Waivering: Week 12
Tue Nov 18 10:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Rodriguez is emerging as starter
We talked about how bad the options were on the waiver wire last week but things change in a hurry here in fantasy land. Things are looking a little up this week, especially at the running back position. It just goes to show you how much things can change in just a week.
Here are some options to consider grabbing. . . . .
QUARTERBACK
Bryce Young, Panthers (31.5% owned). Young had the best game of his career last week, throwing for 448 yards and three touchdowns. He scored 36.4 fantasy points. It was quite the impressive performance. Young has been all over the map this year, but maybe this game gets him going. He might be worth a speculative pickup.
RUNNING BACK
Sean Tucker, Bucs (36.1% owned). Tucker had a career game last week, scoring three touchdowns. He also hit the 100-yard rushing mark. Tucker earned more work going forward. The only issue is starter Bucky Irving could be nearing a return. Once that happens, Tucker won’t have nearly as much value. Just keep that in mind.
Ty Johnson, Bills (6.9% owned). Johnson is a bit boom or bust but is starting to be a tad more consistent. He has double-digit fantasy points two of three games. He has multiple receptions all three of those games. He has some streaming value when injury or bye weeks come up for fantasy teams.
Emanuel Wilson, Packers (31.4% owned). Wilson will be the hot pickup this week with Josh Jacobs banged up. Wilson ran well in relief of Jacobs last week, rushing 11 times for 40 yards and a touchdown. He could be a difference maker for fantasy teams if he gets some starts the coming weeks.
Chris Rodriguez, Commanders (34.0% owned). Rodriguez is emerging as the lead back for the Commanders. He has double-digit carries two of three games. He also has found the end zone two of those games. The Commanders are a mess right now but as long as Rodriguez keeps getting double-digit touches, he’ll have value to fantasy teams.
WIDE RECEIVER
Tyrell Shavers, Bills (0.1% owned). Shavers had his best game of the season, getting more playing time with the team benching Keon Coleman. He responded with four receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown on five targets. Shavers is no sure thing going forward but likely earned at least some more targets the next few weeks. If he keeps making plays, he’ll keep playing.
Jayden Higgins, Texans (30.3% owned). Higgins continues to get consistent work in the Texans passing game. He has at least seven targets three of four games. He has double-digit fantasy points two of those games. Higgins is becoming a real factor in the Texans passing game.
Mack Hollins, Patriots (19.4% owned). Hollins is emerging as a top target for the Patriots passing game. He has double-digit fantasy points three of four games. He has 10 receptions his last two games. The Patriots boast one of the top passing offenses in football, so look for Hollins to continue to produce.
Michael Wilson, Cardinals (17.7% owned). Wilson had a career game last week, finishing with 15 receptions for 185 yards on 18 targets. He has been targeted 25 times his last two games. Wilson is finally starting to get more consistent looks. This was starting to happen even when Marvin Harrison was in the lineup.
TIGHT END
Darnell Washington, Steelers (1.1% owned). Washington plays the most out of the three Steelers tight ends. He is out there more to block but is starting to get more looks in the passing game. Washington has four receptions two of three games. He has been targeted at least five times four of six games. In tight end premium leagues, Washington is certainly with an addition to fantasy rosters.
AJ Barner, Seahawks (36.4% owned). Barner didn’t catch a pass Week 10 but had 10 receptions for 70 yards on 11 targets last week. It was his best game of the season. Barner does have double-digit fantasy points six of 10 games. Barner has been pretty dang consistent all year.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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- Raiders activate QB Aidan O'Connell (wrist) from IR
- Bengals QB Joe Burrow full participant in practice
- Giants interim coach not fazed by Cam Skattebo's WWE appearance
- Jets CB Kris Boyd now in stable condition after Sunday shooting
- Aaron Glenn, Jets turn to Tyrod Taylor; rookie Brady Cook on deck?
- Cardinals rule out Marvin Harrison Jr., Emari Demercado
- WR Brandin Cooks waived by Saints
- Bills TE Dalton Kincaid, 2 others ruled out vs. Texans
- Roger Craig, Ken Anderson among Hall of Fame semifinalists
- Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. undergoing third ACL surgery, out for season
- Browns to start rookie QB Shedeur Sanders vs. Raiders
- Bengals clear TE Mike Gesicki to return to practice
- Team president says Saints to play first NFL game in Paris
- Viewership of NFL Network international games sets record
- One-game ban for Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase upheld on appeal
- WR Odell Beckham Jr. reinstated after 6-game PED suspension
- Home of Browns QB Shedeur Sanders burglarized during debut
- Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III in line for 'more opportunities'
- Texans' QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) back at practice
- Steelers contemplate QB Aaron Rodgers playing with fractured wrist
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The Paur Report
New York Jets wide receiver John Metchie III made the most of his increased playing time during last week's game against the New England Patriots. Metchie hauled in all three of his targets for 45 yards and a touchdown in the loss. The 25-year-old has been a non-factor in the offense all season, but could start seeing an expanded role now. The Jets are without Garrett Wilson (knee), so they need someone to step up on offense. Metchie showed that he was capable of making plays when called upon. Fantasy managers should look for him to have a bigger role in the offense going forward.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts defensive back Charvarius Ward (concussion) was a full participant during Wednesday's practice session. Ward had his 21-day practice window opened this week as he works his way back into the mix. He has missed the last five games due to a concussion he suffered during pre-game warmups in Week 6. Before going down, Ward recorded 13 tackles and three passes defended in his first five games. Once healthy, Ward and Sauce Gardner should make for one of the most dangerous secondaries in the league.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is coming off an excellent performance against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11. Barner hauled 10 of his 11 targets for 70 yards in the loss. It was a bit shocking to see Barner get double digit targets, but he made the most of his chances. Sadly for fantasy managers, Barner will continue to split up the reps with Elijah Arroyo. That means, Barner is probably going to have a limited ceiling, but he can still offer fantasy value. The 23-year-old should be able to give fantasy managers at least TE2 value for the upcoming Week 12 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams defensive back/safety Quentin Lake (elbow) was placed on the injured reserve on Wednesday. This comes as no surprise after Lake underwent surgery on his elbow on Tuesday. He'll now miss at least the next four games, but is hopeful that this won't be a season-ending injury. Lake was in the middle of a breakout campaign, so his absence will certainly hurt this defense. The expectation is that Josh Wallace will take over as the primary slot corner until Lake returns. The loss of Lake will give this defense a slight downgrade ahead of their upcoming Week 12 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (shoulder) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Shepard will join fellow wideouts Chris Godwin (leg) and Emeka Egbuka (illness) on the injury report to begin the week. Shepard appears to be dealing with a minor shoulder injury, but it shouldn't stop him from suiting up in Week 12. His fantasy value is likely dependent on whether or not Godwin is able to return this weekend. Last week, Shepard hauled in four of his five targets for 54 yards in the loss to the Buffalo Bills. The veteran wideout would take a backseat in the passing game if Godwin and Egbuka are both healthy.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (foot) was listed as a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. He continues to manage a foot issue that limited him during practice last week. However, Okonkwo still played during last week's game against the Houston Texans. He hauled in all three of his targets for 56 yards in the loss. He figures to be fine for Week 12, but Gunnar Helm would see an expanded role if Okonkwo was unable to play against the Seattle Seahawks this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (ankle) was listed as a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned about the ankle issue right now. However, Knight could be losing playing time soon with Trey Benson (knee) having his practice window opened this week. The eventual return of Benson is going to cloud up this backfield situation even more. Right now, Emari Demercado (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 12. That means, Knight and Michael Carter should split up the reps unless Benson returns this week. Barring any setbacks, Knight figures to be out there this weekend, but his fantasy value is unclear at the moment.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams TE Tyler Higbee (ankle) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Fantasy Spin: With Higbee sidelined, Colby Parkinson could step into a bigger role, but that isn't necessarily saying much. The Rams' passing attack runs through Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, and Parkinson would likely need to catch a touchdown to post a useful stat line for fantasy owners.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (wrist) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. He pops up on the injury report with a wrist injury, which seems to be new for him. It doesn't sound like a serious issue, but fantasy managers should monitor the injury report throughout the week. Doubs could be asked to take on a bigger role this weekend with Christian Watson (knee), Matthew Golden (shoulder, wrist), and Dontayvion Wicks (calf) all on the injury report as well. Fantasy managers should check the injury report on Thursday and Friday, but Doubs figures to be good to go for Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (shoulder) was a full participant during Wednesday's practice session. This is good news after Love was briefly forced to exit the game during Sunday's win over the New York Giants. Barring any setbacks, Love should be ready to go versus the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12. The Packers have a bunch of banged up players on offense, which could impact the fantasy value of Love, assuming they sit out. Fantasy managers who have Love rostered should monitor the injury report throughout the week.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) was listed as a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. This comes as no surprise given the Packers have been cautious with Watson since he returned to the field a few weeks ago. Watson returned in Week 8 after recovering from a torn ACL from last year. He posted his best game of the season last week when he hauled in four of his five targets for 46 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the New York Giants. Fantasy managers shouldn't have anything to worry about as Watson being limited is likely just a precaution. The Packers wideouts are extremely banged up right now, so Watson could be looking at a heavy workload in Week 12.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) was given a limited tag in Wednesday's practice. Godwin wasn't seen during the portion of practice open to the media, but he eventually got in some work as he continues to work his way back from a fibular injury that has kept him out since Week 5. The 29-year-old was also limited in three practices last week before he was ruled out for the Week 11 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Todd Bowles said earlier this week that Godwin was "ramping up" his activity level, but he's probably going to need to upgrade to a full practice on Thursday or Friday to have a realistic chance at returning to action on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams. With only two games played so far in 2025, Godwin will most likely be eased back into the offense when he's cleared, which might not be for another couple of weeks.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (quadriceps) missed his team's last two games with a quad injury, but he was back at practice this week and has no injury designation for Thursday night's home game against the Bills. Fairbairn has been one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL over the last few seasons, making 22 of his 25 field goal attempts, including two from over 50 yards. He also converted all 12 extra point attempts. He'll retake his starting job from Matthew Wright and will be kicking at home indoors this week against the Bills, who have allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to kickers this season. If someone dropped Fairbairn, he can be a nice pickup based on his reliability, and he is the K17 in RotoBaller's rankings this week in his return.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice session. Last week, Jackson missed practice time due to a knee issue. Despite that, Jackson did suit up for last week's matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The assumption was that he missed practice to begin the week due to the same issue. That isn't the case as Jackson appears to be now dealing with an ankle problem. There isn't a ton of context on the issue, so fantasy managers will need to check back for more updates throughout the week. The assumption is that it's a minor issue, but fantasy managers will know more later in the week.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent PK Matt Gay was signed to the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad Wednesday, Nov. 19. In a corresponding move, WR Russell Gage Jr. was released.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie first-round wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (illness) was one of six players who didn't practice on Wednesday due to an illness, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Quarterback Baker Mayfield also wasn't feeling well, but both players should be ready to go in time for a Sunday night affair against the hosting Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Receiver Chris Godwin (leg) is nearing a return from a fibular injury that has kept him sidelined since Week 5, but even if Godwin is back this weekend, Egbuka should continue to be Mayfield's go-to target through the air. Egbuka has lived up to the hype so far in his first NFL season and leads the Bucs in catches (45), targets (85), receiving yards (717), and touchdowns (six) through 10 games. The matchup against the Rams isn't ideal, but Egbuka will still have WR1 upside for fantasy purposes.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz has been extremely consistent this season, getting plenty of volume for PPR leagues. He has at least five catches in seven of his last eight games and has 20 targets from backup QB Davis Mills over the last two weeks. Mills will make another start against the Bills on Thursday Night Football with C.J. Stroud (concussion) still sidelined. The Bills have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends this season, so it's a tough spot for Schultz, despite his regular production. RotoBaller has Schlutz ranked as the No. 12 TE this week, making him a fringe starter in standard-sized leagues and a great TE2. He has more value in leagues where his number of receptions can help him compensate for low yardage totals.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover missed nine weeks with a foot injury, returning in Week 11 after originally being placed on IR after Week 1. He caught four of his four targets for 22 yards in the season opener, but he didn't have a target or catch against the Titans. He played 14 snaps (20%) and didn't report any setbacks, so he should be ready for more work in Week 12 against the Bills. He'll continue to back up Dalton Schultz and could eventually eat into his snaps and targets as the season goes on. For now, he's well off the fantasy radar, but it's worth monitoring his involvement, especially after his college teammate QB C.J. Stroud (concussion) is ready to return for the Texans.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Chris Braswell (foot), OG Ben Bredeson (hamstring), CB Jamel Dean (hip), PK Chase McLaughlin (non-injury) and LB Haason Reddick (ankle, knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 19. C Graham Barton (illness), WR Emeka Egbuka (illness), OG Dan Feeney (illness), WR Chris Godwin (fibula), OT Luke Goedeke (illness), DE Logan Hall (illness), RB Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder), QB Baker Mayfield (illness), WR Sterling Shepard (shoulder) and OT Tristan Wirfs (shoulder) were limited during practice. LB Markees Watts (hand) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (illness) was under the weather on Wednesday with an illness and did not practice, according to Tom Pelissero of ESPN. There is a bug going around Tampa's locker room right now, which is something to keep an eye on heading into Sunday night's showdown against the Los Angeles Rams. However, Mayfield should be good to go by the time Sunday rolls around. The 30-year-old signal-caller is just outside the top 10 QBs in overall fantasy points so far in 2025 with 2,365 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and only three interceptions in 10 games played. However, he has failed to top 200 yards passing in two of the last three games and will have his hands full this weekend in L.A. against a Rams defense that just forced Seahawks QB Sam Darnold into four picks. Mayfield will be more of a high-end QB2 for fantasy managers if he's active on Sunday night.
From RotoBaller
