We saw some big names flop dramatically during Week 12 of the season. These recent performances change the outlook for upcoming fantasy matchups.
Setting aside NFL game betting for now, let’s take a look at who to start and sit in fantasy this week. Some of this could have a big impact for NFL odds too.
Start ’em: Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts was awful against the New York Giants last weekend, but the matchup against the New York Jets this week is much better.
His passing stats haven’t been phenomenal, but he averages nearly 60 yards per game on the ground. That volume alone raises his floor enough to get started in almost all leagues this week.
We also can’t forget about his eight rushing touchdowns on the year. Mobile quarterbacks can net a lot of points, you should start Hurts him this weekend.
Sit ’em: Mac Jones
Mac Jones has undoubtedly been the best rookie quarterback of the draft class and the New England Patriots have been stellar during their six-game winning streak.
However, the matchup just doesn’t bode well. They play the Buffalo Bills, a team that is No. 2 overall in terms of defensive ranking in the league.
Jones and the Patriots have a great shot to win the game but it likely won’t be because they will drop a ton of points. Jones could be kept on the bench this week due to the matchup.
Start ’em: Antonio Gibson
It has been difficult to trust Antonio Gibson and the Washington Football Team offense all season long. Although now it finally looks like the team is fully utilizing him to his full potential.
Gibson registered 29 carries and seven receptions last week against the Seattle Seahawks. His backup, J.D. McKissic, is out for this game (against the Las Vegas Raiders).
Gibson is going to be the man once again in this Washington offense, he can contribute in both the run and pass game.
Sit ’em: Saquon Barkley
Chances are you’ve wrestled over this decision for the last few weeks now but it is time to put Saquon Barkley on the bench for the foreseeable future. The Giants running back hasn’t rushed for over 60 yards in a game all year long.
Couple that with the fact they are playing the Miami Dolphins this weekend. Miami is on a four-game winning streak and haven’t let a running back past 10 fantasy points during this stretch.
For now, he can’t be put in with the expectation of performing.
Start ’em: Diontae Johnson
Diontae Johnson has been great the last couple of weeks, but he has a bit of a quarterback issue. Ben Roethlisberger hasn’t helped out the Pittsburgh Steelers offense at all at times this season, that was apparent during their blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last week.
Regardless, Johnson has posted at least 13 targets in five of his last six contests and the Baltimore Ravens have allowed the second most receiving yards per game. Those stats bode well for the young star wideout in Pittsburgh.
Sit ’em: Marvin Jones
Marvin Jones hasn’t nearly lived up to the hype he was receiving before the season started. Jones hasn’t been anywhere near the 20 fantasy point mark since Week 6 and the matchup he has this week looks even worse for him.
The Jacksonville Jaguars get the Los Angeles Rams this weekend. Jalen Ramsey could shadow Jones the entire contest, leaving very little room for any level of production.
Start ’em: Logan Thomas
There were probably some doubts about putting Logan Thomas back into your starting lineups after he was coming back from an injury. He should have put a good amount of those questions to rest after a solid performance.
The targets and yards were spectacular, and he had a touchdown that got wiped away after official review. The team will likely work him into the game script a lot more now that he has had some playing time to get situated again.
It also helps that the Raiders have allowed the second-most fantasy points to the position as well.
Sit ’em: Gerald Everett
Gerald Everett scored a touchdown last week but the Seahawks offense is pitiful. They had four straight three-and-outs in their game against Washington at one point.
Plus, their 15-point outing only saw D.K. Metcalf get a handful of targets with minimal receptions. When he starts to get back involved, there won’t be much volume left for anyone else.
Start ’em: Matt Prater
Matt Prater will benefit tremendously in fantasy with his offense coming back to the field. The Arizona Cardinals could see Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins return after extended absences, which could give Prater a ton of scoring opportunities.
They also play the Chicago Bears, a team that has allowed the fourth-most points to the position. The Cards will be a sizable favorite in the sportsbook.
Sit ’em: Brandon McManus
Despite the Denver Broncos having a solid week against the Los Angeles Chargers, Brandon McManus shouldn’t be starting.
He only dropped in a few extra points in that game and now gets a Kansas City Chiefs defense that has been getting stronger as the season progresses. Also, McManus hasn’t topped double digit points since Week 4.
Start ’em: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
They did allow 31 points to the Indianapolis Colts last week, but they also forced five turnovers in what turned out to be a big win for them. They now face the Atlanta Falcons for the second time this season, a squad that they demolished the first time around.
In fact, Tampa Bay scored 19 fantasy points against the Falcons in that game and could easily do it again with Atlanta struggling to do anything offensively lately. The Bucs are one of the biggest favorites of the week, according to the NFL odds.
Sit ’em: Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers were thrown around by the Broncos last week, allowing 21 points to a mediocre offense. This week they get the Bengals.
Cincinnati just dropped 41 points on the Steelers last week and are in a phenomenal rhythm offensively. The Chargers have the worst run defense in the NFL and will likely get eaten alive by Joe Mixon and company.
