Good Morning, FootClan, and a very warm welcome to Week 12 of The Fantasy Footballers’ Saturday Morning Mailbag! It’s Saturday, it’s early, and as always, I am here to select a handful of your questions from The Fantasy Footballers’ Discord server and answer some of the hot topics that didn’t quite make it into that week’s edition of The Footcast. The Ballers’ Discord is home to the biggest and best online fantasy football community in the world, and is your go-to if you’re looking to talk about all things fantasy football. Head over today and get involved with thousands of members across dozens of dedicated channels for start/sit questions, trade advice, and waiver wire insights, as well as exclusive areas available only to members of the FootClan.
Following witnessing my first ever in-person Miami Dolphins victory in Madrid (what a stadium that is by the way!) and my beloved Scotland qualifying for their first FIFA Men’s World Cup in 28 years – I feel as if Lady Luck is shining down on me this week FootClan – so here’s hoping my advice this week provides the same level of good fortune for you all!
In this week’s mailbag, we’re discussing just what to do with some disappointing big-name WRs, which IR players are currently worth taking up a bench spot, and who are some of the buy-low trade targets in dynasty that could win you a #FootClanTitle in 2026. All that and more, so without further ado…let’s dive right in!
Question #1 – Waiver Wire Advice (Big Name Drop Edition)
Howdy Ho Ballers! Is DJ Moore droppable in a 10-Team Full-PPR league? I have absolutely no faith in starting him. I’m thinking of cutting him for a higher-upside guy like Kayshon Boutte or even his Bears teammate Luther Burden…what are your thoughts? – jsande
Answer: What could have been for DJ Moore – drafted in the 5th round as the overall WR22, Moore has had only one game inside the top-25 at the position all year! After finishing as a WR2 or better over the last six seasons (that overall WR6 season back in 2023 feels a lifetime ago), the eight-year veteran currently sits as the overall WR41 in 2025…and it doesn’t look like that position is going to improve any as we enter December.
I’ll admit, I was a believer, and back in about Week 4 when Moore was dropped in a couple of my leagues – I scooped him up gleefully. Take a guess at how many of my rosters he is still on…*spoiler alert* – it’s less than one. It’s over for DJ this season – Rome Odunze has supplanted the 28-year-old as Caleb Wiliams’ number one guy, and Weeks 10 and 11 saw Moore record only 11% of the team’s total target share. After receiving 21 red zone targets just last year, Moore is on pace to see fewer than seven this year – and is also set to record career lows in targets, receptions, yards, and TDs…woof.
Realistically, if you are still holding on to DJ, it’s on name value alone – and as hard as it is to cut someone who has provided so much for your fantasy team in seasons past…it’s time to say goodbye.
So – if we’re cutting Moore, who do we see as a suitable replacement heading into the business end of the fantasy season? You’ve mentioned fellow Bear Luther Burden, but with the rookie currently sitting as the overall WR79 and seeing even less attention from Caleb Williams, I wouldn’t be pinning my championship hopes on the rookie. Third-year receiver Kayshon Boutte’s form has finally started to turn the other cheek (sorry, couldn’t resist a butt joke) with three weeks on the year as a WR1 for fantasy…but the former LSU product is the epitome of all or nothing, either finishing inside the top 20 at the position, or being outside the top 50. If you are swinging for the fences, then the Pats’ WR definitely has that home-run upside with Drake Maye under center – but I would be checking your waiver wire for either of Parker Washington or Michael Wilson – both of whom have flashed their talents in recent weeks (Wilson was the WR2 in Week 11).
It will feel gross cutting such a big name, but these are the bold decisions that win #FootClanTitles – set Moore free, watch him become a landmine for one of your leaguemates, and pray you are facing him later in the year.
Question #2 – Start/Sit (Unthinkable Benching Edition)
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Howdy Ballers! What do I do with Justin Jefferson? I’m tempted to play A.J. Brown over him this week as my WR3. Am I overreacting? – Klunk on the Sax
Answer: Whilst it’s been frustrating getting almost zero return on the 5th round draft pick you invested in the abovementioned DJ Moore, that level of exasperation and sheer annoyance pales in comparison to that felt by fantasy managers who spent their 1st rounder on last year’s overall WR2 – Justin Jefferson.
It’s been a disappointing season for Jettas – sitting as the current WR17 in Half-PPR formats – the now 26-year-old has been the victim of meddling QB play, having to endure several weeks of Carson Wentz before the return of J.J. McCarthy – the franchise’s 1st round draft pick from last season – from an ankle injury which saw him miss five straight games. We know the talent Jefferson has, that’s not the issue – but even Randy Moss would be struggling with the service Minnesota’s undisputed WR1 has been receiving from the Vikings’ sophomore (and apparently franchise) QB. Since returning to the starting line-up in Week 9, McCarthy’s completion rate has yet to top 56%, dropping to a season-low of 48% in the 19-27 defeat at home to the Ravens in Week 10.
All that said…you have to play him. Even with the poor service, Jefferson is averaging 30% of team targets on the year, rising to 31% with McCarthy under-center. I really don’t care who is throwing him the ball – Jefferson has almost unmatched, elite-level talent – and if a receiver of his calibre is seeing 10+ targets each and every week, he has to be in your starting line-up. I get it, it’s frustrating – and were we discussing benching JJ in favor of a white-hot pass-catcher like George Pickens…then I may be tempted. Heck, I’d even consider starting A.J. Brown’s team-mate DeVonta Smith over Jefferson – but the thought of benching a player whose ceiling is almost unmatched by anyone else in the NFL in favor of a guy who has legitimately been quoted in interviews telling fantasy managers “if you have me, get rid of me” gives me the fear. It may feel gross – but you have to stick with Jettas moving forward, better days are ahead…right?
Question #3 – Trade Advice (RB For WR Special)
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Hey, Sir Ballers! I’m in need of WR2 to pair with Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Currently at RB, I have Kyren Williams, Javonte Williams, Rico Dowdle, TreVeyon Henderson, and Trey Benson. I’ve already secured a playoff spot – which RB should I trade, and who do you think I could get? – nrost
Answer: Let’s try and make this one easy from the off – you are not trading away Kyren, Javonte or Rico…not if you have any aspirations of getting your hands on the #FootClanTitle come the end of December. Although Rico Suave (RB8) is currently ahead of Javonte (RB9) and Kyren (RB10) in season-long standings, I expect him to fall off a little bit as Carolina faces the stout run-defense of both the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, either side of their Week 14 bye.
That leaves Mike Wright favorite and current breakout-fantasy darling TreVeyon Henderson, or soon-to-return Trey Benson as possible trade candidates for you to strengthen that WR core – and I am so sorry if you’re reading this Mike…but Hendo is the one I would be looking to move in your situation. He may be coming off back-to-back RB4 weeks, posting 27.5 and 29.8 fantasy points respectively, but the return of Rhamondre Stevenson – coupled with Head Coach Mike Vrabel’s penchant for giving veterans the nod as his team’s starters – is enough to give me cause for concern just how involved New England’s 2nd round rookie pick and pre-season fantasy darling, will be involved moving forward.
Don’t hear what I’m not saying – I would love to recommend moving Trey Benson for a top-tier pass-catcher and keep hold of Hendo in the hope that the Pats’ coaching staff see sense and continue to feed the talented rookie…but as I don’t see the latter happening, and Benson yet to put in a full practise following the knee injury that has kept him sidelined since September – there is only one real option here.
There are bound to be some RB-needy managers in your league whose hopes of making the fantasy playoffs are circling the drain – if you can send away Henderson for a Rome Odunze, Davante Adams, or possibly DeVonta Smith, I would make that deal. Who knows, try checking in on the Rashee Rice manager, who may have suffered some early-season losses and is disheartened after his WR38 finish last weekend. It’s as the famous saying goes – “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky (Michael Scott).
Question #4 – Dynasty Strategy (Crystal Ball Special)
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Ballers! I am already planning for next year in my dynasty league, and wanted to get your opinion on who you think are some under-the-radar RBs and WRs I could trade for on the cheap? I just recently acquired Braelon Allen. – Ricky’s Pierced Balls
Answer: It’s hard enough to predict what will happen this week in fantasy football, let alone what may be on the cards for next season…but we will try our best here!
One name I am actively chasing at the RB position is Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Bhayshul Tuten. The 4th round selection in this year’s draft has started to see his usage slowly ramp up coming out of the Jags’ Week 8 bye, with the former Virginia Tech Hokie averaging over 30% of the teams’ carries in the last three games – culminating in a season-high 15 rushing attempts in last weekend’s 35-6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Travis Etienne Jr. may still be the lead-back, but with the former 1st rounder set to be a Free Agent following the expiry of his fifth-year option at the end of this season, we may see Tuten take on a much more expanded role as the team’s feature-back in 2026.
At the WR position (and you’ll need to bear with me on this one) I am also trying to acquire as many shares as possible of Tuten’s team-mate; Brian Thomas Jr. It has been a horrible season for last year’s overall WR6, with only one weekly finish inside the top 30 at the position…so why should we be looking to buy a player who many are decrying as a one-season-wonder? Well, it’s simple, really – players don’t become bad overnight, especially those who displayed the talents that BTJ wowed the fantasy world with in his rookie season in 2024. Sure, Travis Hunter appears to be playing far more on offense than most of us thought her would, and yes, Trevor Lawrence continues to fail in living up to the hype set by his 1.01 selection four years ago…but those are the exact narratives (coupled with some quite frankly terrible play) that have seen Thomas’ value plummet in recent weeks. If you can acquire BTJ for a 2nd or an aging veteran – he could be a cornerstone of your team for years to come…or he could flame out to the Canadian Football League – but he’s definitely worth buying a lottery ticket on.
Question #5 – Season-Long Strategy (IR Lottery Tickets Special)
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Ho-ho-ho!!! How long should I keep these IR players before I drop them to get ready for the playoffs: Trey Benson, Joe Burrow, Omarion Hampton, and Garrett Wilson? I’m playoff-bound and only have 1 IR spot in a SuperFlex – SamwichSupreme
Answer: A tip of the cap to you SamwichSupreme – to still be in the hunt for the playoffs with that injury list is mightily impressive!
I don’t know exactly how many bench spots you have or what size league you are in, but unless you only have room for four non-starters every week or you are in a 10-team league, I would be inclined to keep most, if not all, of these guys.
Let’s start with the must-keeps. Joe Burrow appears to have made a miraculous recovery from the toe injury that has kept him out since Week 2, and looks set to potentially return to the field as soon as this Sunday in Cincinnati’s home matchup against the 9-2 New England Patriots. Omarion Hampton looks on track to get back to action following the Los Angeles Chargers’ Week 12 bye, and with fill-in starter Kimani Vidal suffering a thigh injury in the blowout defeat to Jacksonville last weekend, it may be a heavier workload than anticipated in his first game back for the 22nd overall draft pick.
It may be a little harsh not to consider Trey Benson a must-keep, but his injury – coupled with Arizona’s 3-7 record – makes him a far less appealing hold than either of Burrow or Hampton. While the sophomore back should regain a foothold on starter duties once he makes his long-awaited return from his keen injury…I’m just not sure how many opportunities he will see with the Cardinals likely trailing in most of their remaining matchups, and Jacoby Brissett setting records for passing attempts.
That leaves Garrett Wilson, and it pains me to say this…but he’s the cut candidate here. After being placed on IR only last week, the Jets’ top wideout will be missing until at least Week 15 – aka the wildcard round of your fantasy playoffs. Even if he does return at the earliest possible moment, he will now be catching passes from T-Mobile, Tyrod Taylor…hardly an attractive proposition when you’re chasing a #FootClanTitle.
Like I said earlier, I don’t really want to cut any of these guys. I would much rather do some deals as trade deadlines approach and get some players I can start now – but if the time for trading has passed and cuts have to be made, Wilson is the name at the tippy-top of my list, followed by Benson.
It’s time for Rapid Round…
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Hey Ballers, Jameson Williams or Tetairoa McMillan this week? – Gunfur
Answer: After a performance which saw the talented rookie finish as the WR1 for fantasy last week, it would be tough to bench Tet…but that’s exactly what I’m doing. Detroit has the highest implied team total of the week (31.5) and has the slightly better matchup against the Giants. They both should have excellent weeks, but I’m leaning Jamo to adhere to NBA JAM rules and stay on fire.
Pick two in the Megalabowl between Michael Pittman, Christian Watson, Ricky Pearsall, and Alec Pierce – The Man With a Plan
Answer: It’s Pitty City and Alec Pierce for me, but I do have a little hesitation in starting two players from the same team – especially a pair of WRs. That said, I don’t trust the Green Bay passing game as far as I (or Geno Smith) could throw it, and after his one reception for zero yards performance on his return last weekend, Ricky Pearsall remains out of all my lineups for now. It’s a little gross and caps your upside, but I am starting the two Colts here – with confidence after news that Daniel Jones will definitely start following his injury scare.
Hey Ballers, I need a high ceiling play this week…Dak Prescott or Sam Darnold? – The Featured Attraction
Answer: This is a tough one, and I am plumping for Dak for no other reason than I like the overall quality of his receiving options. Sure, Jaxon Smith-Njigba may very well be the best WR in all of football right now, but even his prowess can’t combat the combined talents of CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson. Dak should have more upside – so if you need a higher possibility of that BOOM game, he’s the guy I lean towards.
Jared Goff or Brock Purdy this week? I have George Kittle if that sways things? – Puka Kupp-a-Coffee
Answer: In a vacuum, it’s Jared Garf…but adding in the potential upside of the QB/TE stack moves the needle slightly in favour of Brock Purdy. Both are great options this week, and if you need a floor play, take Goff in the early kick-off on Sunday. If you’re thinking you may need some upside to win your week, then lock in that 49ers stack and get ready for some boom or bust action on Monday Night Football!
That will do it for this week, FootClan – good luck in Week 12!