Analysis
11/25/21
3 min read
BEWARE: Week 12 Starters Set to Underperform
This NFL season has been nothing short of surprising. There have been injuries to top running backs, unexpected breakouts from tight ends, and upsets happening weekly. This is no different for fantasy. Consistency has been hard to come by, and as the playoffs near, managers need to look for players that can get them consistent production week after week. Here are some starters that may not perform up to standard for this week.
QB - Ryan Tannehill, vs NE
The Titans came into 2021 with such high expectations, adding a star WR in Julio Jones who has barely been able to stay on the field this season. With Henry out for the foreseeable future, and A.J. Brown still banged up, this offense just isn’t the same as it was earlier in the year. In addition, the Patriots are allowing the 2nd fewest fantasy points to opposing QB’s, and the 6th fewest passing yards. Tannehill only has two games with more than 20 fantasy points this year. Also, they are playing in Foxborough where the weather is supposed to be under 40 degrees, so the coaches may opt to take a run-heavy approach. All of these factors point towards Tannehill having a suboptimal game.
RB - Alex Collins, vs WFT
Collins has had at least 10 carries in each of his games as a fill-in for Chris Carson this season, but has only eclipsed 100 yards once, and the rest of his games he has been rushing for under 50 yards. He plays a stiff front that is 7th against the run this season. Also, Collins has not caught more than 2 receptions in a game this season, and only has 2 in his last 4 games. Stay away from Collins until he shows that he can be a trusted fantasy back.
WR - Jaylen Waddle, vs CAR
Waddle has burst on the scene in his rookie year, bringing in at least 7 receptions in 4 of his last 6 games. Although he hasn’t scored a touchdown since week 6 (besides the rushing touchdown last week), he has put up solid fantasy production. However, he faces the Panthers, who added lockdown corner Stephon Gilmore who will likely be shadowing him all game as the other starters for the Dolphins are out with injuries. The Panthers are allowing a league-low 174.2 yards passing per game. Unless Waddle can find a way to speed past Gilmore, he’s going to have a hard time producing big numbers this weekend.
TE - Tyler Conklin, vs SF
Conklin was thrust into a starting role after Irv Smith Jr. was forced out of action due to an injury. He’s provided consistent production, but has not delivered any amazing games. He has only two games with a touchdown, both of which are his only games with over 10 fantasy points. The 49ers allow the 7th fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends, and Conklin’s target share has been decreasing for the last 4 games. The Vikings are a run-first offense, and unless they are in a big deficit that won’t change. If you are looking to stream Conklin in shallower leagues, look elsewhere.
