Fantasy Football Week 12 Wide Receiver Start Decision: Jerry Jeudy, Jameson Williams, Josh Downs, Rome Odunze, Cedric Tillman and More

After taking a look at some possible fantasy quarterbacks to play in week 12, it’s time to look at wide receivers. 

We’ll include Cedric Tillman, Jameson Williams, Christian Watson, Tank Dell, Xavier Worthy, Rome Odunze, Jerry Jeudy and Josh Downs.

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Season Stats

Tillman has 311 yards and three touchdowns on 27 receptions and 45 catches this season. He scored eight fantasy points last week after having three straight games over 18 points.

Williams has 538 yards and four scores on 24 catches and 41 targets. He’s coming off his second-best fantasy performance of the season.

Watson has 383 yards and two scores on 20 grabs and 31 targets this season. He’s coming off his season-best fantasy performance, but that was just his third time in double figures all season.

Dell is up to 448 yards and two touchdowns on 39 catches and 63 targets. He has reached double figures for fantasy points in four of the past six games, but has just eight combined points in the other games.

Worthy has 307 yards and four scores on 24 catches and 48 targets, while adding a bit as a ball carrier too. He got back in double figures in week 11 after scoring just one point over the previous two games.

Odunze has 479 yards and a touchdown on 34 receptions and 60 targets this season. He has scored in double figures twice over the past three weeks.

Jeudy has 560 yards and two scores on 39 grabs and 71 targets. He’s coming off his best fantasy showing of the season, but has three straight showings at or over 13 fantasy points.

Downs is up to 50 catches, 71 targets, 567 yards and four scores. He’s scored 12 or more fantasy points in four straight.

Week 12 Matchups

Tillman and Jeudy take on the Steelers on Thursday night. Pittsburgh allows just 29 fantasy points to opposing wideouts per week, which is one of the best marks in the league.

Williams and Downs will play in the same game. The Colts’ defense surrenders 33 fantasy points per week, while the Lions give up 38.

Watson takes on the Niners, who allow 30 fantasy points per game. Dell has a tough matchup against the Titans, who give up only 27 points.

Worthy has an average matchup against Carolina, which allows 31 fantasy points per week. Odunze takes on the Vikings, who are allowing 39 points a week.

Projections and Starting Recommendations

Downs has the highest projection among these wideouts, sitting at 13 PPR fantasy points. 

Williams, Tillman and Dell all are projected for 12 points. Jeudy sits at 11 points, while Watson is at 10. Worthy and Odunze are both projected for nine fantasy points.

I also like Downs the most out of the group. He showed he can deliver with Anthony Richardson at quarterback last week and has a favorable matchup this week. I think he’s got the safest floor and the highest ceiling of the group, which is another couple reasons why he tops my list.

I like Williams next. He’s a bit of a boom-or-bust fantasy player, but he’s delivered enough this season to trust, especially in a more favorable matchup. All it takes for Williams to deliver a good fantasy score is one big play, and I think he makes at least one this week.

I’m going to surprise a lot of you and take Odunze next. I’m a bit surprised his projection is as low as it is, especially with a very favorable matchup ahead. I think the Bears will pass early and often with their top running back (D'Andre Swift) banged up, and to keep up with the Vikings in general. That should help Odunze to a nice fantasy showing, even if he doesn’t score.

Give me Jeudy next. I know a lot of people like Tillman over him, but Jeudy is a safer play in my eyes. The Browns should pass a ton in this contest, and that will help Jeudy to another big fantasy week.

I’d go with Tillman next. Even in a bit lower fantasy showing last week, Tillman was targeted eight times. That makes him a startable fantasy option again this week, even in the tough matchup. His scoring potential helps him up the list a bit.

The last three guys are ones I’d prefer to keep on my bench, but depending on your other options, and who is on a bye, you might be forced into playing one of them.

I like Worthy here. He’s a risky play with his inconsistent fantasy showings, but with the best matchup of the remaining guys and his scoring potential, I’d give Worthy a shot.

Give me Watson over Dell for the final spot. Neither has a favorable matchup, but Watson’s matchup is just enough more favorable to give him the edge. I think Nico Collins dominates the targets for the Texans, leaving Dell with only a few looks against a top-end pass defense.