The Ringer Fantasy Football Show: Week 12 Preview

Hosts: Danny Heifetz, Danny Kelly (DK), Craig Horlbeck
Release Date: November 21, 2025
Episode Theme:
Comprehensive preview of NFL Week 12: high-stakes matchups, surprising team narratives, fantasy football advice, and the wildest trends around the league—plus quirky asides about player weights, internet virality, and what actually matters down the season’s backstretch.

Main Theme Overview

The hosts break down all of Week 12’s games with a focus on the season's biggest surprises—like the Colts’ ascension, the Chiefs’ struggles, and evolving fantasy football trust issues. Key debates swirl around which teams and players are legit, injury impact, and how to navigate fantasy lineups as the playoffs approach. Notably, the show’s signature banter roves from hard stats and analysis to weird NFL trivia and pop-culture crossovers (including the “shin mime” phenomenon).

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Game of the Week: Colts @ Chiefs

Mahomes in the 1pm Window
- Rare to see Patrick Mahomes playing among the early slate. ["It's disrespectful to put him among seven or eight other games amongst the plebs." – Craig, 03:05]
Shocking Season Narratives
- The 8-2 Colts vs. the 5-5 Chiefs—a reversal no one predicted.
- Daniel Jones at the helm of the Colts is the league’s top surprise. ["This is the type of thing you just can't make up." – DK, 04:00]
Matchup Analysis
- Colts’ success driven by play-action, high points per drive, and Daniel Jones’ resurgence.
- Chiefs’ offensive woes: can’t run, Mahomes can’t hit deep balls (1-for-9 on passes 15+ yards vs. Denver).
- Defenses: after promising starts, both have slid; Chiefs' DC Steve Spagnuolo called “predictable” by Chris Jones; Colts missing DeForest Buckner.
Xavier Worthy & Chiefs’ WRs
- Chiefs lack man-beating WRs; Worthy’s physicality and usage compared to Rashee Rice.

Notable Quotes

"This is like the ultimate what does my heart tell me versus what does my brain tell me game." – Craig, 05:42
"Mahomes even said it himself: ‘We just gotta prove that we can do it [beat man coverage].’" – DK, 08:12

Injury Watch

Daniel Jones added to the injury report with a calf issue, but not expected to miss the game. ["As of right now, I'm not sensing any reason for alarm..." – DK, 09:55]

2. Steelers @ Bears: The “Con Men” Bowl

Roethlisberger has a broken wrist; likely to play but could affect the offensive game plan. ["I do fear that this is just going to simplify the Steelers offense even more..." – Craig, 13:45]
Bears have gotten "training wheel schedule"; this is the start of a tough stretch.
Bears’ running game has vastly improved, led by Ben Johnson.
Steelers’ and Bears’ defenses described as “bend and break” (as opposed to “bend but don’t break”).
Caleb Williams called “Houdini” for his sack-escaping magic, but sustainability is questioned.

Notable Quotes

"This game is like two con men facing one another." – Craig, 13:45
"How long ... is Caleb Williams going to be able to continue to escape these sacks that he's been escaping?" – DK, 16:32
Darnell Washington’s Weight Revelation (19:08)
- Darnell admitted to weighing 311 lbs—making him possibly the heaviest pass-catcher in NFL history.
- ["He has to be the heaviest pass catcher in NFL history." – DK, 19:38]

3. Patriots @ Bengals: The Burrow Watch

Joe Burrow logged two full practices, signaling a possible early return from injury—monitored closely.
["The signs continue to point to a potential Joe Burrow return." – DK, 23:00]
Jamar Chase suspended for "spitting" (hocking a loogie).
Bengals’ defense ranked worst in DVOA history; Patriots are “the second-worst 9-2 team by DVOA ever tracked" (25:28).

Fantasy Angle

If Burrow returns: slow starts are typical after injury; Jamar Chase is out; T. Higgins must-step up.
Rhamondre Stevenson possibly returning from injury for Patriots, which could reshape their backfield.

4. Vikings @ Packers: The J.J. McCarthy Meltdown

McCarthy’s stats historically bad: 850th/852 QBs since 2000 in EPA/dropback.
["McCarthy's stats are turning into Kenny Pickett." – DK, 33:32]
Detailed breakdown on McCarthy’s mechanical issues by Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell (with precise footwork critique). ["We need to see if we can get him to be a little bit more in a repeatable body position..." – O’Connell, 36:56]
Only QBs worse by completion % in last 10 years: Allen, Anthony Richardson.

5. Blowout/Bounce Back Corner

The “Big Spread” Games: Seahawks @ Titans, Jets @ Ravens, Giants @ Lions

Seahawks, Ravens, and Lions all favored by double-digits.
Seahawks: Darnold’s up/down play; need for “get right” game. ["If he plays well, it means nothing. If he plays poorly, it means a lot." – DK, 50:39]
DK’s endorsement of Kenneth Walker as a trade target; “cool shit” metric discussed (48:10).
Jets: Tyrod Taylor starting, expectation for a slightly better passing attack.
Lions: Laporta on IR, but offense primed for a “get right” at home against the Giants.

6. Afternoon Slate & Bad Game Quarantine

Eagles @ Cowboys is “the” game, with debate on line play: Cowboys’ new D-line additions vs. Eagles’ banged-up OL.
["Do the Cowboys have an advantage over the Eagles in the trenches in this game?" – Heifetz, 60:03]
Fantasy “name game” with A.J. Brown: can he be trusted in lineups this week? (Names compared: Michael Pittman, Rome Odunze, George Pickens, Alec Pierce, Ricky Pearsall, etc.)
- ["At some point, if you're...A.J. Brown hasn't brought you anywhere..." – Heifetz, 65:59]
Quarantine Games: Browns @ Raiders, Falcons @ Saints considered “bad games” – discussion devolves to which tight ends you’d trust (Pitts vs. A.J. Brown, 67:38).

7. Sunday & Monday Nights

Bucs @ Rams: “Mushy gushy” rematch; debate about playing Sean Tucker (“have to play him” if Bucky Irving sits, 69:38).
Panthers @ 49ers (MNF): Why is this the MNF game? Niners struggling with kicker injuries, Kyle Shanahan’s over-involvement in kicker draft picks. ["Every now and then even the geniuses have blind spots" – Heifetz, 74:15]

8. Miscellaneous and Signature Ringer Banter

Harrison Mevis (“the thicker kicker”) for the Rams: jokes about his name and occupation (77:05).
Internet culture: the challenge of finding memes, “shin mimes” who get hurt for viral content, and the economics of online niche fame ("What do you do: you keep hitting yourself in the shins for money?" – Craig, 85:43).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (Timestamps)

On Colts-Chiefs: "This is the ultimate what does my heart tell me versus what does my brain tell me game." (05:42)
On Darnell Washington: "He has to be the heaviest pass catcher in NFL history." (19:38)
On J.J. McCarthy: "McCarthy stats are turning into Kenny Pickett." (33:32)
On Darnold Seahawks: "If he plays well, it means nothing. If he plays poorly, it means a lot." (50:39)
On Fantasy Boldness: "At some point, if you're...A.J. Brown hasn't brought you anywhere..." (65:59)
On Internet Fame: "What do you do: you keep hitting yourself in the shins for money?" (85:43)

Important Timestamps by Segment

[03:02] – Surreal Colts-Chiefs preview
[05:42] – Heart vs. brain in picking this game
[19:08] – Darnell Washington’s 311 lb reveal
[23:00] – Joe Burrow “possible return” clarification
[25:28] – Bengals D worst DVOA ever
[33:53-34:36] – J.J. McCarthy’s historically bad EPA
[48:10] – “Cool shit” running back metric discussion
[50:39] – Stakes for Darnold vs. Titans
[60:03] – Eagles/Cowboys trenches debate
[65:59] – Fantasy gut-check on A.J. Brown
[77:05] – Harrison Mevis, "the thicker kicker"
[85:43] – Monetizing shin injuries: the web's 'silent jackass'

Takeaways for Listeners

Seasonal Pivots: League narratives have flipped, with surprise teams (Colts), fallen powers (Chiefs), and realignment of fantasy stalwarts.
Injury Intelligence: Keeping up with late-week injury news is critical—between Daniel Jones, Joe Burrow, and running back rotations.
Fantasy Boldness: It’s time to let go of famous names for actual production (e.g., benching A.J. Brown if necessary).
Quirky Depth: The show’s true spirit shines in moments like the Darnell Washington weight reveal and trademarks on “cool shit” metrics.

For full rankings, subscriber leagues, and more, visit fantasyfootball.theringer.com. For fantasy queries or show participation: ringerfantasyfootball@gmail.com.

In the hosts’ own words:
"No matter what, at some point, you have to trust your gut. Or put another way, sometimes you have to just play the meme guy who does silent shin pain for a living."

The Ringer Fantasy Football Show: Week 12 Preview

Main Theme Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Game of the Week: Colts @ Chiefs

Mahomes in the 1pm Window
- Rare to see Patrick Mahomes playing among the early slate. ["It's disrespectful to put him among seven or eight other games amongst the plebs." – Craig, 03:05]
Shocking Season Narratives
- The 8-2 Colts vs. the 5-5 Chiefs—a reversal no one predicted.
- Daniel Jones at the helm of the Colts is the league’s top surprise. ["This is the type of thing you just can't make up." – DK, 04:00]
Matchup Analysis
- Colts’ success driven by play-action, high points per drive, and Daniel Jones’ resurgence.
- Chiefs’ offensive woes: can’t run, Mahomes can’t hit deep balls (1-for-9 on passes 15+ yards vs. Denver).
- Defenses: after promising starts, both have slid; Chiefs' DC Steve Spagnuolo called “predictable” by Chris Jones; Colts missing DeForest Buckner.
Xavier Worthy & Chiefs’ WRs
- Chiefs lack man-beating WRs; Worthy’s physicality and usage compared to Rashee Rice.

Notable Quotes

"This is like the ultimate what does my heart tell me versus what does my brain tell me game." – Craig, 05:42
"Mahomes even said it himself: ‘We just gotta prove that we can do it [beat man coverage].’" – DK, 08:12

Injury Watch

Daniel Jones added to the injury report with a calf issue, but not expected to miss the game. ["As of right now, I'm not sensing any reason for alarm..." – DK, 09:55]

2. Steelers @ Bears: The “Con Men” Bowl

Roethlisberger has a broken wrist; likely to play but could affect the offensive game plan. ["I do fear that this is just going to simplify the Steelers offense even more..." – Craig, 13:45]
Bears have gotten "training wheel schedule"; this is the start of a tough stretch.
Bears’ running game has vastly improved, led by Ben Johnson.
Steelers’ and Bears’ defenses described as “bend and break” (as opposed to “bend but don’t break”).
Caleb Williams called “Houdini” for his sack-escaping magic, but sustainability is questioned.

Notable Quotes

"This game is like two con men facing one another." – Craig, 13:45
"How long ... is Caleb Williams going to be able to continue to escape these sacks that he's been escaping?" – DK, 16:32
Darnell Washington’s Weight Revelation (19:08)
- Darnell admitted to weighing 311 lbs—making him possibly the heaviest pass-catcher in NFL history.
- ["He has to be the heaviest pass catcher in NFL history." – DK, 19:38]

3. Patriots @ Bengals: The Burrow Watch

Joe Burrow logged two full practices, signaling a possible early return from injury—monitored closely.
["The signs continue to point to a potential Joe Burrow return." – DK, 23:00]
Jamar Chase suspended for "spitting" (hocking a loogie).
Bengals’ defense ranked worst in DVOA history; Patriots are “the second-worst 9-2 team by DVOA ever tracked" (25:28).

Fantasy Angle

If Burrow returns: slow starts are typical after injury; Jamar Chase is out; T. Higgins must-step up.
Rhamondre Stevenson possibly returning from injury for Patriots, which could reshape their backfield.

4. Vikings @ Packers: The J.J. McCarthy Meltdown

McCarthy’s stats historically bad: 850th/852 QBs since 2000 in EPA/dropback.
["McCarthy's stats are turning into Kenny Pickett." – DK, 33:32]
Detailed breakdown on McCarthy’s mechanical issues by Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell (with precise footwork critique). ["We need to see if we can get him to be a little bit more in a repeatable body position..." – O’Connell, 36:56]
Only QBs worse by completion % in last 10 years: Allen, Anthony Richardson.

5. Blowout/Bounce Back Corner

The “Big Spread” Games: Seahawks @ Titans, Jets @ Ravens, Giants @ Lions

Seahawks, Ravens, and Lions all favored by double-digits.
Seahawks: Darnold’s up/down play; need for “get right” game. ["If he plays well, it means nothing. If he plays poorly, it means a lot." – DK, 50:39]
DK’s endorsement of Kenneth Walker as a trade target; “cool shit” metric discussed (48:10).
Jets: Tyrod Taylor starting, expectation for a slightly better passing attack.
Lions: Laporta on IR, but offense primed for a “get right” at home against the Giants.

6. Afternoon Slate & Bad Game Quarantine

Eagles @ Cowboys is “the” game, with debate on line play: Cowboys’ new D-line additions vs. Eagles’ banged-up OL.
["Do the Cowboys have an advantage over the Eagles in the trenches in this game?" – Heifetz, 60:03]
Fantasy “name game” with A.J. Brown: can he be trusted in lineups this week? (Names compared: Michael Pittman, Rome Odunze, George Pickens, Alec Pierce, Ricky Pearsall, etc.)
- ["At some point, if you're...A.J. Brown hasn't brought you anywhere..." – Heifetz, 65:59]
Quarantine Games: Browns @ Raiders, Falcons @ Saints considered “bad games” – discussion devolves to which tight ends you’d trust (Pitts vs. A.J. Brown, 67:38).

7. Sunday & Monday Nights

Bucs @ Rams: “Mushy gushy” rematch; debate about playing Sean Tucker (“have to play him” if Bucky Irving sits, 69:38).
Panthers @ 49ers (MNF): Why is this the MNF game? Niners struggling with kicker injuries, Kyle Shanahan’s over-involvement in kicker draft picks. ["Every now and then even the geniuses have blind spots" – Heifetz, 74:15]

8. Miscellaneous and Signature Ringer Banter

Harrison Mevis (“the thicker kicker”) for the Rams: jokes about his name and occupation (77:05).
Internet culture: the challenge of finding memes, “shin mimes” who get hurt for viral content, and the economics of online niche fame ("What do you do: you keep hitting yourself in the shins for money?" – Craig, 85:43).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (Timestamps)

On Colts-Chiefs: "This is the ultimate what does my heart tell me versus what does my brain tell me game." (05:42)
On Darnell Washington: "He has to be the heaviest pass catcher in NFL history." (19:38)
On J.J. McCarthy: "McCarthy stats are turning into Kenny Pickett." (33:32)
On Darnold Seahawks: "If he plays well, it means nothing. If he plays poorly, it means a lot." (50:39)
On Fantasy Boldness: "At some point, if you're...A.J. Brown hasn't brought you anywhere..." (65:59)
On Internet Fame: "What do you do: you keep hitting yourself in the shins for money?" (85:43)

Important Timestamps by Segment

[03:02] – Surreal Colts-Chiefs preview
[05:42] – Heart vs. brain in picking this game
[19:08] – Darnell Washington’s 311 lb reveal
[23:00] – Joe Burrow “possible return” clarification
[25:28] – Bengals D worst DVOA ever
[33:53-34:36] – J.J. McCarthy’s historically bad EPA
[48:10] – “Cool shit” running back metric discussion
[50:39] – Stakes for Darnold vs. Titans
[60:03] – Eagles/Cowboys trenches debate
[65:59] – Fantasy gut-check on A.J. Brown
[77:05] – Harrison Mevis, "the thicker kicker"
[85:43] – Monetizing shin injuries: the web's 'silent jackass'

Takeaways for Listeners

Seasonal Pivots: League narratives have flipped, with surprise teams (Colts), fallen powers (Chiefs), and realignment of fantasy stalwarts.
Injury Intelligence: Keeping up with late-week injury news is critical—between Daniel Jones, Joe Burrow, and running back rotations.
Fantasy Boldness: It’s time to let go of famous names for actual production (e.g., benching A.J. Brown if necessary).
Quirky Depth: The show’s true spirit shines in moments like the Darnell Washington weight reveal and trademarks on “cool shit” metrics.

For full rankings, subscriber leagues, and more, visit fantasyfootball.theringer.com. For fantasy queries or show participation: ringerfantasyfootball@gmail.com.

In the hosts’ own words:
"No matter what, at some point, you have to trust your gut. Or put another way, sometimes you have to just play the meme guy who does silent shin pain for a living."

Week 12 Preview: Colts-Chiefs, Burrow’s Back (?), Shedeur’s Starting, Darnell Weighs 311, and Shin Mimes

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Summary

The Ringer Fantasy Football Show: Week 12 Preview

Main Theme Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Game of the Week: Colts @ Chiefs

Notable Quotes

Injury Watch

2. Steelers @ Bears: The “Con Men” Bowl

Notable Quotes

3. Patriots @ Bengals: The Burrow Watch

Fantasy Angle

4. Vikings @ Packers: The J.J. McCarthy Meltdown

5. Blowout/Bounce Back Corner

6. Afternoon Slate & Bad Game Quarantine

7. Sunday & Monday Nights

8. Miscellaneous and Signature Ringer Banter

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (Timestamps)

Important Timestamps by Segment

Takeaways for Listeners

Summary

The Ringer Fantasy Football Show: Week 12 Preview

Main Theme Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Game of the Week: Colts @ Chiefs

Notable Quotes

Injury Watch

2. Steelers @ Bears: The “Con Men” Bowl

Notable Quotes

3. Patriots @ Bengals: The Burrow Watch

Fantasy Angle

4. Vikings @ Packers: The J.J. McCarthy Meltdown

5. Blowout/Bounce Back Corner

6. Afternoon Slate & Bad Game Quarantine

7. Sunday & Monday Nights

8. Miscellaneous and Signature Ringer Banter

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (Timestamps)

Important Timestamps by Segment

Takeaways for Listeners