We are now just a few weeks from the fantasy playoffs for many of us. You’ve probably got a good idea if you’re in, have a chance, or if you’re out. If you’re in contention for the playoffs these next few weeks on the waiver wire can definitely help set you up for success and possibly bring home that coveted fantasy championship.
Outside of Tampa Bay and Carolina (who have byes in Week 13) we have gotten through most bye Weeks. This means it is now the time, especially if you’re a playoff contender, to modify your roster and get rid of those bye-week, fill-in players. You can now start to grab a defense (identified below) who may have a good playoff matchup or grab some handcuffs who would jump right into a starting role if the starter goes down.
Something I’ve continued to mention is to be aware of who is also dropped from other teams. Between COVID, injuries, and teams possibly making a tough call to make the playoffs you might find some gems. For example, after the Joe Mixon IR news, he had been dropped by a good amount of teams and now is rostered on 6% fewer teams than before. If you’re looking good for the playoffs and a guy like Mixon is available you can definitely go out and get him to sit on your bench. If he does come back in Week 14 then you have additional help for the playoff push.
As always though I am here to try to identify some of the more popular waiver wire additions, some deeper league options, and some to keep an eye on up until your waivers run. Now every league may be a little different, but I will be looking at players who are on 50% or less of teams across Yahoo and ESPN platforms. I will also include some players who might be above 50%, but are worth the look to see if they’re available in your league.
Week 12 Waiver Wire: Possibly taken, but worth a look
Curtis Samuel (WR, CAR)
Samuel makes the list again as he had a solid Week 11 outing with 8 receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown. He also had 1 rush attempt for 4 yards. As I mentioned last week, he’s a boom/bust type of player. However, Carolina faces off against the Vikings in Week 12 who are a positive matchup for wide receivers. He’s a gamble but can be flexed into lineups if you’re in need.
J.D. McKissic (RB, WAS)
McKissic came back to earth a little bit with just 10 total touches this week. This was mostly game script as Washington got out to a lead and kept it. Mckissic is still worth a pickup and Washington most likely will be playing behind moving forward, which gives McKissic the opportunity to be reliable in PPR leagues.
Wayne Gallman (RB, NYG)
Gallman now has had at least 15 PPR points since Week 7 and during his last game, he rushed 18 times for 53 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also caught 1 reception for 7 yards. As long as Devonta Freeman continues to miss time, Gallman should continue to see the workload. The volume alone makes him start worthy.
Dallas Goedert (TE, PHI)
Goedert saw 6 receptions, catching 5 for 77 yards and a garbage time touchdown. He’s worth an add in a tight end wasteland even if Zach Ertz returns to lineups.
Week 12 Waiver Wire: On less than 50% of teams
Taysom Hill (QB, NO)
Hill made his debut this week as a starting quarterback and fantasy wise had a decent outing. He threw for 233 yards and rushed 10 times for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns. His rushing ability brings a fairly consistent floor for Hill. He also faces off against Denver, Atlanta again, and Philadelphia in the next three weeks.
For you ESPN folks, Hill will most likely lose his TE designation next week so adjust accordingly.
Daniel Jones (QB, NYG)
Jones was on bye last week, but enters a decent stretch moving forward. He faces off against Cincinnati (7th in points given up to QB), Seattle (1st), Arizona (9th), and Cleveland (6th). It’s not a fun play as he tends to be turnover prone, but if you’re needing a streamer then Jones can most likely be streamed for a few weeks. He also brings some rushing upside.
Jalen Reagor (WR, PHI)
I have listed Reagor for several weeks now and he hasn’t quite pulled through. Philadelphia is tough to watch, but the upside is they face off against Seattle in Week 12. The Eagles will need to throw the ball and Reagor should be involved in the game plan. It’s a risky play, but if you’re in need of a flex play he does bring some upside due to the expected game script.
Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, IND)
Pittman saw just 3 targets, but took one to the house this last week, which helped his fantasy day. What is most appealing is the Colts schedule moving forward. They face off against Tennessee (2nd most points to WR), Houston (10th), Las Vegas (14th), and Houston again. Pittman could continue to be involved and the next four weeks should be fairly competitive for the Colts.
Nelson Agholor (WR, LVR)
Agholor caught 6 of 9 receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. The Raiders also get positive matchups for the wide receiver position the next two weeks as they face off against Atlanta and the New York Jets.
Gus Edwards (RB, BAL)
Mark Ingram and JK Dobbins both appear to have tested positive for COVID-19. Baltimore plays on Thursday and Edwards seems to be the last man standing. The matchup is not pretty against the Steelers, but by sheer volume alone Edwards is worth a pickup.
James White (RB, NE)
Rex Burkhead left the game with what may be an ACL tear and if so will be done for the season. Burkhead had been involved and had a few weeks of fantasy relevance. With him missing time, White should see more work as Damien Harris and Sony Michel will most likely be the primary rushers.
Jordan Reed (TE, WAS)
If you’re hurting at tight end, Reed may be a decent option. He saw 6 targets and 5 receptions for 62 yards in Week 11. Reed had the bye week to rest up and now gets the Rams who are a middle of the road matchup, but then he gets Buffalo and Washington who are top 10 in points given up to the position.
Arizona Cardinals DST
The Cardinals defense hasn’t been the best, but will get the Rams (7th in points given up to DSTs) in Week 13, Giants (8th) in Week 14, Philadelphia (4th) in Week 15, and the 49ers (6th) in the fantasy championship. You might not have to grab them right away, but they’re a decent streamer for the playoffs.
