The Fantasy Football Volume Report: Week 12 2018

By Kyle Dvorchak

Running Back

Josh Adams, Philadelphia Eagles, Trending Up

Philadelphia drafted the 6’2”, 213 lb. Notre Dame prospect as an insurance policy on their stable of unknown running backs in Corey Clement, Jay Ajayi, and Wendell Smallwood. With the former on IR and the latter two failing to impress, the Eagles are ready to see what Adams is capable of.

Over their past three outings, the Eagles have given Adams 23 carries, 41% of the team’s rushes. No other Eagles back has more than 11 carries. Every year, waiver wire backs emerge and can turn the tides of a middling fantasy roster. Classics like C.J. Anderson and Jeremy Hill come to mind. Adams is the best candidate to join the pantheon of unlikely league-winners this year. If he’s available on your waivers, it's time to pick him up.

Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals, Trending Down

In Mixon’s first six games of the season, he was the workhorse fantasy players drafted him to be, averaging 17.5 carries per game and 3.2 targets. In his two most recent games he’s averaged 11.5 carries and 2.5 targets. He also appeared on the injury report with a knee injury prior to last week’s matchup with the Ravens.

The good news for Mixon is that he gets a friendly matchup against Cleveland, who give the fifth-most points to opposing backs, this week. His volume is worth paying attention to but he Mixon remains a must-start versus the Browns.

Wide Receiver

Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals, Stock Up

Boyd has been given a Herculean task in recent weeks: Fill the void left by A.J. Green. His first attempt to do so came against New Orleans and he recorded 65 yards on just three targets, His second attempt saw Andy Dalton target him 11 times which he turned into four catches and 71 yards. Volume reigns supreme in fantasy football and if last game was an indication—the Bengals plan to give it to Boyd.

Boyd will get to play Cleveland, instead of the daunting Ravens secondary, and his price has dropped a grand to $6,000 on DraftKings. Chase the targets and buy Boyd in Green’s absence.

Devin Funchess, Carolina Panthers, Stock Down

Funchess’ streak of games without five receptions or fifty yards now stands at four games. That marks his longest drought since 2016. As the season has progressed, first-round pick D.J. Moore continues to impress. Last week he erupted for 157 yards and found the end zone once.

Funchess still has a role on the Panthers offense—he was still targeted 8 times last week—but he is quickly becoming the lesser half of Carolina’s receiving duo. Funchess is best used as a weekly flex option and Moore is now the upside play in DFS.

Tight End

Jack Doyle & Eric Ebron, Indianapolis Colts, Stock Up & Stock Down

Ebron leads all tight ends with nine scores this year. He’s also added a bonus touchdown from a rush attempt. However, when Doyle has played Ebron averages 3.3 targets. When he’s out, Ebron has been targeted 10 times per game.

Doyle, on the other hand, has played all five of his games alongside Ebron. Doyle is being targeted nearly six times per game.

The Colts are making it clear that Doyle is their tight end of choice when both he and Ebron are healthy. Ebron remains a touchdown threat but Doyle should maintain a higher weekly floor.