Welcome to Waiver Wire (Week 12). This is where we highlight a few players at each position that we want to add this week. As for ownership percentages, we will be using Sleeper. For our full weekly rankings list, head to The FFU Weekly Rankings Page or try our Sit/Start Tool Powered by Fantasy Pros. As far as the quarterbacks are concerned, we will be referring to 1QB leagues. That’s the only format where quarterbacks are readily available; if you’re in a Superflex league, it’s doubtful any usable quarterbacks are available.
NFL Teams On Bye: Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets
Quarterbacks
Deep League Options (0-25% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesDrake Maye, Patriots (25% Rostered)
While I wouldn’t fault you for choosing Tommy Cutlets in a juicy matchup against Tampa Bay (who allow the most points per game to quarterbacks), my preferred pick is to go with Drake Maye. Despite concerns about a quarterback perceived as unready for the role, Maye is proving everyone wrong. He is doing what good quarterbacks do: raising both the floor and ceiling of the Patriots’ offense week after week. Even with one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, Maye finds ways to buy time in the pocket and consistently makes plays—something he excelled at during his time at North Carolina. He ranks 10th in Completion Percentage Over Expectation (CPOE) and 13th in Quarterback Rating (QBR). Given the talent surrounding him, these stats may not fully reflect just how impressive he has been as a rookie. In the five games that Drake Maye has started and finished, he has performed as the QB9, averaging 18.36 points per game. Go out and buy your tickets for Mayeflower before it’s too late.
Tommy Devito, NYG (3% Rostered), Jameis Winston, CLE (18% Rostered), Will Levis, TEN (13% Rostered).
Medium League Options (26-50% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesAnthony Richardson, Colts (44% Rostered)
We just witnessed why Anthony Richardson was considered a top-six quarterback in drafts back in August. He delivered the best performance of his career, throwing for 272 yards and rushing for two touchdowns against the Jets defense, finishing the week as the QB5. What stood out was Richardson’s touch passing; he entered the game with a completion rate of only 44% this season, but he completed 67% of his passes against the Jets. This improvement suggests he looks like a different player compared to earlier in the season. If you’re looking for a replacement for Allen or Burrow this week, consider grabbing Richardson off waivers; you won’t find a better option.
Shallow League Options (51-75% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesBo Nix, Broncos (60% Rostered)
Bo Nix has certainly done his part to prove the doubters wrong. Currently, he ranks as the QB9 in points per game, right alongside the highly touted rookie in Washington, Jayden Daniels. Nix’s success can be attributed to the Broncos’ fast pace, which has provided him with the volume to be a fantasy asset. Through Week 11, he ranks 5th in passing attempts, 3rd in scrambles, and 2nd in air yards. This week, Nix faces a matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, who rank 8th in fantasy points allowed to the quarterback position. In a game where the Broncos are expected to dominate, Nix is likely to secure another top-12 finish this week.
Russell Wilson, PIT (56% Rostered), Geno Smith (56% Rostered), Tua Tagovailoa, MIA (67% Rostered), Aaron Rodgers (56% Rostered).
Running Backs
Deep League Options (0-25% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesJaylen Wright, Dolphins (15% Rostered)
Jaylen Wright has seen more snaps and touches for the second consecutive week than Raheem Mostert. Thank you for the 21 touchdowns last year, but Miami is moving away from the veteran and going with Jaylen Wright as the second fiddle in the Dolphins’ rushing attack. While it is the De’Von Achane show in South Beach, Wright still has a pathway to be fantasy viable in the matchup versus New England, which gave up the 10th most fantasy points to the position. Only two teams have given up more rushing touchdowns this season than New England, and Wright may find himself adding to that total in week 12.
Blake Corum, LAR (23% rostered), Roschon Johnson, CHI (14% Rostered), Cam Akers, MIN (22% Rostered), Raiders Healthy RB
Medium Leagues (26-50% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesTrey Benson, Cardinals (31% Rostered)
You might be surprised to see Benson here, but let me elaborate on why I believe him to be a solid stash in this range of players. With so many running backs on a bye this week, managers are looking for a player with a solid role in a good offense. Enter Trey Benson, who has back-to-back double-digit performances before the bye. Conner is not a back known for his health, as only one time in eight years has Conner played more than 14 games, and if the team can give Benson a more significant role to keep Conner on the field longer, it seems like the smart move. On top of that, the week 12 opponent Seattle gives up the 9th most fantasy ppg to running backs. You might be surprised to see Benson here, but let me elaborate on why I believe him to be a solid stash in this range of players. With so many running backs on a bye this week, managers are looking for a player with a solid role in a good offense. Enter Trey Benson, who has back-to-back double-digit performances before the bye. Conner is not a back known for his health, as only one time in eight years has Conner played more than 14 games, and if the team can give Benson a more significant role to keep Conner on the field longer it seems like the smart move. On top of that, the week 12 opponent, Seattle, gives up the 9th most fantasy ppg to running backs.
Ray Davis, BUF (27% Rostered), Gus Edwards, LAC (31% Rostered), Tyjae Spears, TEN (50% Rostered), Zach Charbonnet, SEA (48% rostered)
Shallow Leagues (51-75% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesJonathon Brooks, Panthers (62% Rostered)
The time has finally arrived: Jonathon Brooks will play his first NFL game in Week 12. While this may not be the ideal runout we had hoped for, we are excited to see a talented player take the field. However, it’s a tough matchup for Carolina, as no team allows fewer fantasy points to running backs than Kansas City. Remember, the night is always darkest before the dawn. With better matchups ahead, consider stashing Brooks and see how the backfield develops for the rest of the season.
Jaylen Warren, PIT (56% Rostered), Audric Estime, DEN (55% Rostered), Jordan Mason, SF (53% Rostered).
Wide Receivers
Deep Leagues (0-25% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesElijah Moore, Browns (18% Rostered)
Volume is a wide receiver’s best friend, and Jameis Winston is currently supporting all of the pass-catching options in Cleveland. Despite this, Moore is the least rostered among them. Since Winston took over as the starter three weeks ago, Moore has been averaging 9.3 targets per game, which would rank him 5th among wide receivers. With Winston at quarterback, Moore is currently positioned as WR28, but he has the potential to be a WR3 with upside moving forward. Now is the time to grab this affordable Browns pass catcher while he’s still available.
Jalen Coker, CAR (9% Rostered), Kayshon Boutte, NE (9% Rostered), Jalen McMillan, TB (23% Rostered), Devaughn Vele, DEN (6% Rostered).
Medium Leagues (26-50% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesChristian Watson, Packers (49% Rostered)
Christian Watson’s thesis remains the same, which is why he holds the top wide receiver pick in this range of players. He has consistently led the Packers in targets over the last three games and is the highest-scoring wide receiver. In 2024, Watson has shown significant improvement, ranking 8th in yards per route run (YPRR) and 31st in first down route run (1D/RR). While the Christian Watson experience can be unpredictable, it’s possible that he has turned a corner and could emerge as the Packers’ primary wide receiver as the season progresses.
DeMario Douglas, NE (45% Rostered), Marquez Valdez-Scantling, NO (35% Rostered), Xavier Legette, CAR (47% Rostered), Mike Williams, PIT (23% Rostered)
Shallow Leagues (51-75% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesJerry Jeudy, Browns (68% Rostered)
I’m looking to collect all the Browns pass catchers like Pokémon. Jerry Jeudy is currently the WR3, averaging 10 targets per game with Jameis Winston as his quarterback. He had a standout performance in Week 11, recording 6 receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown. Given the volume that this offense currently supports, it’s clear that any of the pass catchers can have a big game each week. Jeudy leads all Browns pass catchers with a 25.7% first-read target share. As long as Jameis is the quarterback, you can expect the targets to flow freely to Jerry Jeudy.
Cedric Tillman, CLE (73% Rostered), Rome Odunze, CHI (72% Rostered), Quentin Johnston, LAC (58% Rostered), Romeo Doubs, GB (66% Rostered).
Tight Ends
Deep Leagues (0-25% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesJa’Tavion Sanders, Panthers (9% Rostered)
The tight end position can be challenging in deeper leagues, but Sanders is a name to consider for your fantasy football lineup in Week 12. This matchup presents a favorable opportunity. While Kansas City has been strong against running backs this season, they struggle to defend against tight ends. The team is allowing the most yards and receptions to tight ends, making this an ideal situation for Sanders. Notably, in his last five matchups, he has run at least 66% of the routes in all but one game, indicating potential for a strong performance.
Theo Johnson, NYG (6% Rostered), Davis Allen, LAR (2% Rostered).
Medium Leagues (26-50% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesTaysom Hill, Saints (50% Rostered)
We finally got the performance we were hoping for from Taysom Hill, and I recommend continuing to start him until the Saints’ skill position players are back to full health. His usage has been excellent, marking the fourth time in his career that he has received at least 15 opportunities in a game. In those instances, his lowest fantasy points scored is 13.6. I don’t see any reason for New Orleans to change their approach moving forward, especially given how well Hill played in Week 11. Keep starting Hill as long as he’s performing at this level.
Zach Ertz, WAS (45% Rostered), Will Dissly, LAC (31% Rostered)
Shallow Leagues (51-75% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesJonnu Smith (56% Rostered)
Jonnu Smith has been a welcome addition to the Miami Dolphins, except for those managing Jaylen Waddle on their fantasy teams. This season, Jonnu is outpacing Waddle in targets within the Dolphins’ offense. Since week 2, Smith has led all Dolphins players with an impressive 2.44 Yards Per Route Run (YPRR) and serves as the third option in one of the best offenses in the NFL. Unfortunately, this increase in productivity for Jonnu has come at the expense of Waddle, as Jonnu has recorded 6 targets in 5 of the last 6 games. While the tight end position has often been considered a wasteland in fantasy football, having someone like Jonnu Smith to rely on makes it feel a lot more promising.
Tucker Kraft, GB (70% Rostered), Hunter Henry, NE (51% Rostered), Cole Kmet, CHI (63% Rostered), Mike Gesicki, CIN (55% Rostered).
Thank you for checking out this week’s Waiver Wire column. For our latest content, visit our YouTube Channel for daily videos.
