5 Start, 5 Sit for Week 12 of the 2024 NFL Season
The NFL Season is now in full swing and every week brings with it new, dramatic story lines and roster-building challenges. Bye-weeks and injuries are likely plaguing your lineups by now and if not, you might be deciding between two startable players to get the most points possible. I’m going to go over ten players and let you know whether I think they are worth starting or whether they should stay on your bench…or worse.
Start:
Justin Herbert vs BAL – Start
As the Chargers have progressed through the season, their offense has become more and more potent. For Herbert, it was only a matter of time. We know from seasons past that he has exceptional ability. All it took was about ten weeks to get everyone on the same page. Herbert has had 20+ points four weeks in a row, which involved scoring 2 touchdowns in each of those games while throwing 0 interceptions. As I’ve mentioned for several weeks now, the Ravens’ pass defense is very soft. Herbert should have a fairly easy time getting the ball down field and is a great option this week.
Bucky Irving vs NYG – Start
In the Bucs’ past five games, Irving has made great strides toward taking over the running back room. In four of those five games, Irving out carried Rachaad White (and was only down 1 in the fifth game), although he did not outscore him. The majority of White’s production came through the air while the Bucs fought back from deficits in tough games. This week, however, the Bucs play the Giants. All indications from how the Giants have been playing is that the Bucs will be running the ball quite a bit. I think Irving’s floor is still flex worthy, but his ceiling could be RB2 in New York.
Jerry Jeudy vs PIT – Start
Jerry Jeudy just had his second straight game with 10+ targets for only the second time in his career. With the departure of Amari Cooper and the absence of Deshaun Watson, Jeudy has flourished. The Steelers are a difficult defense to play, but with how much Jameis loves to throw it deep, Jeudy will eventually come free. I like to think that this is the Jeudy renaissance that the community has been hoping for since…his second year? In any case, I think he will do well this week and with so many good receivers on bye, will be a great fill in.
Jonnu Smith vs NE – Start
Tight end play has been all of the place this year, and Jonnu has typically been a part of the mediocrity. Recently, though, his boom-or-bust style has been booming like crazy. He’s coming off of a 100-yard, 2 touchdown performance against the Raiders and gets to play the Patriots this week. The last time the Dolphins played New England, Jonnu had a good day by tight end standards, and that was without Tua. I think Jonnu could boom again this week, especially with the regression of a guy I’ll be talking about later.
Calvin Ridley vs HOU – Start
Because the Titans have been playing so poorly, I feel like Ridley’s play has gone sort of unnoticed. He’s put together a good streak of games the past 5 weeks and had a long touchdown called back last week. Ridley is still clearly the #1 target for Will Levis so his volume will be high no matter what. The Texan’s defense has had holes in it all season, so there is potential for the Titans’ passing attack to find success. I think Ridley is a great option this week if you need a third receiver or are getting gutted by bye weeks like I am.
Sit:
Caleb Williams vs MIN – Sit
I’m putting Caleb in here two weeks in a row just to accentuate how poorly he’s playing. He has not thrown a touchdown since week 6 and hasn’t been over 250 passing yards since week 5. He only had more than 10 fantasy points last week because he scrambled 9 times for 70 yards (running for his life). And with that stat line, he now has to face the Minnesota Vikings’ defense that has been putting veteran quarterbacks in a blender all season. Caleb and the Bears are in for another devastating day, and you don’t want him anywhere near your starting lineup.
Chuba Hubbard vs KC – Sit
I really like Chuba Hubbard and am really happy to have him in a lot of leagues, this week is not the week, however. The Chiefs have the best run defense in the league and have been shutting down run games that are way better than Carolina’s. This should also be the NFL debut of rookie Jonathan Brooks. I’m not sure how much that’s going to matter to Hubbard in the first week, but it could strip away half a dozen touches that matter. Above all else, it’s the former worst team in the league against the reigning super bowl champs. It’s not going to be pretty for the Panthers.
Jaylen Waddle vs NE- Sit
I seemed to have gotten it wrong last week with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle is the true dead weight on this offense. Waddle has only caught 5 or more passes in 1 game, week 1 against Jacksonville. He also caught his only touchdown in a game where he totaled -4 yards receiving. I’m not sure what it is about the offense this season, but he is not doing ANYTHING for them. The last time the Dolphins played the Patriots, he had a day I would expect from a tight end (4 catches, 46 yards). With the Patriots playing better now than they were then, I would not expect any better from Waddle this time. I know you probably drafted him in the first 5 rounds, or have been holding him in dynasty, but he does not belong on a starting squad right now.
Brock Wright vs IND – Sit
This game is going to be the physical manifestation of “putting belt to ass.” The Lions might drop 60 on the Colts and its likely going to be on the backs of their backs. With LaPorta out, Wright will be the next man up, but I don’t think there’s going to be enough opportunity for him to make anything happen. I’m foreseeing less than 15 pass attempts from Goff this week, with at least a third still going to running backs. Wright might be a decent replacement next week but keep him stashed until then.
Nick Chubb vs PIT – Sit
It makes me sad to see Chubb underperform. After fighting back from a brutal injury last year, he comes back to getting less than 40% snap share and barely 15 touches a game. Pair that with the fact that the Browns have to throw the ball 50 times to stay in games and it’s just not worth having him in. Unfortunately for him, Pittsburgh is a brick wall between the tackles and he’s likely going to see another week of mediocrity. Hopefully the Browns free him this offseason.
If you want more offensive start/sit advice, follow me on X @TFFGRobbie. If you need IDP start/sit advice, give @ThePPRShow a follow as well.