As we enter fantasy football Week 12, the waiver wire is heating up with hidden gems and breakout studs ready to make a difference in your lineup for the stretch run. Injuries, underperforming players, and bye weeks create the perfect storm for fantasy managers to snag season-changing players off the fantasy football Week 12 Waiver Wire.
Let’s dive in.
Others to Consider: Will Levis, Cam Akers, Audric Estime, Zamir White, Xavier Legette, Elijah Moore, Curtis Samuel, Kendrick Bourne, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Hunter Henry, Noah Grey, Theo Johnson, JaTavion Sanders
Note: Roster % based on Yahoo!
FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEK 12 WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS
10.) Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR New Orleans Saints (25%)
There were plenty of doubters who said that Marquez Valdes-Scantling wasn’t worth an add, and his last performance was just another flash in the pan. Well, he rolled the dice and delivered another double digit performance with a hilarious 2-87-1 stat line on 4 targets. He saw an increase in snaps played, but the long touchdown came through again for ol MVS. He’s the ultimate boom-or-bust guy you could possibly roster, so add him at your own risk.
9.) Demario Douglas, WR New England Patriots (28%)
Despite playing a limited amount, it was pretty clear on Sunday that the best way New England can move the ball through the air is with Demario Douglas. He’s undersized, but shifty and able to rack up plenty of YAC when Maye is able to get him the ball. The rest of New England’s pass catchers struggle to even bring the ball in or get open enough to garner targets. If the Patriots staff can wake up, and have Douglas out there at a high level of snaps and getting decent target numbers, he could be a dependable WR3/Flex play–especially in PPR leagues.
8.) Drake Maye, QB New England Patriots (14%)
New England’s rookie quarterback showed more glimmers of hope this past Sunday despite the majority of the team offering nothing of value. Maye had the Patriots offense looking functional early on, as he finished the day going 30-40 for 282 yards and two touchdowns. Maye is improving each week, and still offers rushing upside when needed. If they can really figure it out offensively and his receivers can start catching the ball more consistently, then Maye has serious upside at his disposal.
7.) Christian Watson, WR Green Bay Packers (44%)
Struggling to stay on the field consistently due to injuries, Christian Watson can produce when healthy as a big play weapon in Green Bay. Playing in one of the better offenses is a nice plus, but Watson has the size and skill that will separate him from others on the field. He has a few positive matchups coming up the next few weeks, while rounding back into form as a top two receiver in Green Bay, lowering Jayden Reed’s stock.
6.) Zach Ertz, TE Washington Commanders (33%)
Starting off the run of tight ends, grizzled veteran Zach Ertz continues to be a reliable weapon for sensational rookie Jayden Daniels. A garbage time touchdown salvaged his day against the Eagles, but Ertz still finished with 6-47-1 on 7 targets. He’s playing around 80% of snaps right now which is elite usage, and he’s a top two, maybe three option in the receiving game battling with Austin Ekeler for the No. 2 spot. Regardless, Ertz has been a consistent fantasy option.
5.) Will Dissly, TE Los Angeles Chargers (23%)
Chargers tight end Will Dissly found the end zone for the first time this season, marking his second game with double-digit fantasy points. It may not sound promising, but Dissly has seen his target share spike over the last month while becoming more of a focal point in Los Angeles’ passing attack. The biggest factor for Dissly’s rest of season appeal is the cupcake schedule he faces. It’s a true ‘sea of green’ when looking at positional matchups, which couldn’t line up any better for a player trending way up the rankings.
4.) Jonnu Smith, TE Miami Dolphins (53%)
It had been a very slow start to the season for tight end Jonnu Smith, but the veteran is hitting full stride in Miami’s offense. The return of QB Tua Tagovailoa is obviously a significant factor, but Jonnu is now on the field at a much higher rate, which resulted in season-highs across the board in receiving categories. Smith is making a strong case for the Dolphins third option in the receiving game behind both Tyreek Hill and Devon Achane, seemingly leap-frogging Jaylen Waddle for more targets.
3.) Jerry Jeudy, WR Cleveland Browns (51%)
The Browns offense has been revitalized under Jameis Winston, and while Cedric Tillman was the early darling, Jerry Jeudy has come more into focus over the past few weeks. He’s had two straight games with 11 targets, resulting in a 13-215-1 stat line. While Winston continues to sling it, Jeudy and the other Browns pass catchers will play major roles for a struggling team that often finds themselves playing catchup.
2.) Taysom Hill, QB/TE New Orleans Saints (54%)
What an eruption for everyone’s favorite fantasy darling, Taysom Hill, down in New Orleans. Hill turned his seven carries on the day into 138 yards and three touchdowns–which is downright absurd. To pad his stats even more, Hill caught eight balls on ten targets for 50 yards. The injuries to numerous Saints skill players have depleted the offense to the point of Hill having to take on a role larger than normal. He’s responded quite nicely, and should remain a focal point of the offense alongside Alvin Kamara moving forward.
1.) Bo Nix, QB Denver Broncos (48%)
The Bo Nix train is pulling out of the station and there’s one last chance to hop on. The rookie is playing lights out right now, as he set career-highs in passing yards and touchdowns with a 307-4 day against the Falcons. What’s crazy is Nix hasn’t had any rushing contributions over the last two games and all of these points are strictly coming from the pass. Nix has a fantastic end of season schedule playing in his favor as the Broncos continue to fight for a playoff spot.
