IDP Start/Sit Week 12
I want to apologize for missing the past two weeks. I was on vacation as I went to Disney World with my family. (I acted like I won the Super Bowl & screamed, “I’m going to Disney World!”) Unfortunately, I caught a sickness while there which put me out of action last week. However, we are back and ready to help get you through the playoff push. We have a crucial three weeks left during the regular season before the fantasy football playoffs begin. So, let’s lock in and not leave anything to chance. Every start and sit matters for us at this point. As we dive into week 12 each match up becomes more important when determining who we are putting into our lineups.
*SIDE NOTE*—We consider a start as a player who will earn 10 or more points for you, while a sit scores less than 10 points.
**Injuries happen when we least expect it! In case of an all-of-sudden injury or reason a player cannot play, be sure to check out our pivot options too!**
STARTS
Edge Rusher – Tennessee Titans – Arden Key (@ HOU) – START
Over the last five weeks, Key has tallied five sacks and two forced fumbles. His ability to consistently disrupt the quarterback has been evident, as he averaged three pressures per game in three road matchups during this stretch. This level of productivity demonstrates his versatility and ability to perform in varying environments. Key’s role as a disruptive edge rusher ensures he remains a threat on passing downs, creating opportunities for big plays. Additionally, his ability for forcing turnovers adds a valuable layer of upside for fantasy managers looking to maximize points.
This week, Key faces a divisional opponent in the Houston Texans, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud. While Stroud was sacked just once in his last outing, he was under heavy pressure the two weeks prior, resulting in a combined 12 sacks. This is great for Key, who excels at capitalizing on shaky offensive line play. His consistent pressure and ability to close out plays with sacks or forced fumbles make him a strong candidate to disrupt Stroud’s rhythm.
Edge Rusher – Minnesota Vikings – Andrew Van Ginkel (@ CHI) – START
This week the Vikings face the league’s most sacked quarterback. Over the past two weeks, Van Ginkel has been on a tear, recording three sacks and showcasing his versatility with eight total tackles in his most recent game. His ability to combine aggression with speed makes him a constant threat to disrupt the pocket and capitalize on weak offensive line play. With momentum on his side and a favorable matchup ahead, there is little reason to think his sack streak will come to an end this week. Managers in need of a high-upside edge rusher should feel confident starting him in all formats.
This week’s matchup presents an ideal opportunity for Van Ginkel to continue his dominance. Quarterback, Caleb Williams has consistently struggled under pressure, and Van Ginkel’s skill set aligns perfectly with this vulnerability. His ability for breaking through protection and finishing plays with sacks or tackles makes him an invaluable asset in IDP leagues. Additionally, his recent surge in production proves he is heating up at the right time, making him a must-start in Week 12.
Linebacker – Kansas City Chiefs – Nick Bolton (@ CAR) – START
Bolton has only had two games this year where he failed to reach double-digit fantasy points. Over the past five weeks since the Chiefs’ bye, Bolton has averaged six tackles per game, with four of those being solo tackles. This shows his ability to independently bring down ball carriers, making him a steady source of points regardless of game flow. His consistency and tackling techniques make him a solid choice for IDP formats, particularly in matchups that favor heavy running games.
This week, Bolton faces the Carolina Panthers, a team that leans on its running game, especially with Chuba Hubbard in the backfield. Hubbard’s physical running style plays directly into Bolton’s strength as a tackling machine in the middle of the Chiefs’ defense. Carolina’s reliance on the ground attack should give Bolton ample opportunities to rack up tackles and potentially hit another double-digit fantasy point outing. Given his recent form and Carolina’s offensive tendencies, Bolton is well-positioned to deliver for fantasy managers once again.
Linebacker – Miami Dolphins – Jordyn Brooks (vs NE) – START
Miami Dolphins’ overall defense has struggled, but Brooks has been a stud. He has delivered consistent production for managers, recording double-digit fantasy points in every game except Week 1. Over the last two weeks, Brooks has taken his performance to another level, racking up an impressive 23 total tackles. His ability to find the ball carrier and bring them down efficiently makes him a reliable and high-floor option in all IDP formats. Despite Miami’s defensive issues, Brooks remains a bright spot, thriving in his role as a tackle machine.
This week, Brooks faces a division rival in the New England Patriots, led by a rookie quarterback who is not afraid to use his legs. With New England’s lack of depth at wide receiver, the Patriots are likely to lean on their run game, creating even more opportunities for Brooks to pad his tackle totals. His instincts and ability for being around the ball position him perfectly to take advantage of this matchup. Given his recent dominance and the favorable game script, Brooks is poised for another big performance. Fantasy managers can confidently start him, expecting another week of strong production.
Defensive Back – Seattle Seahawks – Devon Witherspoon (vs AZ) – START
As a defensive back who is not considered a shutdown corner, Witherspoon still gets targeted frequently, as opposing quarterbacks test him against skilled receivers. While some receivers have managed to make plays against him, Witherspoon’s quick reactions allow him to capitalize with tackles. Over the past two weeks, he has recorded 15 total tackles. Additionally, his average of four tackles per game in the last three weeks highlights his steady production, making him a solid choice for IDP managers seeking consistent points.
This week, Witherspoon faces an intriguing challenge as he is likely to spend time covering star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Harrison’s ability to demand targets ensures that Witherspoon will remain heavily involved in the game. He should have opportunities to make tackles and potentially disrupt plays. Even if Harrison gets the better of him on occasion, those situations create chances for Witherspoon to rack up points by making stops. In a matchup where his target volume should remain high, Witherspoon is primed for another productive outing.
Additional Players to consider starting:
Los Angeles Rams – DL – Jared Verse
Denver Broncos – DL – Nik Bonitto
Detroit Lions – LB – Jack Campbell
Baltimore Ravens – LB – Trenton Simpson
Philadelphia Eagles – DB – Reed Blankenship
SIT
Edge Rusher – Los Angeles Chargers – Tuli Tuipulotu (vs BAL) – SIT
Despite his recent dominance, Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu is better left on the bench in IDP formats this week. Over the past four weeks, Tuipulotu has been sensational, recording seven sacks and establishing himself as a game-changing pass rusher. However, this week he faces one of the toughest quarterbacks to sack in the NFL: Lamar Jackson. Jackson’s elite elusiveness and mobility have kept him upright for much of the season. He has been sacked only 15 times despite frequently extending plays with his legs. Given this matchup, it is hard to envision Tuipulotu continuing his impressive sack streak.
The Baltimore Ravens’ offensive line also poses a significant challenge, as it is built to protect Jackson and support their strong run game. Even when the pocket breaks down, Jackson’s ability to scramble and avoid defenders often negates would-be sacks. While Tuipulotu has shown he can pressure opposing quarterbacks, this week’s matchup severely limits his upside. Fantasy managers relying on his sack production may be disappointed.
Defensive Lineman – New York Giants – Dexter Lawrence (vs TAMPA) – SIT
While he started the season on fire with nine sacks in the first seven weeks, Lawrence has hit a slump. He has failed to record a sack in the past three games. This decline in performance has hurt his IDP value, especially since much of his fantasy appeal comes from his ability to disrupt the quarterback. Although he remains a strong interior lineman, his current dry spell makes him a risky start. Fantasy managers should approach with caution and wait for signs of a rebound before trusting him in lineups.
Coming off the bye, there is a chance that Lawrence could be rested and ready to return to form. However, the risk outweighs the reward at this point. Interior defensive linemen are generally less consistent in fantasy football, and Lawrence’s recent struggles only reinforce the unpredictability of his position. Until he proves he can get back to his sack-producing ways, it is safer to leave him on the bench.
Linebacker – New England Patriots – Jahlani Tavai (@ MIA) – SIT
Tavai has had solid performances over the last three weeks. However, the Miami Dolphins’ offense, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa back at the helm, presents a unique challenge that could limit Tavai’s ability to rack up fantasy points. Tagovailoa’s presence opens up the Dolphins’ dynamic passing game and bolsters their already strong running attack. When the Patriots last faced the Dolphins, Tavai managed only eight fantasy points. That performance does not inspire much confidence heading into this rematch against an even stronger Miami offense.
This week’s game script also likely will not favor Tavai. With the Dolphins expected to lean on their quick-strike offense, the Patriots’ linebackers may have fewer chances to make tackles as Miami focuses on spreading the field and exploiting mismatches. Tavai’s consistency in recent weeks makes him a tempting option. However, his limited impact in their first meeting, combined with Miami’s explosive offensive potential, points to another underwhelming performance. Fantasy managers would be wise to explore other options this week and revisit Tavai in more favorable matchups.
Linebacker – Los Angeles Rams – Christian Rozeboom (vs PHI) – SIT
Over the past three weeks, Rozeboom has recorded double-digit tackles in two games. However, in the third game, his IDP value was salvaged by an interception and three pass deflections, masking an otherwise underwhelming two-tackle performance. This week, he faces a challenging matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, one of the top rushing attacks in the league. While the run-heavy nature of the Eagles’ offense could present opportunities for tackles, the physical, evasive running styles of Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts make it difficult for defenders to consistently bring them down.
Additionally, the Eagles’ wide receivers, known for their elusiveness and ability to gain separation, may limit Rozeboom’s chances to make impactful plays. Philadelphia’s balanced offensive attack spreads the ball effectively. This could potentially reduce Rozeboom’s involvement on any given play. Given the difficulty of this matchup and his reliance on big plays to supplement inconsistent tackle totals, Rozeboom carries a risk of underperforming this week.
Defensive Back – Miami Dolphins – Jevon Holland (vs NE) – SIT
While New England’s rookie QB has thrown four interceptions in the last three weeks. However, Holland has yet to record an interception this season. This raises doubts about his ability to capitalize on turnover opportunities. Additionally, Holland has only delivered two double-digit fantasy performances this year, making him a risky play in a position that often relies on big plays to boost IDP value. Despite the matchup, Holland’s lack of consistent production makes it difficult to trust him in starting lineups.
The Dolphins’ defense has largely lacked fantasy relevancy outside of standout linebacker Jordyn Brooks. Holland’s contributions have been too sporadic to inspire confidence. New England’s offensive struggles might create opportunities. On the other hand, there is little evidence to suggest Holland can turn those into meaningful IDP points. With his track record of underwhelming performances, starting him feels like an unnecessary gamble. Fantasy managers should avoid the temptation to start Holland this week and wait for him to prove he can deliver consistent value before considering him again.
Additional Players to Consider Sitting:
Indianapolis Colts – DL – DeForest Buckner
Kansas City Chiefs – DL – Chris Jones
Cleveland Browns – LB – Jordan Hicks
Tennessee Titans – LB – Harold Landry
Los Angeles Rams – DB – Kam Curl
Be sure to follow us along all season long for weekly tips on who start and who to sit on the defensive side of the ball. Follow me on X @ThePPRShow for more fantasy football content and for offensive starts and sits be sure to check out @TFFGRobbie article too. Thank you for reading.
For a more detailed start/sit list, make sure you check out our Weekly IDP Rankings.