The Rundown: Week 12

Nov 22, 2019

Daniel Shirey/Getty Images

I feel like I'm repeating myself here but the less we talk about the Thursday opener, the better. The remaining Week 12 slate may be more exciting for NFL fans than fantasy players but there is opportunity here, but also risk as the fantasy playoffs approach. There are a lot of questionable players coming into the week so their impending health will ripple across the fantasy playoff landscape. As always, the Thursday preview along with stats to know is already available and this will focus on the rest of the slate including start/sit recommendations.

Make sure to subscribe here if you want to read The Rundown each week.

Fantasy Rating Key

(5) - Elite option. Must start.
(4) - Strong option. Likely start.
(3) - Good option. Low-end starter to high-end backup.
(2) - Weak option. Possible flex or desperation play.
(1) - Bad option. Bench in nearly all cases.
(0) - Not an option. Injured, bench, or waivers.

Dolphins @ Browns

Spread: Browns -11 | Total: 44.5

The Dolphins might be running out of running backs with Mark Walton released after another criminal act, leaving just Kalen Ballage. At this point, wide receiver Jakeem Grant has the second most rushes among remaining non-quarterbacks with four. They face the Browns who have two dynamic running backs and have looked better on offense recently, not having an offensive turnover in the last three games. There’s a good chance that continues against the defense with the fewest turnovers forced this year.

Miami Dolphins

Their best chance is throwing the football and Ryan Fitzpatrick is more than willing to oblige here. Unfortunately, the running game is so ineffective that the Browns defense should be able to cheat the passing game. Expect turnovers and little offense.

Team Trends That Matter

Allow a score on 48.6% of their defensive drives, the highest rate in the league.
Eight different quarterbacks have thrown multiple touchdowns against the Dolphins.
Four straight games with an opposing running back seeing 15 or more carries.

Fantasy Rating and a Stat to Know

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (1) - Week 11 was his first game over 40 pass attempts
RB Kalen Ballage (2) - Two straight games with over 50 snaps played
WR DeVante Parker (3) - Seven straight games with 11 or more PPR points
WR Allen Hurns (1) - Played a season-high 60 snaps in Week 11
TE Mike Gesicki (3) - 86% snap share in Week 11 is a high for 2019

Cleveland Browns

The Browns should see plenty of opportunities here. They face a bottom-three run defense and allow more passing touchdowns than all but three teams. It should open up every aspect of the offense and hopefully give them more confidence as the fantasy playoffs approach.

Team Trends That Matter

Has not allowed a 300-yard passer this season.
One of six teams who ends over 10% of their offensive drives with an interception.
Only allow 32.5% of third downs to be converted, fourth-lowest rate in the NFL.

Fantasy Rating and a Stat to Know

QB Baker Mayfield (3) - The QB8 over the past three weeks
RB Nick Chubb (5) - Third in the NFL with 94 total touches over the past four weeks
RB Kareem Hunt (3) - Third in the NFL with 17 targets at running back over the past two weeks
WR Odell Beckham (4) - Five straight games with double-digit PPR points
WR Jarvis Landry (3) - The WR9 over the past three weeks