Fantasy football managers looking for an edge this week face a tough landscape at wide receiver. A few intriguing names could outperform expectations in promising matchups, while others are best left on the bench. The key is spotting an opportunity before it becomes obvious. Here are some players worth a closer look heading into Week 12.
Start ‘Em: DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers (at CHI)
The wide receiver situation in fantasy football is rough this year. Some of the names that make their way into the top 18ish weekly rankings are guys we wouldn’t expect. Someone like DK Metcalf looks far better than his numbers suggest.
I still believe Metcalf has alpha WR1 traits. He’s just trapped in an offense that can’t utilize them.
Over his past five games, Metcalf has reached 10.0 fantasy points just once. His highest receiving total over that span is 55 yards. It’s not been pleasant.
It remains to be seen if Aaron Rodgers can start this week. But even if it’s Mason Rudolph, Metcalf is still a strong starting option.
This game has low-key shootout potential. Metcalf is still the clear top option in the Steelers’ passing game, and the Chicago Bears allow the third-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Metcalf has as good a chance as he ever will at a long touchdown.
Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears (at PIT)
Sticking with the same game, Rome Odunze is also in a good spot, especially if my inkling about a high-scoring affair proves accurate.
The production of the Bears’ wide receivers has been very dependent upon which Caleb Williams shows up. That may seem unpredictable, but Williams is actually pretty easy to predict. He struggles in tough matchups and smashes in favorable ones.
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The 2025 Steelers do not have a good defense. They have been vulnerable to the deep ball and allow the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
Since the Bears’ Week 5 bye, Odunze has been worth benching more than starting, with only two viable performances over that span. But the matchup does not get easier than it is this week. Odunze has WR1 upside.
Sit ‘Em: Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers (vs. CAR)
Given the caliber of wide receivers that find themselves inside the top 24, it’s increasingly complex to find players to recommend benching that fantasy managers might actually consider.
Ricky Pearsall returned after a six-game absence last week and did nothing to inspire confidence. With the San Francisco 49ers’ entire offense finally healthy, we got a window into the pecking order.
Jauan Jennings is the clear WR1. Brock Purdy loves him some George Kittle. Christian McCaffrey is always going to get his. That leaves Pearsall as a distant fourth offensive weapon. In a game where the 49ers scored 41 points, Pearsall earned a mere three targets, catching one for no gain.
At home against the Panthers, the 49ers should control this game throughout. That means leaning on McCaffrey and Brian Robinson Jr.
Without volume, Pearsall will need to be efficient or score. That might be tough against a Panthers defense that has been surprisingly tough against wide receivers, allowing the third-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. Pearsall cannot be trusted in lineups until he proves worthy.
Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (vs. MIN)
I guess 9.3 fantasy points isn’t completely terrible. But Romeo Doubs only managing that against the Giants is not exactly encouraging. He’s now failed to reach double-digit fantasy points in three of his last four. If Doubs couldn’t get it going in favorable matchups, it’s hard to feel confident in difficult ones.
The Vikings allow the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Doubs appears to be losing his grip on the WR1 role to Christian Watson, as the latter ran more routes than him last week.
It certainly doesn’t help that Doubs had two egregious drops in the first half of the Packers’ not-so-convincing win over the Giants.
This game has all the markers of a low-scoring defensive slog. If Doubs gets to 10 points, it will be a success.
