As we get closer and closer to the start of your fantasy football playoffs, it is imperative to make sure you nail your weekly waiver wire pickups, especially for Week 12. With six teams playing on Thanksgiving, the waiver process is going to be even more important this week.
Per usual, all included players on this list are at – or very close to – being rostered in only 50% of rosters, according to ESPN, helping increase the odds of these options being out there for you to pick up and add to your fantasy football rosters.
For our conversation about Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups on the Establish the Pass podcast, listen below:
As playoffs begin to start around Week 14 or 15, take a look at the waiver wire pickups suggested for Week 12.
*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups
10. Cedrick Wilson – WR
1.6% Rostered
Dallas Cowboys
First, it was Michael Gallup who was seen as an important addition off of your league’s waiver wire, and he delivered in his return to action against the Chiefs. Now, with Amari Cooper (COVID) and CeeDee Lamb (concussion) missing time, it falls to Gallup and Cedrick Wilson to pick up the slack.
While a few drops capped his seven-target day on Sunday, Wilson is now going to become the WR2 in this offense, which immediately boosts his fantasy ceiling. Facing a suspect Raiders defense for the middle game on Thanksgiving, Wilson could be this year’s Turkey Day darling.
9. Andy Dalton – QB
0.3% Rostered
Chicago Bears
With Justin Fields reportedly not expected to start on Thursday against the Lions, it falls back to Andy Dalton to assume the starting QB role for the Bears. In relief of Fields against the Ravens when the rookie left with his rib injury, Dalton threw for over 200 yards and 2 TDs, helping keep them in the game.
No explanation is needed for what the Lions bring to the table – Dalton profiles as one of the better streaming options this week, even if it is only for one week.
8. Nick Vannett & Juwan Johnson – TE
0.0% & 1.0% Rostered
New Orleans Saints
Adam Trautman is going to be missing time due to a sprained MCL, which elevates the other tight ends on the roster, Juwan Johnson and Nick Vannett, into fantasy football relevancy, at least on paper.
Vannett ended up being the second option in Week 11, and that was his first game played this year after sitting out with an injury – Johnson, who caught two TDs the opening week, has been quiet since and was a victim of a coach’s decision against the Eagles and did not suit up.
Better odds on Vannett to assume the Trautman snaps, but Johnson certainly has shown he can handle the workload too – be cautious about adding one of these options, but keep an eye on any depth-chart rumblings before Thursday.
7. Tevin Coleman / Ty Johnson – RB
2.8% & 18.8% Rostered
New York Jets
Rookie RB Michael Carter will miss time with a low-grade high ankle sprain, which means that both Tevin Coleman and Ty Johnson will see snap increased in his absence.
With Carter assuming a huge role in this offense, both options took major backseats – but with Coleman more of the rusher and Johnson thriving in a pass-catching role, either option could be added to your waiver wire pickups this week.
With game script likely forcing the Jets to throw the ball, Johnson carries a higher upside, but Coleman could present early-game value with production on the ground.
6. Jeff Wilson Jr. – RB
55.1% Rostered
San Francisco 49ers
It was the next man up for the San Francisco 49ers this past week against Jacksonville, and Jeff Wilson Jr. was thrust into the starting role after Elijah Mitchell’s finger surgery. Having earned the lion's share of carries, it was obvious that Wilson was trusted by the coaching staff, and that should remain moving forward.
Until Mitchell is fully healthy (even if he does return next week), the 49ers likely will go back to trusting Wilson with a higher-touch rate than most of the season. And with their penchant for running the ball at a crazy clip, Wilson should be rostered, even if just for his upside.
5. Marquez Valdes-Scantling – WR
3.2% Rostered
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have been dealing with costly injuries all year, and with RB Aaron Jones still nursing his MCL injury, throwing the ball via Aaron Rodgers will become more common.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling took the top off the defense against the Vikings and combined with Davante Adams for over 200 receiving yards and 3 TDs, 1 of which was on a beautiful 75-yard rainbow in the fourth quarter to MVS.
As the Packers try and right the ship and stop the injury bug, look for MVS to add a higher target share and snap count to his list of why he should be added to your fantasy football rosters this week.
4. Alex Collins – RB
50.5% Rostered
Seattle Seahawks
With news of Chris Carson being ruled out for the rest of the year due to his neck injury, Alex Collins will assume the role of leading this backfield for the remainder of the year, a season that looks like it may already be lost.
As Russell Wilson continues to struggle to connect with Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, Collins has been the guy in the backfield, staving off any competition from Travis Homer or Rashaad Penny. With the months getting colder and the weather getting worse, a heavier reliance on Collins for a team dedicated to running the ball will help improve Collins for your fantasy football team.
3. Rashod Bateman
50.2% Rostered
Baltimore Ravens
The most-frequent item on this list during this season has been Rashod Bateman, and ever since he returned from his preseason injury, he has held a large role in the Ravens’ passing attack.
Even with his smaller-than-expected showing with Hollywood Brown out on Sunday, Bateman has commanded a healthy target share and snap count that paints a very efficient picture for his role in Baltimore’s offense. Holding a starting WR spot on a team that lives and dies by running the ball may be tough to trust in fantasy football, but Bateman has established his role for a few weeks and looks to yet again be a safe option for your waiver wire pickups list this week.
2. Elijah Moore – WR
40.8% Rostered
New York Jets
As bad as the Jets have been this year, rookie wideout Elijah Moore has helped provide this franchise with a breath of fresh air, as he and fellow rookie Carter have been able to showcase how good this team can become.
As Moore has had to catch passes from Joe Flacco, Mike White, and Zach Wilson, the Ole Miss product has shown out and developed a nose for the end zone as of late. As the Jets continue to play from behind and limp their way to another top-five draft pick, look for more of Moore as his integration into Mike LaFleur’s offense increases, helping justify his inclusion on your waiver wire pickups list.
1. Cam Newton
40.9% Rostered
Carolina Panthers
The final entrant on this list saw a beautiful homecoming for the long-time member of the Carolina Panthers, who just happened to be playing former head coach Ron Rivera and the Washington Football Team.
Looking like he finally knows the entire offensive playbook, Newton demonstrated that he still has a lot left in the tank, as he connected with DJ Moore, like old times, for a TD. While Newton’s rushing abilities certainly improve his fantasy football ceiling, that also can take away some work from Christian McCaffrey, which is something to be aware of.
Regardless, Newton is the best QB that you should be looking into grabbing this week for your waiver wire pickups, as he can immediately become a plug-and-play QB2 for the rest of the season.
Follow Us
Subscribe