Week 12 delivers a sneaky-fun AFC matchup as the surging Patriots face a Bengals team missing key playmakers, but still highly fantasy-relevant. With Joe Burrow out and Ja’Marr Chase ruled out, several Cincinnati players get a boost in roles and opportunities.
Below is the fully updated Start ’Em, Sit ’Em for starts, for sits, and for sleepers.
START ’EM
Joe Flacco – QB, Bengals
Flacco is stepping in again, so you start with him getting the nod at $5.5K on DK.
• Flacco starts → he’s been shockingly solid and hyper-focused on feeding his playmakers.
Drake Maye – QB, Patriots
Maye continues his MVP-level tear and draws a friendly matchup at $6.9K. Expect multiple TDs and 250+ yards.
TreVeyon Henderson – RB, Patriots
Has taken control of the backfield and should handle most of the work. A confident Week 12 start at $6.7K.
CHRIS GRIFFITHCOUNTERSUES STEFON DIGGS via TMZ
Stefon Diggs – WR, Patriots
A smash spot. Volume + matchup = 15+ point potential at $6.5K. Diggs usually has big games when his name is in the news.
Tee Higgins – WR, Bengals
Higgins has been fantastic all season, and with Chase out, he becomes the unquestioned WR1. With Flacco playing, even better, he’s shown he isn’t afraid to pepper Higgins with targets at $7.1K. Huge upside this week.
Andre Iosivas – WR, Bengals (FLEX)
With Chase sidelined, Iosivas becomes the next man up. He’s flashed playmaking ability, and increased snaps make him a strong FLEX option at $4.1K.
Chase Brown – RB, Bengals
Brown should see significant usage, especially in the passing game. Expect the Bengals to design touches to help stabilize the offense. Sneaky upside play at $6.1K.
SLEEPERS
Noah Fant – TE, Bengals
With Chase out, Fant could easily see more designed targets. He’s athletic, he’s involved, and the matchup gives him a real chance to spike value. Solid sleeper start at $3.1K.
Hunter Henry – TE, Patriots
Still a streaming sleeper — the Bengals struggle against tight ends, and the red-zone looks remain steady at $3.9K.
SIT ’EM
Rhamondre Stevenson – RB, Patriots
The backfield is shifting toward Henderson. Stevenson’s volume and ceiling are too low this week.
Bengals D/ST
The Patriots’ offense is hot, and this matchup is not favorable. Look elsewhere for a defensive start.
