Four teams are on bye in Week 12, and each one has multiple players who are likely regulars in fantasy lineups. If you're looking for favorable waiver adds or trying to decide which bench player to slot in as a starter this week, you've come to the right place.
Throughout the season, I'll help you build the perfect lineup and become a league legend. Each week, I will recommend three starters at each position as well as a waiver pickup I really like. I will also spotlight one Falcons player in each section.
It's not all too difficult to tell someone to start Bijan Robinson or Josh Allen on any given week, and I assume everyone reading this right now would already know to do so. Therefore, I'll try to focus these recommendations on players who might be on the starting or flex bubble.
Running backs to start in Week 12
Breece Hall at Baltimore Ravens
It's not hard to envision a world where Tyrod Taylor taking over as the Jets' starting quarterback makes the passing game more productive. If that happens, Hall should have more room to operate and greater involvement as a receiver.
David Montgomery vs. New York Giants
I expect the Lions' offense will be out to prove something this weekend following their disheveled performance against the Eagles. The Giants are allowing the third-most points to running backs, so even though Montgomery has not put up big numbers this year, the conditions are right.
Kenneth Walker at Tennessee Titans
Rounding out this list of established names with hit-or-miss returns this season is Walker, who may have turned a corner last week against the Rams. He looked explosive as a runner and receiver, and has a much easier matchup ahead.
Waiver start — Sean Tucker at Los Angeles Rams
The Rams aren't the opponent I'd want for Tucker in this spot, but Walker just had a successful day against them, and the Bucs' running back seems to be finding his stride. If you're in a tight spot and need a waiver guy to start, Tucker has upside.
Falcons spotlight — Bijan Robinson at New Orleans Saints
In his most recent game against the Saints, Robinson gained 144 yards from scrimmage — including 116 on the ground — and scored twice. The Saints are a middle-of-the-pack run defense, but Robinson is anything but middle of the pack.
Wide receivers to start in Week 12
Devonta Smith at Dallas Cowboys
He's coming off a terrible performance, and the Eagles' offense has a real "ick" feel about it right now, but the Cowboys provide a great bounce-back opportunity for Smith.
Wan'Dale Robinson at Detroit Lions
He's still drawing a high number of targets each week, and he could reunite with Jaxson Dart in Week 12. Without a touchdown, Robinson hasn't put up the biggest totals, but the Lions have allowed the fourth-most touchdowns to wide receivers this year.
Tre Tucker vs. Cleveland Browns
Tucker scored a touchdown on Monday night against Dallas, and he's become more involved in the offense without Jakobi Meyers. I recommended him last week, and it worked well. Let's roll it back.
Waiver start — Andrei Iosivas vs. New England Patriots
This is a one-week flier with Ja'Marr Chase suspended as Iosivas figures to slide into the No. 2 role for Cincinnati's offense. The Patriots are a good team, but they've allowed the 14th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.
Falcons spotlight — Darnell Mooney at New Orleans Saints
In Cousins' first and only game as a starter this season, Mooney had one catch for 11 yards on four targets. But their chemistry last year was undeniable, and Cousins has a full week to prepare for this game. Mooney isn't a bad play if you're looking for upside.
Tight ends to start in Week 12
Mark Andrews vs. New York Jets
After a slow start to the year, Andrews has picked things up in recent weeks. He's had two top-five finishes and has four touchdowns in his last three games.
Colston Loveland vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Loveland has been relatively quiet after his breakout game in Week 9, but the Steelers have been good to opposing tight ends this year, and the Bears rookie still looks dangerous when he gets his chances.
Dalton Schultz vs. Buffalo Bills
A true-blue throwback tight end, Schultz draws consistent targets each game and carries a high floor on a weekly basis. Even against a defense that's tough against tight ends, he should be a safe play.
Waiver start — AJ Barner at Tennessee Titans
Barner was heavily involved for Seattle's offense in Week 11, catching 10 passes for 70 yards while operating as a safety blanket for Sam Darnold. He may not need that safety blanket against Tennessee, but Barner is worth a look if you need to grab someone.
Falcons spotlight — Kyle Pitts at New Orleans Saints
If Drake London is unable to play on Sunday, Pitts figures to see an uptick in targets. Despite a few underwhelming games recently, he's definitely had flashes this year and is worth betting on as a volume play.
Quarterbacks to start in Week 12
Jared Goff vs. New York Giants
When you fall off the horse, you get back up, right? Last week was pretty ugly all the way around for Goff, but the Giants offer a nice rebound opportunity and he was the QB5 in Week 10.
Jacoby Brissett vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Brissett set the NFL record for completions in a game in Week 11, and he could find himself in an unlikely shootout against Jacksonville, which is giving up the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Caleb Williams vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
There's a lot of variance in Williams' fantasy returns this season, but his upside is undeniable with two QB1 finishes in Weeks 3 and 9 so far. Pittsburgh's defense looked good last week, though, so this will be a good challenge.
Waiver start — Tyrod Taylor at Baltimore Ravens
Technically, Brissett would also count as a waiver start, and he'd be my top option if you need to grab someone. But Taylor's rushing ability gives him somewhat of a floor, especially with limited options around him in New York right now.
Falcons spotlight — Kirk Cousins at New Orleans Saints
Given his only start this year in Week 8, it would be hard to trust Cousins from a fantasy perspective this weekend. However, look no further than his performances last October for signs of what it could look like if he does find his rhythm in the Big Easy.
