A surprisingly high-stakes non-conference matchup awaits in Week 12 as the Steelers fight to keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Bears look to create separation from Detroit before their rematch. Both teams bring fantasy-relevant pieces with volatile outlooks, so let’s get into who deserves your lineup spot.
🔥 Quick Start Table
| Player | Team | Rating | Note |
| Caleb Williams | CHI | 🔥🔥🔥 | Solid yardage floor, modest TD upside |
| D’Andre Swift | CHI | 🔥🔥 | Volume but limited scoring |
| Kyle Monangai | CHI | 🔥🔥🔥 | Goal-line vulture with upside |
| Rome Odunze | CHI | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 | WR1 usage with strong projection |
| Colston Loveland | CHI | 🔥🔥🔥 | Emerging TE with recent momentum |
| Aaron Rodgers (if active) | PIT | 🔥🔥🔥 | Owns Chicago historically |
| Mason Rudolph (if Rodgers out) | PIT | 💤 | Safe streamer |
| Jaylen Warren | PIT | 🔥🔥🔥 | Lead back, big-play potential |
| Kenneth Gainwell | PIT | 💤💤 | Sleeper FLEX consideration |
| DK Metcalf | PIT | 💤 | Target volume keeps him alive |
| Darnell Washington | PIT | 💤 | Deep-league flier |
| DJ Moore | CHI | ❄️❄️ | Production slump |
| Pat Freiermuth | PIT | ❄️❄️ | TD-dependent trap |
Matchup Synopsis: Caleb has the Bears Rolling
The Bears enter Week 12 on a steady win streak, powered by improved offensive rhythm and the poised play of Caleb Williams, who now faces a Steelers defense that bends but rarely breaks. Pittsburgh, potentially getting Aaron Rodgers back, needs this win to stay in the AFC Wild Card chase. Even if Rodgers sits, the Steelers’ ground game and short-yardage weapons remain serviceable for fantasy lineups.
Expect a game defined by controlled offense, red-zone efficiency, and a handful of breakout performances on both sides.
START ’EM
Caleb Williams – QB, Bears
Williams enters the week hot and should post a solid stat line despite Pittsburgh’s disciplined defense. Expect ~230 yards and 1 TD, enough to justify a QB1/2 start.
D’Andre Swift – RB, Bears
Swift continues dominating touches. While TDs have been scarce, the yardage floor keeps him fantasy-viable, especially in PPR.
Kyle Monangai – RB, Bears
The definition of a goal-line hammer. Monangai’s recent TD streak makes him a premium FLEX with scoring upside.
Rome Odunze – WR, Bears
Williams’ go-to option and a weekly stabilizer. Pencil him in for 5 catches, 80 yards, and a strong chance at a score.
Colston Loveland – TE, Bears
Breaking out at the right time. Volume is there, chemistry is building: 6 for 65 is absolutely in play.
An Inside Look at How the Bears Are Using Their Tight Ends – Luis C Medina via Bleacher Nation
Aaron Rodgers – QB, Steelers (if active)
Rodgers historically torches Chicago. If he’s cleared, he’s a confident start.
Mason Rudolph – QB, Steelers 💤 (if Rodgers OUT)
A safe, low-ceiling sleeper streamer with respectable floor value.
Jaylen Warren – RB, Steelers
The clear lead back. Even with modest passing involvement, Warren’s efficiency and big-play capability make him a strong Week 12 starter.
Steelers’ Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell usage plan confirmed by ESPN insider – via Sporting Newshttps://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/news/steelers-jaylen-warren-kenneth-gainwell-usage-plan-confirmed-espn/7a3aa0e86b46c15852c09790
Kenneth Gainwell – RB, Steelers
Last week’s surge earns him FLEX sleeper status. Don’t over-project, but he’s viable.
DK Metcalf – WR, Steelers
The usage remains there (7–8 targets weekly). Against the Bears’ secondary, he’s a strong bounce-back sleeper.
Darnell Washington – TE, Steelers
Deep-league option only, but his 50–60 yard floor keeps him on the radar. Needs red-zone usage to pop.
SIT ’EM
DJ Moore – WR, Bears
Moore has faded from the game plan and sits outside startable consistency. Until the volume returns, he belongs on the bench.
Pat Freiermuth – TE, Steelers
Touchdown-dependent and underutilized between the 20s. The floor is far too low this week.
