Week 12 was quite the week for fantasy. We saw multiple players test positive for COVID, postponed games, and quite the quarterback fiasco in Denver. We also saw several players have huge blow-up games. Hopefully, you didn’t have to go up against one of several buzz saws with huge games from Derrick Henry, Antonio Gibson, and Tyreek Hill. Either way, we are just one week away from the fantasy football playoffs. Unless you play in a Week 17 championship league, then shame on you.
Hopefully, you’ve already secured a spot in the playoffs, but if you’re still in contention we will be exploring the waivers this week to see if we can’t find any help. Unfortunately, it is not one of the most appealing waiver wire weeks, but we will do our best to identify some possible additions.
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.
Bye Weeks: Tampa Bay Buccaneers & Carolina Panthers
Week 13 Waiver Wire: Possibly taken, but worth a look
Wayne Gallman (RB, NYG)
Gallman is on around 78% of teams on Yahoo, but still down around 58% on ESPN. He had another solid outing in Week 12 as he rushed 24 times for 94 yards and a touchdown. He also saw 5 targets and had 3 receptions, but managed just -3 yards on those. Devonta Freeman has now been out for 3 weeks and could return, but Gallman has looked good and I don’t see him losing many touches. He’s a definite grab if he’s available and can be started.
Corey Davis (WR, TEN)
Davis is slightly over 50% rostership, but has brought fairly consistent play the last three weeks. He’s caught 13 of 17 targets for 250 yards. The Titans face off against the Browns in week 13 and this game should be pretty competitive. Derrick Henry always has a chance of taking over that offense. However, Cleveland has been pretty tough against the run and is giving up the 10th most points to the wide receiver position. Davis can most likely be played as a WR3/flex type this week.
Week 12 Waiver Wire: On less than 50% of teams
Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB, MIA)
Fitzpatrick started in place of Tua Tagovailoa and threw for 257 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. It is looking like Tua might be out in Week 13 and if so, Fitzpatrick is available and can be played as a streamer against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13.
Philip Rivers (QB, IND)
Rivers is another streaming option after throwing for 295 yards and two touchdowns in Week 12. He will face off against the Houston Texans in Week 13 and brings a fairly safe floor. If you’re quarterback-needy or need a bye week replacement, Rivers is on the streaming radar.
Kirk Cousins (QB, MIN)
Cousins has been playing well as of late and threw for 307 yards and 3 touchdowns in Week 12. Now he gets Jacksonville in Week 13 who is giving up the 4th most points to the quarterback position. Cousins is more of a gamble as Dalvin Cook can possibly steal the show and Cousins might not need to throw too much to win. However, if you’re desperate you can probably roll out Cousins. I’d check to see if Fitzpatrick or Rivers are available first.
TY Hilton (WR, IND)
Hilton came back to life a bit in Week 12 and caught 4 receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. He’s most likely a desperation play as you’re hoping he gets into the endzone, but he is available if needed.
Nelson Agholor (WR, LVR)
Agholor survived a disastrous performance in week 12 by the Raiders. He managed 5 receptions for 55 yards. The Raiders have a “get right” game in Week 13 against the Jets.
Benny Snell (RB, PIT)
With James Conner testing positive for COVID-19 someone will have taken over the running back duties on Tuesday night. I am writing this article on Monday so things may change after the Tuesday night game (if it is played). However, whoever looks to be the top back come Tuesday will be a popular waiver wire add as we might not know when Conner will return.
Alexander Mattison (RB, MIN)
We’ve been here before, but Dalvin Cook left the game briefly with an injury in Week 12. He’s not a bad addition in case Cook encounters another injury and misses time.
Frank Gore (RB, NYJ)
Gore rushed 18 times for 74 yards and caught 3 receptions for 12 yards in Week 12. It’s no fun to start any Jets players, but if your desperate Gore is one you can play and hope for 10-15 points on sheer volume alone.
Cam Akers (RB, LAR)
Deciphering the Rams backfield has been a nightmare, but Akers appeared to look like the best back in Week 12. He rushed 9 times for 84 yards and a touchdown. He’s more of a bench stash, but if McVay does decide to give him the nod he will face off against the Jets and Seahawks in Week 15 and 16 who are top 10 in points given up to the running back position.
Jordan Reed (TE, WAS)
Reed did not show up in Week 12, but with tight end being a disaster zone you may be able to go back to the well in Week 13. The 49ers will face off against the Buffalo Bills who are giving up the 3rd most points to the tight end position. The 49ers will most likely need to throw the ball in this one.
Trey Burton (TE, IND)
Burton has found the endzone the last two weeks, which has been the saving grace for him. Pretty much if your streaming tight ends, you’re hoping for a touchdown. The Colts will play the Titans in Week 13, which should be a competitive game and the Titans are giving up the 8th most points to the tight end position.
