As Week 12 of the NFL season wraps up, we’ve gained further insights into players’ performances that could impact fantasy football strategies moving forward. With just one game remaining this week, it’s time to evaluate the fantasy landscape and determine which players are rising and which are falling.
Among running backs, Derrick Henry of the Ravens has shown resilience after some early-season struggles. He has consistently racked up carries, averaging 92 rushing yards over his last six games, with three touchdowns in the last two. With favorable matchups against the Bengals in Weeks 13 and 15, Henry is poised to be a key asset heading into the fantasy playoffs.
Travis Etienne Jr. from the Jaguars continues to solidify his role, coming off a strong performance with 116 total yards and a receiving touchdown in Week 12. Despite concerns about rookie Bhayshul Tuten stealing touches, it’s clear that Etienne remains the primary back, providing reliable scoring potential as they face the Titans next.
Kareem Hunt of the Chiefs had a standout game, accumulating 130 total yards and a touchdown on 30 touches. His ascent is noteworthy as he has scored five touchdowns over the last four games. Even if Isiah Pacheco returns, Hunt looks to be a solid option as the Chiefs aim for a playoff push, especially with a favorable matchup against the Cowboys in Week 13.
Switching to the wide receiver position, Wan’Dale Robinson of the Giants exploded for 156 yards and a touchdown from 14 targets. His performance reaffirms his position as a key target in an otherwise depleted offense. While he faces a bye in Week 14, his upcoming matchups against the Commanders and Raiders could yield fruitful results.
A.J. Brown of the Eagles bounced back impressively, catching eight passes for 110 yards and a touchdown after earlier struggles. With promising matchups ahead, Brown is established as a reliable WR1/WR2 moving forward in the stretch to the playoffs.
Brenton Strange, also from the Jaguars, made a significant impact in his return from injury, catching five passes for 93 yards. Should his volume continue in a banged-up offense, he could emerge as an essential fantasy tight end option.
Caleb Williams of the Bears had an impressive showing against the Steelers, tossing three touchdowns and accumulating 239 yards. Despite some unpredictability, his performance indicates potential as a streaming option for fantasy managers.
On the downside, David Montgomery of the Lions appears to be slipping as a fantasy option, failing to exceed ten fantasy points since Week 5 and being overshadowed by teammate Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery’s involvement has drastically waned, and unless something significantly changes, he should be avoided in lineups.
D’Andre Swift of the Bears is also struggling, with his involvement diminishing and finding it hard to reach the end zone amidst goal-line competition from Kyle Monangai. While there might be room for improvement in yardage, his touchdown potential seems limited.
CeeDee Lamb of the Cowboys has been plagued by drops, having accumulated the highest drop count in the league. His inconsistent performance raises concerns, casting doubt on his previous status as a top-tier WR.
Jameson Williams of the Lions faced a disappointing outing with zero points in Week 12, highlighting his inconsistency as a fantasy receiver. Additionally, Justin Jefferson of the Vikings shares a similar fate, scoring poorly amid fluctuating quarterback play.
Lastly, Lamar Jackson of the Ravens has exhibited troubling trends over the past few weeks, averaging low passing yards and struggling for fantasy points. However, he faces an opportunity for redemption with favorable matchups against the Bengals and Steelers on the horizon. Similarly, Jordan Love continues to struggle against tougher defenses, making him an unreliable choice for fantasy lineups.
The shifting dynamics of player performances provide a pivotal opportunity for fantasy managers to reassess their strategies, allowing them to optimize their rosters for the upcoming weeks. The journey toward fantasy playoff success is just beginning, bringing both hope and challenges.