 9th most fantasy points (262.7). The production looks great for Tracy as every game that he’s had 16 or more carries, he’s averaging 16.6 PPG.
Recently, a lot of the top running backs have been inconsistent; Tracy has scored at least 14 PPG in five of his last six games. Daniel Jones heading to the bench won’t help the Giants too much, but Tracy should actually get a slight bump. Jones provides most of his (really his only value) value from being able to scramble. Tommy DeVito is slightly worse in that category, forcing him to check the ball down. Ultimately, this will help Tracy tack on a few extra receptions per game.