While we never want to complain because each week of the NFL season is a gift, things were a little rough for Week 11. Perhaps my thought process is framed from the fact that I am a Jets’ fan, but things were not ideal from a fantasy football perspective. As a positive though, there was not much in the way of injuries other than Joe Mixon leaving with a concussion and Mike Williams injuring his ankle. The list of players who underperformed is a lot longer, we are looking at you Saquon Barkley, you Dameon Pierce, and you Justin Jefferson. On a brighter note, Davante Adams and Tony Pollard were among those who had strong weeks. Now, let us take a look at some players like Christian Watson and Latavius Murray who could provide some help from the NFL Waiver Wire. 

 

 

 

 

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups Week 12

NFL Waiver Wire Quarterbacks

Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns, FAAB Bid: 5-8%

Putting all of the off-field stuff aside, because if we did not it would be difficult to objectively look at this, Watson is creeping up on fantasy relevance as there is just one week left on his suspension. Other fantasy managers have begun to take notice with Watson currently being rostered in 48% of Yahoo leagues, but in formats that you only have to start one quarterback, this is likely your last chance at grabbing him. It will be a revenge game as Watson makes his debut for Cleveland, and for the season, against Houston as we see whether or not he has truly lost a step, but the talent is undeniable. 

Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers, FAAB Bid: 5%

Ultimately, Pickett failed to keep up with Joe Burrow and the Bengals on Sunday but he might have looked the best he has all season. The rookie threw for just one touchdown, he did get 265 yards on 25 completions and, perhaps more importantly, he looks to be building a real chemistry with George Pickens. 

 

NFL Waiver Wire Running Backs

Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams, FAAB Bid: 5%

As this increasingly becomes a lost season for the Rams, I would look for the rookie to get more involved as they look towards next year. After carrying the ball just one time in his career debut, Williams picked up 36 yards on seven carries this week while also catching one pass for eight yards. While it might not look like much, the Rams are likely going to be increasing his workload going forward, and you are going to want to get while the price is still somewhat affordable.

Latavius Murray, Denver Broncos, FAAB Bid: 12%

While there are three running backs, all with track records as veterans to a degree, in Denver’s backfield, it does appear that Murray is at the top of the list. For the third straight week, Murray led the Broncos in carries; this week with 17 compared to eight for Melvin Gordon. Perhaps of even more importance, Gordon fumbled close to the end zone while Murray picked up a touchdown on the ground for the third time in four weeks. 

Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals, FAAB Bid: 10%

Without having more details on Joe Mixon’s status for Week 12 after he left in the first quarter with a concussion, it is hard to paint a true picture of Perine’s value. We know that he is the true handcuff, and Perine stepped in without issue on Sunday against Pittsburgh and made an impact right away. Perine caught four passes for 52 yards and three touchdowns while also adding 30 yards on 11 carries. Things will likely be tougher for him next week against Tennessee, but there is still value nonetheless. 

James Cook, Buffalo Bills, FAAB Bid: 3%

Going into the season, I had some hopes for Cook, but to this point, he has to deliver. Playing time has been the main culprit for the rookie, but he did catch my attention on Sunday with 11 carries for 86 yards. It has become clear that Cook is the number two running back for the Bills and if he continues to produce, I could see his role continue to increase. The fact that it is a quick turnaround for Buffalo this week also helps. 
 

 


NFL Waiver Wire Wide Receivers

Treylon Burks, Tennessee Titans, FAAB Bid: 15%

After having a four-week interruption to his season due to turf toe, Burks showed on Thursday why the Titans felt he was worthy of a first-round draft choice after trading AJ Brown. The return of Ryan Tannehill also helps here, but this was the first week that Burks truly made his presence felt. He is still looking for the first touchdown of his career but that should be coming as soon as next week after Burks caught seven of his eight targets for 111 yards. Burks’ injury is the only reason why talent at his level is currently available in 80% of Yahoo leagues. 

Demarcus Robinson, Baltimore Ravens, FAAB Bid: 12%

While Mark Andrews did return this week, Rashod Bateman is out for the season so that means there are available targets in Baltimore’s receiving tree. Robinson was the clear beneficiary in what was otherwise a dull offensive game for the Ravens as he caught all nine of his targets for 128 yards. As nothing is set to change for Baltimore, I would expect a similar workload this coming week against Jacksonville. 

Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions, FAAB Bid: 10%

News broke yesterday that Lions rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams will be returning to practice this week. Williams was a first round pick and had he not torn his ACL during the national championship game he would have been considered to be the first wide receiver to come off the board in this draft. The torn ACL did not deter the Lions from making the move and while he likely doesn't get an immediate full snap share the role is his to have behind Amon-Ra St. Brown due to the lack of production and depth the Lions are getting from the other receivers on the roster.

Jarvis Landry, New Orleans Saints, FAAB Bid: 3%

For the second straight week, Landry caught just three passes but he did add his first touchdown of the season. With no more Michael Thomas, targets are there for the taking in New Orleans and while Landry generally is not someone who jumps off the page, there is a measure of stability here. 

Terrace Marshall, Carolina Panthers, FAAB Bid: 3%

For the third time in four weeks, Marshall was targeted at least six times and it resulted in three receptions for 76 yards which was his second highest total of the season. With Baker Mayfield back, perhaps there will be a little stability under center for Carolina and that could serve to benefit the young and talented receiver. 

Van Jefferson, Los Angeles Rams, FAAB Bid: 3%

Not much is going right for the Rams, and with Cooper Kupp sidelined, things are only going to get worse here. As the Rams look to sort things out, and Jefferson returns from injury, Jefferson should see an increased role. On Sunday that meant he caught three passes (on five targets) for the second straight week while picking up 41 yards. 

 

NFL Waiver Wire Tight Ends

Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints, FAAB Bid: 5%

I try not to say I told you so too much, but this is one of those cases. Of course, it also means that Johnson might not catch another touchdown pass for the rest of the season, but we will roll the dice here. Johnson found the end zone on Sunday for the third straight week, and the fourth time in five games, while catching three passes for 47 yards. Given the state of tight ends, mark me down for that each week. 

Logan Thomas, Washington Commanders, FAAB Bid: 3%

It has not been a strong season for Thomas, and it also has been marred by a four-game injury absence in the middle of it, but the Washington offense did appear to get into at least a little groove over the past two weeks. Thomas had his best game of the season on Sunday with five receptions on six targets for 65 yards which was his best game of the season to this point. 

Austin Hooper, Tennessee Titans, FAAB Bid: 2%

If you are left to scrounge around the waiver for tight ends, and most of us are these days, the fact that Hooper caught two touchdowns this week has to at least be somewhat intriguing. Perhaps the return of Tannehill helps here, but Hooper caught all four of his targets for 36 yards and it was the third straight week he had multiple receptions. 

 

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