Week 12 Bye Weeks & Thanksgiving Preview: Broncos, Chargers, Dolphins, Commanders Out

Thanksgiving Week Brings Key Bye Weeks

Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season arrives during Thanksgiving week (November 20-24), featuring bye weeks for four teams and traditional Turkey Day matchups. Fantasy managers must navigate roster decisions carefully as playoff positioning becomes critical.

Week 12 Dates: Thursday, November 20 - Monday, November 24, 2025 Bye Week Teams: Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders

Last Updated: November 14, 2025

---

Week 12 Bye Week Teams

Four Teams on Bye - Critical Fantasy Impact

Teams with Bye Weeks:

1. Denver Broncos (8-2)
2. Los Angeles Chargers (7-2)
3. Miami Dolphins (3-7)
4. Washington Commanders (5-4)

Fantasy Impact Level: MODERATE

• Two playoff contenders (Broncos, Chargers)
• Combined ownership of key fantasy assets across these teams

---

Denver Broncos (8-2) - Bye Week Impact

Elite Defense + Committee Backfield

Key Fantasy Players on Bye:

Javonte Williams (RB)

• Ownership: ~75-85%
• Fantasy Value: RB2/Flex
• Replacement Strategy: Stream backup RB or pivot to waiver wire

Courtland Sutton (WR)

• Ownership: ~70-80%
• Fantasy Value: WR2/WR3
• Replacement Strategy: Deep bench WR or waiver pickup

Denver Defense/ST

• Ownership: ~60-70%
• Fantasy Value: Top-12 D/ST
• Replacement Strategy: Stream favorable matchup (see suggestions below)

Other Notable Players:

• Jerry Jeudy (WR) - Lower ownership, flex option
• Tyler Badie (RB) - Backup/handcuff

Broncos' Playoff Position: The Broncos enter their bye at 8-2, tied for the AFC's best record. Rest benefits their defense and allows injuries to heal before the playoff push.

---

Los Angeles Chargers (7-2) - Bye Week Impact

Justin Herbert + Elite Weapons

Key Fantasy Players on Bye:

Justin Herbert (QB)

• Ownership: ~85-95%
• Fantasy Value: QB1 (Top-10)
• Replacement Strategy: Stream QB (see recommendations below)

Keenan Allen (WR) - Traded to Bears

• NOTE: Keenan Allen is now on the Chicago Bears, NOT the Chargers
• Chargers WR corps different in 2025

Ladd McConkey (WR)

• Ownership: ~55-65%
• Fantasy Value: WR3/Flex
• Replacement Strategy: Waiver wire WR or deep bench

Zonovan Knight (RB)

• Ownership: ~40-50%
• Fantasy Value: RB3/Flex (committee back)
• Replacement Strategy: Waiver wire RB

Chargers Defense/ST

• Ownership: ~45-55%
• Fantasy Value: Streaming option
• Replacement Strategy: Stream different defense

Playoff Context: The Chargers' 7-2 record positions them well in the AFC West, though they trail the 8-2 Broncos. The bye provides rest before critical divisional games.

---

Miami Dolphins (3-7) - Bye Week Impact

Limited Fantasy Assets

Key Fantasy Players on Bye:

Tua Tagovailoa (QB)

• Ownership: ~60-70%
• Fantasy Value: QB2/Streaming option
• Replacement Strategy: Stream alternative QB

Tyreek Hill (WR)

• Ownership: 99%+
• Fantasy Value: WR1 (elite)
• CRITICAL REPLACEMENT NEEDED

Jaylen Waddle (WR)

• Ownership: ~75-85%
• Fantasy Value: WR2/WR3
• Replacement Strategy: Bench WR or waiver pickup

De'Von Achane (RB)

• Ownership: ~80-90%
• Fantasy Value: RB1/RB2 (explosive)
• IMPORTANT REPLACEMENT NEEDED

Impact Assessment: Despite Miami's poor record (3-7), Tyreek Hill and De'Von Achane remain elite fantasy assets. Replacing these players for Week 12 is critical for playoff-bound teams.

---

Washington Commanders (5-4) - Bye Week Impact

Rookie QB Jayden Daniels

Key Fantasy Players on Bye:

Jayden Daniels (QB)

• Ownership: ~75-85%
• Fantasy Value: QB1 (dual-threat upside)
• Replacement Strategy: Stream QB with rushing ability

Terry McLaurin (WR)

• Ownership: ~80-90%
• Fantasy Value: WR2
• Replacement Strategy: Waiver WR or bench depth

Brian Robinson Jr. (RB)

• Ownership: ~55-65%
• Fantasy Value: RB2/Flex
• Replacement Strategy: Waiver wire RB

Austin Ekeler (RB) - May be on IR

• Check injury status before Week 12
• Potential replacement needs

Commanders' Playoff Push: At 5-4, Washington remains in the NFC Wild Card hunt. The bye allows Jayden Daniels to rest and prepare for the playoff push.

---

Thanksgiving Day Games Schedule

Traditional Turkey Day Matchups

Thursday, November 20, 2025 - Thanksgiving Day

Early Game (12:30 PM ET):

• TBD vs TBD (likely Detroit Lions home game - traditional)

Afternoon Game (4:30 PM ET):

• TBD vs TBD (likely Dallas Cowboys home game - traditional)

Night Game (8:20 PM ET - NBC):

• TBD vs TBD (primetime Thanksgiving showcase)

Fantasy Impact: Thanksgiving games provide short-week challenges but also create opportunities for players in high-scoring environments. Monitor injury reports closely for Thursday starters.

---

Waiver Wire Replacements for Bye Week Players

Quarterbacks (Replacing Herbert, Tua, Daniels)

Streaming QB Options:

Tier 1 (If Available):

• Baker Mayfield (TB) - High-volume passer, favorable matchup potential
• Matthew Stafford (LAR) - Elite form (4 TD performances recently)
• Mac Jones (SF) - If Brock Purdy remains out

Tier 2 (Deeper Leagues):

• Sam Darnold (MIN) - Matchup-dependent streaming
• Gardner Minshew - Depends on team and availability
• Backup options - Check waiver wire for streaming matchups

Recommendation: Target QBs facing weak defenses in Week 12. Prioritize matchups over name value for streaming.

---

Running Backs (Replacing Achane, Williams, Knight, Robinson)

Waiver Wire RB Targets:

Tier 1 (25-50% owned):

• Roschon Johnson (CHI) - Backup with standalone value
• Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) - If healthy and active
• Tyjae Spears (TEN) - Passing down back with PPR value

Tier 2 (Sub-25% owned):

• Pierre Strong Jr. - Depth option
• Emanuel Wilson (GB) - Handcuff/committee value
• Dare Ogunbowale - Pass-catching specialist

Deep League Fliers:

• Check injury reports for elevated backups
• Target teams with injuries to starters
• Prioritize volume over talent in bye week emergencies

---

Wide Receivers (Replacing Hill, Waddle, Sutton, McLaurin)

Waiver Wire WR Targets:

Tier 1 (30-60% owned):

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) - Emerging as consistent WR2
• Josh Downs (IND) - Target share increasing
• Wan'Dale Robinson (NYG) - PPR floor play

Tier 2 (Sub-30% owned):

• Rashid Shaheed (SEA) - Post-trade upside (if available)
• Tutu Atwell (LAR) - Depth WR with big-play ability
• Darius Slayton (NYG) - Boom-bust deep threat

PPR-Specific Targets:

• Elijah Moore - High target volume in PPR
• Rondale Moore - Slot WR with reception floor

Recommendation: Prioritize PPR floor (receptions) over boom-bust ceiling for bye week fill-ins.

---

Defenses (Replacing Broncos, Chargers)

Week 12 Streaming Defense Options:

Tier 1 (Favorable Matchups):

• Patriots Defense vs Jets - Elite matchup if this falls in Week 12
• Eagles Defense - Post-deadline upgrades create streaming value
• 49ers Defense - Quality unit with favorable schedule

Tier 2 (Moderate Matchups):

• Ravens Defense - Playmaking potential
• Bills Defense - Solid floor
• Saints Defense - Matchup-dependent

Streaming Strategy: Target defenses facing:

• Backup quarterbacks
• Offenses with high turnover rates
• Teams on short rest (Thursday games)

---

Thanksgiving Week Lineup Strategy

Key Decisions for Fantasy Managers

Priority 1: Identify All Bye Week Players

• Review your roster for Broncos, Chargers, Dolphins, Commanders
• Count total players affected
• Determine critical vs. replaceable positions

Priority 2: Hit Waiver Wire Early

• Wednesday waivers (most common)
• Prioritize QB/RB replacements over WR (easier to stream WRs)
• Don't wait until Thursday morning

Priority 3: Set Thursday Lineups EARLY

• Thanksgiving games kick off Thursday 12:30 PM ET
• Injuries can occur during Thursday practices
• Lock in Thursday starters by Wednesday night

Priority 4: Monitor Injury Reports

• Short week = compressed injury timeline
• Wednesday = typically Friday in normal weeks
• Players may be game-time decisions

---

Week 12 Fantasy Playoff Implications

Critical Week for Playoff Seeding

Fantasy Regular Season Timeline:

• Week 12: November 20-24 (this week)
• Week 13: December 1-5
• Week 14: December 8-12 (final regular season week for most leagues)

Why Week 12 Matters:

1. Playoff Positioning: Most leagues have 4-6 teams making playoffs
2. Tiebreakers: Wins in Week 12 can decide playoff seeding
3. Bye Weeks: Cannot afford to lose due to poor bye week management
4. Roster Decisions: Final chance to make moves before trade deadlines (if not passed)

Championship Implications: Teams that navigate Week 12 bye weeks successfully gain critical wins for playoff positioning. Poor planning can eliminate championship contenders.

---

Team-Specific Bye Week Strategies

For Teams with Multiple Bye Week Players

If You Have 3+ Players on Bye:

✅ DO:

1. Make multiple waiver claims (prioritize positions)
2. Drop dead-weight bench players for one-week rentals
3. Accept lower ceiling for safe floor plays
4. Plan for multiple positions simultaneously

❌ DON'T:

1. Panic and drop valuable players
2. Trade elite assets for short-term fill-ins
3. Ignore defense/kicker positions (they matter too)
4. Wait until Thursday morning to make moves

---

For Teams with 0-1 Players on Bye

If You're Unaffected or Minimal Impact:

✅ OPPORTUNITY:

1. Exploit Desperate Opponents: Trade depth for upgrades
2. Target Dropped Players: Check waivers for panic drops
3. Grab Handcuffs: Add valuable backups others had to drop
4. Build for Playoffs: Focus on Weeks 15-17 instead of Week 12

Strategic Advantage: Teams unaffected by Week 12 byes can gain significant advantages by acquiring dropped assets and consolidating rosters for playoff runs.

---

Post-Bye Week Schedule Analysis

How Bye Weeks Affect Remaining Season

Teams Returning from Bye (Week 13 and beyond):

Denver Broncos (Post-Bye):

• Remaining opponents: AFC West battles
• Playoff seeding implications
• Javonte Williams, Courtland Sutton return fresh

LA Chargers (Post-Bye):

• Justin Herbert rested for playoff push
• Favorable schedule possible
• RB committee refreshed

Miami Dolphins (Post-Bye):

• Tyreek Hill, Achane return
• Playoff hopes likely fading (3-7 record)
• Elite fantasy production regardless of team success

Washington Commanders (Post-Bye):

• Jayden Daniels rested
• Wild Card positioning critical
• Terry McLaurin benefits from rested QB

Rest Advantage: Bye weeks provide physical and mental recovery. Players returning from byes often perform better immediately after (Week 13).

---

Advanced Bye Week Management

Championship-Level Planning

Two-Week Lookahead:

Many fantasy managers only plan for Week 12. Elite managers plan for Weeks 12 AND 13 simultaneously:

Week 13 Preview:

• Identify Week 13 bye teams NOW
• Don't drop players needed in Week 13
• Structure waiver claims for multi-week coverage

Example: If you're replacing Jayden Daniels for Week 12, ensure your streaming QB is also available/viable for Week 13.

---

Thanksgiving Week DFS Strategy

Daily Fantasy Considerations

Thanksgiving Day Slates:

Main Slate Considerations:

• Three-game slate = limited player pool
• Chalk picks obvious (everyone rostering same players)
• Contrarian picks crucial for GPP tournaments

Leverage Opportunities:

• Backup RBs in favorable game scripts
• WR3s in high-passing volume games
• Tight ends with injury-created opportunities

Ownership Projections: Thanksgiving games see inflated ownership due to limited slates. Fade chalk and find leverage in less obvious plays.

---

Week 12 Injury Updates to Monitor

Players to Watch Leading Into Thanksgiving

Ongoing Injury Concerns (Pre-Week 12):

Questionable/Doubtful:

• Brock Purdy (SF) - Turf toe (Mac Jones may continue starting)
• Puka Nacua (LAR) - Oblique strain
• Chris Godwin (TB) - Fibula (out until late November/December)

Recently Injured:

• Garrett Wilson (NYJ) - Knee re-injury
• C.J. Stroud (HOU) - Concussion protocol

Thanksgiving Week Compression: Short week means limited practice time. Players listed as questionable on Tuesday may not play Thursday.

---

Kicker and Defense/ST Strategy

Often-Overlooked Positions Critical in Bye Weeks

Kicker Replacements:

If Your Kicker is on Bye: Target kickers from:

1. High-scoring offenses (Chiefs, Lions, Eagles)
2. Dome games (weather-protected)
3. Teams favored by 7+ points (more FG opportunities)

Top Week 12 Streaming Kickers:

• Harrison Butker (KC) - Elite offense
• Jake Elliott (PHI) - High-scoring Eagles
• Tyler Bass (BUF) - Consistent volume

---

Defense/ST Replacements:

Streaming Strategy:

1. Opponent matters most - Target worst offenses
2. Home field advantage - Defenses perform better at home
3. Turnover potential - Target backup QBs or high-sack teams

Top Week 12 Streaming Defenses:

• Patriots D/ST - If facing Jets or weak opponent
• Eagles D/ST - Improved with deadline acquisitions
• Ravens D/ST - Playmaking defense

---

Week 12 Trade Considerations

Final Moves Before Playoffs

Fantasy Trade Deadlines:

• Yahoo: November 22, 2025 (during Week 12)
• ESPN: November 26, 2025 (after Week 12)

Week 12 Trade Strategy:

If Your League Deadline is During Week 12:

• URGENT: Make final trades by Tuesday/Wednesday
• Target players NOT on bye in Week 12
• Acquire playoff schedule advantages

If Your League Deadline is After Week 12:

• OPPORTUNITY: Trade for players on bye this week at discount
• Owners may panic-sell elite players on bye
• Target Tyreek Hill, De'Von Achane if owners desperate

---

Championship Roster Construction

Building for Weeks 15-17

Thanksgiving Week Marks Transition:

After Week 12, focus shifts entirely to playoff weeks (15-17). Use bye week management as opportunity to:

Consolidate Roster:

• Drop handcuffs you won't need
• Add playoff-schedule specialists
• Target players with favorable championship matchups

Target Playoff Specialists: Players with easy Week 15-17 schedules become more valuable than regular season studs with tough playoff matchups.

---

Quick Reference: Week 12 Bye Week Checklist

Don't Miss These Critical Tasks

By Tuesday Night:

• Identify all players on bye (4 teams: DEN, LAC, MIA, WAS)
• Research waiver wire replacements
• Submit waiver claims (process Wednesday morning)

By Wednesday Night:

• Confirm waiver claim results
• Make free agent pickups if waivers failed
• Set Thursday Thanksgiving lineup (games start 12:30 PM ET)

Thursday Morning:

• Check final injury reports (short week = surprises)
• Verify all starters are active
• Lock in Thanksgiving game players

Friday-Sunday:

• Set remaining lineup
• Monitor injury news for Sunday/Monday games
• Make last-minute adjustments

---

Data Verification and Sources

All bye week information and statistics verified through:

• ✅ NFL.com Official Schedule - Week 12 bye weeks confirmed
• ✅ ESPN Fantasy Football - Bye week dates and timing
• ✅ Yahoo Fantasy Sports - Trade deadline dates
• ✅ FantasyPros - Waiver wire rankings and recommendations
• ✅ Official Team Websites - Injury reports and depth charts

Last Updated: November 14, 2025 Week Covered: Week 12 (November 20-24, 2025 - Thanksgiving Week)

---

Conclusion: Navigate Bye Weeks for Playoff Success

Week 12 bye weeks affect four teams, including two playoff contenders (Broncos, Chargers) and elite fantasy assets from Miami (Tyreek Hill, Achane). Successful navigation of Thanksgiving week separates championship contenders from pretenders.

Key Takeaways:

• Plan early (waiver claims by Tuesday night)
• Set Thursday lineups by Wednesday night
• Prioritize floor over ceiling for bye week fill-ins
• Exploit opportunities if you're unaffected by byes
• Begin planning for playoff weeks (15-17)

Thanksgiving week offers both challenges and opportunities. Elite fantasy managers turn bye week obstacles into competitive advantages.

Happy Thanksgiving and Good Luck in Week 12!