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In this article I'll take a look at some wide receivers and running backs that are being overlooked in fantasy leagues for Week 12, and are still available on most waiver wires. These WRs and RBs are all currently underowned and should be considered as sleepers for your teams and the fantasy stretch run.
Week 12 Sleepers - Wide Receivers (WRs) & Running Backs (RBs)
Bobby Rainey - RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@DET, owned in 28% of Yahoo! leagues): Rainey has cemented his position as the RB1 in Tampa as he had 30 carries for 163 yards and three total touchdowns. Although Rainey has a tough five-game stretch moving forward, Rainey is worthy of a pickup in every league.
Editor's Note: Discover RotoBaller’s top Fantasy Football Sleepers to gain an edge in your drafts. Our free who to draft tool and expert picks spotlight undervalued players, breakout candidates, and late-round gems for all league formats.
Donald Brown - RB, Indianapolis Colts (@ARI, owned in 27% of Yahoo! leagues): While Richardson is looking like a bust, Donald Brown has come out of nowhere to produce in Indianapolis. Brown handles the majority of the carries, including a season-high 14 times at Tennessee last week that resulted in 80 yards (5.7 YPC) and two scores. Brown has also caught six passes for 78 yards over the past two weeks. Although Brown has a tough matchup against the Cardinals, his versatility allows the Colts to expand his role which includes four red zone touchdowns this year. Brown is a viable RB2/flex option for Week 12.
Michael Crabtree - WR, San Francisco 49ers (@WAS, owned in 28% of Yahoo! leagues): Crabtree could suit up for the Niners this Monday night after missing all season. Though he won’t be at 100 percent, Crabtree will get plenty of opportunities in a San Francisco passing game that has been horrid without Kaepernick's go-to man. Grab Crabtree immediately and stash him; you’ll thank me later.
Jerricho Cotchery - WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (@CLE, owned in 22% of Yahoo! leagues): Cotchery has become Big Ben's favorite receiver in the red zone. In the last three games, Cotchery has only 15 targets but a whopping five touchdowns. While he isn’t the best add in PPR formats he should be added in all leagues for his TD scoring ability.
Marquise Goodwin - WR, Buffalo Bills (BYE, owned in 2% of Yahoo! leagues): Goodwin is a good pickup for owners in leagues with 12 or more teams. He made the most of his start in Week 11, totaling six receptions on nine targets for 81 yards and a touchdown. Buffalo should realize what they have with their young star and try to get him more involved in the offense. After the bye week, Goodwin will face the Falcons, Bucs, Jags, and Dolphins. Look to see a lot more of Goodwin in the end zone.
Nate Burleson - WR, Detroit Lions (vs. TB, owned in 28% of Yahoo! leagues): Not only did Burleson save a pizza along with breaking his arm, but this man could also save your season. Barring a setback in practice this week, expect the Lions' WR2 to take a bite out of competition this weekend. Matthew Stafford loved looking Burleson’s way as he averaged 7.7 targets and 6.3 receptions per game over the first three weeks of the season. With teams double- and triple-teaming Megatron, look for Burleson to have big games starting this week against Tampa. Slot receivers have dominated Tampa Bay this year. Owners who stuck with Harry Douglas (twice), Rishard Matthews and Doug Baldwin against the Bucs were very happy. Combined, the three averaged 7.5 receptions and 119.5 yards per game and five touchdowns. Order extra pepperoni and add Burleson in all leagues!
Kendall Wright - WR, Tennessee Titans (@OAK, owned in 34% of Yahoo! leagues): Although Wright hasn’t found the endzone in his last eight games, he has eight games with at least five receptions and has 21 targets over the past two weeks! The Raiders have given up the the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers, and since Week 8, at least one receiver has totaled 11+fantasy points against them. The last time Oakland played at home, they gave up seven passing TDs, including four to Riley Cooper. Wright remains a strong WR3 play, especially in PPR formats.
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The RotoBaller writers have put together some fantasy football gems for you this week. Be sure to check out all of their waiver wire picks, analysis and recommendations for Week 11. And for all your sit/start questions, trades, and tough add/drop decisions, come join our chat room community on the bottom right and banter with us about fantasy football.
