Each week around here, we highlight the top potential waiver pickups who remain available in at least 50% of Yahoo fantasy football leagues and we have an all-time messy bye situation on deck, so you are gonna need to be active on the wire. Six teams are out of the mix in Week 12: the Falcons, Bills, Bengals, Saints, Jets and Jaguars. Its gonna get ugly out there. Lets get to work
Lets just set aside all the preseason exuberance surrounding Richardson and appreciate what the second-year QB accomplished on Sunday. He threw for 272 yards and one score, averaging 9.1 yards per pass attempt, plus he ran for 32 yards and two additional touchdowns. His second rushing score was a final-minute game-winner, punctuating a 70-yard drive:
We probably should have never allowed the aforementioned hype train to get so far ahead of Richardsons actual development, but theres no denying his ridiculous combination of skills. His 20 completions against the Jets were the most hes had in any game since last years opener. Richardson connected with nine different receivers on Sunday, including five completions to Josh Downs on as many targets.
If not for the fact that Jared Goff went nuclear against an opponent from the Sun Belt Conference (and also Taysom Hill is technically a QB), Richardson would have been the top-scoring quarterback in Sundays early window.
Indys upcoming schedule is not particularly friendly Detroit, at New England, at Denver but a player with AR5s dual-threat ability should not remain unattached.
Recommended FAB offer (assuming $100 budget): $12
Nix was nearly flawless in the win against Atlanta, going 28-for-33 with 307 passing yards, four touchdowns and various darts:
It was the fifth multi-score performance in the last seven games for Nix and the first 300-yard effort of his career.
Significantly, this makes two straight games in which he managed to deliver a useful fantasy total without relying on the rushing cheat-code. Nix definitely gets the green light in each of his next three games, facing Vegas, Cleveland and Indy. His development from September to November is one of the leagues more notable success stories.
FAB: $12
Additional QB options:
Johnson converted 11 touches into 41 yards and a short score in his teams most recent improbable, soul-wrecking loss, reasserting his fantasy relevance after a pair of quiet weeks. Stylistically, he and DAndre Swift are extremely well-paired. Johnson should continue to have a key role in goal-to-go scenarios, and hes established himself as a reliable receiving option as well.
In Thomas Browns first game as Chicagos OC, the play-calling was balanced, well-sequenced and appropriate to the teams personnel. The same could rarely be said about the Bears offense in the seasons first ten weeks. We now have reason to be moderately hopeful about this teams fantasy potential moving forward, which makes Johnson a player of interest.
FAB: $8
The rookie delivered the most productive game of his season ahead of Arizonas bye, gaining 87 scrimmage yards on a dozen touches while flashing shiftiness and tackle-breaking ability:
Benson remains a premium backup, if not an obvious threat to James Conner. Hes carved out a meaningful rotational role for the Cardinals, however, which lands him squarely in the deep league flex discussion, given the bye situation ahead of us. If Conner were to miss time for any reason down the stretch, Benson would immediately rank as a playable fantasy option in leagues of all sizes.
FAB: $5
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Watson was an absolute difference-maker for the Packers on Sunday, catching four balls for 150 yards, winning in contested situations and flipping the field in huge moments:
He’s simply an athlete unlike anyone else in Green Bays receiving room. Any of four or five different pass-catchers can lead the Packers in receiving in any given week, so no ones gonna promise consistency from Watson. But hes a high-ceiling downfield threat with elite physical traits, attached to an excellent offensive environment and an aggressive quarterback. Give this man a few FAB dollars. When both he and Jordan Love are healthy, Watson is a viable rest-of-season WR3.
FAB: $9
Johnston has only caught 22 passes on the season, but six of them have taken him to the end-zone, including this 26-yarder on Sunday night:
Few quarterbacks are operating at Justin Herberts level right now, so we can at least feel good about the quality of Johnstons targets, if not the quantity. Hes a boom-or-bust receiver moving forward, but the boom potential is uncommonly high. Herbert has the arm talent necessary to maximize a big-play threat. Also, the Chargers get a date on Monday with Baltimores user-friendly pass defense, so it wouldnt be much of a surprise if Johnston spiked for the seventh time this season.
FAB: $8
Ever since Jameis Wintson took the controls in Cleveland, Moore has had obvious fantasy appeal. Hes seen 29 targets over his last three games, delivering 179 yards. On Sunday, he converted his eight chances into six receptions for 66 yards, with a 30-yard score included:
Moore is simply a quality receiver, finally receiving consistent volume. The matchups ahead for Cleveland have a high degree-of-difficulty, beginning with Pittsburgh in Week 12, but theres little doubt Moore will continue to have a serious role in a high-volume passing game. Hes certainly in play in full-PPR formats in a week with six teams absent from the mix.
FAB: $6
Dissly has drawn 33 targets over his last five games, which is clearly significant volume by the standards of his position. He hauled in four passes for 80 and a score on Sunday night, seeing his usual six opportunities. Dissly is now headed into a month-long stretch of matchups against defenses that have been among the most generous to opposing tight ends: Baltimore, at Atlanta, at KC, Tampa Bay. Hes a good bet to deliver a few additional top-10 positional finishes down the stretch.
FAB: $5
Ertz did his best work in garbage time on Thursday night, reminding us that he can still deliver an occasional highlight. The 34-year old delivered six catches for 47 yards, one touchdown and a ridiculous 2-point conversion against Philly, drawing seven targets. Hes seen 27 opportunities over his last four games, so usage isnt a serious concern. Were obviously not dealing with vintage Ertz at this stage, but he hasnt yet turned to dust. The upcoming matchup with Dallas shouldnt scare you off.
FAB: $4
Look, the Bucs defense has actually allowed 30 or more points in four of their last six games, so we cant pretend this is a no-risk fantasy add. Its not for everyone. But Tampa is returning from bye and headed into an appealing stretch of games, beginning with a trip to face Tommy DeVito and the Giants on Sunday. This group should deliver a useful quantity of sacks and takeaways over the next three weeks, so they are approved for streaming as needed.
FAB: $1
If you simply cant allow yourself to scoop up Tampa Bays underwhelming D well, we get it. Washingtons defense is tied for seventh in the league in sacks (29) and this group has demonstrated an ability to shut down an overmatched opponent. The Commanders will host the Cowboys and Titans over the next two weeks, so they are likely to deliver a few turnovers, with a decent shot at a defensive TD (or two).
FAB: $1