As we head into Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season, fantasy football managers are deep into the playoff push. Injuries, offensive changes and emerging trends continue to reshape the fantasy landscape, making it vital to stay ahead of value swings. This week's fantasy football risers and fallers spotlight players whose stock is moving sharply in one direction or another, and how to adjust accordingly. For a deeper dive into player usage and evolving roles, check out the RotoWire NFL team depth charts.
Fantasy Football Risers
Quarterback
After missing eight of the last nine games with a toe injury, Purdy was only asked to attempt 26 passes in his return, but he showed more than enough to inspire confidence moving forward. Despite finishing with just 200 passing yards, he tossed three touchdowns in an efficient, controlled outing. With most of the 49ers' key offensive playmakers healthy again, this offense will be extremely difficult to contain. Given the struggles of San Francisco's defense, Purdy should also find himself in frequent shootouts, boosting his weekly fantasy outlook.
Running Back
After solid yardage totals the previous two weeks, Tucker erupted against a vulnerable Buffalo defense, delivering 140 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns in his most dominant performance of the season. This was also the first time he exceeded a 34 percent snap share, taking advantage of his hot start. With Bucky Irving (shoulder) still working his way back from injury, Tucker may have an opportunity to build on this surge if the backfield remains thin.
Henderson earned a spot in this column again after following up last week's explosion with another highly productive outing. Against the Jets, he managed 93 scrimmage yards on 24 touches while punching in three touchdowns. Although his efficiency dipped compared to the previous week, his ability to produce in different ways was noteworthy. With uncertainty surrounding the return and potential workload of Rhamondre Stevenson (toe), Henderson appears to be carving out a significant and sustainable share of the backfield.
Wide Receiver
It has been an up-and-down season for Samuel, who opened the year as one of the biggest draft steals before battling a heel injury that derailed his momentum. After a three-game stretch of limited fantasy output, he finally returned to form in a matchup against Miami. In that game, the receiver hauled in seven passes for 74 yards and a touchdown, looking much closer to his early season self. With the team now coming off its bye, Samuel should be well rested as he enters a favorable stretch of matchups.
Wilson has never surpassed 585 receiving yards in a season, but he capitalized on a major opportunity with Marvin Harrison sidelined by an appendectomy. Working with Jacoby Brissett, whose arm strength and perimeter accuracy complement Wilson's skill set, the receiver posted an absurd 15 receptions for 185 yards. Wilson has long struggled to mesh with Kyler Murray, making this connection with Brissett particularly notable. While this level of production isn't sustainable, he could remain much more involved as long as Brissett is under center.
Tight End
Kittle repeats in this section after delivering another strong performance. Following last week's nine-catch breakout, he found the end zone twice against Arizona while adding 67 yards on limited volume. Even with only six targets due to game script, he made every opportunity count in his first game this season with Brock Purdy back at quarterback. Consecutive productive weeks serve as a reminder of why he was drafted as a top-three tight end in most formats.
Fantasy Football Fallers
Quarterback
Jackson missed a full month with a hamstring injury, but his post-return performances have not met expectations. After a quiet rushing effort against Miami, fantasy managers anticipated a rebound that never materialized. His recent outing at Cleveland, featuring 193 passing yards, two interceptions, and just 10 rushing yards, was particularly concerning. The Ravens offense no longer resembles last year's dominant unit, and Jackson's recent form has added uncertainty to his weekly outlook.
Running Back
Harvey entered the week as the new lead back in Denver, but his debut in the role left much to be desired. His 11 rushing attempts produced only 30 yards, though he salvaged some value with three receptions for 20 yards. With Denver on a bye and a difficult fantasy playoff schedule ahead, consistent production will be challenging. Unless Harvey elevates his efficiency, his ascent to the starting role may not unfold as fantasy managers hoped.
Outside of his huge Week 8 outing against the Giants, Barkley has delivered four disappointing fantasy performances in his last five games, averaging just nine PPR points in those contests. While poor offensive line play has contributed to the struggles, generating yards after contact has also been a challenge. With right tackle Lane Johnson now expected to miss time, the run game faces additional hurdles. The schedule does soften, but Barkley's recent form makes him difficult to trust as an elite option.
Wide Receiver
Moore has recorded only one game this season with more than 13 PPR points, a surprising downturn given his typical consistency. After encouraging outings in Weeks 8 and 9, he played through a shoulder issue and failed to catch a pass the following week. Although his snap share returned to normal against Minnesota, he finished with just one reception for 18 yards. With Chicago preferring a run-heavy approach and clear chemistry issues with Caleb Williams, upside is difficult to project.
Sutton has been out-targeted by Troy Franklin for more than a month, and his recent production continues to trend down. Over his last three games, the receiver is averaging only three catches and 38 yards with one touchdown. Quarterback Bo Nix has struggled to maintain his early season level of play, further complicating Sutton's situation. While the veteran may still deliver an occasional spike week, the overall pattern has become increasingly troubling.
Tight End
Pitts opened the season as a reliable weekly contributor but has seen his production collapse over the past three games. Following successive 38-yard efforts, he dropped to just 14 last week. During this stretch, he is averaging only 5.6 PPR points per game. With Kirk Cousins now set to take over at quarterback, the outlook worsens for a passing attack that was already struggling, making Pitts a risky weekly start.
Conclusion
As the playoff race intensifies, evaluating fantasy football risers and fallers becomes essential for optimizing lineups and making timely roster moves. Several players are peaking at exactly the right moment, while others appear to be fading at the worst possible time. Staying flexible with roster construction and monitoring usage trends will provide a significant competitive edge. For updated projections and weekly lineup guidance, be sure to visit the RotoWire weekly projections page.
