Let’s take a look at who to target on your Week 12 Waiver Wire. In general, these players will be injury replacements or those who I think have a chance to break out. Remember, it’s unlikely that someone here will be the next fantasy great, but you should find some low-end RB2s, WR3s, and bye week starters with upside potential. Most players listed will be less than 50 percent owned according to FantasyPros consensus roster percentage.
Week 12 Waiver Wire- Quarterback Targets
Kirk Cousins, Falcons (1.8% Rostered) | 2%-4% FAAB
With Michael Penix now on IR, Kirk Cousins is the guy in Atlanta, at least for the next four weeks. During that time, he has average matchups. Expect him to be average with upside. He did have nine top 24 and four top 12 weeks in 14 games last year. If you need a spot starter, you could do a lot worse than him.
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars (33.5% Rostered) | 1%-3% FAAB
Personally, I would rather start Cousins against New Orleans this week than Trevor Lawrence against Arizona, but with all the quarterback injuries, Lawrence is a viable choice. He is currently the QB1, has 3 top 12 weeks, and 7 top 24, so there is some upside, but Arizona has been stingy against quarterbacks lately. Also, Trevor Lawrence has a great matchup in Week 13 against Tennessee, so stash him now to use then if you’re struggling at quarterback.
Others to consider:
Sam Darnold, Seahawks (43.5% rostered) – Should bounce back against Tennessee
Mason Rudolph, Steelers (0.6% rostered) – Desperation play if Aaron Rodgers is out
Tyrod Taylor, Jets (1.0% rostered) – New starter
Week 12 Waiver Wire- Running Backs
Emanuel Wilson, Packers (9.2% Rostered) | 15%-20% FAAB
Josh Jacobs is dealing with a knee contusion, so Emanuel Wilson should get the start on Sunday against Minnesota. The Vikings have been relatively tough against the run lately, so pencil Wilson in as a low-end RB2.
Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers (42.6% Rostered) | 10%-15% FAAB
Kenneth Gainwell has only played more than 55% of the snaps twice this year, scoring 31.4 and 29.5 ppr points. Jaylen Warren has a minor ankle injury, so he could be limited or even miss Week 12 when they play the Bears’ mediocre run defense. If Warren does miss, Gainwell immediately slots in as a top 15 or so running back. If Warren does play, Gainwell can still be a decent RB3/flex option.
Others to consider:
Kareem Hunt, Chiefs (49.9% rostered) – see Week 11 article
Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars (23.5% rostered) – handcuff for Travis Etienne, Jr., may be forming a committee
Ollie Gordon, Dolphins (10.2% rostered) – handcuff for banged-up De’Von Achane
MarShawn Lloyd, Packers (1.7% rostered) – Deep stash, could be designated to return this week
Week 12 Waiver Wire- Wide Receivers
Darnell Mooney, Falcons (44.5% rostered) | 7%-10% FAAB
Over the last couple of weeks, Darnell Mooney has gotten 15 targets, but only 4 catches. New starter Kirk Cousins was significantly more accurate in 2024 (66.9% completion percentage) than Penix has been this year (60.1%). That, coupled with Drake London possibly missing time, should allow both Mooney’s targets and especially his catches to increase substantially. He should be a low-end WR2 with plenty of upside going into this week, and as long as London is out.
Michael Wilson, Cardinals (34.3% rostered) | 5%-7% FAAB
It is unclear how long Marvin Harrison will be out due to an appendectomy; however, as long as he is, Michael Wilson will produce. He probably won’t have 15 catches for 185 yards again, but he definitely has WR2 potential, and considering their upcoming schedule, may have that even if Harrison comes back.
Others to consider:
Alec Pierce, Colts (33.9% rostered) – see Week 11 article
Kayshon Boutte, Patriots (21.8% rostered) – practicing this week
Week 12 Waiver Wire- Tight Ends
Juwan Johnson, Saints (30.0% rostered) | 3%-5% FAAB
Since Tyler Shough took over as quarterback in Week 8, Juwan Johnson has been the TE7. In that time, he has been the second-most targeted (16) player on the Saints behind Chris Olave (24) and ahead of Alvin Kamara (8). Expect this trend to continue, especially since Rashid Shaheed is in Seattle now.
Hunter Henry, Patriots (63.4% rostered) | 3%-5% FAAB
Hunter Henry has not been great this year with the addition of Stefon Diggs and the emergence of Kayshon Boutte; however, if there is any week he can shine, it will be this one. Cincinnati has been the worst defense against tight ends all season and has not gotten better in recent weeks. If you need a streaming option, now is the time to start Henry.
Others to consider:
Theo Johnson, Giants (56.6% rostered) – Better with Jaxson Dart starting, but serviceable with Jameis Winston
Terrance Ferguson, Rams (1.6% rostered) – Possible stream if Tyler Higbee misses time
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