Fantasy Football News

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) is officially active for Sunday's contest against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12. It's the first time that Thielen has been active since injuring his hamstring in Week 3. The 34-year-old veteran had the benefit of a bye in Week 11 and will now return to the field as the Panthers look to give the Chiefs their second straight loss. With Diontae Johnson now in Baltimore, Thielen could be Carolina's most targeted pass-catcher the rest of the way across from rookie Xavier Legette. Thielen was limited in practice all week, though, so there has to be at least a little concern that he won't play his normal number of snaps given his long layoff. Fantasy managers should treat Thielen as a shaky WR4/flex in his return against a stingy Chiefs defense.

Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn is a healthy inactive for the Week 12 game against the division-rival Washington Commanders on Sunday in D.C. Vaughn will be on the sidelines for this one after playing just 16 of the team's 83 offensive snaps in the Monday night loss to the Houston Texans in Week 11. The 23-year-old has been a distant third on the RB depth chart in his second NFL season in Dallas behind Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott in a struggling rushing attack. Vaughn has had only 11 carries on the season for 33 rushing yards while catching three passes for 18 yards. He should remain on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues for the rest of the season in a Dallas offense that will likely remain well below average the rest of the way with quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) out for the season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is officially active in Week 12 to take on the New York Giants on Sunday. Evans suffered a moderate right-hamstring strain in the Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and will be making his first start since then. He probably could have suited up in the Week 10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, but the Bucs opted to play it safe and give Evans and another full week to rest during last week's bye. Head coach Todd Bowles hinted that the team could pull the future Hall of Famer from Sunday's game if he isn't feeling quite right, but now that we know Evans is officially, active, he needs to be returned to all starting fantasy lineups as the WR1 in Tampa with Chris Godwin (ankle) out for the year. Evans is averaging 11.8 half-PPR fantasy points per game (21st among receivers). Start him.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (ankle) is officially active for the Week 12 contest against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Allen was listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report after rolling his ankle, but the injury wasn't serious enough to keep the 32-year-old veteran out this weekend. He'll be facing a Vikings secondary that has been shredded to the tune of 234.8 passing yards per game, so rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and Chicago's passing attack could thrive in a game in which they could have to throw often. However, Allen has been pretty inconsistent for fantasy managers in 2024 in his first year with the Bears, averaging just 6.9 half-PPR points per game, which ranks 73rd among all receivers. Allen will have more upside this weekend given the matchup, but he's still more of just a WR4/flex in fantasy lineups.

As expected, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (groin) is active for Sunday's divisional contest versus the visiting Minnesota Vikings in Week 12. Swift was held out of the first practice of the week on Wednesday before being limited on Thursday and full on Friday. The 25-year-old will be active for fantasy managers this weekend, but he could cede a bit more work to backup Roschon Johnson, especially after Johnson played 44 percent of the offensive snaps in last week's loss to the division-rival Green Bay Packers. Regardless, Swift is still in play as a low-end RB2/high-end RB3/flex in fantasy on Sunday. He is averaging nearly 20 touches per game in 2024 as Chicago's lead back. The matchup against Minnesota's strong defensive line, on the other hand, isn't ideal. They've allowed the second-fewest half-PPR fantasy points per game this year to RBs.

New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) and cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hip) are active for Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins. Both players had been listed as questionable after logging a limited practice session on Friday. Dugger has appeared in seven games this season, amassing 36 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. Meanwhile, Gonzalez has not yet missed a game this season, totaling 46 tackles and one interception while playing lockdown defense against some of the NFL's top receivers. Having both players available is key for the Patriots if they have any chance of upsetting Miami on Sunday.

Miami Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold (calf) and left tackle Terron Armstead (knee) are officially active for Week 12 against the New England Patriots. Ingold had been listed as questionable after logging three limited practices in a row. He was healthy for Miami's first eight games before missing each of their last two contests. His return to the lineup gives the Dolphins an extra backfield blocker, as well as a big-bodied playmaker who can run the ball and catch passes. Armstead had also been listed as questionable, but his status was far more iffy given that he didn't practice at all this week. In the end, though, he's going to play against the Patriots, serving as a reliable protector for Tua Tagovailoa and the offensive backfield.

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (groin) is playing in Week 12 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, according to a source. Nabers missed practice on Friday due to a groin injury and was listed as questionable, but he said in the locker room following practice that day that he expected to play, and he will indeed be active. Fantasy manager should keep him locked into their starting lineups this weekend as the team's top wideout. However, expectations may need to be tempered in his first start with quarterback Tommy Devito taking over for Daniel Jones, who was waived on Friday. The matchup against Tampa is a nice one, as the Bucs defense has allowed the fifth-most half-PPR points to opposing receivers through 11 weeks in 2024. Nabers needs to be locked in as a WR1 in fantasy this weekend as the Giants look to turn their season around.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been subject to a few rumors over the last week or so. First, it was being reported that the Jets were planning to bench Rodgers or place him on the injured reserve. After that news came out Rodgers reportedly said that he plans to play elsewhere in 2025. It seemed that the two sides were in agreement to move on after this season. Now, it's being reported that the drama between Rodgers and Jets owner Woody Johnson has been overblown. Both parties agreed that the 2024 season has been disappointing with the team underperforming and Rodgers playing through injuries. This doesn't mean that Rodgers will return in 2025, but it certainly doesn't sound like the two sides have completely cut off communication.

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus has done a nice job for the team over the last few weeks. McManus has only missed one field goal and is perfect on extra point attempts over four games with the Packers. They'll head into a tough matchup against the San Francisco 49ers defense in Week 12. The Packers aren't expected to blowout the 49ers even with San Francisco having multiple key injuries on offense. McManus should get chances, but this probably won't be a high-scoring back-and-forth affair between the two teams. It's worth noting that a handful of teams are on bye in Week 12, so fantasy managers could be limited on options. McManus isn't a great fantasy option, but he should be viable for this weekend.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin has been one of the most consistent kickers this season. The 28-year-old has connected on 17-of-18 field goals and 29-of-30 extra point attempts as they head into a matchup against the New York Giants in Week 12. McLaughlin continues to see a pretty decent workload every week and the Bucs offense should improve with wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) returning this weekend. There is a handful of teams on bye this week, so fantasy managers looking for a possible streaming choice should consider using McLaughlin.

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson was barely on the field during last week's win over the Chicago Bears. Wilson was limited to seven percent of the offensive snaps and only carried the ball twice for 17 yards in Week 11. Over the last four games, Wilson has seen five or less carries in each game. Wilson remains the primary backup to Josh Jacobs, which means he probably won't see many carries with Jacobs healthy. That being said, Wilson is worth stashing in dynasty leagues, but isn't worth starting in Week 12.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington has seen his role in the passing game increase over the last two games. Last week, Washington hauled in all three of his targets for 11 yards in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Washington is currently serving as the third wideout behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in this offense. The return of Tua Tagovailoa has given Washington more value over the last two weeks, but he's still not a recommended option ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots. Fantasy managers should hold Washington in dynasty leagues, but he's not a recommended starting option anywhere this week.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver David Moore has seen more involvement in the passing game over the last few weeks. Moore was a non-factor in the offense until a four-catch performance in Week 8. Since then, Moore has seen four targets in each of his last two games. Although, the return of Adam Thielen (hamstring) could mean less targets for Moore in Week 12. If Thielen plays, Moore would fall to fourth on the depth chart which would likely completely eliminate his fantasy value. Regardless, fantasy managers should look elsewhere for help ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown has struggled to make a significant impact throughout the first few months of the season. Last week, Brown hauled in one of his two targets for four yards in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The 25-year-old has fallen on the depth chart and has seen less than 50 percent of the offensive snaps in six straight games. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for help with the Commanders healthy at wideout right now. Brown is unlikely to have much of an impact against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was recently in discussions to be benched or possibly placed on the injured reserve. It sounds like the Jets are done with the Rodgers experiment in New York. The feeling sounds mutual as Rodgers as expressed interest in playing for another team in 2025. The 40-year-old has 2,442 passing yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions heading into Week 12. It has been a disaster of a season for the Jets as they were expected to be legitimate playoff contenders. It sounds like the organization would like to wipe the slate clean and move on from Rodgers. Now, it remains to be seen if any team would be willing to add the former MVP in 2025.

San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 12 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Williams has sat out practice all week but is still expected to suit up this weekend. The organization is hopeful that Williams can work through his ankle soreness during pregame warmups. The loss of Williams would be another blow to an already banged up 49ers roster. Jaylon Moore is listed as second on the depth chart, so he figures to start if Williams is unable to play.

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is a risky WR3 option in Week 12 as he faces a challenging matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. He'll build on his momentum after a solid outing in Week 11 against the Green Bay Packers, where Moore hauled in six receptions for 62 yards. The recent change in offensive coordinator has seen Moore more involved in the quick passing game, a strategy that will be crucial against the Vikings' aggressive defense. Minnesota ranks 4th in points per game allowed and 5th in EPA per pass, making it a tough matchup for any passing game. The Vikings also blitz at one of the highest rates in the NFL, which could pressure quarterback Caleb Williams and limit Moore's opportunities for downfield targets. However, with the Bears' new offensive playcalling, there is some hope for upside, significantly if the quick passes help Moore get into space. While Moore is a risky WR3 with a tough matchup, his involvement in the passing game and the potential for volume could still provide a solid floor in PPR formats. Fantasy managers should temper expectations but keep him in flex consideration.

Quarterback Daniel Jones, who is expected to clear waivers and become a free agent on Monday, will likely pursue signing a one-year deal with a contender rather than marketing himself to quarterback-needy teams that have already been eliminated from the playoff hunt, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Specifically, Schefter mentioned the Ravens and Vikings as the two teams most likely to sign him, but he also clarified that there are additional teams in the mix. Regardless of where he signs, it sounds like Jones will be the backup, offering valuable depth in case a starter gets injured.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder) has been ruled out for Week 12, but the team believes he'll be able to play next weekend against the Buffalo Bills. Purdy's progress was inconsistent earlier this week, and the team did think he'd be able to suit up against the Green Bay Packers before ruling him out. Fantasy managers should expect all Niners playmakers to take a step back in terms of fantasy production. Meanwhile, interim starter Brandon Alle will rank as a low-end QB2.