Happy Tuesday, folks!
If you’re anything like me, there’s a bit of a “crash” that happens on Tuesday mornings. The previous week’s games are a thing of the past now and there’s a few days without football before TNF.
However, that feeling doesn’t last very long because it’s time for waiver wire adds!
So, grab a cup of coffee or a beer depending on the time of day you’re reading this (no judgement here) and let’s go over some players that need to be rostered going into Week 12.
Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns
Baker has very quietly turned in some solid streaming performances over the past two weeks (excluding the bye).
He put up a solid performance against Kansas City, but then came back with a 3 TD day against Atlanta in Week 10.
Atlanta’s defense has been extremely susceptible to opposing QB’s in recent weeks, but has started to turn it around recently. Yet, Baker still put up a solid fantasy performance.
This week, he gets Cincinnati. The Bengals are historically bad this season on defense and it doesn’t look like that’s going to be turning around any time soon.
If he’s available on your waiver wire, and your QB is going up against a tough defense, Baker’s a solid play this week. And he’s currently only 42% owned in Yahoo.
Eli Manning, New York Giants
This feels gross. It really does.
But the last two weeks, the Giants have found a way to have success with Eli as their QB…and he gets to play the Eagles this week.
The Eagles are currently trotting out guys in their secondary that would not be playing on any other team and the injuries just keep piling up. This is going to be a huge day for OBJ and I’ll take a leap of faith that Eli will be able to get it done against this inexperienced and banged up secondary.
If you’re in dire need of a QB, Eli’s available. Currently only 23% owned in Yahoo leagues.
Running Backs
Josh Adams, Philadelphia Eagles
Josh Adams was a guy I liked coming out of Notre Dame in the draft. I was actually shocked that he went undrafted, but he ended up in a great spot when essentially all the backs ahead of him went down.
Adams’ role has increased week after week and he was the lone bright spot in the Philly offense this last week against the Saints.
This game should be pretty balanced from a gameflow perspective and I think Doug Pederson is going to want to establish the run early in this game. Adams could be FLEX worthy this week and I think his role is going to continually increase from here on out as Smallwood and Clement have shown an inability to do anything productive.
Adams is only 33% owned and I expect that number to go up dramatically this week. Get him while you can if you’re in need of running back depth.
Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens
It’s slim-pickens this time of year on the waiver wire. Especially for running backs.
But another undrafted rookie had a stand out performance this past week against Cincinnati and it could continue this next week against the Oakland Raiders.
I will say this now, Gus Edwards is a risky pickup. It’s a crowded backfield with Allen, Collins and Montgomery (not to mention Dixon is designated to return and practicing), but he’s worth a stash on your bench.
The Ravens have committed to running the ball with Lamar Jackson starting, so if Flacco misses more time Edwards could be the beneficiary. The best news is that he’s only 6% owned in Yahoo leagues.
Wide Receivers
Tre’Quan Smith, New Orleans Saints
Another rookie who is having a solid year, Smith made his impact known on Sunday by going for 10-157-1 on 13 targets.
With Cameron Meredith and Dez Bryant on IR, the Saints signed Brandon Marshall as another body in the receiver room. However, it’s unlikely that Marshall contributes in a huge way this season, so the Saints needed someone else to step up.
13 targets is a lot for any receiver in the league and the Saints are one of the best offenses. I want any piece I can get in this high scoring offense and Smith seems to have just had his breakout game.
He’s only 27% owned in Yahoo leagues, so he’s most likely available. If you need a receiver after losing someone like Cooper Kupp for the year, Smith might be an adequate replacement moving forward.
DJ Moore, Carolina Panthers
If you miss out on Smith, there’s another replacement that might be just as good.
DJ Moore, another rookie, has finally become a focal point of the Panthers offense. He drew 8 targets this past week and turned that into a 7-157-1 stat line.
Moore has been inconsistent up until this point of the season, but he’s continually becoming more and more (no pun intended) a part of their game plan. They spent a first round pick on him this past year and he needs to be involved.
The biggest reason why I’m attempting to add Moore this week though is because of his upcoming schedule. If you’re someone who is on the brink of getting into the fantasy playoffs, Moore could be the player that pushes you over the edge.
Moore plays the Bucs in Week 13, Cleveland (who can still be beat through the air) in Week 14 and then New Orleans and Atlanta back-to-back to close out the fantasy year.
The Bucs defense is atrocious, Carolina’s gonna have to score and throw the ball to keep up with the Saints and Atlanta’s secondary has been depleted.
If he becomes the main target for Cam Newton over those four games, Moore could be a player that wins you a championship. He’s still only 40% owned, so I would spend my remaining FAAB to get him and burn my top waiver priority. It could pay off.
Tight Ends
Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Rams
With Cooper Kupp out for the year, someone needed to step up for the Rams.
Josh Reynolds has certainly been a benefactor, but in a year that is so gross at tight end, Everett might be worth picking up.
He only had 4 targets in Week 11, but he turned that into 2 TD’s. With all the other tight ends being a dart throw as it is, outside of Kelce and Ertz, Everett might be the player who can give you some production at the TE position.
Defenses/Special Teams
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo has been a solid defense all year and Sean McDermott does not get enough credit for keeping this talent-deprived team in games.
Buffalo takes on Jacksonville this week and Jacksonville’s offense has been stagnant all year. If the Bills can stop Leonard Fournette, which they have the ability to do, and force Blake Bortles to throw the ball…there could be some turnovers coming their way.
It’s not pretty. But it’ll get the job done.
San Francisco 49ers
This is a desperation play. If there is absolutely no other defense out there, you could have some confidence starting the 49ers defense solely due to the fact that Jameis Winston is starting for the Bucs.
He’s always good for an interception or four.
But it doesn’t feel good rolling this defense into your starting lineup, so start with caution.
Closing Remarks
There’s your waiver wire targets for Week 12!
Consistent content will be coming your way from Sports Mockery when it comes to Fantasy Football! So keep an eye out and if you have any fantasy football related questions, hit me up @KyleYNFL on Twitter!