Hello! We’re diving into Week 12 of Waiver Wire Watch!
The majority of the NFL games for the weekend are already set, so if you’re planning to watch, now might not be the best time. With Thanksgiving approaching, the fantasy playoffs are just around the corner. It’s definitely time to gear up for the postseason. Sure, there’s still the big Monday night clash between the Cowboys and Raiders to look forward to, but it’s wise to start considering how to boost your team for next week.
Let’s take a look at some players you might want to grab off the waiver wire before Week 12 kicks off. Just to clarify, the exempt additions include those who are rostered in up to 60% of leagues.
Week 12 Bye teams: Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders
Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers (18.0%)
Young had what could be considered the best performance of his young career, leading the Panthers to a nail-biting 30-27 overtime win against the Falcons. Although he briefly left the game with an ankle injury, he still managed to pass for a personal best of 448 yards along with three touchdowns. Hopefully, he’s beginning to harness the talents of players like Tett McMillan and Xavier Leggett. That 54-yard throw to Tommy Tremble in overtime was pivotal for the winning field goal.
Interestingly, the Buccaneers are having their own struggles, which might just pave the way for Young’s Panthers to seize first place in the NFC South by the end of Week 12. He’s not lighting up the stats sheet, but if you’re riding the momentum train, Young is sitting there waiting on the waiver wire.
Week 12 matchup: @ San Francisco 49ers, 8:15 PM ET (Monday night)
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars (33.6%)
On another note, Lawrence—also a former No. 1 pick—played a key role in the Jaguars’ 35-6 win over the Chargers. He finished the game with one passing touchdown, a rushing touchdown, an interception, and 153 yards. Nothing too stellar, perhaps, but not exactly bad either. Those 16 fantasy points fit snugly within his regular season performance.
Just to reiterate, while Lawrence isn’t a game-winner all by himself, he could serve as a solid addition, especially if your lineup has stronger assets around him. Picking him up could be a smart move with some players struggling.
Week 12 matchup: @ Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 PM ET
Sean Tucker, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (18.2%)
Despite the Buccaneers narrowly losing a high-scoring match to the Bills, Tucker had an impressive outing. The third-year running back netted 106 rushing yards, added 34 through the air, and scored three touchdowns—totaling over 30 fantasy points. Clearly, he’s stepping up in the absence of Bucky Irving. His touches have been increasing, even during the loss.
It’s worth mentioning that Irving returned to practice last week, but he didn’t play. His eventual return could be imminent; however, even should he take the field in the upcoming game against the Rams, expect Tucker to still be a significant contributor.
Week 12 matchup: @ Los Angeles Rams, 8:20 PM ET
Emmanuel Wilson, RB, Green Bay Packers (8.0%)
The Packers managed to overcome the Giants 27-20, but their offensive dynamics felt a bit precarious without Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs due to injuries. Wilson had a decent game, rushing 11 times for 40 yards and scoring a touchdown.
With Jacobs currently leading the league in rushing touchdowns, his absence could significantly impact the Packers. It would be prudent to monitor Wilson closely this week—especially if you’re managing Jacobs and haven’t secured a backup yet.
Week 12 matchup: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1 PM ET
Xavier Leggett, WR, Carolina Panthers (13.9%)
Leggett had a rough outing last week against the Saints but turned things around in the recent game against the Falcons. He caught four passes for 83 yards and snagged a crucial touchdown, ending up among the top fantasy wideouts this week.
With the Panthers vying for a playoff spot, momentum could favor a receiver like Leggett. Keep him on your radar if you’re searching for a wide receiver this week.
Week 12 matchup: @ San Francisco 49ers, 8:15 PM ET (Monday night)
Michael Wilson, WR, Arizona Cardinals (29.9%)
The Cardinals faced a tough loss against the 49ers, but Wilson shined during the game. He caught 15 of 18 targets for 185 yards, finishing as the top fantasy wide receiver for PPR leagues.
While he may not see these kinds of targets moving forward, he presents potential as a sleeper, especially in garbage-time scenarios. Given the pattern of the Cardinals’ recent games, he could deliver solid performances ahead.
Week 12 matchup: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 4:05 PM ET
Darnell Washington, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers (1.1%)
Washington played an essential role in the Steelers’ victory against the Bengals, catching four passes for 67 yards and scoring a touchdown—marking a new career high. He’s shown consistent growth over recent weeks, making this his fourth game with 3+ receptions in the last six outings.
As he finds more time on the field alongside Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth, keep him in mind as a potential beneficial target, especially as the Steelers push for the AFC North title.
Week 12 matchup: @ Chicago Bears, 1 PM ET
Dalton Schultz, TE, Houston Texans (50.8%)
Schultz has proven to be a dependable asset for the Texans, with six receptions for 51 yards contributing to their win over the Titans. While he ranks in the top ten among tight ends in several categories—like receptions and target share—his lack of touchdowns has held back his fantasy potential. Nonetheless, he’s consistently been a favorite target for both CJ Stroud and Davis Mills, and that’s likely to continue.
Week 12 matchup: vs. Buffalo Bills, 8:15 PM ET (Thursday night)
