Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 12 (Fantasy Football)

The clock is ticking, but your playoff hopes have not hit midnight just yet. With Week 12 upon us and the playoffs looming, there is no time to dwell on past mistakes or missed opportunities. Instead, now is the moment to focus on crafting a winning strategy for the matchups remaining. Week 12 presents one of the toughest bye weeks of the season, with the Bengals, Bills, Falcons, Jaguars, Jets, and Saints all sidelined. 

With so many key players unavailable, fantasy managers will be scrambling for replacements, making the waiver wire an essential resource to uncover hidden gems. Like Cinderella beating the clock, these top pickups could be the spark your roster needs to keep your championship dreams alive.

• Complete Waiver Wire Rankings
• Weekly Waivers Episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast

Running Backs

Jaylen Warren, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers – For the third consecutive week, Jaylen Warren headlines our waiver wire pickups, underscoring both his steady fantasy value and the lack of viable running backs available on waivers. After a quiet start following his return from injury in Week 6, Warren has looked healthier and more productive, making him a notable pickup. Following the team’s Week 9 bye, Warren rushed 14 times for 66 yards and caught both of his targets for 29 yards, showcasing his dual-threat ability as both a runner and a receiver. 

He followed that up with another solid performance in Week 11, rushing nine times for 41 yards and hauling in all four of his targets for 27 yards. While he has yet to reach Jason’s threshold of double-digit fantasy points, he has posted over eight in back-to-back weeks, a solid return for any team searching for a reliable bye-week filler. Warren will continue to play second fiddle to Najee Harris in Pittsburgh, but with a defined role and the potential for passing-game involvement, he offers flex value heading into Week 12’s matchup with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%

Roschon Johnson, RB, Chicago Bears – Following the departure of their offensive coordinator, the Chicago Bears are reshaping their offense in an attempt to get Caleb Williams’ rookie season back on track. While it is still early, one potential outcome of this shift could be a larger role for Roschon Johnson moving forward. Despite D’Andre Swift’s standout season, Johnson’s size and physicality bring a different dynamic to the offense, especially with his ability to power through contact. His size also gives him an edge in goal-line situations, adding to his potential fantasy value.

In Week 11’s loss to the Packers, Johnson tied his season high with 10 rushing attempts, turning them into 33 yards and a touchdown, while also catching his lone target for eight yards. While his efficiency could have been better, his goal-line usage is an encouraging sign. With five rushing touchdowns on just 46 carries this season, Johnson offers some fantasy upside, especially for managers in need of a bye-week filler. Even as a stash, he has significant value as an insurance back if Swift were to ever miss time. Looking ahead, Johnson will hope to build on his role in Week 12 against the Vikings, whose tough run defense makes him a risky streaming option with touchdown-dependent upside.

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Recommended FAAB: 0-10%

Gus Edwards, RB, Los Angeles Chargers – After a rocky start to his first season in Los Angeles, compounded by a four-game injury absence, Gus Edwards seems eager to reignite his season in the final stretch. His resurgence began in Week 10, when he surprisingly stepped into a significant role immediately, rushing 10 times for 55 yards. However, his involvement took a step back in Week 11, as he logged just six carries for 27 yards in the team’s critical win over the Bengals.

Edwards was outshined by teammate J.K. Dobbins, who handled five more carries and scored twice, including the game-winning touchdown on the final drive. Without contributions in the passing game, Edwards has become a touchdown-dependent fantasy option. With Dobbins thriving in that role recently, the outlook for Edwards remains bleak. For now, it would likely take an injury to Dobbins for Edwards to regain significant fantasy relevance. That said, if you are absolutely desperate for a bye-week fill-in, Edwards offers more upside than many other potential waiver options. He will look to carve out a larger role in Week 12 against his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, though it is shaping up to be a tough matchup for both backs.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%

Trey Benson, RB, Arizona Cardinals – Trey Benson was one of my favorite players to watch in college football last season, but he landed on a team with a clear lead back in James Conner. After limited opportunities early in his career, Benson is now seeing a shift in usage that could be worth getting excited about. It started in Week 9, when he ran the ball eight times for 37 yards and a touchdown, adding an 18-yard reception. This strong performance seemed to earn him more opportunities, and he followed it up with 62 rushing yards on 10 carries and 25 receiving yards on two catches in Arizona’s Week 10 win over the Jets.

While Conner has been solid all season, he was surprisingly inefficient in that game, averaging just 2.8 yards per carry compared to Benson’s 6.8. Although it remains highly unlikely Benson will continue to out-rush Conner with him still healthy, his role could continue to expand enough to offer flex value in favorable matchups. If Conner, who has struggled with injuries in the past, were to miss time, Benson could become a league-winning asset. Now coming off Arizona’s Week 11 bye, Benson will look to build on his positive momentum in Week 12 against the Seahawks.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%

• Complete Waiver Wire Rankings

Wide Receivers

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Team	Player	Roster %	Matchups
LAC	Quentin Johnston	58%	BAL / @ATL / @KC
CLE	Jerry Jeudy	68%	PIT / @DEN / @PIT
GB	Christian Watson	49%	SF / MIA / @DET
CAR	Adam Thielen	34%	KC / TB / @PHI
CLE	Elijah Moore	19%	PIT / @DEN / @PIT
CAR	Xavier Legette	48%	KC / TB / @PHI
SF	Ricky Pearsall	64%	@GB / @BUF / CHI
DEN	Devaughn Vele	6%	@LV / CLE / BYE
NO	Marquez Valdes-Scantling	36%	BYE / LAR / @NYG
TEN	Nick Westbrook-Ikhine	7%	@HOU / @WAS / JAX
DAL	Jalen Tolbert	26%	@WAS / NYG / CIN
TB	Jalen McMillan	22%	@NYG / @CAR / LV
NYG	Wan’Dale Robinson	63%	TB / @DAL / NO
NE	DeMario Douglas	44%	@MIA / IND / BYE
HOU	John Metchie III	11%	TEN / @JAX / BYE
NE	Kayshon Boutte	7%	@MIA / IND / BYE
DEN	Troy Franklin	8%	@LV / CLE / BYE

Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers – It is astonishing that Quentin Johnston is still rostered in just under 60% of leagues. Last week, I vowed not to bring up his DISASTER rookie season again, so let’s focus instead on his remarkable sophomore resurgence. Johnston has emerged as a key weapon in a revitalized Chargers offense, quickly becoming a red-zone threat with six touchdowns this season, including one in each of the three games since his Week 9 return from injury.

In Week 11’s win over the Bengals, Johnston saw a career-high eight targets, turning two into 48 yards and a touchdown. While his catch rate left room for improvement, partly due to several highly-contested opportunities, his growing role in the offense is an encouraging sign. With Justin Herbert playing at an MVP level, Johnston is solidifying himself as a key target alongside Ladd McConkey and Will Dissly. This group might have seemed improbable as the Chargers’ core playmakers to start the season, but this revamped offense is clicking.

If Johnston is still somehow available in your league, he stands out as the top waiver wire target of the week. As the Chargers gear up for a potentially high-scoring Week 12 matchup with Baltimore, Johnston should be rostered everywhere as he continues his second-year breakout. 

Recommended FAAB: 0-25%

Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers – It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Green Bay Packers have one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the league. While this depth is great for Jordan Love and the offense, it can be frustrating for fantasy managers trying to predict which receiver will shine each week. Christian Watson, once drafted as a promising option heading into the season, has fallen to waivers in many leagues due to an underwhelming campaign. Despite his struggles, Watson remains an elite athlete with the skill set to capitalize on Love’s big arm in the deep passing game.

In Week 11’s dramatic win over the Bears, Watson finally delivered his best performance of the season, catching all four of his targets for 150 yards. Amazingly, he achieved this massive yardage total without finding the end zone. While this breakout performance is encouraging, Watson remains a volatile fantasy option due to inconsistent usage in a crowded receiving corps. That said, with multiple teams on bye in Week 12, Watson makes for an intriguing spot start, even in a tough matchup against the 49ers. If he can build on last week’s success, he could still emerge as a valuable fantasy contributor down the stretch.

Recommended FAAB: 0-10%

Elijah Moore, WR, Cleveland Browns – The revamped Jameis Winston-led Browns offense may not always look pretty, but it has turned into a bit of a fantasy gold mine. To the surprise of many, Winston is providing weekly upside for Cedric Tillman, Jerry Jeudy, David Njoku, and Elijah Moore. While the first three are widely rostered, Moore remains available in a significant number of leagues. His disappointing performance following his rookie season with the New York Jets left many questioning whether his resurgence was legitimate. But as we have witnessed time and time again, with Winston at quarterback, anything is possible.

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In Week 11’s loss to the Saints, Moore had his best fantasy performance of the year, catching six of eight targets for 66 yards and his first touchdown of the season. While this performance stands out from the rest, it did not come completely out of nowhere. Over his last four games, Moore has averaged an impressive 5.75 receptions on 8.75 targets for 55 yards per game. Even in the dud performance during Week 9 before the bye, where he caught just three passes for 28 yards, he still saw nine targets. Despite an upcoming tough matchup against the Steelers on Thursday night, Moore is receiving enough opportunities to warrant flex consideration.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%

Adam Thielen, WR, Carolina Panthers – Alert all local nursing homes: one of their most elderly and senile patients has escaped and is preparing to wreak havoc. Adam Thielen, nearing his 35th birthday, is making his return to action after a serious hamstring injury sidelined him in Week 3. Despite his advanced age, Thielen has shown he still has a bit of gas left in the tank when on the field. The injury occurred during a highlight-reel diving touchdown, proving the veteran still has the grit to sacrifice his old, frail body for his team. Now, after an extended absence, Thielen’s return warrants a closer look, especially with Bryce Young playing the best football of his young career.

Expectations should be tempered, but it is worth remembering how productive Thielen was just last season with Young under center. He emerged as the rookie quarterback’s favorite target, finishing as the WR25 with three top-five weekly performances. While that level of production may be a stretch this year, his primary competition for targets comes from rookies Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. The Panthers could lean on Thielen’s veteran leadership as a reliable outlet for their inexperienced quarterback.

Thielen’s Week 12 matchup against Kansas City is not ideal, but Carolina’s likely need to play catch-up could lead to increased target opportunities. While he is far from a must-start in fantasy lineups right away, his potential to emerge down the stretch makes him a player to monitor closely. 

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR, Tennessee Titans – Nick Westbrook-Ikhine may not have the name recognition of the league’s top touchdown scorers, but he is quietly becoming a magnet to the end zone. In Week 11’s loss to the Vikings, Westbrook-Ikhine turned six targets into two catches for 117 yards and a touchdown. This marks his fifth touchdown in the six games the Titans have played since their Week 5 bye. While his fantasy value is heavily tied to his touchdown production, his consistency in this area makes him surprisingly trustworthy despite the risk. 

With Calvin Ridley as the only other notable option in the Titans’ passing attack, Westbrook-Ikhine has emerged as the clear second target. Given Tennessee’s tendency to trail in games, the increased passing volume bodes well for his chances to sustain his hot streak. Tennessee also benefits from one of the most favorable remaining schedules for wide receivers, starting with a Week 12 matchup against Houston. This profiles as a game where the Titans will likely be chasing points and searching for big plays. If you need a wide receiver with upside, Westbrook-Ikhine offers an intriguing blend of opportunity and production.

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Recommended FAAB: 0-0%

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, New Orleans Saints – After highlighting Marquez Valdes-Scantling (MVS) at the tail end of last week’s waiver wire article following his Week 10 explosive performance, I was genuinely hoping it might be the last time he would warrant consideration. His inconsistency as a fantasy asset, often flashing massive upside one week only to disappear the next, makes him a frustrating player to roster. Yet, after another standout performance in Week 11, MVS demands some attention once again.

In a dominant win over the Browns, MVS turned four targets into two catches for 87 yards and a touchdown. Over the past two weeks, he has totaled nearly 200 yards and three touchdowns on just five receptions, thriving as a big-play specialist. While he will never be a high-volume player, his connection with Derek Carr, who is not shy about airing it out, has led to an eye-popping 29.04 yards per reception during this stretch.

A dud game is undoubtedly on the horizon for MVS, as his fantasy value hinges on hitting deep plays. Still, there are worse ways to fill a flex spot than a player capable of winning a matchup with a single splash play. Unfortunately, those looking to capitalize on his hot streak will have to wait, as the Saints are on bye in Week 12. When they return in Week 13, MVS profiles as a highly volatile flex option against a Rams secondary vulnerable to big plays.

Recommended FAAB: 0-0%

• Complete Waiver Wire Rankings

Tight Ends

Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints – Taysom Hill remains the most tantalizing and ultimate boom-or-bust option in fantasy football. Every time you start him, you are rolling the dice on his involvement in the game plan, but it is a calculated gamble worth taking given his unparalleled upside. For those waiting on one of Hill’s signature blow-up games, Week 11’s performance against the Browns was a massive payoff. Hill exploded for a career-high 138 rushing yards and three touchdowns on just seven carries, finishing the week as the TE1 by a mile. He also led the team in receptions and targets, catching eight of 10 passes for 50 yards, completing a pass, and even ripping off a 42-yard kickoff return, showcasing his unmatched versatility.

If fantasy football had a cheat code, it would be Taysom Hill’s designation as a tight end despite his positionless role. He is the only player at the position capable of dropping nearly 40 fantasy points in a single week. With the Saints’ receiving corps banged up, Hill has transitioned from a volatile gamble to a near set-it-and-forget-it option, providing both a high ceiling and a more reliable floor than usual. Unfortunately, the Saints head into a Week 12 bye, putting his momentum temporarily on pause. However, Hill will look to pick up right where he left off in Week 13 with a favorable matchup against the Rams, offering another opportunity for a game-changing performance.

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Recommended FAAB: 0-5%

Jonnu Smith, TE, Miami Dolphins – While Taysom Hill will dominate the headlines this week (and rightfully so), he was not the only tight end to deliver a standout performance. Jonnu Smith has quietly been heating up since Week 5, earning a spot in recent waiver wire recommendations. However, his Week 11 performance against the Raiders was his most impressive yet. Smith hauled in six of eight targets for 101 yards and two touchdowns, posting season-high numbers across the board.

Perhaps even more encouraging than his stat line was his 81% snap share, by far his highest of the season. After being somewhat of an afterthought early on, Smith has emerged as a key piece of Miami’s offense, earning consistent weekly targets. If you are in need of a new starting tight end, Smith should be a top waiver priority. He will look to maintain his momentum in Week 12 against the Patriots, adding an extra layer of intrigue in a revenge game against one of his former teams.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%

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Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots – Hunter Henry continues to make a strong case as a weekly fantasy starter, yet he remains available in far too many leagues. Before an unexpected dud in Week 10, Henry had been on a tear, averaging 6.7 receptions on 7.7 targets for 64.3 yards per game over his previous three outings. The main obstacle to his fantasy ceiling this season has been a lack of touchdowns, as he has found the end zone just once despite his proven success in the red zone.

In Week 11’s loss to the Rams, Henry hauled in six of nine targets for 63 yards, once again proving his reliability as the top target in this offense, a rare distinction for a tight end. With rookie quarterback Drake Maye showing steady improvement, Henry is positioned for a strong finish to the season, making Week 10’s disappointment feel like an outlier. He should be a reliable start once again in Week 12, especially against a Miami defense that has struggled to contain opposing tight ends.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%

Will Dissly, TE, Los Angeles Chargers – I am not sure who I am happiest for when it comes to Will Dissly’s random resurgence: the man himself, the fantasy managers who get to start him, or the podcast where he is beloved and known as “Big Montana.” Dissly has been a fan favorite for years, yet few saw his fantasy revival coming in his seventh NFL season and first with the Los Angeles Chargers. But through the first 11 weeks of the season, Dissly has already set career highs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards.

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In Week 11’s win over the Bengals, he made his presence felt with four catches on six targets for 80 yards and his first touchdown of the season. Since the team’s Week 5 bye, Dissly has been a consistent part of the game plan, averaging over six targets per game. His increased involvement, paired with a fantasy-friendly schedule down the stretch, makes him an intriguing option going forward. With a Week 12 matchup against the Ravens on deck, Dissly is primed for another productive outing, especially as the Chargers look to keep pace with Baltimore’s high-powered offense.

Recommended FAAB: 0-5%

• Complete Waiver Wire Rankings

Quarterbacks

Team DEF/ST

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Team	Roster %	Matchups
Houston Texans	80%	TEN / @JAX / BYE
Washington Commanders	29%	DAL / TEN / BYE
Detroit Lions	85%	@IND / CHI / GB
Pittsburgh Steelers	74%	@CLE / @CIN / CLE
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	25%	@NYG / @CAR / LV
Denver Broncos	51%	@LV / CLE / BYE
Cleveland Browns	29%	PIT / @DEN / @PIT
Arizona Cardinals	4%	@SEA / @MIN / SEA
Tennessee Titans	8%	@HOU / @WAS / JAX

• Complete Waiver Wire Rankings
• Weekly Waivers Episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast

Final Thoughts

While this week’s waiver wire options might not spark much excitement, staying active is highly recommended. Whether you are targeting key bye-week fillers to help secure a crucial win or planning ahead for a pivotal Week 14, the waiver wire remains an invaluable resource. If your roster is somehow unaffected by byes to finish the regular season, consider stashing promising rookie insurance running backs like Trey Benson, Blake Corum, Braelon Allen, or Ray Davis. These are players with the potential to become league winners if the starter ahead of them were to miss time. Dropping players that you will never start in favor of high-upside stashes can be a strategic move to maximize your team’s ultimate potential.

If you are comfortably positioned in the standings, now might also be the time to focus on preparing for the fantasy playoffs. Our 2024 Playoff Primer is your guide to the best and worst schedules for each position during the playoffs, including defenses with optimal matchups that you might want to grab early to gain an edge. Still, remember that the matchup directly in front of you is the most important. Never sacrifice your present for the future. Stay focused, stack wins, and let’s make this final playoff push count. Here’s to a successful Week 12 and a victorious road ahead!