Week 12 Bye Weeks Strategy: Broncos, Chargers, Dolphins, Commanders Out

Week 12 features four teams on bye, forcing fantasy managers to make critical lineup adjustments during the crucial playoff push. The Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and Washington Commanders are all off this week, impacting several elite fantasy assets.

Week 12 Bye Week: November 23-24, 2025 (Thanksgiving Week)

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Teams on Bye Week 12

Denver Broncos (9-2)

Key Fantasy Players Affected:

• Bo Nix (QB)
• Javonte Williams (RB)
• Courtland Sutton (WR)
• Denver Defense/ST

Los Angeles Chargers (7-2)

Key Fantasy Players Affected:

• Justin Herbert (QB)
• J.K. Dobbins (RB)
• Ladd McConkey (WR)
• Chargers Defense/ST

Miami Dolphins (3-7)

Key Fantasy Players Affected:

• Tua Tagovailoa (QB)
• Tyreek Hill (WR)
• Jaylen Waddle (WR)
• De'Von Achane (RB)

Washington Commanders (5-6)

Key Fantasy Players Affected:

• Jayden Daniels (QB)
• Brian Robinson Jr. (RB)
• Terry McLaurin (WR)
• Commanders Defense/ST

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Position-by-Position Replacement Strategy

Quarterback Replacements

If You Own: Justin Herbert, Bo Nix, Jayden Daniels, or Tua Tagovailoa

Top Streaming Options:

• Available QBs with favorable Week 12 matchups
• Check waiver wire for QBs facing weak pass defenses
• Consider 2-QB leagues may have limited options

Strategy:

• Stream based on matchup, not name value
• Target QBs with high passing volume
• Avoid QBs facing elite pass defenses

Running Back Replacements

If You Own: Tyreek Hill, Courtland Sutton, Terry McLaurin, Ladd McConkey

Waiver Wire Targets:

• Check for RBs with increased workload due to injuries
• Target pass-catching backs in PPR formats
• Monitor injury reports for starting RB availability

Strategy:

• Prioritize volume over talent for one-week fill-ins
• Check snap count trends from Week 11
• Consider handcuffs of elite RBs

Wide Receiver Replacements

If You Own: Tyreek Hill, Courtland Sutton, Terry McLaurin, Ladd McConkey

Streaming Options:

• WRs with increased target share
• Slot receivers in PPR formats
• WRs facing weak secondaries

Strategy:

• Target volume-based receivers
• Check for WRs benefiting from teammate injuries
• Consider Thanksgiving game pace-of-play advantages

Defense/Special Teams

If You Own: Broncos, Chargers, or Commanders DST

Week 12 Streaming Defenses:

• Target defenses facing backup QBs
• Look for home defenses with strong pass rush
• Consider defenses facing turnover-prone offenses

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Week 12 Thanksgiving Games

Thursday, November 28, 2025

Thanksgiving Day Schedule:

• Traditional Thanksgiving matchups
• High-scoring game environments expected
• Increased offensive opportunities

Fantasy Strategy:

• Start your studs in Thanksgiving games
• Consider game script and pace of play
• Monitor weather conditions for outdoor games

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Critical Playoff Positioning

Week 12 Importance

Week 12 represents a crucial point in the fantasy season:

• Weeks 12-14: Final regular season push
• Weeks 15-17: Fantasy playoffs in most leagues
• Bye week management: Can make or break playoff seeding

Roster Management Tips

Before Week 12:

1. Check your bench for bye week fill-ins
2. Submit waiver claims early in the week
3. Monitor injury reports daily
4. Consider trading for depth if thin at positions

During Week 12:

1. Set lineups early on Thanksgiving
2. Monitor inactive lists before Sunday games
3. Have backup plans for questionable players
4. Check for late-breaking news

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Trade Deadline Considerations

Fantasy Trade Deadlines:

• Yahoo: November 22, 2025
• ESPN: November 26, 2025
• Sleeper: League-specific settings

Strategy:

• Trade for players past their bye weeks
• Avoid acquiring players with difficult playoff schedules
• Target teams eliminated from playoffs for buy-low opportunities

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Week 13 Preview

Teams on Bye Week 13:

• Check ahead for next week's byes
• Plan two weeks ahead for roster management
• Avoid rostering multiple players from same bye week team

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Key Takeaways

• Four teams on bye: Broncos, Chargers, Dolphins, Commanders
• Elite players affected: Tyreek Hill, Justin Herbert, Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix
• Thanksgiving games provide streaming opportunities
• Playoff positioning makes Week 12 critical for fantasy success
• Plan ahead for Week 13 byes and playoff schedules