Buckle up, fantasy football managers — Week 12 could be a bumpy ride! There are six teams on a bye this week, among them being the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars. That means no Bijan Robinson, no Alvin Kamara, no James Cook, no Chase Brown, no Breece Hall and no Travis Etienne Jr. — a number of locked-and-loaded every-week starts at the running back position.
Fret not, though! To navigate these treacherous bye week waters, here’s a look at my top 60 Week 12 RB rankings as well as several flex play and sleeper options to consider.
Week 12 RB flex plays
Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants (vs. TB)
This is the most obvious flex play suggestion of the week, but one that bears reinforcement given that the New York Giants are coming off a Week 11 bye — out of sight, out of mind. Tracy has totaled 100+ scrimmage yards in four of his last six matchups (and a touchdown in three of those four 100+ yard games). This week, the Giants get a home matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ranking top-five in rush yards per play (4.8) allowed while ranking top-10 in EPA per rush attempt (+0.01) and rush yards over expected per attempt (+0.63) per NFL Pro.
Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders (vs. DAL)
Let’s stick with another favorable matchup in the same game here. Though he’s contending for touches with lead RB Brian Robinson Jr., he’s had 10+ touches in three consecutive games, totaling 230 scrimmage yards and three scores in that span. He’s also held a consistent role in the passing game throughout the season with 30+ receiving yards in six of 10 games on top of his rushing production. This week, the Washington Commanders will face the Dallas Cowboys, allowing a league-high 0.85 fantasy points per touch and the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing RBs, including 13 rushing touchdowns — the second-most in the league.
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (@ LV)
There’s a lot of uncertainty about the Denver Broncos backfield right now after plenty of praise from Sean Payton for his fifth-round rookie RB Audric Estimé and a bump in usage for him during Week 10. However, it was followed up in Week 11 with 14 opportunities, which Williams wrangled in for 87 yards and a score. He led all RBs with 52% of snaps played, while Estimé played 23% of snaps and Jaleel McLaughlin played 15%. The Raiders are allowing the second-most rushing yards over expected per attempt (0.83), 10th-most fantasy points per touch and eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing RBs. Payton does appear to to be riding the hot hand, which makes Williams a riskier play, but the Raiders’ struggles on offense should allow a surprisingly competent Broncos’ offense a run-friendly game script.
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@ NYG)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are deploying another relatively confusing backfield between veteran Rachaad White, second-year RB Sean Tucker and rookie Bucky Irving … but it’s the rookie that offers the most sleeper appeal based on his most recent Week 10 usage ahead of their bye (White is an obvious start). In their last matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Irving tied his season-high 16 total touches, surpassing 50+ scrimmage yards and/or a touchdown for the seventh time in the past eight weeks. The Giants are allowing the fourth-most rush yards per game (147.1) despite a strong defensive line, giving up a league-high 5.3 yards per carry and the third-most rush attempts of 10+ yards (45). Irving leads the Bucs’ backfield in missed forced tackle rate on rush attempts (31%) and runs of 10+ yards (13).
Fantasy football: Week 12 standard RB rankings
Kate Magdziuk is an editor and contributor for Yahoo Fantasy and co-host of the Locked On Dynasty Football podcast. She is also the managing editor for Behind The Steel Curtain, SB Nation’s exclusive Pittsburgh Steelers blog. Her previous bylines include Pro Football Focus, NBC Sports Rotoworld and 4for4 Football, among others.
