NFL Week 12 Fantasy Notes
Fantasy: Waiver Wire - Week 12
by David P. Woods
Quarterback
Colin Kaepernick, 49ers
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
at MIA18%$1
Kaepernick has thrown five touchdowns to just one interception across his last three games, and is adding a few fantasy points each week (plus the chance for a rushing touchdown) with his legs. You could do worse.
Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
vs. SF24%$1
With two touchdown passes in back-to-back games and the 49ers on tap, Tannehill is an option for owners who stream quarterbacks.
Running Back
Rob Kelley, Redskins
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
at DAL64%$100
There's a good chance Kelley is already owned, but if you play in the 30% of leagues where he remains available, spend the rest of your FAAB budget to acquire him. Kelley probably won't score three touchdowns in a game again this season, but he's a locked-in feature back in a high-scoring offense.
Dion Lewis, Patriots
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
at NYJ60%$35
Lewis put to rest any questions about his agility and explosiveness in his first game back from ACL surgery, looking like the dangerous weapon he was last season. The issue for Lewis' fantasy value is that LeGarrette Blount and James White remain in the picture. Bet on Lewis leapfrogging White within the next few weeks.
Derrick Henry, Titans
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
at CHI48%$11
Purely an upside stash, Henry would be a borderline RB1 if DeMarco Murray were to get hurt - and Murray has shown some signs of wearing down.
Chris Ivory, Jaguars
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
at BUF48%$9
T.J. Yeldon suffered an ankle injury in Week 11, which should only cement Ivory's status as the Jaguars' lead rusher. Temper your expectations here, since the Jaguars have a very bad offense, but Ivory should see enough touches to have value as a RB3/FLEX.
Tim Hightower, Saints
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
vs. LA51%$7
Mark Ingram sustained a concussion on Thursday and is no lock to play in Week 12. Hightower will start and get a heavy workload if Ingram is ruled out.
Kenneth Dixon, Ravens
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
vs. CIN28%$7
Dixon and starter Terrance West are splitting touches roughly 50-50, with neither player looking all that impressive. At some point, the Ravens might decide to give their rookie a bigger piece of the pie.
Wendell Smallwood, Eagles
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
vs. GB5%$3
Ryan Mathews (knee) and Darren Sproles (rib) should both be considered questionable for Week 12. Smallwood would start if neither can go, and would take on a bigger role if either veteran sits.
Mike Gillislee, Bills
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
vs. JAX25%$2
LeSean McCoy is reportedly expected to play in Week 12 after undergoing thumb surgery Monday. But it remains to be seen whether McCoy actually sees the field (the Bills are often overly optimistic about their injured players) and how effective he'll be if so. Gillislee is next in line.
Wide Receiver
Rishard Matthews, Titans
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
at CHI70%$30
Matthews is already owned in most fantasy leagues, but needs to be owned in all of them. He and Marcus Mariota are developing some real chemistry.
Tyler Boyd, Bengals
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
at BAL6%$20
A.J. Green's hamstring injury should keep him sidelined for several weeks, and the rookie Boyd will be asked to step up. Don't expect Green-like numbers, but Boyd could see enough targets to join the WR3 conversation.
Sammy Watkins, Bills
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
vs. JAX41%$15
Watkins has yet to resume practicing after being placed on IR in late September, but it sounds like the Bills expect him back within the next few weeks. For playoff-bound fantasy owners, Watkins makes an excellent stash. He could be a difference-maker in Weeks 14-16.
Cameron Meredith, Bears
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
vs. TEN57%$4
With Alshon Jeffery suspended and Zach Miller out for the season with an injury, the Bears have no choice but to target Meredith in the passing game.
Eli Rogers, Steelers
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
at IND23%$3
With an injury limiting Sammie Coates, Rogers has established himself as the Steelers' No. 2 receiver.
Marqise Lee, Jaguars
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
at BUF6%$1
There isn't much fantasy value to be found in the Jaguars' passing attack, but Lee has been a bright spot. He has at least 50 yards in five of his last six games.
Tight End
Jared Cook, Packers
Next UpOwnershipFAAB bid
at PHI12%$5
The wire is pretty barren at tight end this week. Coming off a 105-yard performance, Cook is easily your best option.