Fantasy Football Insights: Week 12 Strategies
In the fantasy football world, the term “Beamageddon” has been thrown around quite a bit lately. Sure, some folks are trying to mix it up with “bipocalypse,” but let’s be real—it’s all a bit overused.
This time of year, though, it serves a key purpose. A reminder for fantasy managers: six teams are on bye this week. So, finding the right players to stream is crucial if you want to stay competitive.
There’s a saying you might have seen before: “Stop looking for Mr. Right Now when he’s staring at you from the waiver wire.” Honestly, it couldn’t be more relevant right now. With players missing and teams taking a break, it’s essential to shift your focus. Stop stressing over the long term—who can help you win this week? Think about the potential of the wide receiver stepping in for Jackson Smith-Njigba this week. Just get in, grab the win, and move on.
The Buccaneers have a couple of options that fit the “Mr. Right Now” profile just perfectly. With Mike Evans sidelined and Chris Godwin Jr. taking a break until after their Week 9 bye, wide receiver Tez Johnson and tight end Cade Otton are set to shine. Maybe Johnson has some upside for the future, but both players have a prime opportunity this week as the Bucs head to New Orleans.
Baker Mayfield has been looking at Johnson for both red zone plays and general yardage. The seventh-round rookie out of Oregon State has really stepped up recently, achieving a 70 percent snap share over the last three weeks and catching nine passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns from 16 targets. At 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, he can fit into a role similar to Godwin’s, working mainly from the slot and using his speed effectively after the catch. With Emeka Egbuka picking up some of the slack, Johnson seems to be in the perfect spot for a solid performance this week.
As for Cade Otton, the Saints are ranked 27th in DVOA against tight ends, giving up an average of 5.1 catches and 50.7 yards per game. Experience shows us that when either Evans or Godwin is unavailable, Otton’s share of the targets usually skyrockets. He’s received 20 targets over the past three games. It’s clear that Mayfield relies on his tight ends, especially in tight situations, and that’s likely to continue.
Final Thoughts
Remember, Mr. Right Now is basically a short-term solution that won’t be available long. This matchup could be a golden opportunity for both Johnson and Otton. With a bye week looming, you might want to make adjustments soon. Godwin and Bucky Irving are anticipated to return for Week 10, and honestly, neither will be as valuable as they are this week. So, jump in, grab that win, and get out while you can.
