Fantasy Focus Football — "The BEST WR Starts for Week 12 Fantasy Football" (Nov 20, 2025)

Hosts: Field Yates, Daniel Dopp, Mike Clay
Theme: Week 12 Wide Receiver & Fantasy Starts Preview, Injury Updates, and Key Matchups

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into Week 12 fantasy football analysis, with a focus on the best and riskiest wide receiver starts, plus key quarterback and running back storylines. Field Yates, Daniel Dopp, and Mike Clay break down implications of quarterback injuries and lineup changes, analyze defensive matchups, and discuss pivotal start/sit decisions as fantasy playoff races heat up.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Quarterback Updates: Joe Burrow’s Status and Fantasy Value

Joe Burrow returned to full practice and is targeting a Thanksgiving-ish return. This is a critical note for fantasy managers debating QB options.
- “Burrow being a full participant in practice yesterday means that he took every rep with the starters… I don’t think the Bengals would have Joe Burrow take every first team rep if they didn’t think there was at least a chance he plays on Sunday.” —Field Yates, [03:14]
The group debates who you’d start over Burrow if he’s active. Obvious QBs (Allen, Mahomes, Lamar, etc.) remain ahead, but Burrow hovers around QB9 this week given injury and missing top pass-catcher Jamar Chase.
- “If Joe plays, we’re going to rank him as probably a borderline top eight or nine quarterback.” —Mike Clay, [06:06]
Caveat: If pre-game reporting signals mobility concern, that ranking could drop.

Bengals Receivers: T. Higgins Facing a Tough Matchup

With Jamar Chase suspended, T. Higgins is the de facto WR1 but likely to be shadowed by New England’s Christian Gonzalez.
- “T. Higgins does not [move into the slot]; he’s 88% perimeter the entire game. So they’re gonna be one on one 90% of the time. That gives me a little pause.” —Mike Clay, [08:28]
Higgins’ recent hot streak (WR7 since Week 5) is offset by the expected shadow, making him a “start” but with reduced ceiling.
- “Somewhere between 12 and 15 [fantasy points] is in play for T. Higgins, especially if he does not find the endzone.” —Field Yates, [09:25]

Jets Offense Shakeup: Tyrod Taylor Replaces Justin Fields

The Jets bench Justin Fields for Tyrod Taylor. This boosts pass attempts and potentially helps certain skill players.
- “It’s a more beneficial offense for the pass catchers… Just going to be more pass attempts. Good for the passing game.” —Mike Clay, [11:24]
Breece Hall could benefit with more checkdowns, but no Jets WR is a recommended fantasy play.
Joke: The “dual threat” label is questioned for Fields, calling him a “single threat quarterback” — drawing laughs. [12:42]

WR Deep Dive: Matchups and Start/Sit Guidance

DK Metcalf (Seattle) vs. Chicago Bears

Metcalf is highly touchdown-dependent but in a plus matchup vs. a defense allowing the 2nd most WR TDs.
- “This is probably his easiest matchup of the season… If it doesn’t happen this week, then we have to have a real conversation about him.” —Mike Clay, [17:36]

Jonathan Taylor (RB) & Colts Skill Guys vs. Chiefs Defense

Taylor is a must-start, but the Chiefs D has limited RBs to modest fantasy days for weeks.
- “If Jonathan Taylor only has 16 points this weekend, it’s in the realm of possibilities. It would not be in the realm of possibilities most weeks.” —Field Yates, [20:29]
Daniel Jones is startable but with high risk; Pittman and Alec Pierce (fringe WR3) are also dinged by a tough KC secondary.

Michael Wilson (Arizona) Without Marvin Harrison Jr.

Wilson becomes WR1 with Marvin Harrison Jr. out, coming off a career-best week.
- “With Harrison out, he’s going to see more volume… That’s good enough to make him a fringe wide receiver, too.” —Mike Clay, [35:13]
But lack of previous production and “chasing points” warning: “It feels like we’re going to be doing the same thing with Michael Wilson that people did with Sean Tucker after one big week.” —Daniel Dopp, [37:03]

Roman Wilson (Seattle) vs. Steelers — Bounce Back Spot

After volatility, Roman is in a perfect matchup vs. Pitt ("39.2 points per game to WRs"). High-upside “get-right” scenario.

Justin Jefferson (Vikings) — Value Drop

Jefferson has fallen outside the top-10 WRs due to lackluster QB play and Vikings’ offensive struggles.
- “Daniel obviously talked about how he’s a quarterback-agnostic player… but the Vikings are not a good offense right now.” —Field Yates, [28:50]
Lowered expectations but still a lineup lock.

Shadow Report: Defense vs WR Matchups

WR Upgrades (Positive Matchups)

DK Metcalf (SEA) vs. Bears (already discussed)
Jackson Smith-Njigba (SEA) and Seattle WRs — Titans are now desperate at corner, with low resistance.
- “All of Seattle’s wide receivers, love that.” —Mike Clay, [39:44]
Zay Flowers (BAL) — Jets are vulnerable at WR1 after trading Sauce Gardner.
T.McMillan (CAR) (vs. SF), Xavier Legette (with big game potential) given soft 49ers CBs.

WR Downgrades (Tough Matchups)

T. Higgins vs. Patriots/Christian Gonzalez: already discussed.
George Pickens (DAL) vs. Eagles/Q. Mitchell: Tough prior meeting; slight downgrade but not a bench.
- “I downgraded him a little bit, but I’m still optimistic. I’m at 13 on him.” —Mike Clay, [44:24]
Emeka Buka (LA) vs. Rams/Forbes: Slight knock, but recent shadowed WRs have been fine.

Fun Sidebars:

Extended banter on aesthetically pleasing receivers (“Why is George Pickens the most aesthetically pleasing receiver to watch?” — Mike Clay, [44:41])
Light ribbing over text response delays and mustache filters on the YouTube feed.

Thursday Night Football Preview — Bills at Texans

Matchup Focus

Josh Allen: Home/road splits are extreme; averaging nearly 30 fantasy points at home, just 17.4 on the road. Facing Texans D allowing the 2nd-fewest points to QBs.
- “No quarterback has reached 20 against [Texans]… This is all the makings of a bust game for Josh Allen. But how do you bench him?” —Mike Clay, [52:13]
Start/bench verdict: Hard to bench Allen, but expectation should be lower than usual. Friendly challenge between hosts on whether Allen will be a top-8 fantasy QB this week.
- “Josh Allen is a top eight quarterback in Week 12.” —Daniel Dopp, [54:09]
Woody Marks (Houston RB): Prime spot vs. bad Buffalo run D. Could be a Week 12 surprise starter.
- “If ever there was a night where Houston says to itself: let’s run the football… this is it.” —Field Yates, [55:09]
Quick start/sit calls:
- Bills: Allen, Cook, and (in deep leagues) Khalil Shakir
- Texans: Nico Collins and Woody Marks; others are dart throws

“Monopoly Fund” — Deep League, <0.1% Rostered, Touchdown Picks

Mike: Mitchell Tinsley (CIN WR)
Daniel: Ross Dwelley (SF TE)
Field: KhaDarel Hodge (ATL WR)

Discussion on wins, near-misses, and amusing strategy for this super-deep fantasy flex challenge.
“This is one of those games where Detroit could score 48 points… So is there a chance you’re on the two yard line, you just throw a little tight end?” —Daniel Dopp, [60:51]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“There is no way that you, like… There is no win in this argument because you got to have two or three years to be able to tell [with young QBs].” —Daniel Dopp, [02:09]
“Is Justin Fields really a dual-threat QB or a single-threat?” —Field Yates, [12:49]
“If it doesn’t happen this week [for DK Metcalf], then we have to have a real conversation about him.” —Mike Clay, [17:36]
“How do you possibly bench [Josh Allen]?... Every week matters for your [fantasy] playoff race.” —Field Yates, [09:25, 53:14]
“Feels like we’re going to be doing the same thing with Michael Wilson that we are… with Sean Tucker… After you see a big week and you’re just chasing it.” —Daniel Dopp, [37:03]
“George Pickens is the most aesthetically pleasing receiver to watch.” —Mike Clay, [44:41]

Timestamps for Key Segments

02:52 — Joe Burrow injury status and fantasy outlook
07:18 — T. Higgins evaluation as WR1 vs. Christian Gonzalez
10:52 — New York Jets' quarterback and offense shake-up
15:17 — DK Metcalf & Chicago Bears matchup breakdown
19:28 — Jonathan Taylor and Colts RBs vs. Chiefs
25:59 — Roman Wilson & Steelers WRs’ matchups
27:15 — Justin Jefferson’s rest-of-season outlook
32:55 — Arizona’s RB/WR situation without Marvin Harrison Jr.
38:35 — Start/sit wide receiver upgrades (Shadow Report)
43:15 — Start/sit downgrades for shadowed/covered WRs
48:27 — Thursday Night Football: Bills vs. Texans analysis
51:30 — Josh Allen start/sit debate
54:45 — Texans’ RB Woody Marks as deep sleeper
60:11 — Deep league “Monopoly Fund” touchdown dart throws

Overall Show Vibe & Tone

Consistently informative yet easy-going, the Fantasy Focus trio mixes in stat-driven insights with quick wit and banter, providing actionable advice for all fantasy experience levels. They balance “start your studs” reassurance with practical warnings, specifically for those making tough playoff push decisions.

Bottom Line Takeaways

Joe Burrow (if active) and T. Higgins are viable but lower-upside starts
DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson: Bounce-back “buy-low” options in great spots
Monitor Jets, Cardinals, and Texans for surprise deep league value
Josh Allen—start but temper expectations on the road vs. elite D
Check the Shadow Report for key WR/CB battles before setting lineups
Don’t chase last week’s points blindly, especially with volatile WR2/3s

Fantasy Focus Football — "The BEST WR Starts for Week 12 Fantasy Football" (Nov 20, 2025)

Hosts: Field Yates, Daniel Dopp, Mike Clay
Theme: Week 12 Wide Receiver & Fantasy Starts Preview, Injury Updates, and Key Matchups

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Quarterback Updates: Joe Burrow’s Status and Fantasy Value

Joe Burrow returned to full practice and is targeting a Thanksgiving-ish return. This is a critical note for fantasy managers debating QB options.
- “Burrow being a full participant in practice yesterday means that he took every rep with the starters… I don’t think the Bengals would have Joe Burrow take every first team rep if they didn’t think there was at least a chance he plays on Sunday.” —Field Yates, [03:14]
The group debates who you’d start over Burrow if he’s active. Obvious QBs (Allen, Mahomes, Lamar, etc.) remain ahead, but Burrow hovers around QB9 this week given injury and missing top pass-catcher Jamar Chase.
- “If Joe plays, we’re going to rank him as probably a borderline top eight or nine quarterback.” —Mike Clay, [06:06]
Caveat: If pre-game reporting signals mobility concern, that ranking could drop.

Bengals Receivers: T. Higgins Facing a Tough Matchup

With Jamar Chase suspended, T. Higgins is the de facto WR1 but likely to be shadowed by New England’s Christian Gonzalez.
- “T. Higgins does not [move into the slot]; he’s 88% perimeter the entire game. So they’re gonna be one on one 90% of the time. That gives me a little pause.” —Mike Clay, [08:28]
Higgins’ recent hot streak (WR7 since Week 5) is offset by the expected shadow, making him a “start” but with reduced ceiling.
- “Somewhere between 12 and 15 [fantasy points] is in play for T. Higgins, especially if he does not find the endzone.” —Field Yates, [09:25]

Jets Offense Shakeup: Tyrod Taylor Replaces Justin Fields

The Jets bench Justin Fields for Tyrod Taylor. This boosts pass attempts and potentially helps certain skill players.
- “It’s a more beneficial offense for the pass catchers… Just going to be more pass attempts. Good for the passing game.” —Mike Clay, [11:24]
Breece Hall could benefit with more checkdowns, but no Jets WR is a recommended fantasy play.
Joke: The “dual threat” label is questioned for Fields, calling him a “single threat quarterback” — drawing laughs. [12:42]

WR Deep Dive: Matchups and Start/Sit Guidance

DK Metcalf (Seattle) vs. Chicago Bears

Metcalf is highly touchdown-dependent but in a plus matchup vs. a defense allowing the 2nd most WR TDs.
- “This is probably his easiest matchup of the season… If it doesn’t happen this week, then we have to have a real conversation about him.” —Mike Clay, [17:36]

Jonathan Taylor (RB) & Colts Skill Guys vs. Chiefs Defense

Taylor is a must-start, but the Chiefs D has limited RBs to modest fantasy days for weeks.
- “If Jonathan Taylor only has 16 points this weekend, it’s in the realm of possibilities. It would not be in the realm of possibilities most weeks.” —Field Yates, [20:29]
Daniel Jones is startable but with high risk; Pittman and Alec Pierce (fringe WR3) are also dinged by a tough KC secondary.

Michael Wilson (Arizona) Without Marvin Harrison Jr.

Wilson becomes WR1 with Marvin Harrison Jr. out, coming off a career-best week.
- “With Harrison out, he’s going to see more volume… That’s good enough to make him a fringe wide receiver, too.” —Mike Clay, [35:13]
But lack of previous production and “chasing points” warning: “It feels like we’re going to be doing the same thing with Michael Wilson that people did with Sean Tucker after one big week.” —Daniel Dopp, [37:03]

Roman Wilson (Seattle) vs. Steelers — Bounce Back Spot

After volatility, Roman is in a perfect matchup vs. Pitt ("39.2 points per game to WRs"). High-upside “get-right” scenario.

Justin Jefferson (Vikings) — Value Drop

Jefferson has fallen outside the top-10 WRs due to lackluster QB play and Vikings’ offensive struggles.
- “Daniel obviously talked about how he’s a quarterback-agnostic player… but the Vikings are not a good offense right now.” —Field Yates, [28:50]
Lowered expectations but still a lineup lock.

Shadow Report: Defense vs WR Matchups

WR Upgrades (Positive Matchups)

DK Metcalf (SEA) vs. Bears (already discussed)
Jackson Smith-Njigba (SEA) and Seattle WRs — Titans are now desperate at corner, with low resistance.
- “All of Seattle’s wide receivers, love that.” —Mike Clay, [39:44]
Zay Flowers (BAL) — Jets are vulnerable at WR1 after trading Sauce Gardner.
T.McMillan (CAR) (vs. SF), Xavier Legette (with big game potential) given soft 49ers CBs.

WR Downgrades (Tough Matchups)

T. Higgins vs. Patriots/Christian Gonzalez: already discussed.
George Pickens (DAL) vs. Eagles/Q. Mitchell: Tough prior meeting; slight downgrade but not a bench.
- “I downgraded him a little bit, but I’m still optimistic. I’m at 13 on him.” —Mike Clay, [44:24]
Emeka Buka (LA) vs. Rams/Forbes: Slight knock, but recent shadowed WRs have been fine.

Fun Sidebars:

Extended banter on aesthetically pleasing receivers (“Why is George Pickens the most aesthetically pleasing receiver to watch?” — Mike Clay, [44:41])
Light ribbing over text response delays and mustache filters on the YouTube feed.

Thursday Night Football Preview — Bills at Texans

Matchup Focus

Josh Allen: Home/road splits are extreme; averaging nearly 30 fantasy points at home, just 17.4 on the road. Facing Texans D allowing the 2nd-fewest points to QBs.
- “No quarterback has reached 20 against [Texans]… This is all the makings of a bust game for Josh Allen. But how do you bench him?” —Mike Clay, [52:13]
Start/bench verdict: Hard to bench Allen, but expectation should be lower than usual. Friendly challenge between hosts on whether Allen will be a top-8 fantasy QB this week.
- “Josh Allen is a top eight quarterback in Week 12.” —Daniel Dopp, [54:09]
Woody Marks (Houston RB): Prime spot vs. bad Buffalo run D. Could be a Week 12 surprise starter.
- “If ever there was a night where Houston says to itself: let’s run the football… this is it.” —Field Yates, [55:09]
Quick start/sit calls:
- Bills: Allen, Cook, and (in deep leagues) Khalil Shakir
- Texans: Nico Collins and Woody Marks; others are dart throws

“Monopoly Fund” — Deep League, <0.1% Rostered, Touchdown Picks

Mike: Mitchell Tinsley (CIN WR)
Daniel: Ross Dwelley (SF TE)
Field: KhaDarel Hodge (ATL WR)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“There is no way that you, like… There is no win in this argument because you got to have two or three years to be able to tell [with young QBs].” —Daniel Dopp, [02:09]
“Is Justin Fields really a dual-threat QB or a single-threat?” —Field Yates, [12:49]
“If it doesn’t happen this week [for DK Metcalf], then we have to have a real conversation about him.” —Mike Clay, [17:36]
“How do you possibly bench [Josh Allen]?... Every week matters for your [fantasy] playoff race.” —Field Yates, [09:25, 53:14]
“Feels like we’re going to be doing the same thing with Michael Wilson that we are… with Sean Tucker… After you see a big week and you’re just chasing it.” —Daniel Dopp, [37:03]
“George Pickens is the most aesthetically pleasing receiver to watch.” —Mike Clay, [44:41]

Timestamps for Key Segments

02:52 — Joe Burrow injury status and fantasy outlook
07:18 — T. Higgins evaluation as WR1 vs. Christian Gonzalez
10:52 — New York Jets' quarterback and offense shake-up
15:17 — DK Metcalf & Chicago Bears matchup breakdown
19:28 — Jonathan Taylor and Colts RBs vs. Chiefs
25:59 — Roman Wilson & Steelers WRs’ matchups
27:15 — Justin Jefferson’s rest-of-season outlook
32:55 — Arizona’s RB/WR situation without Marvin Harrison Jr.
38:35 — Start/sit wide receiver upgrades (Shadow Report)
43:15 — Start/sit downgrades for shadowed/covered WRs
48:27 — Thursday Night Football: Bills vs. Texans analysis
51:30 — Josh Allen start/sit debate
54:45 — Texans’ RB Woody Marks as deep sleeper
60:11 — Deep league “Monopoly Fund” touchdown dart throws

Overall Show Vibe & Tone

Bottom Line Takeaways

Joe Burrow (if active) and T. Higgins are viable but lower-upside starts
DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson: Bounce-back “buy-low” options in great spots
Monitor Jets, Cardinals, and Texans for surprise deep league value
Josh Allen—start but temper expectations on the road vs. elite D
Check the Shadow Report for key WR/CB battles before setting lineups
Don’t chase last week’s points blindly, especially with volatile WR2/3s

The BEST WR Starts for Week 12 Fantasy Football | Fantasy Focus 🏈

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Summary

Fantasy Focus Football — "The BEST WR Starts for Week 12 Fantasy Football" (Nov 20, 2025)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Quarterback Updates: Joe Burrow’s Status and Fantasy Value

Bengals Receivers: T. Higgins Facing a Tough Matchup

Jets Offense Shakeup: Tyrod Taylor Replaces Justin Fields

WR Deep Dive: Matchups and Start/Sit Guidance

DK Metcalf (Seattle) vs. Chicago Bears

Jonathan Taylor (RB) & Colts Skill Guys vs. Chiefs Defense

Michael Wilson (Arizona) Without Marvin Harrison Jr.

Roman Wilson (Seattle) vs. Steelers — Bounce Back Spot

Justin Jefferson (Vikings) — Value Drop

Shadow Report: Defense vs WR Matchups

WR Upgrades (Positive Matchups)

WR Downgrades (Tough Matchups)

Fun Sidebars:

Thursday Night Football Preview — Bills at Texans

Matchup Focus

“Monopoly Fund” — Deep League, <0.1% Rostered, Touchdown Picks

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Overall Show Vibe & Tone

Bottom Line Takeaways

Summary

Fantasy Focus Football — "The BEST WR Starts for Week 12 Fantasy Football" (Nov 20, 2025)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Quarterback Updates: Joe Burrow’s Status and Fantasy Value

Bengals Receivers: T. Higgins Facing a Tough Matchup

Jets Offense Shakeup: Tyrod Taylor Replaces Justin Fields

WR Deep Dive: Matchups and Start/Sit Guidance

DK Metcalf (Seattle) vs. Chicago Bears

Jonathan Taylor (RB) & Colts Skill Guys vs. Chiefs Defense

Michael Wilson (Arizona) Without Marvin Harrison Jr.

Roman Wilson (Seattle) vs. Steelers — Bounce Back Spot

Justin Jefferson (Vikings) — Value Drop

Shadow Report: Defense vs WR Matchups

WR Upgrades (Positive Matchups)

WR Downgrades (Tough Matchups)

Fun Sidebars:

Thursday Night Football Preview — Bills at Texans

Matchup Focus

“Monopoly Fund” — Deep League, <0.1% Rostered, Touchdown Picks

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Overall Show Vibe & Tone

Bottom Line Takeaways