College Fantasy Football: WRs to watch for in Week 12

The playoffs are here for college fantasy football, so it’s more important than ever to have the right players in your lineup. Here is a look at some wide receivers who should be strongly considered for this week.

With Juwan Johnson’s availability still in question, Hamler should be quarterback Trace McSorley’s favorite target again against a weak Rutgers defense. His speed and escapability should be too much for the Scarlet Knights and he should have the opportunity to break a bunch of big plays.

Hamler, who is owned in only 19 percent of leagues, leads the Nittany Lions with 33 catches for 552 yards and five touchdowns. Whether on the ground or through the air, Penn State should have no problem moving the ball against Rutgers, which allows more than 34 points per game.

By no means is LSU’s offense a scoring machine but Jefferson is actually putting up decent numbers and is the player quarterback Joe Burrow looks for most in the passing game. Jefferson leads LSU with 42 catches for 669 yards and three scores this season, and he could be in line for a huge game against Rice. The Owls’ defense is simply not good, allowing 37.5 points per game and giving up 25 passing touchdowns this season. LSU is not built for explosive plays, but steadily moving the ball should be no problem and Jefferson is owned in only 2 percent of leagues.

By any measure, Washington’s offense has been a disappointment this season, but this game could be lining up to be a blowout and the Huskies’ receivers could have a big showing. Oregon State allows more than 271 passing yards per game and has given up 29 passing touchdowns. Aaron Fuller could be another good option here but Jones’ size should be a problem for the Beavers and he leads Washington with six TD receptions. Plus, Jones is owned in only 1 percent of fantasy leagues so pick him up for this blowout.

I’ve recommended North Carolina skill players all week and that’s rare for a 1-8 team, but this matchup is just too good to pass up – and the Tar Heels could score at will this weekend. Western Carolina gave up 44 points to Furman, 66 to Samford, 59 to Mercer and 38 in back-to-back losses to The Citadel and Wofford. How can’t North Carolina score against that defense? Ratliff leads the Tar Heels with 529 receiving yards. He only has two touchdowns but this will be his opportunity to double that number at least.

Wesley’s performance against Texas last weekend, where he finished with eight catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns, should have perked up fantasy owners to get him in your lineup – especially this weekend against Kansas State. The Wildcats’ offense is downright bad, so Texas Tech’s offense should be on the field often and the Red Raiders will look to score points. Quarterback Jett Duffey threw it 47 times last week in the loss to Texas and Wesley is definitely Duffey’s favorite target. After three-straight losses to tough opponents, Texas Tech looks to get back on track this weekend and perhaps even run it up a little bit.