These past few weeks have felt like a changing of the guard. Names like Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham Jr., and Mark Andrews have dominated on the field for years, but the injuries came calling in Week 11. For some, it's a question of whether this is the beginning of the end. For others, it's how they'll play next year when they can return. Regardless, fantasy owners care about the now and how their team can proceed with or without these three stars. What should you do in the weeks ahead?
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these fantasy-relevant pass-catchers and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 12 fantasy landscape.
For updates on ailing RBs De'Von Achane, Kenneth Walker III, Aaron Jones, and D'Onta Foreman, go here. For news on more banged-up WRs, including Justin Jefferson, Tee Higgins, Noah Brown, and Michael Thomas, click here. For more on hurting RBs Kyren Williams, Dameon Pierce, and Antonio Gibson, click here.
WEEK 12 FANTASY: Full waivers list | FAAB budget planner
Cooper Kupp injury update, Week 12 fantasy outlook
Kupp exited Sunday’s win over the Seahawks with a low ankle sprain, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The receiver only recorded one catch despite leaving in the second quarter. In the box score, Kupp was targeted only once, but he did drop a 35-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter. The play resulted in defensive offsides, negating the drop. It serves as evidence that the receiver could’ve had a much better final fantasy point total, but it is cause for concern that Puka Nacua was Matthew Stafford’s preferred target even when Kupp was on the field.
The Rams have a problem on offense. This once-explosive team has been beaten down by injuries, age, and the salary cap, evidenced by their fall from grace since winning the Super Bowl. Kupp obviously remains a must-start when he plays -- especially this week against Arizona -- but it's fair to wonder if his ceiling is capped with a clearly hampered Stafford under center. The quarterback has dealt with many injuries, and it's unclear how much he truly has left in the tank. Still, Kupp can't be benched in fantasy because those flashes of brilliance are still there. If Kupp is out, expect more targets for Nacua and Tutu Atwell, who was an every-week starter earlier in the year when Kupp was on IR.
WEEK 12 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Odell Beckham Jr. injury update, Week 12 fantasy outlook
Beckham went down in the fourth quarter of the Ravens win over the Bengals on Thursday night, frustrated that yet another injury could derail his season. However, the news is fairly positive on OBJ considering he has the benefit of a "mini-bye" to heal. Head coach John Harbaugh said he didn't believe the shoulder looks too bad, a sign that we could maybe see the receiver in L.A. against the Chargers on Sunday night.
It's been a weird few years for Beckham, having dealt with multiple injuries and inconsistencies. However, the up-and-down season has also seen plenty of ups recently, with the receiver scoring a touchdown in two of his past three games while also turning in his first 100-yard performance of the year on Thursday night. Beckham could be seeing more of the field with Mark Andrews (ankle) out for the year, so we'll consider him to be a flex option against the worst pass defense in the league.
WEEK 12 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Mark Andrews injury update, rest-of-season outlook
Andrews went down in a heap of pain on the Ravens' opening drive on Thursday night, and the initial feeling was that something was seriously wrong. He eventually limped off the field under his own power, but it didn't seem like we'd be seeing Andrews anytime soon after that. Coach John Harbaugh said after the game that Andrews was likely down for the season, and it was later revealed that he suffered a cracked fibula and ankle ligament injury, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
It's a big blow to a Ravens' offense that relies heavily on Andrews in the passing game. Without his involvement, it'll be up to Beckham, Zay Flowers, and Rashod Bateman to fill the void along with Isaiah Likely, who will be thrust into the starting TE role. Fantasy owners will want to add Likely off waivers, but it's unlikely that he'll come anywhere close to the production that Andrews brought to the table. The Ravens have dealt with plenty of injuries throughout the 2023 season, and it'll be interesting to see how much more one of the AFC's best can handle.
