The Fantasy 32 analyzes the NFL from a fantasy football perspective, with one capsule for each of the league's 32 teams. Although efficiency will be discussed plenty, the column will lean heavily on usage data, as volume is king in fantasy football. Use these tidbits to make the best waiver wire pickups, trade decisions and lineup sit/start choices for the upcoming week and beyond. Be sure to check back each week of the season for a new version of the Fantasy 32.
You might have noticed that starting with Week 10, the Fantasy 32 has undergone a slight format change and -- more importantly -- is available earlier than usual. Because we want to get you snap and usage information as soon as possible, the Fantasy 32 will now initially be released on Sunday night with analysis of all teams other than those yet to play that week. The clubs playing on Sunday and Monday night will be added once those games conclude. The OFP leaderboards that usually lead this column aren't calculated until the day after each game, so going forward, be sure to check out the complete OFP and OTD charts, which are updated every Tuesday at ESPN+.
Team-by-team rundowns
Scan through all 32 NFL teams alphabetically, or click here to jump ahead to your team:
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAC | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WAS
Arizona Cardinals
With Larry Fitzgerald (COVID list) out on Sunday, the Cardinals' wide receiver snaps were as follows: DeAndre Hopkins - 68 (97%), Christian Kirk - 61, Andy Isabella - 39, KeeSean Johnson - 8. Arizona didn't do much through the air (170 yards, 0 TDs) and Hopkins led the team in both targets (seven) and receiving yards (55). Isabella obviously got the big boost in usage with Fitzgerald out, but managed only a 4-33-0 receiving line on six targets. Arizona has another tough challenge in Week 13 against a Rams' defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers, so Hopkins remains the only lineup lock from this group.
Atlanta Falcons
Todd Gurley II was out with an injury on Sunday, which opened the door for another start for Brian Hill. It didn't go well for the veteran back. Hill was held to 55 yards on 13 carries and didn't catch his only target. Hill played 34 snaps (47%), compared to 27 for Ito Smith and six for Tony Brooks-James. Smith was the best fantasy performer of the group with a 12-65-1 rushing line and 10 yards on five targets. The Falcons face an elite Saints' run defense in Week 13, so, even if Gurley remains out, Smith and Hill won't be strong RB2 plays. If you're forced to pick one for your flex, Smith's performance on Sunday suggests he's the play.
Baltimore Ravens
With Lamar Jackson sidelined against the Steelers on Wednesday, Ravens quarterbacks Robert Griffin III and Trace McSorley combined to complete 9 of 18 pass attempts for 110 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. That performance would've looked even worse had Marquise Brown not busted loose for a 70-yard catch-and-run touchdown. Griffin (68 yards on seven carries) and McSorley (16 yards on three carries) are both mobile and added some value with their legs, but the minimal passing contributions were obviously problematic. Jackson may return in Week 13, but if not, neither Griffin or McSorley will be a recommended fantasy starter against Dallas. That also applies to all Ravens' skill position players not named Mark Andrews.
Buffalo Bills
With John Brown on injured reserve, Gabriel Davis played 56 (97%) of 58 snaps against the Chargers. That matched Stefon Diggs for most among the team's wide receivers, with Cole Beasley (49 snaps), Isaiah McKenzie (12) and Jake Kumerow (one) also involved. Whereas Diggs struggled to 39 yards on nine targets in the game, Davis put up a healthy 3-79-1 receiving line on only four targets. Davis' previous two receiving lines in games Brown missed -- 5-58-0 and 1-11-0 -- weren't overly inspiring, but it's clear he'll be operating as an every-down player in a high-scoring, pass-heavy scheme. The rookie is worth a roster spot and flex consideration when the matchup is right.
Carolina Panthers
Robby Anderson scored a touchdown on Sunday, which may not seem like a big deal, except that it's his first score since Week 1. Anderson entered Week 12 as the No. 13-scoring fantasy wide receiver despite some poor touchdown luck (2.9 OTD, 1 TD). We'd still like to see more usage near the goal line, but Anderson handled seven targets on Sunday and has now reached that mark for the ninth time in 12 games this season. Carolina is headed to its bye, but Anderson will be a must-start WR2 once the Panthers are back on the field.
Chicago Bears
David Montgomery (concussion) returned from a one-game absence on Sunday night and stepped right back into a workhorse role. The second-year back played 56 (86%) of a possible 65 snaps and has now been on the field for more than 80% of Chicago's offensive plays in each of the past six games he's played in full. That streak traces back to Week 4, which, of course, is the first game Chicago was without Tarik Cohen. Montgomery's heavy usage on Sunday led to a season-best fantasy showing, as he put up an 11-103-0 rushing line and added 40 yards and one touchdown on six targets. Despite missing a game, Montgomery is up to 14th at running back in fantasy points. He's finished seven of his past nine outings as a top-26 fantasy back. As noted many, many, many times in recent weeks, Montgomery has an extremely light remaining schedule. He's proven to be a high-floor RB2 and Sunday showed that he has RB1 upside. He'll have another shot at a huge game with Detroit on deck this week.
Cincinnati Bengals
Brandon Allen was under center in place of Joe Burrow on Sunday and the results were about as expected. Allen completed 17 of 29 passes for 136 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. No Bengals' player cleared 44 receiving yards and the lone touchdown went to Tee Higgins. Boyd led the team with six targets, but Higgins and Drew Sample (five) were the only other Bengals with more than three. It's a tough pill to swallow, but Boyd and Higgins remain very risky flex plays with Cincinnati in such rough shape at quarterback. The Bengals' offense will have its hands full on the road against a decent Miami defense in Week 13.
Cleveland Browns
In last week's version of this column, we noted that Jarvis Landry was likely on track for an uptick in production following three-consecutive bad weather games. That was the case on Sunday in an elite matchup against Jacksonville. Cleveland's slot man was targeted a game-high 11 times and posted an 8-143-1 receiving line. Incredibly, the big day marks Landry's first weekly finish better than 24th this season and only his third better than 36th. Landry will still need to overcome Cleveland's extremely run-heavy offense, but he's not going to be short targets as the team's only starting caliber wide receiver and he has another good matchup (Tennessee) in Week 13. Landry is a fine WR3 option.
Dallas Cowboys
Amari Cooper posted a 6-112-1 receiving line on eight targets against Washington on Thanksgiving. No other Dallas player had more than 41 receiving yards or scored a touchdown in the game. Cooper has continued to produce solid numbers sans Dak Prescott (67-plus yards in five of six games), but he's on an island in that regard. Michael Gallup hasn't cleared 61 yards since Prescott's last game and he hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 3. CeeDee Lamb scored in two of his past three games, but has 34 or fewer receiving yards in four of his past five games. Dalton Schultz hasn't cleared 53 yards in a game since Prescott went down and has one touchdown during the span. Ezekiel Elliott has three or fewer targets and 18 or fewer receiving yards in five straight outings. Elliott and Cooper are the only Cowboys' players you should feel somewhat comfortable starting right now.
Denver Broncos
With all of their quarterbacks on the COVID list, the Broncos rolled with practice squad QB Kendall Hinton as it's "quarterback" on Sunday. It didn't go well. Hinton was on the field for 24 (56%) of the team's 43 offensive snaps. He completed only one of nine pass attempts for 13 yards and two interceptions, adding 7 yards on two carries. Royce Freeman (nine snaps at QB), Phillip Lindsay (seven) and Melvin Gordon (three) also took direct snaps in the game, but Denver was limited to 100 yards on 33 carries. The Broncos will have a real quarterback under center in Week 13 against the Chiefs, so the likes of Noah Fant, Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler will return to fantasy relevance.
Detroit Lions
Mohamed Sanu Sr. put 32 yards and a touchdown on the board on four targets against Houston on Thanksgiving. Before you consider grabbing the vet off waivers, keep in mind that he was limited to 47% of the snaps and that was with both Kenny Golladay and Danny Amendola sidelined. Marvin Jones Jr. (82% of the snaps), Marvin Hall (61%), Jamal Agnew (32%) and Quintez Cephus (30%) were all plenty involved as well. Sanu very well could settle in as the No. 4 receiver down the stretch, but he's nowhere close to fantasy value.
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Jones ran for 90 yards on 17 carries and caught one of two targets for zero yards against the Bears on Sunday night. The 10-point effort was disappointing, but also his fewest in a game this season. Jones entered the game having finished all eight weeks he was active as a top-17 fantasy back. Jones played 53% of the snaps on Sunday, compared to 47% for Jamaal Williams. That may seem low, but note that it's only slightly below his season average of 58%. Fantasy's No. 5-scoring RB has another tough matchup this week against Philadelphia, but he's sitting pretty during the fantasy playoffs with Detroit, Carolina and Tennessee on the slate. Don't panic -- Jones is still a strong RB1.
Houston Texans
Jordan Akins played 48% of the offensive snaps and was held without a catch on two targets against the Lions on Thanksgiving. This, after Akins exploded for a 5-83-0 receiving line on six targets against the Patriots only four days earlier. Akins hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 1 and he's fallen short of 20 yards in four of his past five games. Akins has occasionally appeared to be on the verge of a breakout this season, but as has been the case for a laundry list of tight ends, he simply hasn't been able to produce at a consistently-high level. Akins, who has one top-12 weekly finish in 2020, shouldn't be in lineups and also isn't the most-attractive dynasty asset at age-28.
Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor (COVID list) was out on Sunday, which allowed Nyheim Hines (44 snaps, 66%) and Jordan Wilkins (23, 34%) to handle all of the Colts' backfield snaps. Neither back did much on the ground (51 yards on 16 combined carries) and backup QB Jacoby Brissett vulture both of the team's rushing touchdowns. Hines made up for it through the air, as he posted a strong 8-66-0 receiving line on 10 targets. Wilkins managed 35 yards on four targets. This backfield has a good matchup against the Texans in Week 13, but the value of each back will depend on Taylor's status. If the rookie returns, he'll be the preferred RB2 with Hines a flex and Wilkins a bench hold. If Taylor remains out, Hines will, once again, be the preferred RB2 with Wilkins a flex.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars' wide receiver room was shaken up a bit on Sunday with both D.J. Chark and Chris Conley sidelined with injuries. Keelan Cole paced the group with 56 snaps (93%), with rookies Laviska Shenault (54) and Collin Johnson (54) filling out a majority of three-wide sets (Trey Quinn played only two snaps). Fifth-round rookie Johnson came out of nowhere to produce a 4-96-1 receiving line on a team-high eight targets. Cole (3-44-0 receiving line on six targets) and Shenault (3-31-0 on four targets and 6 yards on one carry) weren't close to viable fantasy assets. This group is set up with a pretty attractive matchup against Minnesota in Week 13, but the health of Chark and Conley will determine if any belong on the flex radar. Johnson should only be prioritized on waivers in very deep and dynasty leagues.
Kansas City Chiefs
Sammy Watkins returned on Sunday after missing five games due to injury. The 27-year-old played 75% of the offensive snaps, which trailed only Tyreek Hill (88%) among the team's wide receivers and was ahead of Demarcus Robinson (69%), Mecole Hardman (26%) and Marcus Kemp (4%). Watkins was targeted seven times (only Hill and Travis Kelce had more) and posted a 4-38-0 receiving line. Watkins came out strong in Week 1 again this season, but was fantasy's No. 36 WR prior to his Week 5 injury and he's scored only two touchdowns during his past 18 regular season games. The No. 2 wide receiver in the Chiefs' high-scoring offense, Watkins is on the flex radar in 12-team leagues, but he has produced well enough to qualify as a lineup lock.
Las Vegas Raiders
Hunter Renfrow showed up with a solid 7-73-0 receiving line on nine targets in Sunday's blowout loss in Atlanta. The slot man played 67.2% of the offensive snaps, which is the third-highest rate in his career and his highest since Week 17 of last season. Despite the increased usage and respectable fantasy week, Renfrow isn't yet a viable WR3 or flex option. Renfrow's nine targets on Sunday were his most since Week 4 and he had seen fewer than five in each of his previous four games. In fact, Renfrow has cleared 42 receiving yards in only four of 11 games and has a total of two touchdowns this season. He entered Week 12 with one weekly finish better than 35th and zero better than 14th.
Los Angeles Chargers
Austin Ekeler returned from injury reserve on Sunday and played 73% of the offensive snaps. His 58 snaps put him well ahead of Joshua Kelley (17) and Troymaine Pope (six). Ekeler didn't do much damage on the ground (14-44-0 rushing line), but as usual, he dominated through the air with game-highs in targets (16), receptions (11) and receiving yards (85). Ekeler was the No. 6-scoring fantasy RB prior to his Week 4 injury and his Week 12 usage suggests he's a shoe-in for PPR RB1 production moving forward.
Los Angeles Rams
The nightmare fuel that is the Rams backfield was at it again on Sunday as Cam Akers played only 16 snaps (26%), but rand for 84 yards and one touchdown on nine carries. Early-season fantasy hero Darrell Henderson's fade from relevance continued as he posted an ugly 10-19-0 rushing line while adding zero as a receiver on 20 snaps. Malcolm Brown led the trio with 25 snaps, but was held to 4 yards on three carries and 15 yards on three targets. Henderson hasn't posted a top-24 fantasy outing since Week 5, Brown has one top-20 since Week 2 and Sunday marked Akers first-career top-30 week. None of these backs are recommended fantasy starts.
Miami Dolphins
Another week, a new lead back for the Dolphins. With Myles Gaskin still out and Salvon Ahmed sidelined, DeAndre Washington paced the Miami backfield in snaps (32 or 47%), carries (13) and targets (five). That didn't lead to much fantasy production (60 yards), though the 15 touches is nothing to sneeze at. Matt Breida played 23 snaps and produced 53 yards on 10 touches. Patrick Laird's 10 snaps resulted in 9 yards on one carry. Miami obviously has no interest in taking a long look at Breida, so he shouldn't be on rosters. Washington will be on the flex radar against the Bengals in Week 13 only if Gaskin and/or Ahmed remain out.
Minnesota Vikings
Adam Thielen (COVID list) was sidelined on Sunday, which opened the door for Olabisi Johnson (57 of 72 snaps), Chad Beebe (34) and Tajae Shape (seven) to play an increased role behind Justin Jefferson (71). Incredibly, Johnson (7-74-0 on seven targets), Beebe (7-63-1 on seven targets), Jefferson (7-70-2 on 13 targets) and even Kyle Rudolph (7-68-0 on eight targets) all put together quality fantasy performances in Minnesota's traditionally run-heavy scheme. Minnesota plays Jacksonville in Week 13, so there's an opportunity for more production, but Johnson, Beebe and Rudolph will only be on the fantasy radar if Thielen and Irv Smith Jr. remain out. Don't overpay on waivers for these guys, as weekly production is an extreme longshot.
New England Patriots
Damien Harris played a career-high 33 snaps (65%) against Arizona on Sunday. The boost in usage wasn't shocking with Rex Burkhead on injured reserve, though Harris worked well ahead of James White (19 snaps) and Sony Michel (one). Harris put a 14-47-0 rushing line on the board, but wasn't targeted. White was held to 17 scrimmage yards on six touches, but scored both of New England's touchdowns. There simply wasn't much offense to go around in a game in which the Patriots ran 51 plays and totaled 179 yards. If New England sticks with this Harris/White duo, both backs will be on the flex radar. That's especially the case in Week 13 against a struggling Chargers' run defense.
New Orleans Saints
Latavius Murray rolled over the Broncos for 19 carries, 124 yards and a pair of touchdowns on Sunday. It was the second occasion this season in which Murray cleared 12 carries and scored twice this season and, as we told you last time it happened, do not expect this to be a recurring theme. Aside of those two games, Murray has zero touchdowns and no games with more than 64 rushing yards. Murray has been a non-factor as a receiver, as well, with a total of 17 targets in 11 games. The veteran back now has three weekly finishes better than 35th (two better than 25th) this season. He's basically Frank Gore except with less volume, though he's obviously an elite insurance option behind Alvin Kamara.
New York Giants
Darius Slayton did not catch a pass against the Bengals on Sunday. The second-year receiver's boom/bust season continues, as he has a two-touchdown game under his belt, as well as two other games with 93-plus receiving yards, but also four games with 33 or fewer yards and zero touchdowns. In fact, Slayton has failed to clear 6 yards in two of his past three games. Slayton played 70% of the offensive snaps on Sunday, so playing time wasn't an issue, but he also ran 22 of his 29 routes against standout corner William Jackson. Slayton is too risky to start most weeks, but he'll be a viable deep league flex option when the matchup is positive. That will be the case against the Seahawks in Week 13.
New York Jets
With rookie La'Mical Perine on injured reserve, Frank Gore predictably dominated the backfield touches. The 57-year-old carried the ball 18 times for 74 yards and added 12 yards on three catches. Gore was on the field for 30 snaps (57%), compared to 10 for Ty Johnson and one for Josh Adams. Johnson and Adams combined for 5 yards on four touches in the loss. Gore now has double-digit carries in nine games this season, though he's hit double-digit fantasy points only three times. Gore's heavy usage supplies him with a floor of a handful of points, but he has a very low ceiling and should only be considered for a flex spot if you're desperate in a deep league.
Philadelphia Eagles
Travis Fulgham was held to 16 yards on two targets while playing on only 34 (52%) out of 66 snaps against Seattle on Monday Night Football. It's the least playing time and lowest target total that Fulgham has seen since joining the Eagles before Week 4. Fulgham, who had played on 89% of snaps during his past six games, has plummeted off the fantasy map with 1-8-0, 1-8-0 and 2-16-0 receiving lines during his past three outings. Despite the struggles, Fulgham had been seeing plenty of targets (five-plus in six straight games), but that obviously changed on Monday. With Carson Wentz struggling and the Eagles committed to working Alshon Jeffery into the offense, Fulgham can no longer be trusted for fantasy lineups.
Pittsburgh Steelers
With James Conner (COVID-19) out Wednesday, Benny Snell Jr. played 50 (70%) of a possible 71 snaps to lead the Steelers' backfield. Rookie Anthony McFarland Jr. was on the field for 14 plays in a change-of-pace role. Snell ran for 60 yards on 16 carries and added 33 yards on four targets against a good Ravens' defense. McFarland chipped in with 9 yards on three carries and 17 yards on his lone target. Considering that he tested positive, it's possible Conner will be sidelined again in Week 13 against a good Washington run defense. In that scenario. Snell would be positioned to handle 15-plus carries, but his upside will be limited a bit in an offense that rarely targets its backs. Consider him a mid-to-back end RB2 option, whereas McFarland can be dropped.
San Francisco 49ers
Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson were activated from injured reserve on Sunday and both played a sizable role against the Rams. Mostert handled 28 (40%) of 70 snaps and posted a strong 16-43-1 rushing line. Wilson played 24 snaps and added 43 yards on 12 carries. The two backs combined for zero catches, but managed 28 of the team's 33 rushing attempts. Jerick McKinnon (18 snaps) produced 21 yards on three carries and 11 yards on three targets. Mostert has appeared in five games this season and has finished all of them as a top-25 fantasy back. Tevin Coleman is due back as soon as next week, but Mostert has settled in as the clear lead dog. He's in the RB2 mix against the Bills in Week 13.
Seattle Seahawks
On Monday Night Football, the Seahawks were without Greg Olsen (IR) for the first time this season. The result was a boost in usage for Will Dissly (playing on 73% of snaps), Jacob Hollister (55%) and rookie Colby Parkinson (15%). Despite the generous snap counts, none of the trio was close to fantasy relevance. Dissly and Parkinson weren't targeted, and Hollister posted only a 2-11-0 receiving line on five targets. Dissly has been targeted more than twice in only one game this season, but the season high in snaps suggests better days are ahead. The third-year tight end was producing TE1 numbers prior to a season-ending injury last season, and while we can't count on that just yet, we know the upside is there. Consider both Dissly and Hollister as borderline TE2 options for the time being.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
One week after Antonio Brown dominated the targets, it was everyone other than Brown who went off against the Chiefs. Rob Gronkowski (6-106-0 receiving line), Chris Godwin (8-97-0) and touchdown-machine Mike Evans (3-50-2) were each targeted at least seven times, whereas Brown (2-11-0) was limited to three. The good news is that Brown played 71% of the offensive snaps (39 of 55), which wasn't significantly lower than the 91% played by Evans and Godwin. Brown has yet to score a touchdown or clear 69 yards in a game since returning to action in Week 9, but he is averaging a healthy 7.3 targets per game in a high-scoring offense. Tampa Bay is headed to its bye, but once they return, Gronkowski, Evans and Godwin will be solid fantasy starters, whereas Brown is best-viewed as a flex with upside.
Tennessee Titans
Derrick Henry exploded for 178 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries against the Colts on Sunday. The oversized superstar back has now carried the ball at least 27 times in back-to-back games and has reached 100 rushing yards seven times this season, including in four of his past five. Henry remains a non-factor as a receiver (14-93-0 receiving line this season), but that isn't a necessity when you have 12 touchdowns and are running for 114.3 yards per game. Fantasy's No. 3 RB has a very favorable rest-of-season schedule and should obviously be locked into 100% of lineups.
Washington Football Team
Antonio Gibson exploded for 115 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries while adding 21 yards on seven targets against Dallas on Thanksgiving. Gibson has been on an absolute roll with eight rushing touchdowns during his past five games (he's up to 11 for the season), though perhaps the biggest development here pertains to his usage. The rookie easily set new career-highs in snaps percentage (67%) and targets (seven). J.D. McKissic, meanwhile, played a healthy 39% of the snaps, but was only targeted twice. Peyton Barber played 26% of the snaps and wasn't targeted, but posted an 11-57-0 rushing line with Washington ahead throughout most of the game. Gibson was already fantasy's No. 11 scoring RB prior to Thanksgiving's performance and so the increase in usage, especially in the passing game, very much puts him on the weekly RB1 radar. Gibson hasn't finished a week worse than 28th in fantasy points since his NFL debut and he hasn't finished worse than 18th since Week 6.