Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 12
Quarterbacks
QB Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns (Rostered: 12%)
Jameis Winston delivered a classic performance in Week 11, showcasing his fearless and aggressive playstyle. In his third start for the Browns, Winston packed the stat sheet once again, surpassing 330 passing yards and throwing multiple touchdowns in two of his last three games. With his high-risk, high-reward approach, he’s a viable streaming option in favorable matchups.
QB Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts (Rostered: 47%)
Anthony Richardson regained his role as the Colts’ starting quarterback last week and made an immediate impact against the Jets. He threw for 272 yards and a touchdown while adding 32 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. Even more encouraging, Richardson completed 67% of his passes in this game. This kind of dual-threat performance is exactly what had fantasy managers excited during draft season. While consistency remains a question, Richardson should be rostered in all 10-team leagues or larger.
Mentionables: QB Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (Rostered: 33%)
Wide Receivers
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, New Orleans Saints (Rostered: 25%)
Marquez Valdes-Scantling struck again in Week 11, hauling in another deep touchdown for the Saints. Over the past two games, he’s delivered three receptions of 40+ yards on just five total catches. While his knack for explosive plays is undeniable, his role remains unchanged—he’s a low-volume receiver with a Boom or Bust game play.
MARQUEZ VALDES-SCANTLING. WOW
pic.twitter.com/r9hx33sgyh— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) November 17, 2024
WR Elijah Moore, Cleveland Browns (Rostered: 8%)
The Browns fell to the Saints 35-14, unable to contain Taysom Hill’s dominance, but Jameis Winston kept Cleveland’s passing game afloat. While Cedric Tillman underwhelmed with three catches for 47 yards on eight targets, Jerry Jeudy delivered a huge performance, and Elijah Moore made his mark with a 30-yard touchdown grab in the third quarter. Despite being, at best, third in the Browns’ receiving pecking order, Moore could see more opportunities as defenses focus elsewhere. With a tough stretch of matchups ahead, he’s on the flex radar, especially in deeper leagues.
Mentionables: WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tennessee Titans (Rostered: 4%)
Running Backs
RB Cam Akers, Minnesota Vikings (Rostered: 17%)
Cam Akers continues to solidify his role as the top backup in the Vikings’ backfield, potentially operating as a 1B to Aaron Jones. In Week 11, Akers logged 10 carries compared to Jones’ 15 and received valuable goal-line snaps, leading to one of Sam Darnold’s two touchdown passes. Akers is a must-roster player as the clear RB2 in one of the league’s stronger offenses.
Cam Akers!! pic.twitter.com/e840Pn2O9x
— Warchant.com (@Warchant) November 17, 2024
RB Ameer Abdullah, Las Vegas Raiders (Rostered: 0%)
In the Raiders’ matchup with the Dolphins, Ameer Abdullah emerged as the last healthy back after Zamir White (quad) and Alexander Mattison (ankle) exited with injuries. If Mattison is sidelined, Abdullah could take on an expanded receiving role, making him a viable stash in deep PPR leagues. Keep an eye on the Raiders’ injury updates this week.
Mentionables: RB Audric Estime, Denver Broncos (Rostered: 51%)
Tight Ends
TE Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders (Rostered: 33%)
Zach Ertz continues to deliver steady production at tight end, finishing Week 11 with a season-high 18.7 PPR points against the Eagles. This marks his fifth double-digit performance of the season, with only two games below five points. If you’re looking for consistency at the position, Ertz remains a reliable option.
TE Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins (Rostered: 53%)
Tight end usage was rare in Miami’s offense last season, but Jonnu Smith has changed that narrative. He’s seen 6+ targets in five of his last six games and, while often touchdown-dependent, has consistently provided 7+ PPR points. With several tight ends on bye, Smith is a solid fill-in option for Week 12.
Mentionables: TE Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (Rostered: 45%)
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Defenses
DEF Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Rostered: 11%)
The Buccaneers’ defense has struggled this season, ranking among the bottom five in both scoring and total defense. However, a Week 12 matchup against the Giants presents a streaming opportunity. Facing either Drew Lock or Daniel Jones, the Bucs should be able to contain the offense if they focus on neutralizing Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy.
DEF Washington Commanders (Rostered: 20%)
With Cooper Rush under center, the Cowboys’ offense becomes a target for streaming defenses. The Commanders face Dallas in Week 12 and should be able to limit a unit lacking weapons beyond CeeDee Lamb. For managers in need of a defensive option, Washington is a strong choice.
Mentionables: DEF Denver Broncos (Rostered: 63%)
Read More:
- Washington Commanders: Brian Robinson Jr. Week 11 Injury Update
- Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 11
- San Francisco 49ers Ricky Pearsall’s Remarkable Comeback
- Vikings’ Cam Bynum: Epic Tribute to Olympic Breakdancer
- Dallas Cowboys Micah Parsons Has Good News For Week 10
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