Fantasy Football Week 12 Waiver Targets

Hooray… This is the last week to contend with team bye-weeks as the Chiefs and the Rams finish the long string. By now some clubs could be eliminated from fantasy playoff contention, while most are grasping to hold on. Securing waiver additions continues to be important for added depth while also blocking your opponents from gaining that advantage. It’s very true that the wire has become extremely thin in most positions, but potential does exist while injuries and greater matchups dictate these terms. After reviewing the percentages, some key players still reside on the wire that should be snagged before its too late. Good luck and happy shopping…      

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BYE WEEK: Chiefs, Rams

Quarterbacks:

Jameis Winston (TB) (11%)

Yes it’s true; Jameis Winston is back above the radar for matchup potential facing off against the 49ers at home. Jameis came off the bench last week nearly leading his team back from a large deficit scoring just over 17 fantasy points in the process. It’s always a risk to play Winston with his erratic play and probability to throw multiple interceptions, but surely fighting for his NFL future should bring some level of urgency to his game this weekend. If you’re stuck this week or are looking for a clear upgrade, Winston could provide some valuable production in a great matchup.  

Nick Mullens (SF) (7%)

Coming off the bye and planted as the starting quarterback for the 49ers again this week, Nick Mullens has a great opportunity to again showcase his ability against the Bucs who have issues stopping anyone on defense. Mullens is owned in only 7% of leagues and could be considered as a week 12 starter. Mullens will undoubtedly have a greater understanding of Coach Shanahan’s playbook with an extra week of preparation and could generate in the range of 17 to 22 fantasy points for your squad on Sunday. If you require a slinger, Mullens has a great matchup.   

Lamar Jackson (BAL) (19%)

It’s difficult for us to get behind the Ravens rookie passer Lamar Jackson as we prefer a more sound approach to the quarterback position. Running any quarterback 27 times is never a great plan, but this week facing off against the Raiders could actually be a solid play. The pickup of Jackson is contingent on the health of Joe Flacco suiting up for this week’s contest, which could be a possibility from early reports. This pick looks far greater in deeper leagues with only Mahomes and Goff on the bye week. Even still, the matchup looks very appealing and could bring great success with heavy run being the game plan once again.   

On the Radar:

Dak Prescott (DAL) (48%)

Eli Manning (NYG) (23%)

Case Keenum (DEN) (17%)

Colt McCoy (WAS) (1%)

Running Backs:

Gus Edwards (BAL) (6%)

Through the Ravens franchise history; they have always been a great running club turning out running backs like it’s a simple task. Undrafted free agent rookie Gus Edwards showed last week that he was more than capable to lead the way scoring a whopping 20+ fantasy points in PPR formats. While it’s unclear the usage of Gus moving forward, he is a must addition this week seeing a remaining schedule so favorable it would be a shame that you never put in a claim. The obvious upside for Edwards in this offense would be clearer with Jackson starting at quarterback, as Baltimore will become mostly run heavy on offense. With Joe Flacco under center, his role would be hit or miss. With that said, Edwards will be valuable depth and should garner top priority.     

Theo Riddick (DET) (33%)

With the Lions impressive rookie Kerryon Johnson now on the shelf for the next few weeks, old reliable Theo Riddick has again found himself to be a viable product. Theo was a popular addition last week as well, which saw his shares increase to 33% ownership but should still be available in most leagues. Detroit will be forced to use a full committee approach in Johnson’s absence making Theo more appealing in PPR formats. Having running backs with potential to produce at least on your bench is never a bad thought, and should be done for at minimum the short term for Theo Riddick.      

Josh Adams (PHI) (33%)

Coach Pederson wasn’t lying when he suggested a heavier workload for his running back Josh Adams last week and that should continue moving forward. Our recommendation to secure his services while endorsing a start last week paid off to the tune of 15+ points in PPR formats. It’s clear the Eagles aren’t the same club which hoisted the Lombardi Trophy last season, but Adams has shown he can run the ball with some consistency to warrant matchup play. If you see him on the wire, place a claim on his services.  

On the Radar:

LeGarrette Blount (9%)

Alfred Morris (SF) (14%)

Giovani Bernard (CIN) (29%)

Elijah McGuire (NYJ) (14%)

Nyheim Hines (IND) (24%)

Alfred Blue (HOU) (6%)

Wide Receivers:

Josh Reynolds (LAR) (45%)

Finding productive receivers this season hasn’t been all that difficult especially since the NFL continues to throw the ball with extreme regularity. As we mentioned last week, Josh Reynolds should’ve been your top waiver claim for the position knowing his role on the Rams high powered offense, now that Kupp has been sent to injured reserve. Being owned in only 45% of leagues to date, even though the Rams are on the bye this week, Josh Reynolds should be claimed if available. His remaining schedule is extremely favorable and should be a trusted piece to help win you a fantasy championship.

DJ Moore (CAR) (40%)

The Panthers featured their great rookie talent last week and he surly didn’t disappoint. DJ Moore found his way to a career outing against the Lions garnering a healthy 24 points in PPR formats. If by chance Moore was dropped in your league, (now available in 60% of them) he is most definitely a must add at this point of the season. The Panthers remaining schedule sees no club over the 12^th rank at defending receivers with a top event against the worst in the league for the semi-final. Target share could be an issue in some contests upcoming, but Cam Newton seems to have developed trust in DJ and we’d bank on the production to continue.    

Anthony Miller (CHI) (42%)

While we recommended Josh Reynolds above Anthony Miller last week, he still was a fantastic secondary option off the wire and will again look to be that way. Miller was taken off the waiver holding virtually the same ownership as Reynolds after last week but still could be sitting there ripe for the picking. As the Bears continue to progress, Miller has found a key role on this offense making the most of his slim target share. At this point, his matchup play would dictate his success with some bust factor attached to his game. Still, Miller is a must add and hold on your roster.

Marquise Goodwin (SF) (41%)

Surprisingly enough, the 49ers Marquise Goodwin has found his way back on the wire in 59% of leagues and could be a valuable addition with a fantastic matchup this week against the Buccaneers. The issue for Goodwin throughout his career has been injures leaving a large risk anytime you place him in the starting lineup. If you’re willing to take that risk, the remaining schedule does in fact look quite favorable for Marquise to do some damage.    

Tre’Quan Smith (NO) (27%)

We at ADF have been preaching the talents of the Saints rookie Tre’Quan Smith all offseason and now look to be seeing the fruits of that endorsement. Smith is a great secondary piece to the elite level of Michael Thomas and should continue to have a role on this offense. The issue for Smith, is that New Orleans possesses a number of mouths to feed that takes precedent over Smith’s usage but should be employed enough to get his 3 to 5 targets a game. To this point, matchup play will be the best way to approach Smith, but he is a must hold on your bench.   

On the Radar:

Mohamed Sanu (ATL) (43%)

Keke Coutee (HOU) (31%)

Danny Amendola (MIA) (39%)

Adam Humphries (TB) (15%)

Allen Hurns (DAL) (3%)

Willie Snead (BAL) (36%)

Curtis Samuel (CAR) (2%)

Dontrelle Inman (IND) (0%)

Chris Conley (KC) (1%)

Tight-Ends:

Jonnu Smith (TEN) (8%)

While last week was a complete disaster for the Titans offensively, and witnessing Marcus Mariota fall again to injury, the upside for Smith takes a hit but still places him higher than just on the radar. The tight-end position continues to be an issue for most fantasy teams making Jonnu a potential upgrade based on matchup. If Blaine Gabbert gets the start for Tennessee, Smith should be used as the primary check down verse the Texans who struggle to defend the position.  

Gerald Everett (LAR) (3%)

Even with the Rams on the bye, Gerald Everett has found his way to potentially being on your roster now that Coach McVay has integrated the tight-end position into his game plans. Over the last two games, the greater involvement from both Everett and Higbee has been clear as adding more dynamics to create mismatches has been very successful. While we fully understand that holding multiple tight-ends is never a top priority, perhaps getting in front on this one could be of great benefit.      

Ed Dickson (SEA) (4%)

It has become extremely frustrating to see Ed Dickson’s lack of usage since he’s returned from injured reserve knowing he’s the best tight-end on the Hawks roster. Finding the endzone last week doesn’t provide credibility that his target share will increase, but we feel obligated to suggest it could. This pickup would be far better warranted in deeper leagues while holding some level of upside in matchup appeal. This week the Hawks face the Panthers who give up the most to the position making this a potential steal play. Bust factor will always follow Dickson, but you won’t get a better matchup for him this season.     

On the Radar:

Mark Andrews (BAL) (2%)

Charles Clay (BUF) (8%)

Tyler Higbee (LAR) (0%)

Jordan Thomas (HOU) (3%)

Best Week 12 Defensive Streams:

Jacksonville Jaguars (68%) @ Buffalo Bills

Indianapolis Colts (26%) vs. Miami Dolphins

Dallas Cowboys (19%) vs. Washington Redskins

San Francisco 49ers (9%) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers