Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins is on the rise ahead of his Week 12 meeting with the visiting Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. Higgins hasn't exactly had a breakout performance yet in his rookie campaign. However, signs point to him ascending the WR hierarchy in Houston. Since Week 8, the Iowa State alum has played more snaps than third-year pro Xavier Hutchinson in all but one outing, signaling a shift from earlier in the season. In fact, he's run the most plays of any Houston wideout in that time frame, posting at least four catches and seven targets in three of four games. Higgins could still exhibit some inefficiencies as he continues to adjust to life in the NFL. With that said, he's evolved into the clear third option in an offense that attempts a pass at the ninth-highest rate (59.91%).

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is an excellent start for fantasy managers this weekend when he lines up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. Stafford has been incredible in 2025, having already eclipsed his touchdown totals from the previous three seasons. Since Week 4, the 37-year-old has racked up a 22:0 TD:INT ratio, and has averaged 22.4 fantasy points per contest (fourth-most). On Sunday, he'll get another chance to keep his hot streak alive against a Buccaneers' defense that's allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to QBs (19). While the veteran had a down performance in their win over Seattle last weekend, his outlook is back on the rise with wide receiver Davante Adams further removed from an oblique injury.

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Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has come alive in the last three weeks. After a slow start to his eighth season in the NFL, Andrews has scored four touchdowns in his previous three games, averaging 12.9 half-PPR fantasy points per game. The clear correlation is the return of two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, who made his return in Week 9, where Andrews scored two touchdowns. As long as Jackson is the starting quarterback in Baltimore, Andrews will continue to find the endzone and produce fantasy matchup-altering performances. In the next two games, the Ravens face the Jets and the Bengals, who have allowed the most and second-most touchdowns to tight ends this season. While his lack of volume is concerning, Andrews will still be worth starting in fantasy due to his touchdown upside.

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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has become a trustworthy option for fantasy managers this season. In eight games, Pierce has hauled in 28 of 52 targets for 585 yards and a touchdown, averaging 9.8 half-PPR points per game. As of late, Pierce has been dominant, leading the NFL in receiving yards (366) from Week 7 to Week 10. His connection with Daniel Jones has been on point this season, and the Colts' offensive performance has opened more big-play opportunities for the deep threat receiver. However, he faces a very tough matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have allowed the fewest receiving yards to wide receivers in 2025. While a tough matchup causes a lot more risk, Pierce is worth starting as a WR3/FLEX play in Week 12.

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been facilitating as the Cardinals' starting quarterback. In five starts, Brissett has averaged over 300 passing yards per game with multiple touchdowns in all five starts. The veteran quarterback set the completions record in Week 11, with 47 completions in the 41-22 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Not only has Brissett been an elite producer lately, but players like Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Michael Wilson have also been reaping the benefits of his stellar play. Brissett and the Cardinals host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12, who have allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game and the fourth-most passing touchdowns in 2025. Even with Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendicitis) ruled out for Sunday, Brissett still carries QB2 value and will continue to supply big performances for McBride and Wilson.

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Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. was the lead back in Week 11, handling 15 carries for 79 yards in the overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins. Rumors were swirling about Rodriguez taking over the backfield from rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and he was efficient in his first game as the lead back. Rodriguez played 45% of the snaps, while Croskey-Merritt and receiving back Jeremy McNichols played 26% of the snaps each. While the Commanders' offense has been lackluster to say the least, reinforcements are on the way, with Jayden Daniels (elbow) and Terry McLaurin (quad) nearing a return. If the offensive production improves, Rodriguez could be a sneaky producer for fantasy managers down the stretch.

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Denver Broncos rookie running back R.J. Harvey could handle a workhorse role for the rest of the season. In his first game as the lead back, Harvey handled 11 carries for 30 yards, while adding 20 yards on three receptions through the air. His first game as the starter came against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have been a top-five run defense in 2025. The exciting news about the 2025 second-round pick's fantasy outlook is that he dominated the snap share in Week 11. He played a season-high 62% of the snaps, while Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie played 13%. Coming out of the bye week, the Broncos will face the Washington Commanders, who have given up the third-most fantasy points to running backs this season. With a strong workload and a good schedule coming out of the bye week, Harvey is an ideal buy-low candidate for fantasy managers and could be a league winner down the stretch.

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Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton's practice window is expected to open after the Week 12 bye. Hampton (ankle) was placed on the injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury against the Washington Commanders. Head coach Jim Harbaugh shared that Hampton's activation window could open after the bye, but he was uncertain about a return in Week 13. When Hampton returns, he could enter a timeshare with standout Kimani Vidal, who's been excellent as his replacement. Hampton was starting to pick up steam in his rookie season, averaging 121.3 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in his last three games when healthy. While a potential committee is in the works, and the Chargers' struggles with the offensive line, Hampton still offers elite upside once he returns.

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Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox should not be relied upon in most formats when his team takes on the Houston Texans in Week 12, even with fellow tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) ruled out for the game. As the team's top tight end option last week, Knox managed only one catch for 23 yards, bringing him to just 13 catches on the year. Additionally, the Texans have been among the very best pass defenses in the NFL so far this season. Houston ranks fourth overall against half-PPR tight ends, dampering an already modest outlook for Knox. The veteran will have some red-zone appeal, however, making him a low-end TE2 option in leagues that start more than one tight end.

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Coming off the best game of his career, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Tyrell Shavers should be left on the bench in most formats when his team takes on the Houston Texans on Thursday. Shavers, mostly a special teamer to this point, broke out for four catches, 90 yards, and a touchdown last week against Tampa, and now the Bills' receiver room is in limbo this week. Khalil Shakir (personal) missed practice on Monday and Tuesday, while Keon Coleman was a healthy scratch last week after being late to a team meeting. If either or both were to be unavailable tonight, that would leave some combination of Shavers, Joshua Palmer, Curtis Samuel, and Mecole Hardman to fill in the gaps. Even so, Shavers has just 11 catches in 10 games overall, and Houston ranks No. 1 against PPR receivers, making him too risky to rely upon.

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir enters a Week 12 matchup against the Houston in unknown territory after missing practice on both Monday and Tuesday for personal reasons. Assuming Shakir plays, he's a low-end WR3 option against Houston, the top-ranked defense against PPR wide receivers. The veteran is also coming off his worst game of the season, a performance in which he caught just one pass for negative three yards against Tampa Bay. Without knowing the full extent of the absence, managers will have to wait until Buffalo releases its list of inactives to make sure Shakir is playing. Luckily, as the first game of the week, there will be ample opportunity to pivot in another direction.

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer can safely be left out of lineups in most formats when his team travels to Houston to play the Texans for Week 12's Thursday Night Football game. The former Los Angeles Charger has been a disappointment in his first season with Buffalo, during which he has logged only 16 receptions and is still looking for his first touchdown. This week, Palmer will have the added challenge of the single worst matchup in football: Houston ranks No. 1 against PPR wide receivers. Though the status of fellow receiver Khalil Shakir (personal) is unknown, and Keon Coleman is coming off a healthy scratch last week, Palmer hasn't had a big enough role to rely upon for fantasy lineups.

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Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Thursday morning that the club has not yet ruled out quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) from playing on Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to Paul Dehner of The Athletic. Taylor, who appeared on a Cincinnati radio show, said he wasn't ready to say whether Burrow would be able to return from his injury. "I'm not there yet," he said. "One day at practice isn't going to lead to that decision yet." The superstar quarterback has missed most of the 2025 season due to the injury, but he fully practiced on Wednesday, giving hope that he may return sooner than initially believed. For fantasy managers who held out for the long haul, Burrow's return would represent a major lineup upgrade as the playoffs draw near.

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Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III is set to face a tough Houston Texans' defense on Thursday night that has allowed just 87.1 rushing yards per game, which ranks third in the NFL. It could be tough sledding for Cook on Thursday against a stout Texans defense, but he remains a must-start in Week 12. Cook is averaging 115.8 scrimmage yards per game and has produced eight touchdowns over 10 contests. The 26-year-old back is enjoying his best season, and the Bills are sure to feature Cook on Thursday. Look for another strong showing and RB1 potential for Cook this week. Despite the brutal matchup, Cook should be in all fantasy lineups and is ranked 11th among all running backs for Week 12.

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Buffalo Bills kicker Matt Prater has continued to flash just enough potential in the team's high-powered offense to remain relevant in fantasy football. The 41-year-old will look to rack up double-digit points against the Houston Texans on Thursday night for the first time since Week 8. Prater has totaled just 13 points over his last three games. Meanwhile, the Texans are allowing just 5.1 points per game to opposing kickers, the lowest total in the league. With Josh Allen leading the way, expect the Bills to find the endzone multiple times, but Prater's value will come from field goal opportunities, which are shaky at best. Despite the tough matchup, Prater can be used as a streamer in Week 12 and is ranked 10th among all kickers in the latest RotoBaller rankings.

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is coming off a monster performance in last Sunday's 44-32 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He threw for 317 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions while rushing for 40 yards on six rushing attempts and three more scores versus the Bucs. Allen will look to keep things rolling against the Houston Texans on Thursday night. Houston's defense is third-best in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game at 174, but Allen's ability to beat them with his feet gives him a high floor. The Texans' defense has held opponents to 20-or-fewer points in all but two matchups this season, to keep their struggling offense in ballgames. However, Allen's MVP-caliber season continues, and he remains a must-start and comes in as the second-ranked quarterback heading into Week 12 in the latest RotoBaller rankings.

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New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins has played well for the Patriots this season, catching 30 of 38 targets for 387 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games. Hollins is fourth on the team in total routes run (217) and has emerged as a reliable option for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. The 32-year-old has recorded 21 catches for 317 yards on 26 targets since Week 7. His 317 yards lead the team over that span, and he's been highly efficient with his opportunities. His 12.19 yards per target ranks fourth among wide receivers with at least 75 routes during that stretch. Hollins' snaps could go down a tick with Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) expected to return in Week 12 against the Bengals. However, Hollins should still maintain a healthy route share and keep him on the radar in deeper formats.

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Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (ankle) immediately slotted in as a full-time player in Week 11, with Sam LaPorta (back) placed on Injured Reserve. Wright played 83.1% of the snaps and ran 59% of the routes, finishing with two catches for eight yards on a career high seven targets against the Eagles. The Lions' offense struggled collectively, with Jared Goff completing just 37.8% of his passes. Wright was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, so that will be something to monitor in the coming days. But it is positive to see Wright get the role and usage in LaPorta's absence, and he is set to be a consistent piece of one of the league's best offenses for the next handful of games. Assuming he plays in Week 12 against the Giants, Wright could be a streaming option for fantasy managers in need of a bye week replacement.

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Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin is ascending into a deep-league fantasy option as he heads into a Week 12 bye. After J.K. Dobbins (foot) was placed on IR, the 25-year-old went from being a healthy scratch to the backup in Denver, where he handled six carries and a reception last week. He was relatively inefficient (3.2 YPC), but he did score a touchdown and averaged more yards per carry than R.J. Harvey. As a result of the touchdown, he salvaged his fantasy performance and had low-end value in deeper leagues. He should build on this momentum with a larger role in Week 13, assuming he earns more snaps in the Broncos' backfield timeshare. Harvey remains the primary ball-carrier, but McLaughlin is suddenly on the fantasy radar as a mid-range RB4 and potential deep-league streamer going forward.

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New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry has momentum on his side ahead of Sunday's favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12. Henry bounced back from a Week 10 dud by catching four of his six targets for 45 yards in Week 11. He is one of Drake Maye's favorite targets, establishing himself as a fringe top-12 tight end in fantasy football. Henry is an intriguing option in the Patriots' offense, but his ceiling has arguably never been higher than it is this week against the Bengals. Cincinnati has the league's worst defense against tight ends, and it's not particularly close. They have allowed the most receiving yards, the most touchdowns, and the most fantasy points to tight ends in 2025. The gap in fantasy points allowed by the Bengals and the second-worst defense against tight ends is actually greater than the gap between the second-worst defense and the league median. Meanwhile, Cincy's 12 touchdowns allowed to tight ends are five more than the next-highest. Time and time again, tight ends have feasted against the Bengals. Now, it's Henry's turn. He ranks as a mid-to-high TE1 with an extremely favorable matchup on tap.

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