5 Start, 5 Sit for Week 12 of the 2023 NFL Season
We’re more than halfway through the season now and nothing is what we expected it to be. First round picks are being outperformed by undrafted rookies and Joshua Dobbs is a top 10 fantasy quarterback. What I have for you is some insight that might make it easier for you to make that final push toward a playoff spot. Just like always: 5 good, 5 bad.
Start:
Baker Mayfield vs IND – Start
Baker Mayfield has quietly been having a great stretch of games. He is QB9 over the past 5 weeks including games against San Francisco and Buffalo. Mayfields’ consistent production keeps him pretty firmly seated in QB2 territory. Indianapolis has a pretty good passing defense, but the Bucs’ lack of run game means that there will be a pretty high passing volume for Tampa. I don’t see him being top 10, but if you’re playing in a two-quarterback league, Baker Mayfield is a solid choice this week.
Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery vs GB – Start
In this day and age, some teams don’t even have one running back that can produce above average numbers. The Lions somehow have lucked into two of them! Even when both are healthy, they are both worth starting. Gibbs has been able to be more explosive with his touches, but Montgomery tends to get more volume. If you have to pick between them for you starting roster, pick them both!
Tank Dell vs JAC – Start
As C.J. Stroud has exploded onto the NFL scene, Tank Dell has followed suit. He has 20 catches on 35 targets for 319 yards and 4 touchdowns through the past three games and has been utilized heavily in all stages of the game. The Texans have a very important game against the current division leaders this week and I think Dell is going to be pivotal to the offensive gameplan. At this point he is a must-start.
Isaiah Likely vs LAC – Start
The Ravens suffered yet another season ending injury to a starter last week when Mark Andrews went down with an ankle injury. Thankfully, Baltimore drafted another tight end last year that fills in very nicely for them. Isaiah Likely has had to step in for Andrews three times in his career and in those games, he had 15 catches on 25 targets for 204 yards and 2 touchdowns. Pretty good production for a backup, eh? I think you can be very comfortable playing Likely for the rest of the season.
Jaylen Warren vs CIN – Start
It was a historic day for Pittsburgh this week when Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada, was relieved of his duties. For three years, Canada was responsible for one of the worst offenses in the NFL. With him gone, there is hope for the skill players of the steel city. Even with Canada calling plays, Jaylen Warren has had a fantastic stretch of games. For three straight weeks, he has had over 100 scrimmage yards and has outscored “starting” running back, Najee Harris. Warren’s unique skill set out of the backfield makes him incredibly useful when playing from behind (which the Steelers do a lot). With a touch matchup ahead of them and new life in the locker room, I think Warren is a great play for a flex or even RB3.
Sit:
Kenny Pickett vs CIN – Sit
As I mentioned above, the Steelers have made a big change. I am not confident, however, that changing play callers will completely fix Kenny Pickett. Pickett has never been an elite quarterback and I very much doubt he will suddenly become one this week. While the coaching change is definitely good news, I don’t think it makes Pickett a startable quarterback quite yet. Keep him on your bench.
Zach Charbonnet vs SF – Sit
Charbonnet owners are rejoicing that he finally is going to get an opportunity to act as a starting running back. Sadly, it’s against a top 3 run defense. I have no doubt that Charbonnet can play but I don’t think this is going to be the game that lets him establish himself as a great player. Although it might be enticing, keep Charbonnet out of your starting lineup.
Garrett Wilson vs MIA – Sit
The Jets are one of many teams to be trotting out a non-starter quarterback this week but they probably have the lowest expectations for theirs. Tim Boyle will be captaining the Jets against the Dolphins…Exhilarating. This is all bad news for Garrett Wilson who was only barely surviving with Zach Wilson throwing him passes. This is all before considering that he will either be facing Jalen Ramsey or Xavien Howard on every route he runs this week. It’s not going to be a good week for Wilson so I think I’ll have someone else start for me.
Logan Thomas vs DAL – Sit
It’s hard to come up with a tight end recommendation that isn’t obvious, so this is the best I could get. Logan Thomas has been one of the most consistent tight ends this year and I’ve been fairly confident starting him in most formats. This week, however, I wouldn’t go anywhere near him. The Cowboys’ defense wreaks havoc against lower power offenses, which doesn’t bode well for Washington. Thomas has gotten a great target share so far this year, but I think Sam Howell will be running for his life this week so most of the pass catchers will be lacking in production. I think you’ll be able to find a better option.
Jakobi Meyers vs KC – Sit
I was very satisfied with Meyers’ production early in the season, but since Aidan O’Connell took over at quarterback, Meyers has kind of fallen off. He only has 9 catches on 13 targets for 127 yards and no touchdowns in his past four games (he does have one rushing touchdown). This stat line brings him out of even flex-worthy value. Especially this week against the Chiefs, I would keep Meyers on the bench.
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.