NFL Waiver Wire: Week 12 Pickups

It is interesting that coming off a six-team bye week we finish the "bye season" this week with only two teams off. However, those two teams are likely the most used in fantasy, so it's possible there's as much as a collective impact on fantasy teams as there was in Week 11. The waiver wire is thin this week, but like many, there was a good amount of research put in to finding out who Gus Edwards is.

If there are questions about the players mentioned or in general, feel free to hit up the comments section.

This week's byes: Kansas City, Los Angeles Rams


This column is geared toward "standard" 12-team leagues and based upon a $100 free-agent budget. Please, please adjust for your league based on both the number of teams (I'm in a 24-team league, for example) and budget. 

QUARTERBACK

Secondary Options

Jameis Winston, TB - Winston, who came off the bench in Week 11, was named the starting quarterback this week, which at this point is a lateral move for the Buccaneers. Both he and Ryan Fitzpatrick will move the ball, but they're both going to turn the ball over as well. Jameis has a good matchup this week at home against the 49ers, a team that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Winston has plenty of weapons at his disposal and is a legit option for Patrick Mahomes and Jared Goff owners looking for a one-week rental. FAAB: $3-$6

Hail Mary

Colt McCoy, WAS - The gruesome injury to Alex Smith likely means McCoy is the starter for the rest of the season, making him a viable options in some fantasy formats. McCoy didn't look terrible after entering Sunday's game, throwing a perfect ball to Jordan Reed for a touchdown and rushing for 35 yards. He also didn't turn the ball over. Unfortunately, he will only get a few days of work with the starters before taking on Dallas on Thursday. The rushing attempts make him a more attractive fantasy option, and he'll likely be more aggressive throwing downfield than Smith. FAAB: $1-$2

RUNNING BACK

Primary Targets

Gus Edwards, BAL - Edwards is an undrafted rookie out of Rutgers who didn't make his professional debut until Week 6 against the Titans. He was waived by the Ravens just before the season started after being hurt and was promoted from the practice squad ahead of the Tennessee game. It's tough to read the tea leaves as to who is now the starter and the backup (Alex Collins only had one carry in the second half last week). There's also the chance Lamar Jackson (the backup) felt more comfortable running the offense with Edwards (a third-stringer) given they've likely worked together during practice. The eventual return of Joe Flacco in what would be a more pass-heavy offense could also influence who's on the field as well. For now it seems reasonable to expect Edwards to have some role in the offense (think about 10 touches per game), and the Ravens have a good matchup against the Raiders at home this week. FAAB: $10-$20

Secondary Targets

Josh Adams, PHI - Adams was mentioned in the "Hail Mary" section three weeks ago, and it appears he's worked himself into being lead back for the Eagles. Of course, that could change any given week, considering it's been a hard situation to handicap weekly. Adams had seven carries for the second straight week (albeit in a blowout where they threw most of the second half) but found the end zone and posted a 6-3-19 line as a receiver. With a more normal game flow it would make sense to see Adams eclipse double-digits in the carries department. FAAB: $3-$6

LeGarrette Blount, Theo Riddick, DET - It sounds like Kerryon Johnson will miss at least the next game or two with a knee injury. That'll leave the door open for Blount, Riddick and to a lesser extent Zack Zenner to handle running back duties. It's likely the Lions use Blount on early downs, keeping Riddick primarily as a pass-catcher working out of the backfield and slot. While Blount will get the goal-line work, it's tough to get overly excited about him and the Lions would be better off giving more carries to Riddick. Blount has a 2.2 yards per carry mark and over his last four games has 21 carries for 16 yards. FAAB: Riddick - $2-$4, Blount $1-$2

Jalen Richard, OAK - Richard could be the last man standing in the Oakland backfield with Marshawn Lynch on IR and Doug Martin dealing with an ankle injury. Martin has surprisingly been effective since getting more work, and coach Jon Gruden already said the injury isn't serious. Considering that and a tough road matchup in Baltimore this week, Richard (44 percent owned in Yahoo leagues) barely makes the list. Still, Martin's ankle injury could linger or get aggravated at some point, putting Richard in line to be the main back. FAAB: $2-$4

WIDE RECEIVER

Secondary Targets

Tre'Quan Smith, NO - Smith showed Sunday he's capable of big games. He's also shown a low floor as well. After the breakout game against the Redskins Week 5 (3-111-2) he followed with stat lines of 3-44 and 3-18 the next two games, landing him on the waiver wire in most leagues. His performance against the Eagles will make him a hot commodity this week; just remember he's one of the many mouths to feed in this offense. FAAB: $3-$6

Hail Mary

Bruce Ellington, DET - It remains to be seen how much more time Marvin Jones will miss (if any), and Ellington's fantasy value directly correlates with Jones being on or off the field. Without Jones and any viable pass-catching tight ends, Ellington was targeted nine times, finishing with six catches for 52 yards Sunday. While those numbers will be a difference maker, the nine targets is telling, and there's a good chance Jones sits out again this week with the Lions playing on Thanksgiving. FAAB: FCFS or $1

TIGHT END

Secondary Targets

Cameron Brate, TB - O.J. Howard injured his ankle in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game and at this time the amount of games he'll miss is unknown. That'll mean Brate should garner more targets with Howard leaving behind 4.8 targets per game while he's out. Brate had a stretch of scoring a touchdown in three consecutive games earlier this season, so there is upside there albeit very touchdown dependent. FAAB: $2-$4