Week 12 is intriguing for DFS. There are six teams on bye, five of which are highly fantasy-relevant. That leaves limited options, but it also means it’s a good week to find diamonds in the rough. These are DFS Sleepers for Week 12.
*All prices are based on a $60,000 budget listed on FanDuel.
DFS Sleepers Week 12
Quarterback
Will Levis
Will Levis has undeniably struggled this season. He made some abysmal decisions that led to seven turnovers in his first three games. Then, he struggled with a shoulder injury that kept him out for three weeks. However, in the two weeks since his return, Levis has fared much better.
He’s scored 15.6 and 19.1 fantasy points in his last two weeks. These are hardly groundbreaking numbers, but they’re his two best performances of the season. The Titans are also eight-point underdogs against the Houston Texans this week, which means that he’ll likely be playing from behind and will have to throw the ball a lot.
The Texans have one of the top rushing defenses in the NFL, so if the Titans are to do any damage, it will have to be through the air. At $6,700, he’s a solid budget option, but be wary because he does present a low floor.
Running Back
Ameer Abdullah
The Las Vegas Raiders are the worst rushing team in the NFL. Zamir White started the season as the starter but lost his place to Alexander Mattison. Last week against Miami, both of them left the game with injuries, leaving their status for Week 12 in doubt. They are both officially listed as doubtful, so it’s unlikely they will play.
This opens the door for Ameer Abdullah to be the lead back. Abdullah has primarily served as a backup throughout his career, but he’s a solid pass catcher and has scored two touchdowns this season. Abdullah is facing a stout Broncos defense, but he should see a good amount of volume by virtue of being the lead back. The hope will be that Abdullah can manage a few receptions and potentially sneak into the end zone.
It’s not a high ceiling play, but at only $5,000, he presents great value compared to the other names around him.
Wide Receiver
Rome Odunze
Like most rookies, Rome Odunze is getting better as the season progresses. He saw ten targets in Week 11, his second-highest total of the season. Keenan Allen is questionable with an ankle injury, and DJ Moore has had a down season. The time is now for Odunze to step up.
The Chicago Bears are facing a Vikings team that allows the third most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. The Bears also recently changed their offensive coordinator, and the offense looked much smoother in their first game with him. Odunze has only scored once this season, but at $5,400, he’s cheaper than names like John Metchie, Devaughn Vele, and Sterling Shepard, none of which have Odunze’s volume or production.
It’s slim pickings at the wide receiver position in Week 12, but Odunze has upside at a low price.
Tight End
Ja’Tavion Sanders
The Carolina Panthers are coming off a bye and riding a two-game winning streak. The problem for them is that the Chiefs go into town in Week 12. Bryce Young has been better since returning from his stint on the bench, and Ja’Tavion Sanders has been a solid target for him.
The Chiefs have also given up the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. Similar to the situation with Levis, the Panthers will be trailing in this game, which will force Bryce Young to throw a lot of passes. Another factor is that the Chiefs have the third-ranked rushing defense in the league.
Like many DFS Week 12 sleepers, Sanders has a low floor. That said, he’s priced at only $4,900 in a great matchup where the game script is in his favor. Sanders is a deep-cut play but is worth a shot as a cheap tight end, allowing players to invest more heavily in other positions.
Main Photo Courtesy of Jim Rassol – Imagn Images
