Week 12 Kings: WRs & TEs
Wide Receivers
Demaryius Thomas ($8,700) – Demaryius Thomas has the highest price of all the wide receivers this week; however he has a lot working in his favor, which makes the price justifiable. First off, Thomas has at least 100 yard receiving in seven straight games. Secondly, the Broncos could potentially be without two huge targets within their offense (Sanders and Julius Thomas both questionable). With these two guys both potentially out, Demaryius could see a huge number of targets. Price aside, Thomas is this week’s top ranked WR as shown in the RotoGrinders’ NFL Projections page.
A.J. Green ($7,300) – The Texans defense has really struggled lately with defending opposing teams passing games. Houston is currently giving up the second-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Green appeared to be back to full health last week against New Orleans, when he hauled in six receptions for 127 yards and a TD. When healthy, Green is a top five wide receiver in the NFL; his Week 12 price is not indicative of his excellent skill set.
Brandon Marshall ($7,100)/Alshon Jeffery ($7,200) – Both these guys make for great plays this week against the 25th ranked pass defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both, Marshall and Jeffery had monster performances last week (Marshall 7/90/2TDs and Jeffery 11/135/1TD). The Bears offense looked great last week and I expect much of the same this week.
Vincent Jackson ($5,200) – Vincent Jackson has had a very disappointing 2014 season. However, he is still a big part of the Buccaneers offense. Prior to last week’s very low total of four targets, Jackson was targeted a total of 25 times in the previous two games. With the emergence of Mike Evans, opportunities should begin to open for Jackson. The Bears secondary is very weak and I expect V Jax to take advantage in week 12.
GPP
Julio Jones ($7,000) – Jones will be receiving the Joe Haden treatment on Sunday. Haden has not been as dominate this season as in the years past. Jones still has a discounted price tag and is one of the most talented wide receivers in the NFL. He certainly will be under owned this week and I love him as a GPP only play.
Tight End
Jimmy Graham ($7,000) – I view Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski as very similar plays these week. Therefore, I will take the $900 discount and go with Jimmy Graham in week 12. Both guys have less than ideal match-ups (Graham vs Baltimore and Gronk vs Detroit). These guys have proven to be match-up proof players, therefore I don’t think the tough match-ups should factor into your decision making. If you are spending at the tight end position, Jimmy Graham makes for a great play, as always.
Larry Donnell ($3,900) – The Cowboys defense is much improved, but they still struggle with defending tight ends. The Cowboys defense is currently ranked 31st at defending the position and Donnell was able to take advantage in his Week 7 matchup (seven receptions, 90 yards). Donnell makes for a great cheap/punt play at the tight end position.
Jacob Tamme ($3,400) – This recommendation is completely void if Julius Thomas plays. However, Thomas has not practiced all week, and if he does indeed miss Sunday’s game, Tamme would make for an excellent value play. Manning is a quarterback that loves to use his tight ends; therefore the absence of Thomas would open up a great opportunity for Tamme.
GPP
Antonio Gates ($5,000) – Antonio Gates has been a boom or bust type of player this season. His last two performances can definitely be classified as busts (5.8 and 6.2 fantasy points). These two most recent performances will keep Gates very low owned. We know the upside that Gates has, making him a great GPP only play for week 12.