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Week 12 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Preview

Top Fantasy WRs for Week 12

Let's dig into the reasons you should -- or shouldn't -- play these guys ...

Kansas City Chiefs at Carolina Panthers

DeAndre Hopkins, Chiefs

After a big Week 9, Hopkins has totaled 7 catches for 85 yards over the past two weeks. But keep in mind that he's faced tough matchups vs. Denver and Buffalo. He remains a WR3 for a much-improved matchup in Carolina.

Xavier Worthy, Chiefs

Worthy tallied 4-61-1 last week vs. Buffalo, but that performance was an outlier. Previously, he fell shy of 40 yards in five straight. Big play ability keeps him in the FLEX discussion, but the floor remains low here.

Xavier Legette, Panthers

Legette draws a Chiefs pass D that’s supplied a negative matchup to WRs this season. We’ll also see how the rookie’s targets are impacted by the return of Adam Thielen. Legette’s hit at least a 16% target share in four straight, but it’s tough to see a high ceiling in this one.

Adam Thielen, Panthers

Thielen (hamstring) is expected to suit up for the first time since Week 3. His role is uncertain, especially as the team looks to evaluate young WRs Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. But team pass volume should be solid here, as Carolina is installed as 10.5-point underdogs.

Jalen Coker, Panthers

Coker’s flashed in limited action this year and might prove to be a long-term contributor for Carolina. But in a tough matchup vs. Kansas City – and with Adam Thielen returning – the rookie isn’t someone we’d want to trust in fantasy lineups.

Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

Justin Jefferson, Vikings

Jefferson caught six of eight targets last week for 81 yards and has slowed down as Sam Darnold and the Vikings have. He now runs into the top five pass defense of the Chicago Bears. Even so, Jefferson is a locked in WR1 who will surely see the targets and can handle a tough match-up. They have given up a few 100 hundred yard WR games however, so Jefferson has upside. 

DJ Moore, Bears

The Bears new OC Thomas Brown got things going, but QB Caleb Williams spread the ball around on quick passes and screens. Moore did catch all seven of his targets for 62 yards last week and they are scripting touches for him. But, the upside is still capped. WR3 this week. 

Rome Odunze, Bears

The Bears new OC Thomas Brown got things going, but QB Caleb Williams spread the ball around on quick passes and screens. Odunze has the most upside of the group with his size and downfield ability. He led the team in targets last week with 10. Odunze is a WR3 with upside. 

Keenan Allen, Bears

Allen had eight targets last week with the Bears new OC Thomas Brown got things going, but QB Caleb Williams spread the ball around on quick passes and screens. He hasn’t had a 50 yard receiving game yet this season, so the ceiling is low, but Allen will see enough targets to be a WR3.

Jordan Addison, Vikings

Addison found the end zone last week on a big play, but only caught three of his eight targets. The Bears defense is one of the best in the league, and he is too TD dependent. WR4 at best. 

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans

Nico Collins, Texans

Collins was limited to a 47% snap rate and 55% route rate in his return last week. He's off this week's injury report, though, so we're expecting him back in a full-time role. The Titans rank sixth in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs but will again be without top CB L'Jarius Sneed on Sunday.

Calvin Ridley, Titans

Ridley posted a 4-58-0 line last week -- and had a 51-yard TD called back by an illegal formation penalty. He's totaled 15 targets on a 28% target share from QB Will Levis over the last two games, maintaining his volatile WR2 status for Sunday's meeting with the Texans' 24th-ranked WR defense.

Tank Dell, Texans

Dell drew 7 targets on a 21% share with WR Nico Collins back last week. Expect Dell to remain in that territory going forward, making him a fringe WR2. He gets the Titans' sixth-ranked WR defense this weekend, but the Texans have a nice 24.25-point implied total.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Titans

Westbrook-Ikhine has somehow scored in five of his last six games, despite playing for a Titans team that ranks 28th in points per game. He remains the most obvious regression candidate in fantasy football. But, if you're desperate, NWI has at least seen six targets in two of his last three games.

Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions

From Week 3 on, St. Brown and Jared Goff have connected on an absurd 94.4% of his targets. That’s bound to come down. But that extreme efficiency also makes him easier to bet on despite Detroit’s low passing volume. A Colts pass D that ranks just 19th in DVOA certainly doesn’t hurt.

Jameson Williams, Lions

Williams has seen a solid 18.6% of Jared Goff’s pass attempts over two games since returning from his latest suspension. The QB’s four games of 80% completions or higher over the past five weeks makes Williams worth chasing in WR3 range in spite of Detroit’s low passing volume. Williams also hits the week averaging 22.4 yards per catch – second-best among qualifiers, behind only Indy’s Alec Pierce (22.7).

Josh Downs, Colts

The suddenly deft passing of Anthony Richardson last week supported a perfect 5 catches on 5 targets for Josh Downs. We haven’t seen enough of the good Richardson to count on similar against a Detroit D that ranks second in pass DVOA. But we have seen 4+ catches and 60+ yards from Downs in four straight games and seven of his past eight. That’s enough to keep him in WR3 range on this six-team bye week.

Michael Pittman Jr., Colts

Pittman drew a team-high 8 targets in last week’s return from a one-game injury. If QB Anthony Richardson can continue the improvement he displayed vs. the Jets in that game, then Pittman will be easier to keep in lineups. He sits on the fringe of WR3 territory this week primarily because six bye teams drains the pool of options. Detroit arrives with a tough D (second-best in pass DVOA) but is also heavily favored (7.5 points). The likelihood of trailing in this game adds volume upside to the Indy passing game.

Alec Pierce, Colts

Pierce is averaging a league-high 22.7 yards per catch, featuring long speed that clearly fits Anthony Richardson well. But he has also exceeded 3 receptions just twice all year. The Lions enter this matchup ranked second in pass DVOA and tied for league-best at just 7 TD passes allowed.

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins

Hill continues to play through a nagging wrist injury, but he remains a must-start after last Sunday’s 7-61-1 line. 

Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins

Our own Shane Hallam addressed Waddle’s bizarre season in a recent article. It’s worth a few minutes of your time. For Week 12, though, it’s tough to trust Waddle beyond FLEX range. He hasn’t hit 9 PPR points since the season opener.

DeMario Douglas, Patriots

Douglas has seen at least a 19% target share in all but one of Drake Maye's full starts. He remains a poor TD bet, though, with only one season-long red zone target.

Kayshon Boutte, Patriots

Boutte’s underlying metrics paint an ugly picture. He’s managed just 1.1 yards per route and sits 103rd among 120 qualifiers in ESPN’s Receiver Score. Still, he’s earned snaps alongside a rising star in Drake Maye, one that’s supplied six targets in four straight. That gives Boutte a glimmer of deep-league value.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Giants

Malik Nabers, Giants

Nabers hasn’t had a WR1 game since returning from his concussion, but gets a potential QB upgrade with Tommy DeVito coming in at QB. The Bucs have allowed the second most receptions per game to outside WRs, so it could be a volume WR1 game for Nabers.

Mike Evans, Buccaneers

Evans may be limited coming back from his hamstring injury, but he may still be highly targeted with the lack of options for the Buccaneers. The Giants are bottom five in the NFL in yards per target to WRs. If Evans plays enough snaps, the volume will be there for WR1 potential. 

Wan’Dale Robinson, Giants

Robinson has been highly targeted by Daniel Jones this season averaging over eight targets per game. Darius Slayton will likely be back this week. Tommy DeVito makes an intriguing upside changetoo. In PPR, Robinson’s volume against a weak Bucs secondary gives him high-end WR4 potential.

Darius Slayton, Giants

Slayton will return after missing a game with a concussion. He had a few big games with Daniel Jones at QB, but Tommy DeVito will hop in as the new starter. It is tough to rely on Slayton, even against a weak Bucs secondary, but with byes, he can be a WR5.

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys

Expect Lamb’s yardage to remain unpredictable. But his usage looks trustworthy. Last week’s 12 targets marked the fifth straight game in which Lamb drew 10+. That followed just one 10-target game among this season’s first five weeks.

Terry McLaurin, Commanders

McLaurin’s had volume issues two of the past three games, seeing 3 targets or fewer against both the Giants and Eagles. There’s always that risk, but McLaurin has fallen short of 6 targets just one other time this season. And in between the recent down weeks came a big 5-113 line against a tough Steelers D. He’s fairly easy to roll with in WR3 range against a Dallas D that ranks just 29th in pass DVOA.

Noah Brown, Commanders

Despite his targets dipping last week, there was nothing wrong with Brown’s role. His 77% route participation trailed only TE Zach Ertz. The matchup with Dallas adds upside for everyone. Washington carries the second-highest Vegas team total for the week. But Brown still has just two games all season with more than 3 receptions.

Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders

Courtland Sutton, Broncos

Since his Week 7 goose egg, Sutton has racked up 38 targets, 28 catches, and 370 yards over his last four games. All three marks rank top-5 among WRs. Sutton gets a Raiders defense this weekend that surprisingly ranks fifth in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs. But Sutton projects for enough volume to stay safely inside WR2 territory.

Jakobi Meyers, Raiders

Meyers was out-targeted 16 to 6 by TE Brock Bowers last week. It's just one game -- but it certainly looked like new OC Scott Turner wants to make Bowers the clear focal point of the passing game. Meyers also has the tougher matchup this weekend against the Broncos, who rank ninth in adjusted fantasy points allowed to TEs and second against WRs.

Devaughn Vele, Broncos

Vele has strung together 4-39-1 and 4-66-0 lines the past two weeks, finishing second among Broncos WRs in route rate both games (82% and 74%). That's enough to make him a potential DFS flier, but you can hopefully do better in season-long lineups.

San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers

Deebo Samuel, 49ers

Deebo hasn't cracked 7 targets since Week 2, despite the loss of Brandon Aiyuk. He remains a startable fantasy asset, but there's a declining floor here -- especially with Brock Purdy battling a shoulder injury.

Jauan Jennings, 49ers

Jennings' last two outings have produced 22 targets and 17 receptions for 184 yards and 1 score. The 49ers will get George Kittle back from a one-game absence, but Jennings’ current form makes him a fine WR2. He draws a Green Bay defense that’ll be without CB Jaire Alexander (knee).

Ricky Pearsall, 49ers

Pearsall's targets were down last week, despite the team missing George Kittle. The TE is on track to return vs. Green Bay, adding risk to Pearsall's upside. Note: Prior to Week 11, he saw target shares of 18%, 17%, and 18%. We’ll also have to check on the status of Brock Purdy (shoulder).

Jayden Reed, Packers

After a strong start to the season, Reed's failed to hit an 18% target share in four straight. Now he draws a 49ers secondary that’s second in PFF’s coverage grades; third in pass defense DVOA.

Christian Watson, Packers

Watson's usage has increased in recent weeks, with target shares of 24%, 19%, and 25% since Week 8. His target per route run figures have hovered between 26-29% over that stretch -- excellent marks. A tough San Francisco matchup adds volatility, but Watson’s upside still extends into WR2 range.

Romeo Doubs, Packers

Doubs has racked up only 5 catches for 45 yards over the past two weeks. He’s accounted for only 8.4% of Jordan Love’s yardage over that stretch. On the plus side: Doubs’ route participation remains strong, keeping him in the WR3/4 mix vs. San Francisco.

Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks

D.K. Metcalf, Seahawks

Metcalf returned from injury and caught seven of nine targets for 70 yards. He has been highly targeted down the field this year. The Cardinals secondary is great at defending deep, so the gameplan may have to be adjusted. Heavy targets and potentially more shorter ones this week makes Metcalf a WR1 this week.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks

JSN had a big game, even with D.K. Metcalf back, catching 10 of 11 targets for 110 yards. He is starting to be implemented into the offense more, especially on short passes. With the Cardinals as a top defense against the deep pass, expect plenty of short work for JSN. He is a solid WR2 this week.

Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals

Harrison has had a rough go as a rookie, but he found the end zone two weeks ago before the bye. It is tough to trust him with the lack of volume, but his TD potential keeps him as a WR3, especially against a Seahawks defense that allows the most yards per target to slot WRs.

Tyler Lockett, Seahawks

Lockett hasn’t had more than four catches since Week 4 and is a fourth option at best in the passing game. He is a low end WR4 as a high floor play.

Michael Wilson, Cardinals

Wilson works the X, but he lacks the targets to be a consistent fantasy producer. In a big bye week, he can be rolled out as a high floor option. WR5. 

Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams

A.J. Brown, Eagles

The only game this season that has seen Brown catch fewer than five passes was the Week 9 win over Jacksonville that he left early with a knee injury. The Rams hit this one as the 11th-best scoring matchup for WRs.

Puka Nacua, Rams

Philly has been the league’s worst scoring matchup for WRs, sapping 22% of their production on whole. But the Eagles also haven’t run into a WR duo as tough as the Rams’ since at least Week 4 in Tampa. (WR Tee Higgins missed Cincinnati’s Week 8 Philly matchup.) Back then, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin combined for 14 catches. The Eagles’ defense has improved significantly since then, but we’re not going to worry too much about Nacua following 9-98 and 7-123-1 receiving lines in his past two outings.

Cooper Kupp, Rams

Even with Puka Nacua all the way back, Kupp has posted receiving lines of 6-106-2 and 7-80 over the past two games. He also registered his two best yards-per-target rates of the season the past two weeks. That’s less likely to happen this week against a Philly defense that ranks fifth in both overall and pass DVOA. But it’ll take more than that to challenge Kupp’s spot in season-long fantasy lineups.

DeVonta Smith, Eagles

Smith missed the first two practice days this week with a hamstring issue. But he landed on last week’s injury report with the same thing, carried no game designation, and then played just six fewer snaps than A.J. Brown against Washington. We’ll keep watching reports on Smith’s health for this week. There’s volume risk for even a healthy Smith, but this week’s game sports the league’s fourth-highest over-under and Philly favored by just 3. Shootout conditions on offense would help the volume.

Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Chargers

Zay Flowers, Ravens

Flowers has managed only 6 catches, 73 yards, and 1 score over the past two weeks. But he remains the clear centerpiece for Lamar Jackson, who’s likely to bounce back from a dud vs. Pittsburgh. The Chargers sit mid-pack in fantasy points allowed to WRs.

Rashod Bateman, Ravens

We've yet to see Diontae Johnson eat into Bateman's role. The career-long Raven has tallied route rates of 83% and 86% over his past two -- right in line with his season average. That stretch includes one high-participation game (25%, Week 10) and one with minimal involvement (11%, Week 11). In what should be a competitive game vs. the Chargers, Bateman brings some bounce-back appeal.

Ladd McConkey, Chargers

McConkey missed Thursday’s practice with a shoulder injury. We’ll keep an eye on his status leading up to kickoff, but note that the Chargers face the Ravens on Monday night. If active, McConkey will bring WR1 upside against Baltimore’s struggling secondary.

Quentin Johnston, Chargers

Opposing offenses have combined for the highest pass rate over expected against Baltimore’s leaky secondary. Their pass-funnel defense should benefit Johnston, who enters fresh off a career-high 8 target showing vs. the Bengals.

Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format including redraft, dynasty, devy, IDP, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance.