Week 12 is an interesting one on the waiver wire because of injury uncertainty at running back.
As of Tuesday, we do not know if Bucky Irving, Josh Jacobs, or Jaylen Warren will be available to play on Sunday.
If they are out, we have a good idea that Sean Tucker, Emanuel Wilson, and Kenneth Gainwell will be good fantasy options, but that goes away if the presumed starter suits up.
Bhayshul Tuten would be an obvious add if we knew more about his injury, but we are still waiting on that information.
Let's try to parse through all of those situations along with a long list of potential receiver options on the Week 12 fantasy football waiver wire.
As a reminder, recommended adds are available in at least 60% of ESPN leagues, and the watch list consists of players worth monitoring.
The deep cuts section for running backs and receivers highlights players who are rostered in fewer than 5% of ESPN leagues, for all you “not in my league” degens.
I will not list recommended FAAB percentages for every player because there is a much better resource for researching what you need to bid, thanks to our friends at FAABLab.
Finally, I will not be ranking kickers and defenses because, frankly, I don’t care about them and would like to see them disappear from the game.
With those caveats out of the way, let’s get to it.
Contents
Best Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups: Quarterback
- Jacoby Brissett
- Bryce Young
- Tyrod Taylor
Best Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups: Running Back
- Emanuel Wilson
- Kenneth Gainwell
- Sean Tucker
- Bhayshul Tuten
- Chris Rodriguez
- Devin Singletary
Best Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups: Wide Receiver
- Alec Pierce
- Christian Watson
- Xavier Legette
- Darnell Mooney
- Michael Wilson
- Andrei Iosivas
- Luther Burden
- Parker Washington
- AD Mitchell
- Gabe Davis
Best Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups: Tight Ends
- Juwan Johnson
- Brock Wright
- Brenton Strange
- Darren Waller
- Mason Taylor
Quarterback Waiver Targets, Week 12
1. Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals — Available in 76.4% of ESPN leagues
Brissett takes his customary spot atop this list. It was not always pretty, but Brissett threw for 452 yards and 2 scores to go along with 2 interceptions against the 49ers. The Jaguars just surprisingly shut down Justin Herbert, but they have been a target for production all season.
2. Bryce Young, Panthers — Available in 92.5% of ESPN leagues
I do not feel great about this because it feels like chasing points, but the 49ers defense has been absolutely shredded in recent weeks. C.J. Stroud threw for 318 and 2 scores, Jaxson Dart had a 191-2 passing line along with 56 yards and a touchdown on the ground, Matthew Stafford tossed 4 touchdowns, and Brissett put 452 yards on San Francisco's defense. Young could not have picked a better defense to face coming off the most productive game of his career. The 49ers are dead last in pressure rate over the last five weeks.
3. Tyrod Taylor, Jets — Available in 99.4% of ESPN leagues
Taylor has not lit up the boxscore in his limited opportunities this season, but he has been better than Justin Fields and can offer something with his legs. The Jets also have a great schedule after the Ravens this week (Falcons, Dolphins, Jaguars, Saints, Patriots) for those planning ahead. Taylor could struggle this week against Baltimore, so this is more of a stash for those teams that are comfortably in the playoffs and have the roster space.
Watch List: The Cardinals did just give up 3 touchdowns to Brock Purdy, but they have limited fantasy quarterbacks for much of the year, and Trevor Lawrence is unlikely to change that unless he gets into the end zone on the ground…Kirk Cousins is taking over the starting job in Atlanta with Michael Penix likely out for the season, but Cousins has struggled in his limited dropbacks so far this season…Because the Texans play on Thursday night, we might get another start from Davis Mills, but he is not an exciting option…Jameis Winston did not have the exciting game we were hoping to see against the Packers, but he could be an option this week against the Lions if Jaxson Dart misses another game…Tyler Shough had a good game against the Panthers before the bye, and the Falcons did just get shredded by Bryce Young…It seems like Aaron Rodgers will play this week, but he is not a great fantasy option…Shedeur Sanders will get the start this week if Dillon Gabriel can't clear concussion protocol, but neither quarterback is worth a look for fantasy even against the Raiders.
Running Back Waiver Targets, Week 12
1. Emanuel Wilson, Packers — Available in 94.2% of ESPN leagues
Wilson — and to an even greater extent, Kenneth Gainwell — presents a difficult decision for those looking to the wire for running back help. Josh Jacobs is dealing with a knee contusion, an injury that could allow him to play this week. If Jacobs misses, though, we should get a full runout for Wilson as the lead back in an offense that wants to run and creates touchdowns for its running backs. In the second half on Sunday, Wilson played 18 snaps to 1 for Chris Brooks, logging 8 touches to 0 and running 8 routes to 0. Wilson should help teams win this week if he gets the start. That makes him a priority add for those who absolutely need to win this week to keep their playoff hopes alive, but a pass for those already looking to the postseason.
2. Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers — Available in 57.8% of ESPN leagues
Gainwell is in a similar situation to Wilson, but there are more concerns for even this week. First, Jaylen Warren has said he could have reentered the game if the Steelers needed him, and Mike Tomlin said Warren should be on the practice field early in the week. That suggests we will not get a start for Gainwell, but coaches are not always the most truthful when it comes to injuries. As with Wilson, teams who desperately need a starter for this week can take a shot on Gainwell, but be considerably more wary, especially since Kaleb Johnson saw some work in the second half on Sunday.
3. Sean Tucker, Bucs — Available in 71.3% of ESPN leagues
We are in an even worse spot with Tucker, who was a massive hit for us last week as the top waiver add. Bucky Irving got in three limited practices last week, suggesting he will be ready to return in Week 12. Even if he doesn't, the Bucs face a tough test on the road against the Rams, who have an offense good enough to put the Bucs in a negative game script. Tucker showed what he can do as a runner and that he is deserving of a bigger role somewhere, but Irving's return will likely put an end to any breakout. Still, it is not a given that Irving returns this week, making Tucker an add for teams desperate for a win.
4. Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars — Available in 81.5% of ESPN leagues
Assuming his injury is not serious — we are still waiting on word as of Tuesday morning — Tuten is a better long-term add than any of the top three. Tuten was still sharing work with Travis Etienne, but through the first three quarters, he had 14 touches to just 12 for Etienne while playing only 4 fewer snaps. Both players had a touchdown and got work near the goal line, so this had the look of a true split. That kind of split will give Tuten a shot at FLEX value the rest of the way, assuming his injury is not serious.
5. Chris Rodriguez, Commanders — Available in 93.3% of ESPN leagues
Rodriguez also looks like a better long-term add even with the Commanders on bye this week. Rodriguez was the lead back in Week 10 before leaving early, and we saw the same thing play out in Week 11 with Rodriguez playing 29 snaps and getting 16 touches to 17 snaps and 10 touches for Bill Croskey-Merritt. As has been the case recently, Rodriguez was also the better runner. Washington has some great matchups in the fantasy playoffs, getting the Giants in Week 15 and the Cowboys in Week 17. Rodriguez could be a factor if this usage continues.
6. Devin Singletary, Giants — Available in 67.5% of ESPN leagues
I struggled to make a strong case for Singletary as an add last week, and I am still struggling now, even after he scored twice against the Packers. He is still in a clear timeshare with Tyrone Tracy, and he actually saw fewer touches and was less efficient against Green Bay. It looks like this is going to be an underwhelming timeshare the rest of the way, but at least Singletary should get touches and has some touchdown upside.
Watch List: Kaleb Johnson saw 2 more carries than Gainwell in the second half, though he played considerably fewer snaps. It is just something to know if Warren is unable to play this week…Jaleel McLaughlin did get 6 carries in Week 11, but he was only on the field for 8 snaps while RJ Harvey played 37. It seems more likely Harvey is the lead back coming out of the bye than McLaughlin makes a big jump in usage…Brian Robinson, Tank Bigsby, Blake Corum, and Ray Davis stand out as some upside handcuffs who could end up as a priority add down the stretch…Ollie Gordon and Jaylen Wright are worth watching. De'Von Achane returned to the game, but he had to leave the field briefly with an injury. I assume he will be good to go after the bye week, but it is a situation to monitor…With Emari Demercado suffering another injury, Michael Carter should have a role until Trey Benson returns…Isaiah Davis should at least run some routes every week.
Deep Cuts: Wilson is very likely to be the lead back, but Chris Brooks is another option. The Packers could also get back MarShawn Lloyd at some point…Keaton Mitchell served as the No. 2 back with Justice Hill sidelined and averaged 6.8 yards per touch. He would have big-time upside if something happened to Derrick Henry…Tyler Badie somewhat surprisingly played just 8 snaps in J.K. Dobbins‘ first game out….LeQuint Allen could get more run if Tuten's injury is serious…The Chargers are on bye and could get Omarion Hampton back soon, but Trayveon Williams was the only back left standing in Week 11.
Wide Receiver Waiver Targets, Week 12
1. Alec Pierce, Colts — Available in 59.4% of ESPN leagues
I remain unsure why Pierce is available in so many leagues, even knowing that he was on bye last week. Since returning from injury in Week 6, he has run the most routes and has the most targets for one of the best passing attacks in the league. On top of that, he has 57.1% of the air yards and is averaging 21.8 yards per catch over that span. So he is a big-play threat in a good passing game getting great volume. That is a fantasy starter.
2. Christian Watson, Packers — Available in 73.8% of ESPN leagues
The potential return of Jayden Reed remains a concern, but Watson has simply been Green Bay's most reliable receiver since returning from injury. Watson is getting a decent target share, and he can create big plays. That is a good combo.
3. Xavier Legette, Panthers — Available in 78.9% of ESPN leagues
I have been wary of Legette after other big games from him this season, and it has to be noted that his big performance came in easily Bryce Young‘s most productive game in the NFL. Still, Dave Canales said after the game that they made a “focused effort” to get Legette more targets, and he produced 83 yards and a touchdown to repay that faith. The Panthers also have a great matchup this week against the 49ers, a team that should be able to score enough to force Carolina to throw.
4. Darnell Mooney, Falcons — Available in 63% of ESPN leagues
Mooney has to be on this list because it looks like Drake London will miss some time, but I am almost certainly lower on him than most other people. Kirk Cousins has been bad this season, ranking 43rd in yards per attempt and 38th in EPA per dropback among 43 quarterbacks with at least 50 dropbacks. Mooney has not been much better, ranking 82nd in yards per route run among 101 qualified receivers and logging the fourth-most drops in that group (6) despite seeing just 42 targets. Perhaps Mooney just gets 30% of the targets while London is out and gets there through volume — I still think he is a good receiver who has had a tough go this season due to injuries and quarterback play — but I would be more interested in Kyle Pitts if chasing a Falcons pass catcher, though he is rostered in most leagues.
5. Michael Wilson, Cardinals — Available in 84.7% of ESPN leagues
Wilson would be higher if we knew Marvin Harrison was going to miss another week, but players have returned from an appendectomy in just one week in the past. Harrison's return would send Wilson back to the wire, but Wilson dominated against the 49ers, catching 15 passes for 185 yards in easily the best game of his career. That performance means three of Wilson's five most productive games have come against the 49ers. Wilson would be in another great spot this week against the Jaguars if Harrison is forced to miss another game.
6. Andrei Iosivas, Bengals — Available in 99.4% of ESPN leagues
Iosivas is just a one-week option for fantasy teams that need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, but he could be in line for a big game. Iosivas has consistently worked as the No. 3 receiver this season (82.5% route rate) and should be the No. 2 option with Ja'Marr Chase suspended. The Bengals have thrown a lot since Joe Flacco took over, including another 40 attempts against the Steelers on Sunday. The Patriots defense has been beatable for receivers, and Iosivas could get the better end of the matchup if New England decides to focus on Tee Higgins with Christian Gonzalez.
7. Luther Burden, Bears — Available in 94.1% of ESPN leagues
Burden once again saw his route rate spike in Week 11, running a route on 61.1% of the dropbacks and earning 5 targets. It is tough because there are so many options in the Chicago passing game, but Burden has seemingly jumped Olamide Zaccheaus on the depth chart. That keeps him as an upside bench stash who could be thrown into a FLEX spot in an emergency.
8. Parker Washington, Jaguars — Available in 71.5% of ESPN leagues
The targets were not there for Washington in Week 11, but he still led the team in routes and has usually drawn targets when on the field this season. Of course, Jakobi Meyers will continue to get more involved, and Brian Thomas Jr. will return in the near future. That puts a cap on Washington's upside, but he is still worth having on the bench to see what happens.
9. AD Mitchell, Jets — Available in 98.2% of ESPN leagues
Mitchell's performance on Thursday night left a lot to be desired, but the underlying numbers tell a promising story for the rest of the season. In his first game active with his new team, Mitchell ran a route on 63.6% of the dropbacks and was targeted 6 times. He only caught 1 of those and dropped the ball 3 times, but the Jets focused on getting him involved. New York will also be without Garrett Wilson for at least a few more games and have some good matchups after the Ravens this week. Mitchell is an upside stash in deeper leagues.
10. Gabe Davis, Bills — Available in 99.4% of ESPN leagues
In the same vein as Mitchell but in a much better offense, Davis had some promising usage in his first game back with the Bills. He ran a route on 45.5% of the dropbacks and was targeted on 26.7% of those routes. Keon Coleman should be active moving forward, and Davis shared time with Curtis Samuel, Josh Palmer, and Tyrell Shavers, who made a big touchdown grab. Still, Davis saw a decent amount of the field for a player coming back from injury, and he has a history with the Bills and Josh Allen. He is an upside stash.
Watch List: I would have some interest in Darius Slayton if I knew he and Jaxson Dart were playing, but Slayton was a DNP all last week…Jayden Higgins is trending up, drawing 7 targets in back-to-back games and running a route on 57.4% of dropbacks in Week 11. We need him to be on the field more to really be a fantasy option, but the recent trends are positive…Malik Washington is who he is at this point. He has some value in deeper PPR leagues but probably needs a touchdown to really hit…With Calvin Ridley out for the season, the Titans will likely again turn to some combination of Elic Ayomanor (also injured), Chimere Dike (also injured), and Van Jefferson the rest of the way. We have learned our lesson about chasing fantasy points in this passing game…Cedric Tillman is coming off a good game, catching 3 passes for 52 yards, but he unfortunately plays for the Browns…Kayshon Boutte seems likely to return this week, which will make him once again a fantasy option and push Mack Hollins down the pecking order.
Deep Cuts: Greg Dortch got there in the end, but it took a lot of Jacoby Brissett passing attempts for that to happen…Tyler Lockett fell victim to the Raiders' weekly adjustments to the target tree. That offense could be difficult to predict week to week outside of Brock Bowers…While Gabe Davis is my choice at receiver for the Bills, Josh Palmer, Tyrell Shavers, and Curtis Samuel all got run, as well, with Shavers making the big play…Jalen Coker has been running the routes and got 52 yards on Sunday, but that was in the best game of Bryce Young‘s career…Kyle Williams should slide back down as the Patriots get healthier at receiver…Pat Bryant has run a route on 65.5% of the dropbacks over the last three games and earned 6 targets against the Chiefs…It did not result in targets, but Devaughn Vele was on the field for every dropback before the bye…While I am betting on AD Mitchell, John Metchie was more productive and found the end zone in Week 11…Mitchell Tinsley could get some run this week if Ja'Marr Chase loses his appeal.
Tight End Waiver Targets, Week 12
1. Juwan Johnson, Saints — Available in 65% of ESPN leagues
Johnson just frankly should not be available in as many leagues as he is, and he will be retired from this article after this week. He both runs a lot of routes — 81.9% route participation rate this season — and draws targets on those routes — 19.2% target rate per route. The Falcons have limited tight ends this season, but they also have not faced a ton of good competition.
2. Brock Wright, Lions — Available in 98.7% of ESPN leagues
Wright was stymied along with the rest of the offense against literally the worst tight end matchup in the league, but he still ran a route on 64.1% of Detroit's dropbacks and commanded 7 targets. The Giants have not been a great matchup for tight ends this season, but anything is better than facing the Eagles. The Lions should also find a lot more success overall on offense at home this week.
3. Brenton Strange, Jaguars — Available in 89.8% of ESPN leagues
Strange did not return last week and was listed as a DNP on Friday, which is concerning, but we have not heard about a setback. Once he returns, he should be a good source of volume in a team that needs targets. He also gets a decent matchup this week against the Cardinals.
4. Darren Waller, Dolphins — Available in 81% of ESPN leagues
The Dolphins are on bye this week, and we don't know if Waller will return after that. He remains a stash option, though, because of his usage before the injury and Miami's schedule following the bye. After the off week, the Dolphins close the fantasy season with the Saints, Jets, Steelers, Bengals, and Bucs. If Waller is active, especially for that playoff run, he should be a starting-quality option.
5. Mason Taylor, Jets — Available in 86.9% of ESPN leagues
As with Tyrod Taylor in the quarterback section, I am not as interested in Mason Taylor this week against the Ravens, but the Jets have a great schedule down the stretch. It remains unclear when Garrett Wilson will return or if he will at all, but until then, Taylor should be at worst the No. 2 target in the passing game.
Watch List: Luke Musgrave ran fewer routes than John FitzPatrick in Week 11…A.J. Barner took advantage of the extra passing volume against the Rams, commanding 11 targets on 37 routes. His previous season high in both categories was 7 targets and 24 routes, and the Seahawks are not likely to be pushed as much this week against the Titans….Michael Mayer‘s route rate jumped to 63.3% as the Raiders continue to mess with their rotations. It is tough to know how they will approach each game, and the passing attack has not been good enough to chase…Dawson Knox got the route share we wanted, but he did not draw a ton of targets and has an awful matchup this week…We have seen the Bengals utilize tight ends more when one of the top receivers is out, which opens the door for Noah Fant, though he is sharing time with Tanner Hudson and Drew Sample…Darnell Washington made the Bengals look foolish at times on his way to 67 yards, but he remains in a crowded tight end room…The injury to Tyler Higbee should open up more opportunities for Colby Parkinson and Terrance Ferguson, but this is still a crowded situation in a passing game with two target hogs at receiver.
