Michael Wilson a Strong Play with Harrison Jr. Sidelined
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson put up another exceptional performance in Sunday's 27-24 OT loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and profiles as one of the week's biggest pickups if teammate Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendix) remains sidelined for another contest. Wilson has racked up gaudy numbers despite the team dropping their last two games. Over that stretch, the 25-year-old has posted 25 receptions and 303 scoreless yards on a whopping 33 targets. As of now, it's unclear how much longer the team will be without Harrison Jr., although it's possible that even his return may not knock Wilson down that many pegs. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is averaging 43.5 pass attempts per game since becoming the starter. That figure has jumped to 50 over the last three, supporting three solid fantasy options in two of them. Expectations will need to be tempered with the second-year pro coming back from an appendix issue, but Wilson has made a case to remain involved even when that happens.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jayden Reed Set to Return in Week 13?
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) has been on Injured Reserve since Week 2, when he suffered a broken collarbone. Reed is also recovering from surgery to fix a Jones fracture in his foot. However, the Packers opened his 21-day practice window last week, and the 25-year-old former second-rounder is nearing his return. It's unclear if he'll be activated from IR to play in Week 13 on Thanksgiving Day on Thursday against the division-rival Detroit Lions, but fantasy managers need to look into picking Reed up off the waiver wire this week. Reed, who has scored 18 total touchdowns (15 receiving, three rushing) in 35 career games, is only rostered in 36% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available. The Packers could ease Reed back into a crowded WR room when he's activated, but for his TD upside alone, he could help WR-needy fantasy managers down the stretch.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Chimere Dike Bounces Back With Two-Touchdown Performance
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike was a solid option in Week 12 amid injuries to the team's wide receiver room, punching in two touchdowns (one on special teams), while tying for the team lead in targets with seven. Tight end Gunnar Helm was the team's top receiver in terms of yardage on the day. However, Dike was impactful anyway, posting the first two-TD game of his career. In fact, the former Florida Gator has notched a special teams touchdown in two of his previous three outings, while acting as a reliable outlet for rookie QB Cameron Ward. With Calvin Ridley (fibula) out at least a few more games, and uncertainty around Elic Ayomanor's (hamstring) timetable for return, Dike has a chance to make a name for himself, particularly against an exploitable Jaguars' pass defense in Week 13. He's shaping up to be a nice high-floor PPR asset, and gets a boost in formats that account for return yards.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Devin Neal Set to Take Over as Saints Lead Back?
New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal rushed for 18 yards on seven carries in Sunday's 24-10 home loss to their division-rival Atlanta Falcons. He added 43 yards through the air on 5-of-7 receiving. The rookie took on an elevated workload in Week 12 in the wake of backfield mate Alvin Kamara's (knee) injury. Neal didn't find much room on the ground to run, and it's noteworthy that tight end Taysom Hill saw three more carries than him. However, Hill's efficiency was worse (1.7 YPC), and the former tied two others for second on the team in targets. Kamara's injury has been deemed an MCL sprain, though it's unclear how much time he will miss, if any. While Neal may not be the team's only rushing option in his teammate's absence, New Orleans began working him in on passing downs a few weeks ago, notching at least three receptions in three of his last four outings. If Kamara is inactive next Sunday, the 22-year-old would be in a smash spot against a sieve-like Dolphins' rush defense.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kenneth Gainwell Boasting Increased Backfield Role
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell posted another solid fantasy effort in Week 12's loss to the hosting Chicago Bears, making the team's backfield situation less clear than it was a few weeks ago. Gainwell might not have had as much success as a receiver on Sunday as he did in Week 11's win, though he's now logged at least six receptions in back-to-back games and four or more in three of four. The 26-year-old's elevated workload in Pittsburgh's win over Cincinnati two Sundays ago can be explained away by teammate Jaylen Warren's mid-game injury. However, it's notable that Gainwell retained his passing game role with Warren fully healthy, particularly because offensive coordinator Arthur Smith sang the praises of the former earlier in the week. As it stands, both Steelers' RBs may boast a bit of value. However, Gainwell currently plays a more valuable part in PPR leagues. It's a backfield worth monitoring ahead of the fantasy playoffs.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Darren Waller Will Practice Ahead of Week 13
Sports Illustrated's Alain Poupart reports that Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (pectoral) is expected to practice this Wednesday as the team gears up for a home meeting with the New Orleans Saints in Week 13. Waller has been out since picking up a pectoral sprain in Week 7, although he's apparently progressing well. For what it's worth, he's within the initial time frame of his return, and if all goes well at practice this week, the veteran might be able to suit up for Sunday's clash. There are still a few hurdles for him to clear before being activated from IR, but the Dolphins could certainly use him, considering the offense moved a bit better while he was out there on the field. Fantasy managers should monitor Waller's practice status over the coming days, as he'd be an intriguing play against a vulnerable Saints' defense if active.
Source: Alain Poupart
Source: Alain Poupart
Saints Hosting Kicker Tryouts, Justin Tucker Invited
The New Orleans Saints are hosting kicker tryouts, and free agent Justin Tucker is among the players invited, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Tucker served a 10-game suspension to start the 2025 season for violating the NFL's conduct policy after being the target of multiple sexual misconduct allegations. The 35-year-old is now free to sign with any team, and New Orleans is apparently interested in giving him a look after kicker Blake Grupe missed two field goal attempts in the team's Week 12 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The 35-year-old Tucker is a five-time All-Pro who made 89.1% of his 468 career field goal attempts over 13 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens from 2012 to 2024. However, he had his worst NFL season by far in 2024, making just 22 of 30 field goal attempts and just 11 out of 19 from 40-plus yards out. Even if he gets a second chance in the NFL with New Orleans, Tucker should likely remain off fantasy radars.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo
Kyle Monangai Emerging as a Trusted Weapon in Chicago
Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai recorded 12 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown in his team's 31-28 Week 12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. After veteran Bears back D'Andre Swift coughed up a fumble early in the game against Pittsburgh, Monangai worked as the team's feature back for much of the remainder of the contest. There's no question that the 23-year-old is emerging as a key piece in the Bears' offense. Monangai has now scored a rushing touchdown in three straight weeks. For the season overall, he's recorded 461 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 99 carries. While Swift should be expected to remain the passing-downs back in Chicago, Monangai may be establishing himself as the team's preferred early-down and goal-line option. In any fantasy league with 12 or more teams where he remains available, Monangai should be a priority waiver-wire target heading into a Week 13 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Set for Lead Rushing Role in Washington Coming Out of Bye Week?
In his final game before his team's Week 12 bye, Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. recorded 79 rushing yards on a season-high 15 carries against the Miami Dolphins. The Commanders have operated with a committee backfield of Rodriguez Jr., Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and Jeremy McNichols for most of the 2025 season. However, Rodriguez Jr. has recorded 33 carries and two rushing touchdowns over the team's last three games and could be emerging as the team's lead back on early downs. The 25-year-old has just one reception across nine games played, so his fantasy upside is limited in PPR leagues. However, Rodriguez Jr. is still worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Washington's Week 13 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Andrei Iosivas Could See Expanded Role Again in Week 13
With star Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase sidelined by suspension in Week 12, Bengals wideout Andrei Iosivas recorded four catches for 61 yards on seven targets against the New England Patriots. While Chase will be back in Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens, Iosivas could spend a second straight game in the WR2 role in Cincinnati. Bengals wideout Tee Higgins (concussion) is in the league's concussion protocol after suffering a head injury late in the game on Sunday against New England. Cincinnati faces a short week before playing Baltimore on Thursday night, which may make it difficult for Higgins to play in Week 13. Iosivas has proven that he can step up and provide solid fantasy production when either of Cincinnati's star wide receivers is out. In PPR leagues with 12 or more teams where he remains available, Iosivas should be a waiver-wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Trey Benson Could Dominate Backfield Touches in Arizona Upon Return from Injury
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) has been on Injured Reserve since Week 4 due to a knee injury. However, Benson was able to practice in a limited capacity heading into Week 12 and could be on track to make his return in Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Benson is cleared to play against Tampa Bay, Arizona may not be able to afford to work him in slowly. Running back Emari Demercado (ankle) missed Week 12 due to an ankle injury, and fellow Cardinals back Bam Knight (leg) suffered a lower leg injury late in Week 12 that could put his status for Week 13 in jeopardy as well. Across four games before getting injured, Benson recorded 224 scrimmage yards on 42 touches. Even in shallow leagues or leagues without IR roster slots, Benson should be a waiver-wire target heading into Week 13.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
John Metchie III Taking Advantage of Opportunity in New York
New York Jets wide receiver John Metchie III had one of the best games of his young career in Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens, hauling in six catches for 65 yards and a touchdown on seven targets in his team's 23-10 loss. Metchie III has now caught touchdown passes in back-to-back weeks and looks to be emerging as one of the top pass-catchers in New York, with star wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) currently sidelined by a knee injury. In another encouraging development, the Jets' passing game as a whole looked significantly more competent in Week 12 after making the switch at quarterback from Justin Fields to Tyrod Taylor. Taylor threw for 222 yards against Baltimore in Week 12, while Fields had failed to reach even 125 passing yards in four out of his last five starts. Given the clear opportunity for Metchie III in New York, he could be a player for deep-league fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire heading into a Week 13 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kareem Hunt to Maintain Lead Role in Kansas City Backfield Going Forward?
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt was an absolute workhorse in Week 12, recording 30 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown and three catches for 26 yards in his team's overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts. With Isiah Pacheco (knee) sidelined by a knee injury, the Chiefs have leaned on Hunt as their feature back in recent weeks. Pacheco has a chance to return for Kansas City's Week 13 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. However, even when Pacheco returns, Hunt could maintain his status as the lead back in Kansas City. While Hunt hasn't been particularly efficient this season (3.9 yards per carry), he's been a reliable goal-line presence (seven rushing touchdowns). In any fantasy league where Hunt remains available on the waiver wire, he should be a priority target for fantasy managers heading into Week 13.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jayden Higgins Worth a Look on the Waiver Wire in Week 13
Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jayden Higgins hauled in four of nine targets for 38 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 23-19 win over the Buffalo Bills. The nine targets were a team high, and Higgins has now seen seven or more targets in four of his last five games. While the targets haven't resulted in massive fantasy performances, Higgins is establishing himself as the No. 2 wide receiver in this offense and providing solid target consistency. It will be interesting to see how things are when C.J. Stroud (concussion) returns, as most of Higgins' production of late has come from Davis Mills. Regardless, Higgins is no longer someone who should remain on the waivers in deeper leagues, given his consistent target share over the last month of the season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emanuel Wilson Scores Twice Against the Vikings
Green Bay Packers third-year running back Emanuel Wilson had a career day on Sunday against the Vikings, rushing for a career-high 107 yards on 28 carries and punching in two touchdowns. Both of his rushing touchdowns were from one yard out. He chipped in another 18 yards on two receptions through the air as well, good for 25.5 fantasy points in half PPR formats. Wilson stepped in on Sunday for an injured Josh Jacobs (knee) and delivered an excellent performance for his fantasy managers who have been proactively stashing him or got him through waivers last week. Wilson will continue to have plug-and-play RB2 value as long as Jacobs remains sidelined; however, if Jacobs returns, Wilson will likely stay involved but will be hard to trust in starting lineups given the volume he would be expected to handle. At this time, Wilson should not be on waivers in most 10-team or larger formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
RADIO



