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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 12 | NFL: Week 12

Week 12 TNF: Steelers-Browns Preview, Props & Prediction

Thu Nov 21 5:18pm ET
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The Pittsburgh Steelers take on what is typically an unenviable task -- traveling on a short week for a Thursday night primetime game.

However, a few things are playing in Pittsburgh's favor as Week 12 of the NFL regular season kicks off. Namely, the "trip" to Cleveland is a little more than two hours by road and when the Steelers arrive there, they'll be facing a backup quarterback at the helm of a massively underwhelming 2-8 Browns team.

The Steelers (8-2) are coming off a huge win over Baltimore to stay atop the AFC North. And Pittsburgh is beginning to set its sights on potential home-field advantage come playoff time.

ODDS AND TRENDS

The Steelers are a consensus 3.5-point favorite. That includes at BetRivers, where they have been backed by 80 percent of the spread-line money. Pittsburgh's -195 moneyline to simply win the game has been even more popular, drawing 95 percent of all money wagered.

The Browns enter Thursday night having failed to cover the spread in nine of their past 12 games. Meanwhile, the Steelers have covered the spread in every game during their five-game win streak.

The 37.0 total points line has seen the Over backed by 65 percent of the money and 70 percent of the total bets. Each of Cleveland's past eight November home games has gone under the total points line.

PROP PICKS

--Steelers WR George Pickens Over 50 Receiving Yards (-195 at DraftKings): Russell Wilson has thrown six touchdowns in the four games since he took over as the starting quarterback. Two of those have gone to Pickens, who has at least 74 receiving yards in each of those games. There is some concern that Pittsburgh gains a big early lead and turns to a run-heavy attack, but Wilson throws an excellent deep ball and that plays into Pickens' strength. This is the most popular player prop at the book.

--Steelers RB Najee Harris Anytime TD (+100 at BetRivers): That potential for a run-heavy approach should benefit Harris, who found the sledding tough against Baltimore with 63 yards on the ground. He was also held out of the end zone for the second time in three games. Keep in mind that Cleveland has allowed only three touchdowns on the ground all season, but the Browns have allowed 12 through the air. Harris has a trio of scores on the ground and receiving through 10 games.

KEY STAT

The Browns have won the first quarter in five consecutive home games against the Steelers.

THE NEWS

The Steelers have certainly been locked in. They are currently riding a five-game winning streak, most recently edging the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 on Sunday.

Chris Boswell booted six field goals against Baltimore, while Wilson completed 23 of 36 passes for 205 yards and an interception.

Meanwhile, Cleveland continues to go through the wringer. The Browns ended up on the wrong end of a 35-14 blowout while facing the host New Orleans Saints on Sunday, marking their seventh loss in the past eight games.

Cleveland now has to go up against one of the most unforgiving defenses in the league. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is determined to direct a fundamentally sound performance against Pittsburgh, which allows the second-fewest points per game in the NFL (16.2).

"It's precision passing. Getting the ball out on time. Elite operation and just doing our job. It's the simple things," Winston said. "This team (the Steelers) is not going to try and fool you. They're going to line up and say, 'Give us your best, we're going to give you our best.'"

Winston threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns on 30-for-46 passing in the setback against New Orleans, with Jerry Jeudy hauling in six catches for 142 yards and a score. Star running back Nick Chubb continued to struggle since his return from a knee injury that cut his 2023 season short, finishing with 50 yards on 11 carries.

INJURY REPORT

The Browns could be without standout defensive end Myles Garrett, who missed practice on Tuesday because of a hip injury. Wide receiver Elijah Moore (shoulder), guard Joel Bitonio (pectoral) and cornerbacks Denzel Ward (ribs/ankle) and Greg Newsome II (shoulder) were among those limited during the session.

Linebacker Alex Highsmith is dealing with an ankle issue and was ruled out by the Steelers along with cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring).

THEY SAID IT

Wilson is starting to feel like he might be part of something special, but he also doesn't want Pittsburgh to get ahead of itself.

"I definitely think that we have a chance (to make a deep playoff run)," said Wilson, who has played in two Super Bowls. "I think the biggest thing for us is continuing to just take each week as the most important week of it all.

"I think that it's not really even just the week, it's just the day, it's just the moments in between. I think the greatest teams, the greatest players, in any sport, especially the teams I've been on, is the moment -- it's never too far away. It's right here, right now. And you're just locked into that."

PREDICTION

Divisional road games on short weeks typically shape up as a daunting task. That's not the case for the Steelers, who will be hyper-focused to put this one out of reach early before enjoying 10 days ahead of a trip to Cleveland. With a second game against the Browns before a huge game at Philadelphia, this is not an under-manned opponent Pittsburgh will look past. --Steelers 27, Browns 19

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 12

Player Notes
Justice Hill Nov 21 5:00pm CT
Justice Hill

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (concussion) is in the league's concussion protocol but was able to put in a limited practice on Thursday. Hill apparently came out of the Week 11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers with a concussion and is now questionable to suit up for the Monday night showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 12. The good news is the 27-year-old has an extra day to try and clear the concussion protocol this week, and the fact he was in a non-contact jersey on Thursday helps his chances. Hill has become less attractive as a deep-league flex at RB since the return of second-year back Keaton Mitchell. Fantasy managers will most likely want to avoid Hill this week since he's most likely going to at least be questionable to play on Monday. If Hill doesn't get the green light to face the Bolts, rookie Rasheen Ali would be in line to be active behind Derrick Henry and Mitchell.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Nov 21 4:50pm CT
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (ankle) returned to full participation in Thursday's practice, as expected, after he was limited on Wednesday. Hurts tweaked his ankle a little bit a week ago in the win over the division-rival Washington Commanders and was receiving a little extra maintenance for it on Wednesday. The 26-year-old was never in any doubt to play in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football and should remain locked into all starting fantasy lineups as a game-changing, elite QB1. Hurts will be looking for a bounce-back performance after running back Saquon Barkley stole the show last week. The Rams defense has been a plus matchup for opposing QBs in terms of fantasy points, although they have yet to allow a rushing TD to a QB all year. In the last six games, Hurts has thrown for eight TDs and one pick and has rushed for nine TDs.

From RotoBaller

Theo Johnson Nov 21 4:40pm CT
Theo Johnson

New York Giants rookie tight end Theo Johnson (back) was listed as a full participant in Thursday's practice after he went down as limited on the injury report on Wednesday. Johnson has been dealing with a back injury of late but didn't miss the Week 10 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Germany and had extra time to heal up during last week's bye. He had three catches for a season-high 51 yards and the first touchdown of his NFL career in the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders. Johnson has some intriguing long-term upside for those in dynasty/keeper leagues, but he hasn't really moved the needle as more of a TE3 in his first year in the league. The 23-year-old's fantasy stock in 2024 will likely be negatively affected by quarterback Daniel Jones' benching, as well as the impending return of receiver Darius Slayton (concussion).

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Nov 21 4:30pm CT
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (illness) returned to a full practice on Thursday after he sat out of the first practice of the week while being under the weather. Ridley is already feeling better and should be just fine to play this weekend against the division-rival Houston Texans on Sunday. The 29-year-old is Tennessee's unquestioned WR1 when healthy and he'll be looking to make a statement in the team's first meeting against the Texans in 2024. The matchup is a nice one, as the Texans defense is allowing the seventh-most half-PPR points per game (30.1) to receivers this season. Ridley should be treated as a low-end WR2/high-end WR3/flex in Week 12. Most of his production in his first year in Tennessee has come more recently, including his 143-yard performance and his two-touchdown day on Nov. 10.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Nov 21 4:30pm CT
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (concussion) is stacking good days coming out of the bye week, practicing in full for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Slayton suffered a concussion in the Week 9 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders and didn't travel to Germany the following week in the overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. Last week's bye looks like it did Slayton some good, too, and he should be expected to return to the field this Sunday to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 27-year-old should return to starting three-wide sets alongside rookie Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson, although now he'll be taking passes from quarterback Tommy Devito after Daniel Jones' benching. That's bad news for Slayton's fantasy upside, making him more of a WR5/flex in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Nov 21 4:20pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (wrist) upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday after being listed as a limited participant on Wednesday. Hill has been battling a wrist issue for most of the season but hasn't missed any games because of it. Now that he's back to full practice this week, the 30-year-old should be in the clear to play this Sunday against the division-rival New England Patriots. The five-time All-Pro wideout had a tough stretch in the middle of the season when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was on Injured Reserve with a concussion, but he's now scored in back-to-back weeks, and his fantasy needle is pointing back upward. The Cheetah is a must-start for fantasy managers when he's active, including in Week 12. In the first meeting against the Pats on Oct. 6, Hill caught six of 10 targets (second time this year with double-digit targets) for 69 yards.

From RotoBaller

Austin Seibert Nov 21 4:10pm CT
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert (hip) continued to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status on Friday as it will likely clarify his availability heading into a divisional tilt against the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday. Seibert has been sidelined with this injury over the past two games. In his absence, Zane Gonzalez has taken starting duties. Before the injury, Seibert was enjoying a breakout campaign in the DMV. Since joining the Commanders in Week 2, Seibert has carried a stellar 92.6% rate on attempts and has gone perfect on extra points. If Seibert can return to action this weekend, fantasy managers should view him as a high-end kicking option facing a struggling Dallas defense.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Nov 21 4:10pm CT
Sam LaPorta

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (shoulder) practiced in full for the second straight day this week on Thursday and appears to be on track to playing this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. LaPorta suffered an AC joint sprain in his shoulder in the Week 10 win over the Houston Texans and was inactive in last Sunday's blowout win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 23-year-old appears to have healed nicely in the week he had to rest, and barring a setback on Friday, he should be able to play this Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. While LaPorta has mostly disappointed fantasy managers in 2024 after leading all TEs in fantasy points in his rookie season, he'll have an opportunity to produce strong numbers against a Colts defense that has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points per game to the position this year.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Nov 21 4:10pm CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (concussion) did not take part in Thursday's practice. It's the second straight practice he has missed this week after suffering a concussion early in the Monday night loss to the Houston Texans in Week 11. The Cowboys said early this week that it's unlikely Ferguson will have enough time to clear the league's concussion protocol in time to play on Sunday against the division-rival Washington Commanders. The 25-year-old will most likely sit out Friday's session as well and be ruled out for this weekend. For those in dire need at the TE position in Week 12 with six teams on bye, Dallas' Luke Schoonmaker could be in play as a sleeper against Washington, a defense that allowed 12.7 half-PPR points per game to TEs the last three weeks. Schoonmaker had six catches for a season-high 56 yards on 10 targets against Houston on Monday after Ferguson was hurt.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Nov 21 4:00pm CT
Sam Darnold

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (foot) was upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice and is on track to play this Sunday against the Chicago Bears, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during Friday's practice in case he faces a setback. Darnold enjoyed a nice bounce-back showing this past weekend against the Tennessee Titans as he threw for 246 yards and two scores. This was a stark contrast to the poor showing he had in Week 10, where he tallied 241 yards with no scores and three interceptions. Overall, Darnold has enjoyed a great debut campaign in Minnesota as he has thrown 19 TDs and added one with his legs through 10 games. Fantasy managers should view him as a low-end QB1 this weekend, as he will face a tough Chicago defense that has allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing QBs this season.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Nov 21 3:50pm CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ankle) remained a limited participant during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Friday's practice as it may provide some clarity on his ability heading into the weekend. The Rutgers product has been sidelined since sustaining a fractured fibula in their Week 2 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. While sidelined, veteran Kareem Hunt has seen most of the opportunities out of the backfield, with Samaje Perine and rookie Carson Steele mixing in. Before his injury, Pacheco was on track to enjoy a breakout campaign as he scored at least 15.0 PPR points in each game with at least 15 attempts and three targets in each contest. When he returns to action, fantasy managers should expect him to see most of the opportunities out of the backfield.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Nov 21 3:40pm CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (groin) was upgraded to a limited participant during Thursday's practice after sitting out on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during Friday's practice session, but this is a positive sign for his availability heading into the weekend. Last weekend, Swift enjoyed a nice bounce-back, scoring 16.4 PPR points after failing to hit double-digits during Week 10. Despite the offensive struggles the Bears have had this season, Swift has been a reliable option out of the backfield, averaging 18.3 PPR points during Weeks 4 through 11. If Swift can suit up this weekend, fantasy managers should view him as an RB2 despite the tough matchup against the Minnesota Vikings who have allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Nov 21 3:30pm CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (back) did not practice during Thursday's session, according to Joseph Hoyt of the DLLS Cowboys. This is not a good sign for the star wideout as he was a limited participant during Wednesday's initial session. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as Lamb may carry an injury designation into the weekend. Lamb has been dealing with this lingering back injury for some time but was able to suit up on Monday evening to face the Houston Texans. In this game, Lamb brought in eight of his 12 targets for 93 yards. Even though the Dallas offense has struggled with Cooper Rush under center, fantasy managers should continue to start Lamb in all formats if he can play, as he should continue to see a heavy target share down the stretch.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Nov 21 3:20pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey (shoulder) did not practice during Thursday's session. The Georgia product sustained this shoulder injury during their victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday evening. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status throughout the week as he has two more opportunities to log a session before Monday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. Last weekend, the rookie tallied a season-high 123 yards off six receptions. Since Week 8, McConkey has begun to find his footing at the professional level and has averaged a solid 87.5 yards per game in this stretch. If the 23-year-old can suit up, fantasy managers should start him in all formats, given his favorable matchup against the Ravens, who have allowed the most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Nov 21 3:10pm CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) was upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice, which puts him on schedule to return to action this weekend, according to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports. Evans was a limited participant during Wednesday's initial practice session. The 31-year-old wideout has been sidelined since sustaining this injury during their Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Before the injury, Evans averaged 13.6 PPR points per game while seeing 6.4 targets per game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during Friday's practice, but given this update, he should be expected to return to the field this Sunday. Despite his slow start during the start of the season, fantasy managers should feel confident starting Evans in all formats against the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Josh Oliver Nov 21 2:40pm CT
Josh Oliver

Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (ankle) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday due to a sprained left ankle that he suffered in the Week 11 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Oliver is likely going to need to practice in some fashion on Friday in order to have a shot at playing in Week 12 against the division-rival Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday. The 27-year-old does have a career-high three touchdowns in 10 starts in 2024, but he hasn't been a reliable fantasy asset, even at the weak TE position, catching 19 of his 22 targets for 216 yards. If Oliver is inactive this weekend, it should give T.J. Hockenson a slightly higher fantasy ceiling after he disappointed with two catches for 13 yards in his third game off Injured Reserve.

From RotoBaller

Eddy Pineiro Nov 21 2:30pm CT
Eddy Pineiro

Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro (knee) popped up on the Week 12 injury report after putting in a limited practice session due to a left-knee ailment. Mid-week additions to the injury report usually aren't a good sign, but it's unclear if Pineiro's knee injury is serious enough to keep him out of Sunday's contest against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. Carolina doesn't have another kicker on their roster at the moment, but if they bring one in, it will be a clear sign that Pineiro won't be able to kick this weekend. In a weak Panthers offense, Pineiro is the No. 27-ranked kicker in terms of overall fantasy points, so he shouldn't have been in any fantasy lineups heading into this week's matchup against a tough Chiefs defense. Fantasy managers should continue to ignore Carolina's kicking situation.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Nov 21 2:30pm CT
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) was not seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday. Spears suffered a concussion in the Week 11 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and doesn't appear to have made much progress in the league's concussion protocol this week, as he's now missed two straight practices. The 23-year-old still has another day to get back on the practice field, but at this juncture, it's not looking good for his availability in Week 12 as the team faces the division-rival Houston Texans. When healthy, the former third-round pick in 2023 out of Tulane has taken a clear back seat to Tony Pollard in Tennessee's backfield, making him a low-upside, low-floor RB3/flex for fantasy managers in deeper leagues. If Spears misses this weekend's contest, Julius Chestnut would serve as Pollard's backup.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Nov 21 2:20pm CT
Adam Thielen

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday as he looks to make his return to game-day action this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs for the first time since injuring his hamstring in Week 3. Thielen was activated from Injured Reserve during the team's bye week, but he's still not in the clear to return for Week 12. An upgrade to a full practice session on Friday could do the trick. The 34-year-old veteran expects to play against KC, although the Panthers could monitor his workload on Sunday if that's the case given his long layoff. When he's fully up to speed, though, Thielen should be one of quarterback Bryce Young's top targets opposite rookie Xavier Legette. Thielen is worth stashing for WR depth in deeper leagues, but he's trending as a shaky fantasy play against a tough Chiefs defense if he's active on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Jonathon Brooks Nov 21 2:20pm CT
Jonathon Brooks

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is well on his way to making his NFL debut this weekend against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Brooks put in another day of full practice on Thursday and is fully expected to be the backup to lead back Chuba Hubbard in Week 12. The 21-year-old also practiced in full before the Week 10 win over the New York Giants in Germany, but the Panthers held him out as a precaution going into their bye. Because Brooks will take a back seat to Hubbard in his debut, he won't be a realistic starting fantasy option in his debut. However, the former Texas RB and first RB off the board in this year's draft has plenty of long-term upside in Carolina and will at least be a worthwhile handcuff for those that have Hubbard the rest of the season. Miles Sanders (ankle) is expected to sit out this weekend and could be the RB3 when he's healthy.

From RotoBaller