Fantasy Football: 3 Things We Learned from Week 12

Tyreek Hill Offers a Safe Floor and Upside

The emergence of Tyreek Hill in recent weeks was borne partly out of necessity, with star Kansas City Chiefs receiver Jeremy Maclin nursing a groin injury for the last three weeks. Hill has taken advantage of his opportunity, though. Hill's versatility was on full display in Week 12 as he managed to score a receiving touchdown, a rushing touchdown, and a special teams touchdown in a single game against the Denver Broncos.

As such, even when Maclin returns, Hill has likely carved out a role for the rest of the season. For Hill's fantasy owners in PPR leagues, that's good news as his skill set fits perfectly in the conservative Chiefs' offense, where Alex Smith has deservedly developed a reputation as "Captain Checkdown".

The Chiefs rightfully recognize Smith's limitations throwing the deep ball. In fact, Smith is ranked 34th out of 35 qualifying quarterbacks in average depth per target per aimed throw, according Pro Football Focus. Since taking over as the Chiefs leading receiver in Maclin's absence, Hill has been the beneficiary of this limitation, utilizing his insane 4.34 40-yard dash speed to garner short-route targets and making things happen after the catch.

And he has certainly made things happen after the catch, with 42.5% of his total yardage coming after the catch, good for 13th among the 68 receivers with at least 30 receptions this season. He has generated double-digit targets in two out of his last three games, a promising sign that he should continue seeing work even when Maclin is back in the lineup.

With his speed, Hill also brings unique upside to the table as well. Per Pro Football Focus, he ranks first in the league in fantasy points per opportunity -- which includes carries and pass routes -- in PPR leagues.

Hill should remain a near-automatic start as long as Maclin remains sidelined, but don't be surprised if he keeps delivering in PPR leagues even when Maclin returns.