Bye weeks can wreak havoc on fantasy football lineups, especially when six teams are sidelined like in the upcoming Week 12. With high-profile players from the Falcons, Bills, Bengals, Saints, Jets, and Jaguars all unavailable, finding suitable replacements becomes paramount. Luckily, several intriguing streaming options have emerged at the quarterback and running back positions.
Tua Time in South Beach
Despite being rostered in just 42.7% of ESPN leagues, Tua Tagovailoa presents an appealing play against the Patriots in Week 12. The third-year signal-caller has scored 17+ fantasy points in two of his last three outings and is fresh off a season-high 23.52-point performance versus the Raiders. New England’s man-heavy defensive scheme could play right into the hands of Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who excels at crafting catch-and-run opportunities for his playmakers.
While the Patriots have been stingy against the pass, ranking second in yards allowed through the air (173.2/game), Tagovailoa’s efficiency and Miami’s creative play-calling give him a solid floor. With bye week blues plaguing many fantasy rosters, the former Alabama standout is a worthy streaming target.
Geno Smith Continues to Impress
Geno Smith may still be available in shallower leagues, and the Seahawks’ surprising star is a strong play against Arizona. With multiple touchdown passes in two of his last four games and an increased willingness to make plays with his legs, Smith offers a safe floor with sneaky upside. The Cardinals’ generous defense further bolsters his outlook.
Stafford, Maye Provide Upside
For managers seeking a higher ceiling, Matthew Stafford and rookie Drake Maye fit the bill. Stafford faces a tough Eagles secondary but has scored 17+ points in three of his past four games and can rely on dynamic weapons in Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Maye, meanwhile, has flashed with his dual-threat abilities and could be forced into a pass-heavy script versus the high-powered Dolphins.
Bear Necessities: Roschon Johnson’s Expanding Role
The departure of offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has ushered in a new era for Chicago’s offense, one that appears to feature Roschon Johnson more prominently. The bruising rookie saw 10 carries in Week 11 and found paydirt in the team’s first game under new play-caller Thomas Brown. Johnson’s physical running style meshes perfectly with Brown’s philosophy, making him an enticing RB2/FLEX option against Minnesota’s vulnerable run defense.
“Ro is a powerful runner with deceptive elusiveness. We’re going to rely on him and Herbert to carry this ground attack moving forward.”
– A source close to the Bears’ coaching staff
Tight Ends to Target
With the tight end landscape perennially thin, astute managers will pounce on breakouts like Jonnu Smith. Coming off a 6-101-2 stat line on eight targets, Smith draws another mouth-watering matchup versus New England. Will Dissly is another name to monitor after commanding 12 looks over his last two contests as the Chargers’ top pass-catching tight end.
Tampa Bay DST Poised to Produce
Staring down a plus matchup against a Giants team starting unheralded Tommy DeVito under center, the Buccaneers’ D is positioned for a banner day. Tampa’s fierce pass rush has generated multiple sacks in seven consecutive games and should have DeVito fleeing for his life on Sunday. Todd Bowles’ propensity for exotic blitz packages only enhances their outlook in this cake draw.
By identifying ideal streaming candidates and pouncing on ascending talents, fantasy managers can confidently weather the Week 12 bye storm. Whether it’s rolling with resurgent quarterbacks like Tagovailoa and Smith, buying into the new-look Bears’ backfield, or riding high-upside tight ends and defenses, savvy decisions in this crucial phase can pay hefty dividends. As the playoffs near, those who best navigate these choppy waters will find themselves on a championship course.
Staring down a plus matchup against a Giants team starting unheralded Tommy DeVito under center, the Buccaneers’ D is positioned for a banner day. Tampa’s fierce pass rush has generated multiple sacks in seven consecutive games and should have DeVito fleeing for his life on Sunday. Todd Bowles’ propensity for exotic blitz packages only enhances their outlook in this cake draw.
By identifying ideal streaming candidates and pouncing on ascending talents, fantasy managers can confidently weather the Week 12 bye storm. Whether it’s rolling with resurgent quarterbacks like Tagovailoa and Smith, buying into the new-look Bears’ backfield, or riding high-upside tight ends and defenses, savvy decisions in this crucial phase can pay hefty dividends. As the playoffs near, those who best navigate these choppy waters will find themselves on a championship course.
