Week 12 Fantasy Takeaways

Lamar Jackson on a Cold Streak

Lamar Jackson’s struggles continued in Week 12, marking his second straight single-digit fantasy outing and his third consecutive week with just one total TD. The good news: two matchups against the Bengals and Steelers over the next two weeks offer a strong bounce-back opportunity. Despite his recent slump, there’s no need to panic going into a home matchup against Cincinnati on Thanksgiving.

John Metchie Leads the Jets Again

John Metchie is set to finish as a top-18 WR for the second straight week. With Tyrod Taylor at QB, Metchie’s production appears more sustainable. He tied Adonai Mitchell for the team lead in targets, but was far more efficient, catching 6 of 7 for 65 yards and a TD, while Mitchell managed only 2 of 7 for 42 yards. Mitchell remains intriguing but volatile; Metchie should now be rostered universally.

Kenneth Gainwell’s Increasing Usage

Jaylen Warren handled 18 touches for 68 yards and a score, but Kenneth Gainwell matched his involvement with 16 touches and 122 total yards, buoyed by strong receiving usage. Despite identical 50/50 snaps, Gainwell ran 23 routes to Warren’s 11. If this usage holds, Gainwell enters weekly flex territory, while Warren downgrades from a high-end RB2 to a mid-range RB2. With Buffalo up next, Gainwell remains in the streaming conversation.

Kyle Monangai Takes Over After Swift's Fumble

D’Andre Swift opened as the lead back, but after his fumble, Kyle Monangai largely took over, logging a 54% snap share and operating as the primary red-zone RB. Monangai looked strong, but projecting this backfield is tricky. Swift becomes a shakier start next week, and while Monangai could slide into flex viability, it’s also possible his usage reverts to the limited role he held in prior weeks (33% of Bears rushing attempts).

Patriots Offense Fails to Capitalize

The Patriots entered the week with momentum and a dream matchup against the struggling Bengals defense, yet the entire offense managed just one TD — a Drake Maye pass to Hunter Henry. Maye still threw for 294 yards, but production was scattered: Henry (7/115/1), Austin Hooper (3/39), DeMario Douglas (1/37), and Mack Hollins (2/30). Stefon Diggs’ route participation fell sharply to 54% (from 89%), and he managed just 2/20 in a favorable spot. Even with the variance, Diggs must remain in lineups.

Tee Higgins Likely Out for Thanksgiving

Tee Higgins suffered a concussion and is now in protocol, making it unlikely he plays on a short week versus the Ravens. Before leaving, he was targeted on just 24% of routes despite no Ja’Marr Chase. If Higgins is out, Andre Iosivas and Mike Gesicki (primary TE in his return) enter the streaming mix. Joe Burrow may return for this game.

TreVeyon Henderson is the Clear RB1

With Rhamondre Stevenson returning, trends suggested a split — but Henderson dominated usage. He out-carried Stevenson 18–6, out-targeted him 4–1, and played 65% of snaps. Stevenson handled passing downs, but Henderson got early-down work and roughly half of the goal-line opportunities. If this holds, Henderson profiles as a high-end RB2 moving forward. He should be started next week against the Giants.

Jameis Winston Sparks the Giants

Jameis Winston opened the game with a flea-flicker TD to Wan’Dale Robinson, who exploded for a 9/156/1 line on a 39% target share. Winston also caught a TD on a trick play. The Giants’ offense ran through Robinson in their most productive game of the year.

Tyrone Tracy Quietly Heating Up

Tyrone Tracy has now logged back-to-back games with 23 touches while seeing his snap share rise from 59% to 70%. His involvement near the goal line is also trending upward. Averaging 134.5 total yards over the last two weeks, Tracy should be treated as a strong RB2 next week against New England.

Jameson Williams Disappoints Again

Just as trust was forming after three straight top-20 finishes, Jameson Williams delivered a goose egg in a soft matchup against the Giants. Jared Goff threw 42 times, but Williams saw only three targets while Jahmyr Gibbs (12 targets) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (13 targets) dominated the passing game. Williams remains a high-variance dart for Week 13 against Green Bay.

Jahmyr Gibbs’ Role Growing

Against the Giants, Jahmyr Gibbs erupted for 264 total yards on 26 touches. His snap share continues to rise — 72% in Week 11, then 74% this week — and he’s claimed 63–75% of the rushing attempts over that span. If this role stabilizes, Gibbs could see a meaningful upgrade from already elite RB1 usage.

JJ McCarthy’s Struggles Drag Down Justin Jefferson

McCarthy’s performance continues to hinder Minnesota’s passing game. Entering the week, Jefferson was already producing at WR3 levels with McCarthy, and things worsened: Jefferson caught 4/6 for just 48 yards while McCarthy threw for only 87 yards. Until QB play stabilizes, Jefferson is more WR2 than WR1, while Jordan Addison remains only a deep-league flex.

JSN Enters Historic Pace

Jaxon Smith-Njigba posted his best game yet — 167 yards and two TDs — pushing him to a 2,029-yard pace for the season. No receiver has ever surpassed 2,000 yards. He is now the WR1 of the 2025 fantasy season.

Kenneth Walker Trending Up Despite Charbonnet Vultures

HC Mike Macdonald promised more touches for Kenneth Walker, and he delivered. Walker’s snap share jumped from 44% to 63%, and he handled early-down work along with a season-high 57% route participation (4 targets). Charbonnet did vulture a TD on a Walker-led drive, but overall usage is trending positively heading into Week 13.

Jaguars Backfield Resets

Bhayshul Tuten’s ankle injury from last week may explain the shift, but Travis Etienne reclaimed a firm lead, playing 65% of snaps and turning 18 touches into 116 yards and a TD. Tuten managed just 17 yards on 7 carries. He remains a stash in hopes the split reverts once healthy.

George Pickens Reaches a New Level

Pickens followed last week’s explosion with another elite outing: 9/146/1 on nine targets, outperforming even CeeDee Lamb in the same game. He now ranks as the WR4 in PPR points per game and second in total fantasy points behind JSN. Both he and Lamb remain must-start WR1s.

Alvin Kamara Suffers an MCL Sprain

Kamara is expected to miss time. Devin Neal stepped in and played 86% of snaps after the injury, functioning as the lead back while Taysom Hill mixed in at RB and QB near the goal line. Neal should be picked up and treated as a flex/RB3 until we see whether he inherits Kamara-level volume.

Jayden Higgins Trending Up

Higgins’ route share has increased for three straight weeks — 43% → 53% → 57% → 68% — and he posted a team-leading 32% target share on Thursday. His target rate per route has led the team for three weeks running. He’s a stash in deeper formats with potential for more.

Baker Mayfield Injures Non-Throwing Shoulder

Mayfield attempted to play through the injury but was ruled out at halftime and later seen in a sling. With the Rams forced into comeback mode, Teddy Bridgewater replaced him — with predictably poor results for the offense. Emeka Egbuka managed just 3/32. Monitor Mayfield’s status closely throughout the week.