Welcome to the Week 12 Waiver Wire. In this article, Wolf Trelles-Heard highlights the players you should prioritize on waivers as we head into Week 12. The targets are listed in shallow, standard, and deeper league options. However, there will (typically) be the most options under the standard column, as that will be the most popular range of targets.
PlayerProfiler is home to award-winning dynasty rankings and tools. Our Dynasty Deluxe package includes complete Dynasty Rankings, Rookie Rankings, Trade Analyzer, Draft Planner, Mock Drafts, and more. Check it out.
Week 12 Shallow League Waiver Wire Targets
Note: This range will primarily apply to home leagues and those with shorter benches, with players available in at least 25% of leagues. Each player is listed with their current rostership percentage and a recommended FAAB bid range for a $100 budget. All values are in reference to four-point per passing touchdown leagues with PPR scoring unless otherwise noted.
Quarterback
Brock Purdy, 49ers (72% rostered) | $3-5
Welcome back, Brock Purdy. The former Mr. Irrelevant returned to his starting job last week and did what he does best: play efficient football while putting up QB1 numbers. Purdy breathed life into George Kittle and distributed the ball with precision, finishing 19-of-26 for 200 yards and three scores. When he’s dealing like this, few signal callers are more reliable than Purdy.
He has some favorable matchups coming up against the Panthers, Titans, Colts, and Bears. You may want to look elsewhere in Week 13 against the Browns (and Week 14 for the 49ers’ bye), but otherwise, Purdy can be trusted to deliver solid fantasy performances — he’s scored between 18.8 and 19.7 fantasy points in all three starts this season. If he was dropped while he was out with the toe injury, add Purdy to your squad if you’re still in the playoff hunt.
Other options: Daniel Jones, Colts (63%)
Running Back
Kyle Monangai, Bears (65% rostered) | $5-7
The rookie was outplayed by D’Andre Swift last week, 90 total yards to 37, but it was Kyle Monangai who scored the Bears’ only TD on the afternoon. He’s playing the 1B role well, handling 13 opportunities in the win over the Vikings. Monangai now has double-digit fantasy points in three of his last five games, scoring three times in that span. Heading into Week 11, he ranked top 10 in yards per touch and juke rate among all running backs. He’s a worthy flex play in games the Bears are projected to win.
Monangai draws tough matchups in the fantasy playoffs against the Browns (Week 15) and Packers (Week 16), but he’s averaging 11 touches per game in his last four contests with Swift active — that usage shouldn’t be ignored.
Other options: Rhamandre Stevenson, Patriots (74%), Jordan Mason, Vikings (71%)
Wide Receiver
Troy Franklin, Broncos (63% rostered) | $2-4
I’ve priced Troy Franklin low because the Broncos are going into their bye week, but you should stash him now if you can. Franklin put up another strong outing against the Chiefs, catching four of eight targets for 84 yards. That’s now four double-digit performances in his last five games.
During that stretch, Franklin’s seen 45 targets and scored 75.5 PPR points, far outpacing Courtland Sutton. His chemistry with Bo Nix has blossomed as of late, and he’s worked his way firmly into the WR2 conversation going forward. The smart move is to grab him this week to avoid the mad dash from your league mates after his bye.
Other options: Wan’Dale Robinson, Giants (63%), Chris Godwin, Buccaneers (63%), Tre Tucker, Raiders (53%)
Tight End
Theo Johnson, Giants (57% rostered) | $2-3
Weirdly enough, Theo Johnson‘s production dipped with gunslinger Jameis Winston under center. After averaging nearly 12 PPG with Jaxson Dart, Johnson mustered just 6.6 fantasy points against the Packers. The second-year pro caught just three passes for 36 scoreless yards.
Up next are road games against the Lions and Patriots. The Giants are likely going to be trailing and in catch-up mode for most of those contests. Johnson should have opportunities to bounce back if they are forced to throw. He remains an elite separator and downfield threat for the TE position, ranking as the TE8 in target separation (2.18) and the TE10 in air yards (310). Whether it’s Winston or Dart delivering the ball, those traits keep Johnson in the mix if you are looking for a low-end TE1 option.
Other options: Dalton Schultz, Texans (52%)
Week 12 Standard League Waiver Wire Targets
Note: This range will primarily apply to most leagues with standard benches, with players available in at least 50% of leagues. Each player is listed with their current rostership percentage and a recommended FAAB bid range for a $100 budget. All values are in reference to four-point per passing touchdown leagues with PPR scoring unless otherwise noted.
Quarterback
Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals (20% rostered) | $4-6
Benching Kyler Murray may not be resulting in many wins in real life, but it certainly is in fantasy. Arizona’s offense has turned into a passing juggernaut with Jacoby Brissett at the helm. In last week’s loss to the 49ers, Brissett set a new NFL record with 47 completions on 57 attempts. He finished with 452 yards, two scores and two interceptions.
That’s now five consecutive QB1 performances for Brissett. Few guys are this hot throwing the ball right now — Brissett entered Week 11 with a True Passer Rating of 107.2 (QB7). That’ll go up after last week’s scorcher. He should be rostered everywhere, and he’s absolutely startable the next two weeks against the Jaguars and Bucs. Go get him if you need a reliable QB to throw in your lineup.
Other options: Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars (34%), Sam Darnold, Seahawks (44%)
Running Back
Emanuel Wilson, Packers (9% rostered) | $15-25
Welcome to relevancy, Emanuel Wilson. The third-year backup was thrust into a prominent role last Sunday against the Giants after Josh Jacobs went down with a knee injury. Wilson filled in admirably, playing over 70% of the snaps while rushing for 40 yards and punching in his first TD of the season.
Reports indicate it’s not a season-ender for Jacobs, but he may miss a game or two. That should lock Wilson into a full-time role for as long as Jacobs is sidelined. The Packers’ upcoming slate isn’t easy: Vikings, Lions, Bears, and Broncos. But anytime you have a chance to get a potential workhorse RB this late in the season, you have to take a swing. Spend up if you still have a lot of FAAB — Wilson will likely be the most sought-after player by contenders this week.
Kenneth Gainwell, Steelers (42% rostered) | $5-7
Same situation as with Wilson above: Kenneth Gainwell also saw his backfield partner go down with an injury. Gainwell erupted for a top-five finish earlier this season when Jaylen Warren missed a game. Against the Bengals last week, he did it again, rushing for 24 yards and catching seven passes for 81 yards and two TDs.
Warren said he could’ve returned to the game, but the team opted to play it safe with their starting back. With upcoming games against the Bears and Bills, perhaps the Steelers will look to split things up a little more evenly and lighten Warren’s load just a bit. Gainwell is worth tossing a few bucks at in case he earns a larger role in the short term.
Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars (24%) | $2-4
It looked like we were headed towards a near 50-50 split in Week 11 before Bhayshul Tuten went down with an ankle injury late in the game. Up until that point, he was out-carrying Travis Etienne Jr. and on his way to his best fantasy day yet. The rookie ended the afternoon with 15 totes for 74 yards and a score. Even missing the fourth quarter, Tuten set new career highs in yardage and snap share.
Make sure to monitor the practice reports this week. If he’s healthy, Tuten is worth stashing. He’s the RB23 in fantasy points per opportunity (0.87), proving he produces when given the chance. He could be a nice flex as we head towards the postseason, and he has the immense upside should anything happen to Etienne Jr..
Other options: Tyjae Spears, Titans (44%), Devin Singletary, Giants (32%)
Wide Receiver
Alec Pierce, Colts (34% rostered) | $8-10
Looks like a lot of managers just ignored the NFL’s leading receiver from Weeks 6-10 because the Colts were on bye last week. You should’ve grabbed him then, but if you didn’t, you still have a chance to snag Pierce for the stretch run.
He has two hard matchups against the Chiefs and Texans coming up, but Pierce has firmly established himself as a top weapon for Daniel Jones in the passing game. Going into Week 11, Pierce ranked top-five among all WRs in air yards, air yards share, deep targets, yards per reception and Explosive Rating. If you need a dependable WR3 or flex play, Pierce is the real deal this year.
Michael Wilson, Cardinals (34% rostered) | $5-7
The only thing disappointing about Michael Wilson‘s absurd breakout game last week against the 49ers is that it should’ve been Marvin Harrison Jr. doing it. Nonetheless, it was a magical day for Wilson. The stars aligned for him: His QB threw 57 times and completed an NFL record 47 of them. Eighteen of those attempts were funneled to Wilson, who caught 15 for 182 yards — a league high this season.
If Harrison Jr. sits again this week, Wilson becomes a must-start in three-WR leagues and a strong flex in two-WR formats. The battle isn’t ideal against Jacksonville — they just shut down the Chargers — but Wilson is likely staring at eight to 10 targets. Those in need of immediate help should prioritize him on the wire; just keep an eye on those practice reports for Harrison Jr.’s status.
Other options: Darnell Mooney, Falcons (45%), Tez Johnson, Buccaneers (46%), Jayden Reed, Packers (38%)
Tight End
Juwan Johnson, Saints (29% rostered) | $2-3
What an awesome surprise Juwan Johnson has been this season. He’s the TE7 in total PPR points scored and the TE13 in per-game average (10.8 PPG). He’s scored double-digit fantasy points in four straight and delivered TE9 and TE3 finishes in Tyler Shough‘s two starts.
Coming out of the bye, Johnson should continue to eat with only Chris Olave standing between him and heavy target volume. Like I mentioned with Theo Johnson, Juwan has been a top-notch separator and deep threat: He’s the TE7 in target separation (2.22) and the TE2 in air yards (442). A tough matchup awaits Johnson — Atlanta is top-three in fewest points allowed to TEs — but you shouldn’t let him rot in the player pool. Plug him in and enjoy the TE1 production.
Other options: Cade Otton, Buccaneers (44%)
Week 12 Deep League Waiver Wire Targets
Note: This range will apply to leagues with deeper benches and more experienced managers, with players available in at least 75% of leagues. Each player is listed with their current rostership percentage and a recommended FAAB bid range for a $100 budget. All values are in reference to four-point per passing touchdown leagues with PPR scoring unless otherwise noted.
Quarterback
Bryce Young, Panthers (18% rostered) | $2-3
Guess who Bryce Young has this week? Yep, the 49ers — the same squad that just gave up the 452 yards and 47 completions to Brissett. Meanwhile, Young is coming off his own monster performance, incinerating Atlanta’s defense for a franchise-record 448 yards and three scores — easily his best outing of the season.
Young is dealing with an ankle injury, and he’s been pretty bad this season outside of last week, so proceed with caution. He is in play this week if you need a matchup-based dart throw, but understand what you’re signing up for: It’s a fantastic matchup, but Young could turn back into a pumpkin at any time. He was the QB32 in fantasy PPG (11.6) heading into Week 11 for a reason.
Other options: Tyler Shough, Saints (4%), Davis Mills, Texans (5%) — if C.J. Stroud doesn’t clear concussion protocol for Thursday Night Football
Running Back
Sean Tucker, Buccaneers (20% rostered) | $5-7
Legend has it — once a season — Sean Tucker climbs out from the abyss of Tampa Bay’s depth chart and delivers a show-stopping performance before going back into hibernation. In a shootout that saw 76 total points, Tucker went absolutely nuts against the Bills. He totaled 106 yards on the ground, 34 through the air, and scored a touchdown hat trick for the first time in his career.
Fantasy’s RB2 in Week 11, Tucker likely has earned a larger slice of the pie, even if Bucky Irving returns this week. He draws a rough matchup against the Rams, but they just gave up over 100 total yards and a TD to Kenneth Walker last week. Don’t spend too much, but Tucker is worth grabbing if he’s going to serve as the RB2 behind Irving or if he gets another week as the team’s lead back.
Other options: Blake Corum, Rams (17%), Chris Rodriguez Jr., Commanders (16%)
Wide Receiver
Christian Watson, Packers (22% rostered) | $6-8
A healthy Christian Watson is the most dangerous weapon in this WR room. The veteran looks to be getting sharper and stronger every week since returning from a torn ACL. He saw a season-high five targets in last week’s win against the Giants, catching four for 46 yards — including two really tough end zone grabs. One showed off his strong hands in tight coverage, the other his jump-ball prowess as he high-pointed the game-winner.
Ideally, he gets a small bump in volume going forward. It’s tough to trust any Packers WR with how much they spread the ball around, but Watson seems to be the best of the bunch the rest of the way. He offers a WR3 floor but has upside for more if his targets increase.
Other options: Luther Burden III, Bears (11%), Jayden Higgins, Texans (18%), Kayshon Boutte, Patriots (21%)
Tight End
AJ Barner, Seahawks (12% rostered) | $1-2
The second-year pro continued his boom-or-bust ways last week. After failing to receive a single target in Week 10, Barner exploded for a career-high 10 grabs for 70 yards against the Rams. He now has four weeks with top-10 production. In his other games: TE59, TE38, TE17, TE43, TE13, TE54. Consistent, he is not.
Barner has been serviceable this season, but he’s operated more as a TD-dependent option rather than a PPR weapon for fantasy managers. If this higher target volume becomes a trend going forward, Barner could be worth streaming in favorable matchups. He’s a speculative add to see if that happens.
Other options: Mason Taylor, Jets (17%)
For more articles from PlayerProfiler, check out the fantasy home page – NFL Fantasy | PlayerProfiler – Fantasy Football News & Media
Wolf Trelles-Heard is a fantasy football contributor for PlayerProfiler. Find him on X at @DynastyFFWolf.
