Week 12 Fantasy Football Rankings: Top Flex Plays for Weekend Games

It is not always the top players that win fantasy football games. Many times, you need depth as well.

The flex position gives you a unique ability to start an additional running back, wide receiver or tight end to add to an already strong team. 

In past years, you were doing something wrong if you did not have three running backs in your lineup. However, the increased emphasis on the pass creates more opportunity for receivers and tight ends.

For example, Ronnie Hillman gets his first opportunity to be a full-time back this week for the Denver Broncos now that Willis McGahee is out. In fantasy football, he quickly became the top priority on most people's waiver wire.

However, Eric Decker would be a better start in the flex position if you have a choice between the two.

The No. 2 target on the team has eight touchdowns this season. Altogether, Denver only has six rushing touchdowns. With the inexperienced Hillman in the backfield, the team is likely to stay with the pass when it gets close to the end zone, giving Decker more upside.

There are a few other receivers with tremendous upside this week. Michael Crabtree is facing a poor New Orleans Saints' defense and Steve Smith is facing a team that looks like it has given up in the Philadelphia Eagles.

Additionally, Danario Alexander has had two huge weeks and now looks like the top target for Philip Rivers in San Diego.

Running backs Doug Martin and Chris Johnson should continue their recent hot streaks, while Marshawn Lynch might cool a bit, though he should still have a good day.

It might be a good idea to stay away from veterans Michael Turner and Ahmad Bradshaw. They have both been playing their way out of jobs in real life for about a month.

Finally, the only reason to play a tight end in the flex position is if you have any two of Jimmy Graham, Vernon Davis and Tony Gonzalez. Brandon Myers might also have a productive day if you are weak at other positions.

Overall, these rankings should help you succeed as you try to make your final pushes towards the playoffs.

Rank	Player	Position	Team	Opponent
1	Adrian Peterson	RB	Vikings	Chi
2	Doug Martin	RB	Buccaneers	Atl
3	Frank Gore	RB	49ers	NO
4	A.J. Green	WR	Bengals	Oak
5	Chris Johnson	RB	Titans	Jac
6	Roddy White	WR	Falcons	TB
7	Jimmy Graham	TE	Saints	SF
8	Ray Rice	RB	Ravens	SD
9	Brandon Marshall	WR	Bears	Min
10	Jamaal Charles	RB	Chiefs	Den
11	Demaryius Thomas	WR	Broncos	KC
12	Reggie Wayne	WR	Colts	Buf
13	Matt Forte	RB	Bears	Min
14	Marshawn Lynch	RB	Seahawks	Mia
15	Vernon Davis	TE	49ers	NO
16	Victor Cruz	WR	Giants	GB
17	Steven Jackson	RB	Rams	Ari
18	Jordy Nelson	WR	Packers	NYG
19	Randall Cobb	WR	Packers	NYG
20	Tony Gonzalez	TE	Falcons	TB
21	Steve Smith	WR	Panthers	Phi
22	Eric Decker	WR	Broncos	KC
23	Trent Richardson	RB	Browns	Pit
24	C.J. Spiller	RB	Bills	Ind
25	Julio Jones	WR	Falcons	TB
26	BenJarvus Green-Ellis	RB	Bengals	Oak
27	Ryan Mathews	RB	Chargers	Bal
28	Michael Crabtree	WR	49ers	NO
29	Danario Alexander	WR	Chargers	Bal
30	Ronnie Hillman	RB	Broncos	KC
31	Mike Wallace	WR	Steelers	Cle
32	Jalen Parmele	RB	Jaguars	Ten
33	Bryce Brown	RB	Eagles	Car
34	Denarius Moore	WR	Raiders	Cin
35	Torrey Smith	WR	Ravens	SD
36	Michael Turner	RB	Falcons	TB
37	Larry Fitzgerald	WR	Cardinals	STL
38	Brandon Myers	TE	Raiders	Cin
39	Stevie Johnson	WR	Bills	Ind
40	Vick Ballard	RB	Colts	Buf

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