Fantasy Football Player Notes

Mike Evans is scheduled to return to the lineup for the first time since aggravating a hamstring injury early in Week 7. A lack of volume seemed to be Evans' biggest issue early in the year, as he was often a touchdown-dependent starter. But Evans will return to a team that is now without Chris Godwin for the season. That could enable Evans to see more targets going forward, boosting his fantasy value. His Week 12 prospects are favorable facing a New York Giants defense that ranks 31st in DVOA versus number-one wideouts this year. Provided no setbacks, fantasy managers should feel comfortable starting Evans this week despite the layoff.

McMillan practiced in full all week (hamstring) and doesn't have an injury designation entering Week 12. In his last game action in Week 8, he had a 14% target share, a 30.4% air-yard share, 0.83 YPRR, and a 21.2% first-read share. McMillan could have a big week against a Giants secondary that, since Week 6, has allowed the fourth-highest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers and struggled to defend deep passing. McMillan is second on the team in deep targets, behind only Mike Evans. The Giants have allowed the eighth-most deep passing yards per game, a perfect passer rating to deep passing (158.3), and the highest adjusted completion rate to deep passing.

Shepard has only had an 8.1% target share and a 9.4% first-read share this season. He hasn't eclipsed 60 receiving yards in any game this season and has only one red zone target across his last six games. Shepard is in the Darius Slayton level of flex desperation this week. Since Week 6, the Giants have allowed the fourth-highest PPR points per target to slot receivers, so the matchup is glorious, but Shepard's profile should leave everyone questioning whether he can take advantage of it in Week 12.