We’re just days away from Thanksgiving, and we have much to be thankful for: family, friends, good food, health and happiness.
We fantasy managers are also thankful that Week 12 remains completely bye-free.
With no byes this week, your waiver needs might not be quite as urgent as they’ve been in recent weeks while navigating the rough seas of peak bye season. But this period of roster tranquility won’t last long. Week 13 will be a six-team bye-pocalypse at an inopportune time, just as we’re jockeying for playoff spots in what will be the penultimate week of the regular season in most leagues.
The crown jewel of this week’s waiver run, in leagues where he’s available, is Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet, who’s available in 56% of Yahoo leagues and 49% of Sleeper leagues. Seattle starter Kenneth Walker left Sunday’s game against the Rams with what was reported to be an oblique injury. It could be a multi-week injury, which could make Charbonnet an extremely valuable asset down the stretch.
Let’s see what else is available on the waiver wire this week.
And may you have a Happy Thanksgiving, friends.
Grade: B
Rostership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues. Recommended FAAB bids are based on a $100 budget.
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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Week 12
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Rankings
RUNNING BACKS
Written by Bo McBrayer
Zach Charbonnet (SEA): 44% rostered
- Next Opponents: SF, @DAL, @SF
- True value: $24
- Desperate need: $33
- Budget-minded: $14
Analysis: Despite a brutal upcoming schedule, Zach Charbonnet is a high-value addition off waivers where available. Kenneth Walker left Sunday’s game with an oblique injury, leaving the rookie from UCLA as the main back in Seattle. He is a reliable receiver, as he hauled in six receptions in the loss for 22 yards. A second-round pick out of UCLA, the 6-1, 214-pound Charbonnet should be capable of handling a heavy workload while Walker is out.
Ty Chandler (MIN): 44% rostered
- Next Opponents: CHI, BYE, @LV
- True value: $18
- Desperate need: $27
- Budget-minded: $11
Analysis: The Vikings’ weird infatuation with running Alexander Mattison is bordering on malpractice. Chandler is a better football player across the board and has proven it ever since Cam Akers was lost to a ruptured Achilles. I believe the second-year back from North Carolina could be a fantasy league winner. I want him on every team I can get him.
Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN): 19% rostered
- Next Opponents: CLE, @HOU, @LAC
- True value: $7
- Desperate need: $11
- Budget-minded: $3
Analysis: Don’t look now, but the Broncos have looked pretty good since the inauspicious start to the Sean Payton era. An undrafted rookie from Youngstown State, McLaughlin has been a spark plug for the Denver offense as a change of pace to Javonte Williams. This is especially true in the receiving game, where McLaughlin has mostly supplanted veteran Samaje Perine. Don’t break the bank, but add the rookie as a flex-worthy depth piece for the stretch run.
Ezekiel Elliott (NE): 38% rostered
- Next Opponents: @NYG, LAC, @PIT
- True value: $6
- Desperate need: $9
- Budget-minded: $3
Analysis: Zeke’s roster percentage fell off considerably during New England’s Week 11 bye, so there’s a better chance of acquiring his services off waivers this week. RBs who earn double-digit touches on a weekly basis don’t grow on trees, so give the former Cowboy a bid in hopes that his three-game touchdown drought comes to an end.
Roschon Johnson (CHI): 20% rostered
- Next Opponents: @MIN, BYE, DET
- True value: $5
- Desperate need: $8
- Budget-minded: $2
Analysis: The RB carousel in Chicago continues to turn. The Bears love the run game, and Justin Fields‘ return to action is immensely helpful in that department. Khalil Herbert returned from the IR on Sunday but looked nowhere near his previous form. D’Onta Foreman left the game with an ankle injury and didn’t return, leaving Johnson, the rookie from Texas, with six carries. He looked fantastic, chewing up 30 yards against a tough Detroit run defense. We have been dipping in and out of the Roschon market in redraft all season. I am currently in on him.
Stash Candidates:
Tank Bigsby showed some life in Week 10, with a season-high nine rushing attempts vs. Tennessee. The Titans have a brutal front to try to run against, but it was encouraging to see the rookie finally get extended playing time. It would be smart for Etienne managers to handcuff Bigsby to Travis Etienne at this point.
Rico Dowdle and Elijah Mitchell are both stuck behind workhorses on good teams. Their value is nearly zero except as insurance against an untimely injury to either Tony Pollard or Christian McCaffrey.
According to Buffalo’s coaching staff, Leonard Fournette is “still learning the offense” and might not be elevated from the practice squad anytime soon. His role once joining the roster is another mystery. If active, Fournette is a versatile player who can be valuable to a fantasy roster. But he’s a risky proposition at this point.
Kenneth Gainwell is a script-dependent RB with great versatility behind D’Andre Swift. Although not a true handcuff, he is worthy of a stash in deeper leagues.
Tyjae Spears has been good all season for the Titans, who have turned into a pumpkin after Will Levis‘ four-touchdown debut a few weeks ago. Despite Derrick Henry‘s extremely disappointing production, the rookie from Tulane has still not seen a bump in usage. Spears is a stash for now.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Written by Derek Brown
Josh Downs (IND): 50% rostered
- Next Opponents: TB, @TEN, @CIN
- True value: $8
- Desperate need: $13
- Budget-minded: $5
Analysis: The last time we saw Downs, he gutted out Week 10 through a knee injury. He had only a 42.9% route run rate and a 10.7% target share. Hopefully, Downs emerges from the Week 11 bye healthier. He probably won’t be available in most leagues, but double-check your waiver wire for him. Before being limited by injury in his last two games, Downs had an 18.9% target share, a 21.7% air-yard share, 2.00 yards per route run and a 19.2% first-read share (per Fantasy Points Data). Downs has five weeks as a WR3 or higher in weekly fantasy scoring (WR32, WR18, WR20, WR4, WR29). If he’s available in your league, GRAB HIM NOW! If healthy, Downs should destroy the Buccaneers in Week 12. They have surrendered the 10th-most PPR points per target to slot receivers (per Fantasy Points Data).
Demario Douglas (NE): 32% rostered
- Next Opponents: @NYG, LAC, @PIT
- True value: $8
- Desperate need: $13
- Budget-minded: $5
Analysis: Douglas has been money since becoming a starter in New England, with WR3 or higher fantasy finishes in three of those four games (WR29, WR27, WR23). Since Week 7, Douglas has had a 21.5% target share, 1.88 yards per route run and a 27.1% first-read share (per Fantasy Points Data). That’s WR2-equivalent usage. Douglas has not scored any touchdowns this season, or those WR3 weeks would easily all be WR2 finishes. Douglas’s roster percentage is a travesty. He should not be so readily available, and if you don’t rectify this NOW, you’ll be sorry. Douglas has an amazing three-game stretch starting this week against three secondaries that all rank inside the top 10 in PPR points per target allowed to slot wide receivers (ninth, sixth, third). Pick him up and find a way to get him into your lineups for the next three weeks.
Jayden Reed (GB): 36% rostered
- Next Opponents: @DET, KC, @NYG
- True value: $5
- Desperate need: $9
- Budget-minded: $3
Analysis: Reed’s snap share has bounced all over the map this season, but it seems as if Green Bay is beginning to understand that good things happen when Reed is a big part of the offense. In Week 11, Reed played 69% of the snaps with a 15% target share while also chipping in three carries for 46 yards and a touchdown. Reed entered Week 11 with five weeks of WR3 or higher weekly fantasy scoring production (WR20, WR36, WR32, WR36, WR11), and I’m sure when the dust settles from Week 11, he’ll have a sixth plaque to add to the wall. Reed has beautiful slot matchups coming up against the Lions and Giants, who, respectively, have allowed the most and ninth-most PPR points per target to slot receivers (per Fantasy Points Data).
Rashid Shaheed (NO): 45% rostered
- Next Opponents: @ATL, DET, CAR
- True value: $5
- Desperate need: $9
- Budget-minded: $3
Analysis: Michael Thomas is dealing with a significant knee injury. As long as he is sidelined, Shaheed will be the WR2 in this offense. In Week 10, with Thomas leaving the game, we got a peek at what that would look like, as Shaheed commanded a 20.9% target share, an 18.7% air-yard share and a 24.2% first-read share. That’s WR2-level usage. I don’t expect Shaheed to produce as a weekly WR2 for as long as Thomas is out, but we need some context around just how juicy that usage is. Shaheed has been an excellent zone beater this season, which lines up well in the next three weeks, as Atlanta, Detroit and Carolina have all utilized zone coverage on at least 70.4% of their defensive snaps since Week 6. Among 109 qualifying wide receivers, Shaheed ranks 32nd in yards per route run (2.05) and 30th in fantasy points per route run (0.40) against zone coverage (per Fantasy Points Data). As long as Thomas is sidelined, Shaheed is in the WR3/4 conversation with weekly WR2 upside.
Elijah Moore (CLE): 42% rostered
- Next Opponents: @DEN, @LAR, JAX
- True value: $2
- Desperate need: $4
- Budget-minded: $1
Analysis: Moore has flashed some life over the last two weeks with a 17.5% target share while averaging 52 receiving yards. Even with Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center, the passing volume in Cleveland should be fine for Moore. The Browns had no issues with Thompson-Robinson throwing it 43 times last week even though they led nearly all game. Moore has decent matchups in the next two weeks that offer flex upside. Denver has allowed the 14th-most PPR points per target, while the Rams are 12th in that category.
Noah Brown (HOU): 49% rostered
- Next Opponents: JAX, DEN, @NYJ
- True value: $2
- Desperate need: $4
- Budget-minded: $1
Analysis: Brown missed Week 11, as he is dealing with a knee injury. If Brown is available in your league, he’s worth picking up. C.J. Stroud keeps humming along. Stroud is elevating the play of everyone around him, which has been especially true for Brown. In Weeks 8-10, Brown had a 17.1% target share, a 23.4% air-yard share, 4.55 yards per route run and a 16.7% first-read share, as he averaged 127.3 receiving yards per game over that stretch. With Robert Woods healthy, I’m not sure Brown returns to a starting gig, but he’s worth taking a shot on regardless. Stroud is the rising tide that lifts all ships in Houston.
Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL): 29% rostered
- Next Opponents: @LAC. BYE, LAR
- True value: $2
- Desperate need: $4
- Budget-minded: $1
Analysis: Beckham has been on a hot streak, with at least 40 receiving yards and a score in Weeks 9 and 10 before blowing up with 116 receiving yards in Week 11. Since Week 9, Beckham ranks second in Baltimore in target share (18.3%), first in air-yard share (29.5%) and first in yards per route run (4.42), per Fantasy Points Data. All of these data points look amazing, but the problem is that Beckham has only logged a 47.5% route run rate over this time frame. Beckham is walking a tightrope while playing limited snaps. His stat line could bottom out at any time, but Week 12 is a good time to stay in Beckham’s flames. The Chargers have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. With Mark Andrews out, we could see Beckham get a bump in playing time and target share moving forward.
Rondale Moore (ARI): 15% rostered
- Next Opponents: LAR, @PIT, BYE
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Moore has finished with at least 43 receiving yards in each of his last two games while housing a long touchdown in Week 11. That deep shot against the Texans was his only target for the day, but he has averaged 4.5 targets over his last two games. Moore is a decent add this week tied to a re-emerging Kyler Murray. While Moore played on the perimeter more in Week 11 with Michael Wilson out, assuming Moore moves back into the slot beginning in Week 12, his next two matchups are quite nice. The Rams and Steelers have allowed the 12th-most and third-most PPR points per target to slot receivers (per Fantasy Points Data).
Tutu Atwell (LAR): 26% rostered
- Next Opponents: @ARI, CLE, @BAL
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Atwell is a decent speculative add this week who could see a big volume bump with Cooper Kupp hurt. When Kupp returned from the hamstring injury that sidelined him early in the season, Atwell’s role was vaporized. He has not recorded more than 31 receiving yards in any game since Week 3, but that could change in Week 12. Arizona has been a wondrous matchup for perimeter wide receivers this season, allowing the third-most PPR points per target (per Fantasy Points Data). Atwell is a plug-and-play flex with upside in Week 12.
Khalil Shakir (BUF): 11% rostered
- Next Opponents: @PHI, BYE, KC
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Shakir is free exposure to the rocket arm of Josh Allen. Over the last four weeks, he has finished with at least 92 receiving yards twice. Shakir could post another tasty stat line in Week 12 against an Eagles secondary that has allowed the most receiving yards to slot receivers this season (per Fantasy Points Data).
Zay Jones (JAX): 18% rostered
- Next Opponents: @HOU, CIN, @CLE
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Jones finally returned to the starting lineup in Week 11, playing 69% of the snaps while drawing a 12.5% target share. If his health continues to improve, Jones should see his snap share continue to climb. Jones has flex viability in Week 12 against the Texans, who since Week 6 have allowed the second-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers (per Fantasy Points Data). Jones is live to secure a touchdown in this game, as his red-zone rapport with Trevor Lawrence has been well-documented over the last two seasons.
Stash Candidates:
Yes, my stash candidates this week are like being visited by the ghost of Christmas past. Rashod Bateman has finally started to resemble the player I have loved for the last few seasons. Since Week 10, he has had a 71.4% route run rate, 12.2% target share and 19.4% first-read share. With Mark Andrews out for the season, Baltimore’s wide receivers will have to shoulder more of the pass game load, and Bateman could answer the call.
Joshua Palmer could possibly return from IR in Week 13 if he is fully recovered from his knee injury. If your squad is looking playoff-bound, Palmer is a fantastic stash. The Chargers’ offense has been hurting with Palmer out, and Quentin Johnston has not been the answer. Before landing on IR, Palmer had at least 60 receiving yards and seven targets in four of his last five games.
Jameson Williams is stash-worthy if you have the bench depth. Last week, he played 65% of the Lions’ offensive snaps, and while he only drew an 8.5% target share, he flashed his big-play ability with 44 receiving yards and a score. Williams has been a near zero in fantasy this season, but with his playing time trending up, if he continues to stack big plays, he could still realize the hope we had for him entering this season.
QUARTERBACKS
Written by Bo McBrayer
Jordan Love (GB): 46% rostered
- Next Opponents: @DET, KC, @NYG
- True value: $5
- Desperate need: $9
- Budget-minded: $3
Analysis: Love was much better in Week 11 than he’s been in most of his starts this season, albeit against a very suspect Chargers defense. He gets the Lions on Thanksgiving, which isn’t a terrible opportunity to score some good fantasy points. Green Bay’s offense has gone as Love has, which is extremely streaky. The potential loss of Aaron Jones could mean a more pass-heavy approach for a 4-6 team trying to claw its way back into the playoff race.
Matthew Stafford (LAR): 47% rostered
- Next Opponents: @ARI, CLE, @BAL
- True value: $4
- Desperate need: $7
- Budget-minded: $2
Analysis: Stafford looked a bit out of sorts in his return to action on Sunday, only tallying 9 fantasy points in a narrow win over Seattle. Streaming him against the Cardinals is smart because Arizona runs quarters coverage a lot, which is susceptible to the underneath game with WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Add in Kyren Williams‘ expected return from IR, and Stafford is a solid one-week rental.
Gardner Minshew (IND): 13% rostered
- Next Opponents: TB, @TEN, @CIN
- True value: $3
- Desperate need: $5
- Budget-minded: $1
Analysis: Sometimes picking the best QB streamer comes down to ignoring the name and going with the high-volume matchup play. Minshew’s next two opponents have pass-funnel defenses, which bodes well for his fantasy production. Indianapolis will need to throw more in order to keep the chains moving. Minshew isn’t a sexy pick, but he is readily available in most leagues and offers both a safe floor and high ceiling.
Derek Carr (NO): 41% rostered
- Next Opponents: @ATL, DET, CAR
- True value: $3
- Desperate need: $5
- Budget-minded: $1
Analysis: The shoulder injury that knocked Carr out of the game in Week 10 is not considered serious, nor are the Saints considering a change at quarterback. That’s good news for us QB streamers, who have been impervious to the unprecedented attrition at the position this season. New Orleans emerges from its bye ready to knock the flailing Falcons farther down the NFC South standings. Atlanta is ripe for the picking through the air, sixth-worst at defending opposing QBs. Carr is live to plug in for Week 12 without a lick of stress.
Baker Mayfield (TB): 47% rostered
- Next Opponents: @IND, CAR, @ATL
- True value: $2
- Desperate need: $3
- Budget-minded: $1
Analysis: Until his Week 11 game against the 49ers, Mayfield was on quite a roll as a consistent fantasy performer. The Bucs face the Colts in Week 12 — a much more conducive matchup for their passing game. Mayfield has a safe floor this week and is one of a few viable streaming options.
Stash Candidates: N/A
- Stream, don’t stash! QBs should only be added from waivers to plug right in as a starter in a good matchup. Save those precious bench spots for skill players.
TIGHT ENDS
Written by Derek Brown
Isaiah Likely (BAL): 3% rostered
- Next Opponents: @LAC, BYE, LAR
- True value: $8
- Desperate need: $12
- Budget-minded: $5
Analysis: Likely is the TE pickup of the week with the terrible news of Mark Andrews‘ season-ending injury. Likely has flashed big-time upside at various times in his brief NFL career. In five career games with at least 67% of snaps played, he has finished with at least seven targets, six grabs and 77 receiving yards twice. If he can grab a foothold in this passing offense with Lamar Jackson‘s passing skills arguably at the height of their powers this season, Likely could be a weekly TE1.
Cade Otton (TB): 20% rostered
- Next Opponents: @IND, CAR, @ATL
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Otton has made this column plenty of times this season as a matchup-based streaming option. In Week 12, the matchup is right again for Otton to sneak into the top 12 fantasy tight ends for the week. Otton has managed at least four receptions and 40 receiving yards four times this season, and he could make it a fifth against the Colts. While that might not sound like an amazing stat line, the bar is low for streaming tight ends to make it into TE1 territory. If you add a touchdown on top of any of those weeks, Otton would be a TE1. Indy has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game and ninth-most receiving yards per game to tight ends this season.
Luke Musgrave (GB): 46% rostered
- Next Opponents: @DET, KC, @NYG
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Musgrave has started to heat up recently, with at least four targets in each of his last three games while surpassing 50 receiving yards twice in that span. Jordan Love is coming off a strong performance in Week 11, and if he can build upon that in Week 12, Musgrave could be headed for a TE1 week. Detroit has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game and the 12th-most receiving yards per game to tight ends.
Jonnu Smith (ATL): 28% rostered
- Next Opponents: NO, @NYJ, TB
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Smith is the TE15 in fantasy points per game, ranking 12th among tight ends in red zone targets. Smith already has four TE1 weeks on his resume this season (TE3, TE12, TE4, TE5). He could add a fifth top-12 showing to the ledger in Week 12 against New Orleans, which has allowed the second-most receiving touchdowns and the 12th-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends.
Stash Candidates: None
DEFENSES
Denver Broncos: 32% rostered
- Next Opponents: CLE, @HOU, @LAC
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $3
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: The Denver defense has played better of late, with an impressive performance against the Bills in Week 10 and a solid effort against the Vikings in Week 11. What’s more relevant than the quality of the Broncos’ defense itself is a Week 12 matchup with the Browns, who are now being quarterbacked by rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson. In Cleveland’s 13-10 win over Pittsburgh on Sunday, Thompson-Robinson completed 24-of-43 passes for 165 yards with no touchdowns, one interception and one sack. He averaged just 3.8 yards per pass attempt. The Broncos should be able to collect some sacks and/or turnovers this week against the Browns’ young, inexperienced passer.
New Orleans Saints: 46% rostered
- Next Opponents: @ATL, DET, CAR
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $3
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: The New Orleans defense has been a solid unit for most of the season, and the Saints get an appealing Week 12 matchup against the Falcons, who are turning back to Desmond Ridder at quarterback after he was briefly benched in favor of Taylor Heinicke. In eight starts this season, the mistake-prone Ridder has thrown six interceptions, lost six fumbles and taken 25 sacks.
Minnesota Vikings: 29% rostered
- Next Opponents: CHI, BYE, @LV
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $3
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Minnesota is in the throes of Dobbs-mania, as the Vikings’ faithful embrace Joshua Dobbs, the trade-deadline replacement for injured QB Kirk Cousins. But the big reason the Vikings are still in the playoff hunt is their overachieving defense. Minnesota’s vastly improved defense entered Week 11 ranked eighth in DVOA and 15th in fantasy points per game. The Vikings have a Week 12 home date with the Bears, who had given up the third-most fantasy points per game to team defenses heading into Week 11. Bears QB Justin Fields is a dangerous playmaker but also a sack magnet. He absorbed an NFL-high 55 sacks last year and has been dropped 26 times in seven games so far this season. Fields has also thrown six interceptions and has fumbled four times.
New England Patriots: 25% rostered
- Next Opponents: @NYG, LAC, @PIT
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $3
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: The New England defense is averaging only 5.0 fantasy points per game, but the Patriots will face the Giants and undrafted rookie QB Tommy DeVito this week. DeVito played the game of his life in the Giants’ Week 11 upset of the Commanders, throwing for 246 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. But DeVito was also sacked nine times by a Washington defense that traded its two best pass rushers, Montez Sweat and Chase Young, late last month. DeVito has been sacked 22 times and has thrown three interceptions in four games.
Tennessee Titans: 4% rostered
- Next Opponents: CAR, IND, @MIA
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: The Titans were just picked apart by QB Trevor Lawrence in a 34-14 loss to the Jaguars on Sunday, and the Tennessee pass defense has been problematic for most of the season. But the Titans are a decent low-budget streaming option in Week 12 thanks to a favorable matchup against the Panthers, who entered Week 11 having allowed 10.1 fantasy points per game to team defenses, sixth-most in the league. Bryce Young, Carolina’s rookie quarterback, was sacked seven times Sunday against Dallas and threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.
Stash Candidates: None.
KICKERS
Brandon McManus (JAX): 45% rostered
- Next Opponents: @HOU, CIN, @CLE
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: The Jaguars’ veteran kicker has been rock-solid in 2023, making 20-of-22 field goals and 22-of-22 extra points. McManus entered Week 11 averaging 9.7 fantasy points per game, tied for sixth-most among kickers. He booted two FGs and four PATs on Sunday as the Jaguars rebounded from a blowout loss to the 49ers in Week 10 and downed the Titans by a score of 34-14.
Jake Moody (SF): 34% rostered
- Next Opponents: @SEA, @PHI, SEA
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: The 49ers are averaging 27.9 points per game and are capable of moving the ball and putting up points against even the toughest defenses. That gives Moody a sturdy floor and some spike-week potential. The only problem is that the San Francisco offense can occasionally be too efficient, scoring a lot of touchdowns and forcing Moody’s investors to settle for extra points rather than field goals. The rookie kicker is 16-of-19 on field goals this season and 33-of-33 on extra points.
Matt Gay (IND): 16% rostered
- Next Opponents: TB, @TEN, @CIN
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $1
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Gay is averaging 9.3 fantasy points per game, and he’ll be kicking at home in a dome this weekend against the Buccaneers. Gay is 17-of-20 on field goals and 25-of-25 on extra points this year.
Greg Joseph (MIN): 16% rostered
- Next Opponents: CHI, BYE, @LV
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $1
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Joseph entered Week 11 averaging a modest 7.7 fantasy points per game, but he’s been hot lately, posting double-digit point totals in four of his last six games. In Week 12, Joseph gets a favorable home matchup against the Bears, who entered Week 11 having allowed 9.7 fantasy points per game to kickers, eighth-most in the league.
Matt Ammendola (HOU): 10% rostered
- Next Opponents: JAX, DEN, @NYJ
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $1
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Filling in for Ka’imi Fairbairn, who’s on injured reserve with a quad injury, Ammendola has kicked three field goals and six extra points in his first two games with the Texans. With C.J. Stroud giving Houston one of the better passing games in the league, Ammendola is a reasonable streaming option.
Matt Prater (ARI): 7% rostered
- Next Opponents: LAR, @PIT, BYE
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $1
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: QB Kyler Murray‘s return from a knee injury has made Prater a viable fantasy option. The 39-year-old Prated booted a 57-yard field goal on Sunday — his sixth field goal of 50 yards or longer this season. In the two games that Murray has played, Prater has booted five field goals and three extra points. He gets a nice Week 12 matchup against the Rams, who entered Week 11 having allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to kickers.
Stash Candidates: None.
FOOL’S GOLD
With rookie WR Michael Wilson scratched for Week 11 due to a shoulder injury, Greg Dortch saw an enhanced role for the Cardinals in Week 11, playing 75.4% of the offensive snaps and finishing with 6-76-0 on seven targets. Wilson might not be out for long, and when he comes back, Dortch’s offensive snaps will evaporate. Even if Wilson is out for a while, the fantasy ceiling is low for Dortch, who has two career TD catches in 33 games.
Darius Slayton had a season-high 82 receiving yards and scored his first touchdown of the year against Washington in Week 11. But Slayton also sustained an arm injury, and even if it’s minor, he isn’t a usable fantasy asset with undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito quarterbacking the Giants.
DROP RECOMMENDATIONS
Droppable:
Fair thee well, Mark Andrews. One of the most prolific fantasy scorers at the TE position, Andrews sustained an ankle injury against the Bengals on Thursday night that will likely end his season. Although the Ravens haven’t declared the injury to be season-ending, there’s basically zero chance Andrews returns by Week 17 to help his fantasy teams in the playoffs.
Tyler Boyd is a third wheel in the Cincinnati offense when WRs Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are both healthy. But the real reason Boyd is droppable is QB-related (see below).
Joe Burrow is out for the season with a wrist injury. It’s a shame, because Swaggy Joe had struggled early in the season while still recovering from a calf injury sustained in training camp but had gotten his mojo back of late. From Week 8 to Week 10, Burrow averaged 23.9 fantasy points per game. He should return to QB1 status in 2024, but Burrow will provide fantasy managers no further help in 2023.
Rams RB Kyren Williams is expected to come off injured reserve this week. Before he went down with an ankle injury, Williams had been getting the vast majority of offensive snaps and touches in the Rams’ backfield. Henderson with an ankle injury, Williams was dominating snaps and touches in the Rams’ backfield. That will most likely be the case upon his return, rendering Darrell Henderson irrelevant for fantasy purposes. Henderson has been sharing backfield work with Royce Freeman in Williams’ absence. Henderson has been more fantasy-viable than Freeman, but with Henderson averaging just 2.4 yards per carry over his four games as the lead back, the Rams will be delighted to have Williams return.
Justice Hill has given way to speedy youngster Keaton Mitchell and is now a distant third in the Baltimore backfield. As long as Mitchell and Gus Edwards are healthy, Hill isn’t rosterable in fantasy leagues.
Droppable with a chance of regret:
With the return of Khalil Herbert from injured reserve in Week 11, the Bears’ backfield now appears to be a three-man committee, and Herbert led the way in snaps and carries on Sunday. Foreman sustained an ankle injury, leaving his status for Week 12 in doubt. Even if he’s able to play, it doesn’t seem as if he’ll have a fantasy-relevant role considering his lack of usage in the passing game.
Quentin Johnston has frying pans for hands. Injuries to WRs Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer have given the Chargers’ first-round pick a golden opportunity to assert himself, but Johnston is literally letting the opportunity slip through his fingers. It’s possible we’ll see splash plays and high-scoring games from Johnston in the weeks to come. But it seems unlikely that fantasy managers will be able to confidently start Johnston at any point this season.
Don’t drop yet:
The WR21 in fantasy scoring (0.5 ppr) for the first eight weeks of the season, Gabriel Davis has hit the skids of late, with 2-56-0 on eight targets over his last three games. The emergence of second-year WR Khalil Shakir seems to have had a deleterious effect on Davis’ role in the Buffalo offense. Don’t drop the big-play receiver yet, but keep him out of your starting lineup until he gives us a prove-it game.
It seems damning for Dameon Pierce that Devin Singletary has been shining in Pierce’s absence, particularly after Pierce got off to such a slow start this season. In fairness, the Houston offensive line was riddled with injuries in the opening weeks of the season, when Pierce was playing a workhorse-type role. The Texans’ offensive line is much healthier now, and Singletary has been capitalizing while Pierce has been nursing an ankle injury. Pierce is likely to return this week. Don’t throw him overboard until we see what the Texans do with their backfield.
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