Admin November 19, 2024
Bills hand Chiefs their first loss, Steelers atop the AFC North
Mackenzie Salmon breaks down the top storylines from Week 11 in the NFL.
Sports Seriously
Let’s face it, the byes this week and two weeks from now are going to be brutal. A total of 12 teams – six each week – are going to be out of action over that span, forcing fantasy managers to take some desperate measures to fill their lineups.
This week’s waiver wire column, as always, offers suggestions for the upcoming week’s matchups. But it’s almost equally as important to protect our teams from having major holes when the fantasy playoffs draw near. Hopefully, there’s an opportunity to thread the needle this week and do both.
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Fantasy football players to add for Week 12
Due to the wide variance in types of leagues and individual team needs, the players listed here are in the lowest to highest availability rates in Fantrax leagues, which may or not match rates on other platforms. (Suggested bid values based on $100 free agent acquisition budget for the season.)
TE Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints (31% available)
Hill has continually flustered fantasy managers by vulturing short-yardage rushing touchdowns or playing quarterback at inopportune times. (Sometimes both at once.) At the same time, he’s never been consistent enough to inspire confidence in starting him. Those savvy (or desperate) enough to have him in the lineups this past week were richly rewarded with three touchdown runs, eight receptions and over 200 yards of total offense (138 rushing, 50 receiving, 18 passing) … all from the tight end spot. Even though the Saints are on bye this week, it’s time to embrace the chaos and lock him the rest of the way. FAAB bid: $18.
The Bears’ firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron seems to have given the offense a boost. (Now, about that kicking unit …) One of the biggest beneficiaries is Johnson, who appears to be the primary back ahead of D’Andre Swift whenever the Bears get into the red zone. Johnson got 10 carries for a mere 33 yards, but his snap percentage skyrocketed inside the 20. And he did score on a 1-yard run at the end of the first half. FAAB bid: $8.
RB Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders (35%)
The Raiders backfield dealt with multiple injuries on Sunday. With Alexander Mattison (ankle) exiting early, White looked poised to reclaim his spot atop the depth chart until he left with a quadriceps issue. Keep an eye on the practice reports this week. It may be that Ameer Abdullah (93% available) takes over as the starter against Denver. FAAB bid: $5.
WR Elijah Moore, Cleveland Browns (42%)
Jerry Jeudy (still available in 13% of leagues) had the big day on Sunday with 142 receiving yards and a TD, but Moore has also thrived in three games with Jameis Winston under center. Against the Saints, he caught six of eight targets for 66 yards and also got into the end zone. Moore’s shoulder is a little banged up, so that may or may not be a concern as the week progresses. FAAB bid: $6.
Consider Wright as a stand-in for all those backup running backs you might want to stash before it’s too late. If something should happen to (insert starter’s name here) … he would be the next man up. Also included in this group: Jerome Ford (37% available), Cam Akers (54%), Kenneth Gainwell (69%).
In Wright’s case, he outsnapped Raheem Mostert 16-9 behind starter De’Von Achane. The payoff isn’t guaranteed, but that’s why you buy insurance. FAAB bid: $4.
Although Anthony Richardson (22% available) is getting a ton of attention for his three-TD performance in his return to a starting role, Winston is still rostered in far fewer leagues. And that’s coming off HIS 395-yard, two-touchdown game Sunday against the Saints. If you need a bye-week fill-in, Jameis is a better choice. FAAB bid: $5.
TE Will Dissly, Los Angeles Chargers (55%)
After finally getting into the end zone for the first time as a Charger, Dissly can’t be dissed any longer. He has consistently been targeted by QB Justin Herbert over the last five games, and he hauled in four passes for 80 yards Sunday night vs. Cincinnati. With an excellent schedule upcoming, don’t miss out on Dissly. FAAB bid: $7.
Don’t be misled by the stat-inflating 98-yard bomb Westbrook-Ikhine hauled in against the Vikings. It did help the five-year vet register his third 100-yard receiving day as a pro, but he only had one other catch all day. More important is the fact that he caught yet another touchdown pass, giving him five in his last six games. If you’re digging this deep on the waiver wire, at least get someone who can have a big day, even if the volume isn’t always there. FAAB bid: $3.
Slowed by a knee injury to start the season, Bourne was a healthy scratch in Week 10 before returning to catch a season-high five passes for 70 yards and his first TD. Meanwhile, Boutte had just four receptions for 33 yards, but was on the field for 73 of 76 offensive snaps. The Patriots don’t really have a go-to receiver, so good luck catching lightning in a Bourne, a Boutte or a bottle. FAAB bid: $2 each.
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