Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 12: Advice for Fringe Flex Fantasy Football Starters

Every week presents difficult lineup decisions for fantasy football managers. But it can be even more challenging to decide who to play during a week with all 32 NFL teams in action.

That hasn't been an issue of late. From Weeks 6-11, there were at least two teams on a bye each week, and often there were four or more out of action. But that won't be the case in Week 12, which has a full slate of 16 games, beginning with three on Thanksgiving Day on Thursday.

If your roster features several key players who are injured, then it may not be difficult to decide who to start or sit. But if you're at or close to full strength, it could be tough to decide among several solid playmakers, especially for the flex spot.

So, here's some lineup advice to help with several of those decisions for Week 12.

Start 'Em: Michael Carter, RB, New York Jets

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FOXBOROUGH, MA - NOVEMBER 20: New York Jets running back Michael Carter (32) on a run during a game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets on November 20, 2022, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

There may be a quarterback controversy brewing for the Jets. Head coach Robert Saleh hasn't committed to Zach Wilson starting New York's Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, which could mean either Mike White or Joe Flacco will be under center.

No matter who plays QB for this game, the Jets may be best off keeping the ball on the ground as much as possible, as the Bears are allowing 142.6 rushing yards per game (the fourth most in the NFL). So that could lead to a strong showing for New York running back Michael Carter, who has been an inconsistent fantasy performer this year.

Carter can provide value to fantasy managers, as he proved by rushing for a season-high 76 yards and a touchdown in a Week 9 win over the Buffalo Bills. However, the 23-year-old was much less effective in Week 11, when he had eight carries for 19 yards in a loss to the New England Patriots.

That was a difficult matchup, though, and Carter should bounce back against Chicago. There's a good chance the North Carolina product could get into the end zone and rack up enough yards to be a solid flex play in fantasy.

It's worth taking a risk on Carter because of this matchup. Plus, if the Jets make a quarterback change, it could get their offense going.

Sit 'Em: Allen Lazard, WR, Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Morry Gash

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard (13) catches a pass as Tennessee Titans cornerback Roger McCreary (21) defends during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

After scoring five touchdowns over his first seven games of the season, Allen Lazard hasn't gotten into the end zone during the past two weeks. That's because Christian Watson has emerged as the Packers' top receiving option, scoring five touchdowns over the past two games.

This week, it could be difficult for either Lazard or Watson to fare well against a solid Philadelphia Eagles secondary. Darius Slay and James Bradberry are talented cornerbacks who will be looking to shut down Green Bay's receiving corps in Sunday night's matchup.

Lazard has eight catches for 102 yards over the past two weeks, and he may not get targeted by quarterback Aaron Rodgers quite as much if Watson continues to produce at such a high level. So it likely won't be easy to trust Lazard in fantasy lineups down the stretch.

If the Packers have a great matchup, then Lazard and Watson could both be start-worthy flex options. For Week 12, neither is a great play, but Watson has slightly higher value because of his recent touchdown spree.

It should be best to bench Lazard, though, and try to find a better flex option who won't be going up against a top-tier cornerback from the NFL's best team on the road.

Start 'Em: Jahan Dotson, WR, Washington Commanders

AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson (1) runs a route against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

In two games since returning from a hamstring injury, Jahan Dotson hasn't made much of an impact. The Commanders rookie wide receiver has recorded only one catch each of the past two weeks, totaling only 27 yards during that stretch.

Early in the season, Dotson showcased his big-play potential, though. The 22-year-old had four touchdown catches over the first four weeks. But those came when Carson Wentz was playing quarterback for Washington. Now, Dotson is trying to develop chemistry with Taylor Heinicke, who will be the Commanders' starting QB moving forward.

Dotson should get more involved as he and Heinicke get more reps together. And that could start to happen in Week 12 when Washington hosts the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

The Falcons are giving up the second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers, according to NFL.com. So the Commanders should have no trouble moving the ball through the air and putting up some big passing numbers.

It's a bit risky to start Dotson this week because of his recent performances. But it could potentially reap a big reward, as the Penn State product may be on the verge of a strong showing, and this matchup is a prime opportunity for that to happen.