As we get closer to the playoffs, waivers are drying up and getting muddy. However, a few gems are still there to help you win your matchup and crack the ceiling into the playoffs. Check out my Week 12 post-waiver wire pickups below.
Week 12 Post-Waiver Wire Quarterback
Cam Newton (Rostered in 54.9% of ESPN leagues/62% of Yahoo leagues)
Despite his primo matchup in Week 11, Cam Newton is still available in almost half of ESPN leagues. He threw for two touchdowns and ran for another one against the Washington Football Team. In Week 12, he faces a Miami defense that has allowed the fourth-most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks over the past four weeks. Newton does have a bye next week, so be aware, but he’s a great streaming option for Week 12.
Tyrod Taylor (Rostered in 13.2% of ESPN leagues/8% of Yahoo leagues)
The Week 12 matchup looks great for Tyrod Taylor and the Houston Texans. The New York Jets have allowed 22.56 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks over the past four weeks. Houston’s defense is a shell of its former self, so this game does have sneaky shootout potential.
Week 12 Post-Waiver Wire Wide Receiver
Elijah Moore (Rostered in 57.5% of ESPN leagues/74% of Yahoo leagues)
Elijah Moore has arrived. Since Week 8, he’s averaged 21.6 fantasy points per game and is the WR1 over that span. The Jets play Houston this week, and Houston has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers over the past four weeks. I’m slightly concerned about Zach Wilson returning to the Jets’ lineup, but I have faith that Robert Salah will continue to utilize his rookie receiver.
Cedrick Wilson (Rostered in 8.9% of ESPN leagues/20% in Yahoo leagues)
With Amari Cooper out and CeeDee Lamb doubtful, Cedrick Wilson is the next man up in the Dallas Cowboys offense. The Cowboys get the Las Vegas Raiders on a Thursday afternoon matchup, and the Raiders defense is allowing 31.27 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position over the past four weeks. Although he may not be a viable option when Cooper and Lamb return, he’s a valuable streamer in Week 12.
Week 12 Post-Waiver Wire Running Back
Ty Johnson (Rostered in 22.5% of ESPN leagues/33% of Yahoo leagues)
Running back is gross this week, but Ty Johnson is one of the few people available on waivers who have standalone value for a few weeks going forward. Michael Carter is out for a couple of weeks with a high ankle sprain, leaving Johnson and Tevin Coleman as the main backs in this offense. Johnson has a significant role in the passing game, and Houston just allowed Dontrell Hilliard to put up 19.2 fantasy points on them in Week 11. You could do worse than Johnson in Week 12 and his upside puts him among the prime Week 12 post-waiver wire pickups.Â
Week 12 Post-Waiver Wire Tight End
Logan Thomas (Rostered in 49% of ESPN leagues/56% of Yahoo leagues)
Logan Thomas’ stint on IR has him flying under the radar of almost half of fantasy managers, but he is slated to return in Week 12 against the Carolina Panthers. Prior to his injury, Thomas was scoring an average of 11.57 fantasy points per game, and at the tight end position, that is golden. He has a very safe floor and a favorable upcoming schedule against the Panthers, Seahawks, Raiders, Philly, and Dallas twice, so if you’re looking for a league winner, Thomas could be the guy.
Good luck navigating the post-waiver waters in Week 12, and be sure to follow @Britt_Flinn on Twitter!
