Fantasy Football Week 12 Rankings: Flex and PPR Outlook for Each Position

Kristopher KnoxNov 25, 2023

It's only Saturday, but four games from the NFL Week 12 slate are already complete. Fans were treated to a trio of games on Thanksgiving plus the league's first-ever Black Friday matchup.

Hopefully, fantasy managers remembered to set their lineups early. Those who didn't may be scrambling to make the best of what remains.

The good news is that 24 teams have yet to play. The bad news is that injuries and uncertain situations continue to cloud the fantasy landscape.

Below, we'll dive into our top plays at each flex position—running back, wide receiver and tight end—and examine a few sleeper matchups to consider.

All rankings and picks are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

Running Back

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Rams WR Kyren Williams

RB Top 10

1. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers

2. Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars

3. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

4. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

5. D'Andre Swift, Philadelphia Eagles

6. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders

7. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

8. Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

9. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans

10. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Sleeper: Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams appear set to welcome back Kyren Williams this week following a sting on injured reserve (ankle).

"Rams officially designated RB Kyren Williams to return to practice today and he is expected to play Sunday vs. Arizona," ESPN's Adam Schefter posted Wednesday on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Managers may have to temper expectations this week, as Royce Freeman has earned himself a role over the last few weeks. However, Williams should have a solid floor and top-40 flex potential against the Arizona Cardinals.

Williams suffered the injury against Arizona and finished that game with 158 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Cardinals allowed the third-most fantasy points through Week 11.

Wide Receiver

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Bills WR Khalil Shakir

WR Top 10

1. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

2. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers

3. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills

4. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

5. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams

6. Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts

7. Tank Dell, Houston Texans

8. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders

9. D.J. Moore, Chicago Bears

10. Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers

Sleeper: Khalil Shakir, WR, Buffalo Bills

In case you haven't been paying attention, wide receiver Khalil Shakir has started to solidify a noteworthy role in the Buffalo Bills offense.

In his last five games, Shakir has caught three or more passes four times. He did have a disappointing one-catch, 24-yard outing against the Denver Broncos two weeks ago, but he finished Week 11 with three catches for 115 yards and a touchdown.

There is some boom-or-bust potential with Shakir, but he has an enticing matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles this week. Philadelphia has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing receivers in 2023.

Shakir is worth a flex start this week, and he's a prime waiver target for managers in need. He's only rostered in 15 percent of Yahoo leagues and seven percent of ESPN leagues.

Tight End

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Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth

TE Top 10

1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

2. T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings

3. Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

4. Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills

5. Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars

6. Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans

7. David Njoku, Cleveland Browns

8. Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears

9. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons

10. Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens

Sleeper: Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth didn't see much action in his Week 11 return from injury reserve (hamstring). Against the Cleveland Browns, he caught one seven-yard pass on one target.

However, Freiermuth has traditionally been a fine mid-level fantasy option and one of Kenny Pickett's top targets. There's some risk with starting Freiermuth this week following the firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada, but new playcaller Mike Sullivan might find more creative ways to get the ball to Freiermuth—who finished last season with 63 catches for 732 yards.

A late-developing shin injury for George Pickens could further push the ball in Freiermuth's direction, and this week brings a very favorable matchup.

The Steelers will visit the Cincinnati Bengals, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season.