Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, November 24, 2024, 1:00 ET
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Network: FOX
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback
Sam Darnold: Sit
To be clear, Sam Darnold is not a must-sit this week. His range of outcomes is in the QB11-18 range for me in Week 12. The Bears’ defense has not been the same since losing Jaquan Brisker with a concussion. The Bears’ defense will also have Montez Sweat and Kyler Gordon for another week healthy in this matchup. There is a fair chance that we could see a Chicago defense that is 100% healthy for the first time in five weeks. Darnold does benefit from having all of his offensive weapons, though, and that is not something to ignore. If you have one of my higher-ranked options this week, feel free to put Darnold on the bench. Otherwise, he is a lower-ceiling option.
Running Back
Aaron Jones: Start, RB2
Aaron Jones got in a full practice this week, which means he should be ready to go against a familiar opponent in the Chicago Bears. Historically, Jones has wreaked havoc against the Bears, and he may be in line for more of the same. The Bears’ defense is best attacked on the ground, and he could be leaned on heavily in Week 12. He is averaging over 20 opportunities per game as well, which gives him both the floor and ceiling you want to see in what is a must-win for many fantasy managers out there.
Wide Receiver
Justin Jefferson: Start, WR1
Jordan Addison: FLEX Option, WR4
Justin Jefferson is the best wide receiver in football. It is a tier of two, but what Jefferson has done with a journeyman quarterback like Sam Darnold is nothing short of incredible. He continues to be plug-and-play. Jordan Addison is who we thought he was. A big-play merchant who has solid route-running chops but is not developed enough to be truly elite (yet). Addison is a decent flex play in this one as he will rarely see Jaylon Johnson, but Kyler Gordon is one of the more underrated corners in the league, and he may be able to lock down Addison when they are aligned opposite one another.
Tight End
TJ Hockenson: Start, TE1
TJ Hockenson had a down game in his second game of the season. Still, he should remain an integral part of the Vikings’ offense down the stretch. He hasn’t quite eclipsed the 50% snap mark, but in his third game back, I would not be surprised to see him finally exceed that number. In a division game against a down-bad Bears team, Hockenson should contend for TE1 performance.
Chicago Bears
Quarterback
Caleb Williams: Sit
The Vikings defense has been one of the best in the NFL. Brian Flores should do more than enough to disrupt Caleb Williams in Week 12. Even with some improving ancillary metrics, Williams is a sit in a tough divisional matchup.
Running Back
D’Andre Swift: Start, RB2
Roschon Johnson: Sit
The Vikings have been one of the best in the league against the run specifically, and that reduces the ceiling of what D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson can do in Week 12. Swift’s usage and involvement in the passing game make him a high-floor option, even on an offense that may struggle. Johnson is a sit or a desperation FLEX play for managers in a bind with the hopes that he falls into the end zone as he looks to have claimed the goal line work for Chicago moving forward.
Wide Receiver
DJ Moore: FLEX Option, WR3
Rome Odunze: FLEX Option, WR3
Keenan Allen: Sit
Similar to D’Andre Swift, both DJ Moore and Rome Odunze are volume plays with low ceilings. Keenan Allen just misses this mark for me, even though he has turned it on more in the last few weeks. The more encouraging sign for Moore is that his usage all around the formation could mean good things for his late-season fantasy value. The hope is that this offense starts to find its groove soon, but I hesitate to say that will take place in Week 12. I have Moore ranked just ahead of Odunze this week, and both profile as mid-tier FLEX options.
Tight End
Cole Kmet: Sit
Cole Kmet’s usage is too volatile. The hope is that last week’s usage will continue with new OC Thomas Brown leading the way, but to rely on that in his second week would be a fool’s errand.
If Sam Darnold is not a must sit then why is he labeled “Sit”?
Why not label him “QB2”?
We base our rankings on single-QB leagues since they’re the most common, so any QB outside of our top 12 would technically be labeled a “Sit.” We try to provide some insight in terms of if they’re a viable streamer or start in SF leagues as well, but that’s our general process for that position!