In Week 12, Calvin Ridley continued to excel in the second half of the season, posting five receptions on six targets for 93 yards. Since the trade of DeAndre Hopkins, Ridley has stepped up, averaging a high 32% target share across five games. His performance has been impressive, ranking eighth among all wide receivers with an average of 14 fantasy points per game since Week 8. This places him ahead of notable receivers like Puka Nacua and Terry McLaurin. Ridley has benefited from quarterback Will Levis’s improved play, with Levis ranking fourth among all quarterbacks in the past month, averaging 9.6 yards per attempt. This week, Ridley faces a favorable matchup against Washington, which ranks 29th in coverage according to PFF and allows the fifth-most touchdowns to wide receivers. The Titans are six-point underdogs, which could result in more passing attempts, boosting Ridley’s chances for additional targets and production. Make sure to keep him in your lineup.
Jordan Addison, who recently had a breakout performance against the Bears with 162 yards and a touchdown, has been on a tear. He finished as the No. 1 fantasy receiver in Week 12. Addison’s success came as the Bears focused most of their defensive efforts on Justin Jefferson, allowing Addison to exploit one-on-one matchups. Addison has now finished as a top-24 receiver in three of his last four games. He gets another favorable matchup against the Cardinals, who allow the 10th most efficiency per passing play. Expect Arizona to focus on Jefferson, which should leave Addison with more favorable opportunities. He’s a must-start this week.
Bucky Irving also had an excellent outing in Week 12, turning 18 touches into 151 total yards and a touchdown against the Giants, who allow the most rushing yards per play. Irving’s performance helped him achieve his first top-five finish of the season. This week, he faces the Panthers, who have struggled against the run, allowing the most rushing yards per game and the second-most rushing touchdowns. Opposing running backs averaged 29.3 fantasy points per game against Carolina, making Irving a top fantasy option again.
Finally, Ladd McConkey had a strong showing in Week 12 with six catches and 83 yards against the Ravens. Despite a slight dip in target share compared to teammate Josh Palmer, McConkey has been a consistent performer, averaging 103 yards over the past two weeks. He now faces the Falcons, who have struggled in pass coverage, allowing the seventh-most receiving yards per game. With Justin Herbert likely having plenty of time to throw, McConkey is a top-20 option and a solid start this week.
