Fantasy Football Week 12 Sleepers: Need RB help this week? Take the chance on Roschon Johnson

Week 11 wasn’t a perfect week with the sleeper side, no week ever is. Russell Wilson was a huge disappointment and Audric Estimé didn’t accomplish much in Denver. But Taysom Hill and Jerry Jeudy exceeded their expectations, and Will Dissly was also a strong figure. We accept this hit rate every time.

Week 12 is probably the most challenging week of the fantasy season. It’s not just about the six teams in line for byes, but also about the quality of these collective rosters (Bills, Bengals, Falcons, Jets, Jaguars, Saints). You may be having an argument and hopefully we can help you. Keep in mind that you will probably need fewer points than usual to win your fantasy game this week.

WR Quentin Johnston vs. Ravens (47%)

When the Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh, the team’s identity immediately changed. Harbaugh brings a physical, run-oriented style to every squad he coaches and that has been part of the success story this year. But don’t confuse the LAC offense with a unit that deprives the ball of air and only passes out of desperation. The Chargers are in the middle of the pack (19th, to be exact) when it comes to success rate above expectations. Sure it’s not the Air Coryell Chargers, but that’s not a leather helmet offense either.

And now the Chargers host Baltimore, a good team that has struggled with the pass all year. The Ravens have given up the most fantasy points to wideouts this year, and that’s not even close.

Johnston’s development in his second year was an entertaining story in Los Angeles. He has scored touchdowns in three straight weeks and scored a season-best eight goals against Cincinnati. This is the week he leaves the sleeper side and increases his squad title to over 50%.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine at Texans (9%)

I understand anyone’s reluctance to believe in Will Levis. Most of his key passing stats are well below league average. But the Titans have a slim passing tree, and since the DeAndre Hopkins trade, Westbrook-Ikhine has been a key part of that tree.

Westbrook-Ikhine has scored touchdowns in five of six games, and while the first part of that run was a series of short touchdowns, he also showed an ability to penetrate downfield (think of the 98-yard catch-and- run last week). And it’s important to recognize that Westbrook-Ikhine rarely comes off the field these days; Since the Hopkins trade, he has posted a 94% snap share. Houston’s secondary also provides a plus matchup for opposing wide receivers.

WR Alec Pierce vs. Lions (19%)

We saw last week that Anthony Richardson’s return was nothing to fear – the second-year quarterback was outstanding in the comeback win over the Jets. And Richardson and Pierce have shown good rapport all year – Pierce has a solid 60% catch rate on Richardson targets this year and his average reception from Richardson is over 20 yards. The Colts will take deep shots.

The Lions’ defense has quietly become one of the best units in the league – it’s not just Ben Johnson’s outstanding offense that sparked the Detroit revival. But the Lions lost two key members of the defense (pass-rushing ace Aidan Hutchinson, star linebacker Alex Anzalone), and Detroit actually allowed the seventh-most points to opposing wideouts on a weekly basis. Pierce can come home in this matchup.

TE Will Dissly vs. Ravens (45%)

I’m surprised Dissly hasn’t finished this column yet, but it’s coming soon. He’s been the TE12 for the past five weeks, including a TE5 appearance last week. He belongs to the Justin Herbert Circle of Trust. Explosive plays aren’t part of the story here (9.5 YPC), but Dissly has a reliable catch radius.

TE Luke Schoonmaker vs Commanders (6%)

This choice obviously depends on Jake Ferguson’s status – if Ferguson can’t go (concussion), Schoonmaker will take on an important role. We saw Schoonmaker post a TE10 finish in Week 2 when Ferguson couldn’t play, and Schoonmaker had 10 targets and six catches in a pinch last Monday. As a non-starter in Dallas, he took a lot of reps with current QB Cooper Rush. Rapport is important.

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RB Roschon Johnson vs. Vikings (24%)

It’s been a difficult year for running back sleepers considering the overall health of the position. But maybe you need some unusual tips for Week 12, so let’s get going. Johnson has scored five touchdowns as Chicago’s regular goalie, and it’s possible Johnson will need more touches this week with D’Andre Swift nursing a groin injury. Minnesota’s defense is a terrible draw for the Bears, but if you play Johnson this week, you’re betting on touchdown deodorant.

QB Drake Maye at Dolphins (16%)

Maye’s fantasy profile is no different than what Bo Nix offered about a month ago. It’s a hectic backing here and Maye’s passing was better than expected despite the usual supporting cast around him. The Miami defense is a bad draw, there’s no escaping that. But Maye is a solid choice for resourceful running and passing volume, especially considering New England is a 7.5-point underdog in that regard – the game script will likely help his fantasy bottom line.

RB Audric Estimé at Raiders (33%)

I know many fantasy managers will be hesitant to return here. Javonte Williams was great last week, Estimé wasn’t, and Williams has the starting stick. But Sean Payton made it clear that this was a heated situation, and as poorly as Estimé played last week, he still managed nine touches at the end of the game. He brings similar value to a game the Broncos should control as away favorites against the two-win Raiders. You can’t consider Estimé a fantasy ground game, but you can squint and see some advantages.