Here's Who To Drop, Swap and Shop in Week 12

Unless you're the Pittsburgh Steelers, chances are your team is still uncertain about making the playoffs.

The Packers lost, yet the Saints won. The Seahawks won, but so did the Rams. The NFC is in a frenzy, while the Steelers sit atop the AFC waiting for everyone else to catch up. With only five weeks left, the playoff picture is a little fuzzy, but it clarifies with each game.

Likewise, fantasy playoffs are just on the horizon, and unless you're undefeated, there's a strong chance you're still clamoring for a spot.

If you need to make some moves for a playoff berth, here are some suggestions in this week's drops, swaps and shops.

Note: For ESPN Leagues, all public leagues must submit trades before the trade deadline onWednesday, November 25that 12 ET. Rules vary within leagues, but this could be your last week for swaps.

Drop

Baker Mayfield

© Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

It may surprise you to realize that the Browns are 7-3, making them a top AFC team and second in their division only behind the Steelers. Yes, that means they even have a better record than the Ravens.

But those victories aren't the result of Mayfield's play: he's thrown for under 250 yards in ever game but one, and in that monster Week 7 anomaly, he threw for five touchdowns rather than his usual one or two.

Simply put, Mayfield is ranked 25th, so even in a 12-person, two-QB league, you can stand to do better than the Browns starter. Even if you're a Browns fan, it's not worth having him on your squad.

Swap

T.J. Hockenson

© Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

It's always fun to root for players in the Thanksgiving game, so if you have a few extra trading chips and need a TE, Hockenson has been solid all season. Currently ranking fifth among tight ends, Hockenson has racked up 40 targets in the past six games and found the end zone five times over ten starts.

He's currently listed as questionable for Thanksgiving, but that could even lower his value this week if you want to score a last-minute trade. Consider Hockenson in a league that's honestly quite thin at standout tight ends that are still healthy.

Shop

Michael Pittman Jr.

© George Walker IV / Tennessean.com via Imagn Content Services, LLC

In back-to-back games, Michael Pittman has emerged as Phillip River's favorite target on a lackluster Colts passing offense. While T.Y. Hilton has fallen by the wayside, Pittman has emerged with ten receptions, 167 yards and a touchdown over the past two games. Pittman should be the top target on waivers this week as the Colts face division rival Tennessee Titans.

Carlos Hyde/Richard Rodgers

© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Both Hyde and Rodgers are listed together here because picking and playing them depends on what happens to their injured starters. If Chris Carson and Zach Ertz return this Sunday, Hyde would be a solid starter, while Rodgers could be a flex option as he competes with Dallas Goedert.

The funny thing here is that the Eagles and Seahawks face off for Monday Night Football, making it a must-watch primetime game for fantasy owners.

Brandon McManus

© Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Another player ranked fifth amongst his cohort, Brandon McManus is still available in half of ESPN leagues. Unless you're one of a lucky four who has better kicker, McManus is a better option. Denver kickers get a little advantage at home kicking in thinner air, but McManus is still a straight-shooter, missing only one field goal this season (and it was over 50 yards). Pick up McManus before anyone else notices for a solid kicker to propel you to the championship round.