Week 12 waiver wire roundup
An update on the latest injuries and the waiver wire options that could help you get by.
🤕 Pain index
🫤 Looking iffy: Alexander Mattison (ankle), Tyjae Spears (concussion), Zamir White (quad)
🙏 Cautiously optimistic: Mike Evans (hamstring), George Kittle (hamstring), Elijah Moore (shoulder), Raheem Mostert (hip), David Njoku (knee), Brock Purdy (shoulder),
✅ Looking good: Jonathon Brooks (knee), Jerry Jeudy (knee)
Note: The above are estimates based on the latest news and injury reports. Always double-check your own rosters before Sunday kickoff!
🎯 Waiver wire targets
Percentages reflect how many teams have that player rostered in Yahoo! Sports fantasy leagues.
Teams on a bye this week: Bengals, Bills, Falcons, Jaguars, Jets and Saints
Quarterback
Anthony Richardson (48%) put himself back on the fantasy radar with 20 completions for 272 yards and a score, with another two touchdowns rushing. “Indy’s upcoming schedule is not particularly friendly — Detroit, at New England, a bye, at Denver — but a player with AR5’s dual-threat ability should not remain unattached,” sums up Andy Behrens of Yahoo! Sports.
Other QBs to consider: Bo Nix (49%), Drake Maye (14%), Matthew Stafford (57%)
Running Back
Roschon Johnson (8%) turned 11 touches into 41 yards and a touchdown in Thomas Brown’s first game as the Bears’ OC. This is worth noting as it could indicate a more balanced approach to the backfield moving forward, giving Johnson, who has already established his value as a key handcuff, the potential to contribute flex-worthy production regardless of D’Andre Swift’s health. … Trey Benson (22%) is another top handcuff who can occasionally produce enough to be interesting as a standalone fantasy player. He gained 87 total yards in the last game before the Cardinals’ bye, and is someone to stash if room allows on your bench. … Depending on how the injuries to Zamir White and Alexander Mattison play out this week, Dylan Laube (N/A) could inherit early-down work for the Raiders this week. Ameer Abdullah (N/A) was the main replacement for these guys in Week 11 but may resume a passing-down role once the dust settles.
Other RBs to consider: Cam Akers (17%), Gus Edwards (27%), Jerome Ford (39%)
Wide Receiver
Christian Watson (45%) tallied 150 yards on four receptions last weekend. It’s a crowded receiving room in Green Bay, but Watson’s playmaking ability could continue to be rewarded with more opportunities. “It's good to see the Packers making an effort to get Watson more involved, but we'll need to see if this continues moving forward. With a favorable rest-of-season schedule, Watson is worth adding, if only to see how his role develops,” writes ESPN’s Eric Moody. … Xavier Legette (28%) has received at least six targets in each of the last three games, topping 13 fantasy points in two of those, as he continues to carve out his role as a top target following the departures of Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo. … Quentin Johnston (41%) has been flagged here a few times. In Week 11, Johnston tacked on a 26-yard score. His targets aren’t many, but he has been making the most of the ones he get, with six of his 22 reception going for scores on the season.
Other WRs to consider: Marquez Valdes-Scantling (25%), Elijah Moore (8%), Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (4%)
Tight End
Will Dissly (24%) led the Chargers in receiving on Sunday night, catching four of six targets for 80 yards and a touchdown. Despite sharing some routes with two other tight ends, he has 33 targets over his past five games. His next four games are all against teams that have struggled against the position from a fantasy perspective (Baltimore, Atlanta, KC, and Tampa Bay).
Other TEs to consider: Jonnu Smith (54%), Zach Ertz (33%)
D/ST
The Commanders (21%) should benefit from their matchup with the Dak Presscott-less Cowboys this week. Dallas was actually already a top-10 fantasy matchup for D/STs before Prescott went down. While up-and-down for the season, Washington is tied for seventh in the NFL in sacks.
Other D/STs to consider: Buccaneers (13%)
Initial Week 12 player rankings
Each week, I’ll add a link to the rankings here once they’re up (typically early AM on Wednesday). Or, bookmark this link and check back there. I’ll also send a “note” out on Substack when they’re ready.
