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Andy breaks down his must add fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season. Add these players now off the waiver wire and win more.
RotoBaller drops our top 2025 fantasy football Week 12 waiver wire pickups for RB, WR, TE, and QB. This week's top picks include several depth running backs who are poised to take on a larger role and two emerging wide receivers who are coming off their best games of the season.
This week's must-add fantasy football free agents are hand-picked to ensure you make the right picks -- waiver wire winners heading into Week 12 for running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and quarterbacks. Win more in 2025 with RotoBaller!
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2025 Fantasy Football: Week 12 Waiver Wire Adds
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Steelers
Kenneth Gainwell has shown flashes at times this season, but has typically seen his role limited with Jaylen Warren leading the backfield. However, on Sunday, Warren exited the game due to an ankle injury, which allowed Gainwell to see the majority of the team's snaps, especially in the second half. The Veteran RB finished the game with 24 yards on nine carries and brought in seven of his eight targets for 81 yards and two scores.
While his role would be in question if Warren is a full-go for Week 12, he is a must-add player this week as he would push for high-end RB2 status if Warren is unable to play. Gainwell had the lead role in Week 4 and did not disappoint, tallying 31.4 PPR points against the Minnesota Vikings.
Emanuel Wilson, RB, Packers
Another running back who has benefited from an injured starter is Emanuel Wilson of the Green Bay Packers. Josh Jacobs exited their Week 11 contest with a knee contusion and is being viewed as "week-to-week" for the time being. While he has not been officially ruled out for Week 12, it appears he will face an uphill battle to return in time.
When Jacobs exited last Sunday's game, Wilson was given a majority of the snaps, logging 71% of the snaps. He took 11 carries for 40 yards and a score and added nine yards on his lone target. Given that he could be the team's RB1 for the short term, he is a must-add in all formats ahead of Week 12.
If Jacobs were to face any form of setback, Wilson could hold mid-end RB2 upside for most of the stretch run.
Emanuel Wilson a Must-Add in All Formats Heading into Week 12 https://t.co/8Uq8a3F8sn
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) November 17, 2025
Sean Tucker, RB, Buccaneers
When looking at the top performers of Week 11, Sean Tucker stands out. The team’s No. 3 RB enjoyed a massive breakout showing in their loss to the Bills, tallying 34.0 PPR points. In this contest, Tucker punched three touchdowns (two on the ground) and tallied 106 yards on the ground and 34 through the air.
Even though Rachaad White logged 59% of the snaps compared to Tucker’s 46%, he was by far the more efficient back and was given more opportunities, especially late in the game. Even if Bucky Irving (foot) were to return next week, Tucker could still hold standalone flex value if the Buccaneers look to ease his workload.
Given that he has nearly claimed the RB2 role on this offense, he is a must-roster for his upside as a handcuff alone. If Irving remains out in Week 12, Tucker could push for high-end RB2 upside.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans
After typically operating as the No. 2 option behind the struggling Tony Pollard, the Titans finally opted to give Spears the lead role. In Week 11, Spears took 53% of the snaps, compared to Pollard’s 49%. This was now the second time over the past three weeks in which Spears has out-snapped Pollard, suggesting he is beginning to claim the “1A” role on this offense.
In their loss to the Texans, Spears was excellent as a pass catcher, bringing in all five of his targets for 31 yards. Since Week 6, Spears has also looked rather productive on the ground, albeit in a limited role, averaging 4.7 YPC on just 30 attempts. With Pollard’s struggles, Spears not only has upside in PPR leagues but is beginning to see a three-down role.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jaguars
The final running back we will spotlight this week is Bhayshul Tuten of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Similar to Wilson, Tuten was rarely given consistent opportunities as Travis Etienne Jr. dominated the snap share. However, this past Sunday, Tuten was given his largest workload to date and made a strong claim to grow into a split role with Etienne.
During their victory over the Chargers, Tuten was given 15 carries and tallied 74 yards and a score before exiting with an ankle injury. After the game, Tuten noted that he avoided any serious injury and will not be in danger of missing time.
While it is still unclear if Etienne will remain the lead back, Tuten is making a strong case to make this backfield into a near 50/50 committee.
Michael Wilson, WR, Cardinals
When looking at WR performances from Week 11, Michael Wilson’s career day sits at the top. With Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendix) on the shelf, Wilson operated as the team’s top wideout and No. 2 pass catcher, behind star tight end Trey McBride. In their loss to the 49ers, Wilson led the way, catching 15 of his 18 targets for 185 yards.
Managers should pay close attention to Harrison’s status leading up to Week 12. If the lead wideout is unable to suit up once again, Wilson would have high-end WR2 upside in an upcoming tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Given Jacoby Brissett's high passing volume, Wilson could continue to hold high-end WR3 value going forward, even when Harrison returns.
Michael Wilson Has a Career Day With 15 Receptions and 185 Receiving Yards https://t.co/pcbj0nVSrw
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) November 17, 2025
Christian Watson, WR, Packers
Rounding out this list is Green Bay Packers wideout Christian Watson. Watson had a late start to the season due to recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last season. Since making his season debut in Week 8, Watson has seen at least four targets in each game and is coming off his first five-target showing of the campaign.
In this contest, Watson brought in four of these targets for 46 yards and his first two touchdowns of the season. With Tucker Kraft (knee) down for the season, Watson could continue to see an ample amount of targets in this offense in the second half and seems poised to emerge as the top option in this offense.
CHRISTIAN WATSON ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!!
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/neLjeU1zvJ
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 16, 2025
Who Should I Pickup Tool
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Who Should I Pickup? Some common 2025 fantasy football waiver wire decisions are regarding players like Kenneth Gainwell, Emanuel Wilson, Sean Tucker, Tyjae Spears, Bhayshul Tuten, Michael Wilson, and Christian Watson. But not to worry, we are here to help make these waiver wire decisions and build winning teams in 2025. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups in 2025. Our free Who Should I Pickup? tool will help make your fantasy football waiver wire decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to pick up... all free! Make the right decisions.
2025 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players - Kenneth Gainwell, Emanuel Wilson, Sean Tucker, Tyjae Spears, Bhayshul Tuten, Michael Wilson, and Christian Watson. These are some common searches for 2025 fantasy football waiver wire pickups.
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Popular Waiver Wire Searches. Curious to see some tough waiver wire decisions for 2025? Below you will find a list of some popular Who Should I Pickup? searches that RotoBaller readers are looking at. Click any of the links to see the result and recommendation.
Popular Player Comparison Searches - Who To Pickup
Below are some popular searches and comparisons from our Who To Pickup tool for 2025 for Kenneth Gainwell, Emanuel Wilson, Sean Tucker, Tyjae Spears, Bhayshul Tuten, Michael Wilson, and Christian Watson:
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