Week 12 Players To Avoid

With fantasy playoffs as close as 2 weeks away, many teams face must wins this week. Whether you're fighting for a first round bye, a playoff spot, or trying to stay out of last place, every lineup choice is a crucial one. There are obvious locks like Christian McCaffrey and Michael Thomas, but here are some players who may have shouldered some load this season that you should consider benching this week.

Playing the toughest defense in the league, Dak Prescott will likely be contained this week by the Patriots

Dak Prescott (QB Cowboys) - Prescott is having a great year and the stats show that. He leads the league in passing yards and has led the Cowboys to a 6-4 start atop the NFC East this year. But when you hear that your QB is playing the New England Patriots, you have to be weary. Quarterbacks this year have tossed a total of 4 touchdowns to 19 interceptions against the Patriots this year and the only quarterback who has crossed 13 points against them this year has been Lamar Jackson. Prescott is no Lamar, so unless you have absolutely no other choice, keep Dak on the bench.

Ingram is set to disappoint this week against the solid Rams front 7

Mark Ingram (RB Ravens) - Most people aren't going to bench Ingram, but I'm writing about him so fantasy owners are weary of his low floor this week. The Rams are a top 5 run defense and have allowed less that 90 yards per game on the ground this year. We know Lamar Jackson will get his, so Ingram looks like a touchdown or bust this week in a potentially low scoring ball game. Fire him up as a low end RB2 from volume and the electric Ravens offense, but temper expectations against one of the most dominant defensive line in football.

Despite his hot start, Terry McLaurin has cooled down and is not a viable play this week

Terry McLaurin (WR Redskins) - After a blazing start to the season, McLaurin went from scorching to frigid, totaling just 158 yards and no scores in his last 4 games combined. He will likely face stud cornerback Darius Slay this week against the Lions and has a high probability of continuing his rough stretch. I wouldn't trust him in a lineup until he picks his numbers up and it doesn't look like that will happen soon in an all-around failing Redskins offense.

Courtland Sutton won't be able to keep it going against one of the top defenses in the league

Courtland Sutton (WR Broncos) - After Emmanuel Sanders left town, Sutton slotted in as the Broncos big bodied number 1 receiver and has made his share of spectacular grabs. He's put up good numbers with 49 catches for 805 yards on the season, but he goes up against the loaded Bills defense and star corner Tre'Davious White this week with backup quarterback Brandon Allen. I'm not doubting Sutton's talent, but the combination of poor quarterback play and solid defense makes for a very bad day for Courtland Sutton.