Fantasy Football Must Starts Week 12

By James Collier

Byepocalypse! As has become the norm for the weeks either side of Thanksgiving, we have six teams on a bye which is less than ideal for those of us with must win fantasy matchups.

But hopefully our three Must Start players will help you navigate those pesky byes!

Review of Last Week

Mike Williams went without a catch and Kayshon Boutte turned his standard six targets into an underwhelming 7.3 fantasy points. But there were better weeks from QB13 Drake Maye and RB8 Chase Brown.

Ja'Tavion Sanders vs Kansas City Chiefs

The ascending Panthers rookie Tight End is my pick, but I couldn’t bring myself to recommend a Bryce Young start against the Chiefs, so no Must Stack this week.

The Panthers offense has shown some signs of life over their two game win streak and Sanders himself has really come on in recent weeks. The rookie has four top 15 fantasy finishes across his previous five games.

Now, we obviously aren’t expecting big things from an offense led by Bryce Young against the Chiefs. But if Kansas City are vulnerable to any position, it’s Tight End. They have allowed the most receptions and yards per game to the position so far this season. If the Panthers are going to have any success on offense, Sanders is likely going to need to contribute. He should be a capable fill in if you need a spot start Tight End.

ECR Ranking (PPR): TE18

Alex Pierce vs Detroit Lions (Lewis Wood)

“The Colts are going to be playing from behind against the Lions. Pierce’s work this season has been mad – currently sitting at WR35, but entirely from spike weeks. If you’re in need of a miracle, he’s the kind of player that can go off for 100 yards and a TD from just two plays. Worth a pickup if you’re desperate!”

ECR Ranking (PPR): WR52

Bo Nix @ Las Vegas Raiders (Tom Strachan)

“Every time the schedule seems to be turning difficult for rookie, Bo Nix, things seem to pivot back the other way with Nix surviving games against the Ravens and Chiefs to absolutely dominate the Falcons completing 80% of his passes while throwing for four touchdowns and over 300 yards. The Raiders will put up a similarly weak defense in Week 12 with them ranking 24th in defense at home and having given up eight passing touchdowns in their last two games. Nix has been a top-12 quarterback in six of his 11 games this year, more than Kyler Murray, Brock Purdy, CJ Stroud or Patrick Mahomes have managed. The Raiders have also allowed both Justin Fields and Lamar Jackson to rush for over 45 yards against them, which might help Nix who has totaled zero rushing yards in his last two games.”

ECR Ranking: QB6

Feature image credit: Jack Dempsey/AP Photo

A Washington fan since the early 2010’s, James had no choice but to turn to fantasy football in search of happiness – and it wasn’t long until it became an obsession. You can follow him on Twitter @jamesc294.