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Beating The Waiver Wire - Speculative Stashes for Week 12

It's Wednesday morning. You dropped a player last night expecting to make some moves on the waiver wire, only to wake up and find out you weren't able to get anyone you put a claim in for. What now?

If you've got an open roster spot, its always a good idea to plan ahead for the future. There are plenty of players in the NFL ripe for a breakout game that will fly up the waiver wire in the following week. This column is here to help you anticipate who that's going to be, and stay a week ahead of your competition.

I'll be giving you a couple players who may be worth grabbing before their stock rises. Here are some players that will help you beat the waiver wire ahead of Week 12, in case they emerge this week.

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Waiver Wire Stashes and Fliers for Week 12

Aaron Rodgers (QB, GB) - 37% owned

I believe the majority of people checking out this column fall into two categories: those who need a player who can come in and help them push for the playoffs, or those in the drivers seat looking for a speculative stash that could help come playoff time. This one if for those that fall into the latter.

Aaron Rodgers is eligible to return in Week 15. The Packers are unlikely to be out of the playoffs in Week 15. They sit at 5-4 and face the Ravens, Steelers, Buccaneers and Browns over the next four weeks. Even with Brett Hundley at quarterback, I'd be surprised if the Packers didn't beat the Browns and Bucs, and they have a chance to beat the Ravens at home this week. The Packers will likely be 7-6 with a chance at 8-5 the first week Rodgers is eligible to be back.

Rodgers was spotted at practice this week taking snaps from a trainer. If the Packers don't go 0-4 over the next four weeks, you know damn well Rodgers will be doing everything he can to get himself back on the field. He isn't going to waste a year of his prime if the Packers have a shot at the playoffs. We still don't know if Rodgers will be healthy by Week 15, but him showing up at practice this week is a great sign. Rodgers is a great hold for owners with quarterback issues who will likely find themselves in the playoffs.

Nathan Peterman (QB, BUF) - 4% owned

Many were shocked that the Bills made the decision to bench quarterback Tyrod Taylor in favor of Peterman, a fifth-round draft pick who played his first NFL snaps last week. The Bills are pushing for the playoffs at 5-4. Taylor was bad last week, but he didn't give up 47 points. The Bills are receiving a lot of criticism for this decision.

But heres the thing: Sean McDermott doesn't make this decision without putting a ton of thought into it. Maybe he was actually right? Taylor has had one 300 yard game in his entire career. He was never going to bring this offense to the next level. Will Nathan Peterman? Who knows. We don't have any evidence to prove that he'll succeed or fail. We'll find out on Sunday. In deeper leagues or 2 QB leagues, Peterman is worth an add out of pure curiosity. He has the weapons around him to produce as a QB2 with QB1 upside if he's actually good.

Austin Ekeler (RB, LAC) - 19% owned

I wrote about Ekelar after his performance in Week 7 and said that Ekelar was one more solid game away from being a top waiver option. Putting a bad game and a bye week in between Ekelar's two solid games put a damper on that, but he did still see a 16% bump in his ownership this week.

Ekelar had a huge game in Week 10. He ran for 42 yards, had 77 through the air, and took two receptions for touchdowns. Of the 23 snaps he played last week, he touched the ball on 15 of them. It would be shocking if Ekelar didn't see a decent amount of use next week. He outplayed Gordon in every facet of the game for the second time in three weeks. I'm surprised that he didn't see a major increase in ownership. Expect Ekelar to creep into the FLEX discussion.

Eddie Lacy (RB, SEA) - 16% owned

In the first game of what was supposed to be the Eddie Lacy era in Seattle, Lacy ran six times for 20 yards before an injury took him out of the game. Thomas Rawls took over for the next two weeks, providing nothing of fantasy substance. The Seahawks will likely give Lacy his shot at being the feature back if he returns on Monday night. The volume will be there for him to have FLEX appeal in the future if he can show that he can produce.

Dontrelle Inman (WR, CHI) - 7% owned

As the chair of the "Dontrelle Inman Will Be Relevant This Season" committee, I take great pride in Inman's Week 10 performance: six receptions for 88 yards. It isn't a fluke that Inman led the Bears in targets, receptions, and yards in his first game with the team. Trubisky nearly doubled his career high in passing yards this week, had his first 20 completion and 200 yard game and was just three yards short of 300. The Bears passing game is improving. Inman's ROS schedule is no cake walk, but it isn't brutal either. He is going to be the number one option in the Bears passing game moving forward. That alone warrants an add in deeper leagues. Another 80 yard performance would make Inman a top waiver option next week.

Corey Coleman (WR, CLE) - 27% owned

Similar to Inman, Coleman is a number one option still available in many leagues. Coleman has a tough matchup with Jacksonville in his first game back, but his value is only going to go up. Coleman has looked good when he has been able to stay on the field over the past few weeks. When Josh Gordon returns in Week 13, the Browns finally have the potential to produce a decent passing game. Expect Coleman to be a top waiver add for Week 12 regardless of how he performs on Sunday.

C.J. Fiedorowicz (TE, HOU) - 16% owned

Fiedorowicz played in his first game since Week 1 on Sunday, catching two of his six targets for 10 yards. The good news for Fiedorowicz is that he finished the game healthy and was on the field for 90% of the team's offensive snap's. Anyone with that big of a snap count who has proven they can play at an NFL level in the past deserves to be on the streaming radar. Fiedorowicz is an option for those with trouble at the TE position. He had a decent year last year with bad quarterbacks and should be able to perform despite the Texans QB woes.

 

Updates From Last Week

Below are guys who have been covered in recent columns that haven't had much of a change in their situations:

 

More Fantasy Football Analysis




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Cal Raleigh

Exits With Apparent Side Injury on Wednesday Night
Juan Soto

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Juan Soto's Ankle
Jacob Misiorowski

Pulled Early With Possible Leg Injury
Juan Soto

Exits Wednesday's Game Early with Ankle Injury
Tim Patrick

Jets Agree to Terms With Veteran Receiver Tim Patrick
Malik Nabers

Undergoes Second Knee Surgery
De'Von Achane

Dolphins, De'Von Achane Agree to Four-Year Contract Extension
Kevin Huerter

is Cleared to Return for Game 5
Caris LeVert

is Available for Game 5 on Wednesday
Duncan Robinson

is Out for Game 5
Keegan Murray

Undergoes Ankle Procedure
Josh Giddey

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Pete Fairbanks

Returns From Injured List
Christian Yelich

Out With Back Tightness on Wednesday Night
Nathan MacKinnon

Chasing History Wednesday
Ryan Poehling

Won't Be an Option for Game 6
Sam Malinski

Set to Miss Second Straight Game
Artturi Lehkonen

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Matthew Schaefer

Wins Calder Trophy
TOR

Maple Leafs Fire Head Coach Craig Berube
Jalen Hurts

Can Jalen Hurts Bounce Back as a Rusher in 2026?
Robby Snelling

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Sprain
Zach Charbonnet

Dynasty Value in Question Entering 2026
DeVonta Smith

Poised to Reach a New Level of Production in 2026?
Chris Olave

Facing Increased Target Competition in New Orleans Entering 2026
Chris Bell

Dynasty Stock Rising Following NFL Draft
Ted Hurst

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Tampa Bay
Francisco Alvarez

Mets Place Francisco Alvarez on Injured List With Torn Meniscus
Max Fried

Dealing With Left Elbow Posterior Soreness
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
Chris Brazzell II

Is Chris Brazzell II the Top Deep Threat in Carolina's Receiver Room?
Kaelon Black

a Threat to Win Backup RB Job in San Fran?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
De'Zhaun Stribling

to be 49ers' New "F" Receiver?
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
Drew Allar

Steelers "Uninstalling" Everything Drew Allar Learned in College
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Ja'Kobi Lane

Is Ja'Kobi Lane the Pass-Catching Answer the Ravens Have Been Seeking?
Zachariah Branch

Does Zachariah Branch Have a Path to Immediate Production?
Max Klare

Can Max Klare Separate Himself in Rams' Tight End Room?
Eli Stowers

the Tight End of the Future in Philadelphia?
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Germie Bernard

Already in a Tough Spot to Hold Dynasty Value
Ayo Dosunmu

Has Busy Night in Game 5
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Jaden McDaniels

Notches 17 Points in Game 5 Loss
Denzel Boston

a Smart Bet to Meet or Exceed Value in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Julius Randle

Posts a Double-Double in Losing Effort
Matthew Stafford

a Sell Candidate with Touchdown Regression Likely on its Way
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Anthony Edwards

Held to 20 Points in Game 5 Loss
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
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Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Keldon Johnson

Comes Alive in Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Jayden Reed

Dynasty Value Tethered to His Underwhelming Usage
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Stephon Castle

Makes All-Around Impact in Game 5
Victor Wembanyama

Leads Spurs to Big Win in Game 5
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Mason McTavish

Delivers Two Assists Tuesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Pots Two Goals in Vital Game 5 Win
Josh Doan

Records Two Assists in Game 4 Victory
Evgeni Malkin

Penguins Want Evgeni Malkin Back
Sidney Crosby

Joins Team Canada for World Championship
Ryan Poehling

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 5 Loss
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Game on Tuesday with Apparent Ankle Injury
Philadelphia 76ers

76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Dylan Harper

Cleared for Action Tuesday
De'Aaron Fox

Available for Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Caris LeVert

Remains on Injury Report With Heel Issue
Duncan Robinson

Listed as Questionable for Game 5
Memphis Grizzlies

Brandon Clarke Dies at Age 29
Charlie McAvoy

Slapped With Six-Game Suspension
Jonas Brodin

Unavailable for Game 5 Against Avalanche
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Remain Out Wednesday
Sam Malinski

Day-to-Day With Upper-Body Injury
Jacob Wilson

A's Place Jacob Wilson on Injured List With Shoulder Subluxation
Artturi Lehkonen

Considered Day-to-Day
Charlie Coyle

Lands Six-Year Extension
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

to Start Game 4 Against Canadiens
Drew Helleson

Unavailable for Game 5
Radko Gudas

Still Out Tuesday
Christian Yelich

Brewers Reinstate Christian Yelich From Injured List
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Admits He Wasn't Close to Returning Before Season Ended
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
LeBron James

Uncertain About Future After Season-Ending Loss
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Luis Castillo

Mariners Intend to Piggyback Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
Bryce Miller

is Set to Return on Wednesday
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
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