FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast – "5 Moves You Need to Make Ahead of Week 12" (Ep. 1849)

Date: November 18, 2025
Hosts: Ryan Wormley & Tara Roberts

Overview:

This episode zeros in on actionable moves fantasy football managers should make heading into Week 12—the critical do-or-die stretch for playoff contention. Ryan and Tara revisit the standard format: two key "buy" candidates, two "sell" recommendations (including a two-for-one team evaluation), and one player you can confidently drop from your roster. The hosts use consensus rankings and recent real-world developments to frame every recommendation for maximum rest-of-season impact.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Buy Candidates

a. Stefon Diggs – Considered an Underrated Buy

• [01:26] Tara: Stefon Diggs’ season has flown under the radar, primarily because of a slow start and questions about his role post-injury. However, his numbers have been quietly strong:
  • Averaging 13 PPR points per game this season; 14.8 PPR since the ramp-up after early weeks.
  • Four straight games with either a touchdown or 100+ receiving yards.
  • Improved quarterback play, with Drake May shifting focus to wide receivers instead of tight ends, benefits Diggs.
  • Upcoming schedule is among the league’s easiest (faces Cincinnati, Giants, Bucs, Buffalo, Baltimore, finishes with Jets).
• Quote:

  "He's finally getting the touchdowns coming through here with Kayshon Boutte out. ... The schedule being so advantageous, here is why we want to buy in on him." – Tara Roberts [01:26]

• Key Insight: Diggs is a strong buy, particularly for playoff-bound teams looking to shore up their flex/WR2 slot with a player offering a high floor and upside.

b. Breece Hall – Buy the Dip After a Down Week

• [04:55] Tara: Despite an overall disappointing Jets offense, Hall has been productive and is "the only viable weapon left."
  • RB16 in fantasy points per game heading into Week 12.
  • Potential uptick in opportunity with Tyrod Taylor at QB, especially pass game usage (noted drop in targets recently, but expect that to rise).
  • Half his games are top-20 RB performances despite matchups and offensive dysfunction.
  • Rest-of-season schedule is "fantastic across all positions."
• Quote:

  "The fact that he's even been able to produce anything on the ground at all... is highly impressive there." – Tara Roberts [04:55]

• Key Insight: Hall is a solid RB2 for rest of season, especially as volume and targets should increase with a quarterback change and an injury-thinned supporting cast.

2. Sell Candidates

a. Chargers (Focus: Lad McConkey & Justin Herbert)

• [10:46] Tara: Chargers' offense has entered a precarious state after losing essential O-Line pieces (Joe Alt injury the "last straw").
  • Pass protection breakdowns have capped Herbert’s upside, even in good matchups.
  • Remaining schedule: Brutal stretch after Week 13 (Eagles, Chiefs, Cowboys, Texans).
  • Lad McConkey has name value but faces uncertain production ahead.
  • Selling Herbert is appealing, given thin waiver QBs in many leagues.
  • Comparison tip: Consider pivoting for steadier, similarly ranked options like Nico Collins.
• Quote:

  "If they can't [fix the offensive line], the Chargers have a really rough road ahead... I would tell you to bail out on the entire offense, but unfortunately you can't." – Tara Roberts [10:50]

• Advice:
  If forced to pick, move Herbert instead of McConkey, as there’s still demand/value for a top-6 consensus QB despite issues.

  "I would rather move Herbert. ... he still has value. I would probably keep McConkey because at the very least I know for sure that McConkey is at least the wide receiver one there." – Tara Roberts [14:06]

b. Tyrone Tracy Jr. – Sell High Off a Good Game

• [14:48] Tara: Tracy is trending as a classic sell-high:
  • The backfield is a committee, not a clear lead role.
  • Most recent production (vs. Packers) inflated due to a favorable matchup and a temporary starting QB boost (Jameis Winston).
  • Upcoming schedule: Detroit and New England (weeks 13-14) are brutal for RBs.
  • Long-term role unproven; rookie volatility and reliance on specific matchup/game script.
  • RB29 in consensus—reasonable, but primed for regression.
• Quote:

  "If you're looking at starting him over the next couple of weeks, that's a no-go." – Tara Roberts [14:48]

• Advice: Package or swap Tracy for a comparable RB, or a position of need, especially if you’re a playoff-bound roster.

3. Drop Candidate

Jacory Croskey-Merritt – Time to Let Go

• [18:40] Tara: Despite lingering hope for a late breakout, it’s time to move on:
  • Six straight games with max 5 fantasy points
  • No longer the starting RB; Chris Rodriguez has taken the larger share.
  • Even in favorable game scripts (when Commanders win), production hasn’t shifted.
  • Better to use the roster spot on high-upside handcuffs or players with real standalone value.
• Quote:

  "[He] is a handcuff in a committee and that’s generally never what we really want there. He should not be higher rostered than all of these high end handcuffs we have on waivers." – Tara Roberts [18:40]

• Advice: Drop him for any high-upside stash (Ollie Gordon, Bashuel Tootin, etc.).
• Ryan echoes:

  "I could not be more on board with this... no interest in having him on my roster, no interest in starting him whatsoever." – Ryan Wormley [20:11]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Diggs as a play:

  "Three straight games with a touchdown prior to this last week is definitely encouraging in that direction. ... Feels like a really high floor receiver." – Ryan Wormley [03:07]

• On RB ranks drop-off:

  "It's a nice little cutoff point where he is the last of guys that you know is like a lead back for sure." – Tara Roberts [08:08]

• On Chargers offense:

  "I would rather move Herbert... at least McConkey is the wide receiver one there." – Tara Roberts [14:06]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening / Rest-of-Season Rankings Reminder: [00:04-01:26]
• Buy Stefon Diggs [01:26–04:53]
• Buy Breece Hall [04:55–08:34]
• Sell: Chargers (Herbert & McConkey) [10:46–14:46]
• Sell: Tyrone Tracy Jr. [14:48–17:47]
• Drop: Jacory Croskey-Merritt [18:40–20:11]

In Summary

• Player to Buy: Stefon Diggs (high floor, juicy schedule), Breece Hall (undervalued, volume + schedule).
• Player(s) to Sell: Chargers key pieces (Herbert/McConkey) due to offensive line issues and brutal upcoming schedule; Tyrone Tracy Jr. (committee, tough matchups, sell high appeal).
• Player to Drop: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (committee role, lack of production, better options on waivers).

This episode is an excellent, up-to-the-minute guide for fantasy managers aiming to maximize roster value, make strategic trades, and cut dead weight for the do-or-die playoff push.