Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups - Fantasy Football Free Agent Adds and Stashes (2025)

Rob's Week 12 fantasy football waiver wire pickups, adds, stashes, and sleepers to target for 2025. His top waiver wire adds for Week 12 at RB, WR, TE, QB, K, D/ST.

It seems we've waited forever for a strong waiver wire week, and we may finally have it. Unfortunately, any good waiver wire is often the result of several injuries. The Arizona, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh backfields all suffered injuries that could force backups into more prominent roles. We also saw emerging running backs in Jacksonville and Washington who seemed to earn more work, increasing their fantasy value.

Emanuel Wilson, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Bhayshul Tuten are strong adds this week. It isn't just running back that could offer several strong options. Rookies Jayden Higgins and Luther Burden III have seen their roles improve in recent weeks and should be priority adds if they were dropped. Week 12's waiver week appears to offer multiple options at different positions, likely creating an aggressive waiver wire week.

Be sure to also check out our free Who Should I Pickup? tool and compare up to four free-agent players at once -- we'll tell you who to pick up. Please use the promo code "BOOM" to get 10% off our premium subscription tools. Now, let's get to the best waiver wire adds for Week 12.

• 2025 fantasy football rankings
• Running back (RB) rankings
• Wide receiver (WR) rankings
• Quarterback (QB) rankings
• Tight end (TE) rankings
• Defense (D/ST) rankings
• Kicker (K) rankings
• FLEX rankings
• Dynasty rankings

Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 12

Must Adds

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals - 49.7% Rostered

Benson is currently on IR. He was eligible to return in Week 10, but did not do so. They haven't opened his 21-day window yet, but hopefully that'll happen early this week. James Conner (foot) is on season-ending IR. Once Benson returns, fantasy managers should expect him to be Arizona's primary ball-carrier, and he should be viewed as a top-24 running back once he's healthy.

Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders - 6.7% Rostered

Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has struggled mightily over the past few weeks. This has led to a bigger role for Rodriguez, and he's earned more work. This past weekend, Rodriguez played 30 snaps to Croskey-Merritt's 18. Rodriguez finished with 15 carries to the rookie's nine. Rodriguez was much more effective, averaging 5.3 yards per carry to "Bill's" 3.1.

#Commanders Week 11 RB Usage

- Chris Rodriguez: 45% snaps, 15 carries, 9 routes, 1 target (85 yds)
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt: 27% snaps, 9 carries, 6 routes, 1 target (33 yds)
- Jeremy McNichols: 25% snaps, 4 carries, 7 routes, 2 targets (29 yds)

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) November 16, 2025

Rodriguez received the first eight carries of the game before any other running back touched the ball. More surprisingly, Rodriguez also led Washington's backfield in routes run. He also handled all six of the team's short-yardage snaps and three of the team's five goal-line plays. Rodriguez is a must-add player who should be viewed as an RB3 moving forward and has RB2 weekly upside when he finds the end zone.

Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers - 5.9% Rostered

Josh Jacobs left the Week 11 game with a knee injury and was ruled out. Reports have since indicated the injury is not believed to be season-ending, but it also sounds like Jacobs will likely miss some time. It is reported that the diagnosis is positive, potentially allowing Jacobs not to go on IR. However, at this time, that's all speculation. It does seem likely he'll miss Week 12, though.

After he left the game, Wilson played over 90% of the snaps. If Jacobs were not able to play in Week 12, Wilson would become a top-15 running back. He finished this past weekend with 11 carries, 40 yards, and a touchdown.

Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers - 42.2% Rostered 

Jaylen Warren injured his ankle in the third quarter. He returned for a very brief time but did not record another touch. While he was never officially ruled out, after returning and being unable to go, Warren did not return to the field. Gainwell performed well in the larger role, finishing with 26.0 half-PPR points.

Kenneth Gainwell showing off

CINvsPIT on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/zJ8SM5NIex

— NFL (@NFL) November 16, 2025

He had just nine carries for 24 yards, but made his mark in the passing game, finishing with seven receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns. He started for Warren back in Week 4. That week, he had 19 carries for 99 yards and two touchdowns. He also had six receptions for 35 yards. He'd be a strong RB2 in Week 12 if Warren is out.

Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 28.6% Rostered

While Bucky Irving returned to practice, it's still up in the air whether or not he'll be able to return in Week 12. Whenever he's gotten a chance, Tucker has been an incredibly efficient player, and he did that again this past weekend. He finished with 19 carries, 106 yards, and two touchdowns. He also had two receptions for 34 yards and a third score en route to 33.0 half-PPR points.

SEAN TUCKER GAME. THREE TDs.

TBvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/kzDg7Zt3aM

— NFL (@NFL) November 16, 2025

While Rachaad White still played more snaps than Tucker, it was Tucker who finished with more touches (21 to 12). If Irving is out for another week, Tucker will be a high-upside RB3. Given his elite performance this past weekend, he may have very well moved ahead of White on the depth chart, further increasing his short- and long-term value.

Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars - 18.5% Rostered

Tuten hurt his ankle in the fourth quarter and did not return, but by then, he had been outperforming Travis Etienne Jr. It was the first time all year that Tuten was not playing a clear second fiddle to Etienne. Tuten was a significant part of the game plan and was in the midst of his best game as a pro.

He finished with 15 carries for 74 yards, and Etienne had 19 carries for 73 yards. Given how well Etienne has played, fantasy managers shouldn't expect Tuten to take control of the backfield. He certainly appeared on his way to turning this backfield into a committee of sorts, potentially holding RB3 value moving forward. His ankle injury complicates matters, but he's worth a tentative add until we hear more about the severity.

Bam Knight, Arizona Cardinals - 39.3% Rostered

Emari Demercado injured his ankle in Week 11 and was questionable to return. Michael Carter has played far behind Knight and Demercado in recent weeks. Trey Benson still has not had his 21-day practicing window opened. While he's now eligible to return from IR, there's been no indication that his return is on the horizon. If Benson remains out and Demercado cannot return in Week 12, Knight would be in line for a bell-cow workload.

RB4/5s with High Contingency Value

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams - 11.1% Rostered

The Rams have begun rotating Corum and Kyren Williams on each possession. Corum is still nothing more than an RB4 every week, but if Williams were to miss any time, Corum would be ranked as a top-15 running back.

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons - 33.7% Rostered

Allgeier is an elite handcuff, potentially one of the best in fantasy football. Allgeier tends to have a quality role in games Atlanta plays with the lead, and he's been used near the goal line. He can flirt with RB4 value, but has immense handcuff appeal.

RB5/6s With Contingency Value

• Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans - 37.2% Rostered
• Devin Singletary, New York Giants - 32.6% Rostered

Deep, Deep League Stashes 

• Devin Neal, New Orleans Saints - 1.1% Rostered

Pure Running Back Handcuffs

• Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers - 22.9% Rostered
• Tank Bigsby, Philadelphia Eagles - 21.2% Rostered
• Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills - 5.9% Rostered
• Emari Demercado, Arizona Cardinals - 27.9% Rostered
• Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins - 7.9% Rostered
• Isaiah Davis, New York Jets - 8.2% Rostered
• Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens - 1.2% Rostered
• Tahj Brooks, Cincinnati Bengals - 0.3% Rostered
• DJ Giddens, Indianapolis Colts - 0.7% Rostered
• Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns - 8.3% Rostered
• Will Shipley, Philadelphia Eagles - 3.0% Rostered
• Phil Mafah - Dallas Cowboys - 0.1% Rostered

Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 12

Must Add

Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts - 40.7% Rostered

Pierce has played in eight games this season. He's scored 8.0 half-PPR points in six of them. He only has one game with fewer than 5.0 half-PPR points. Pierce has earned five targets in six out of his eight games and has surpassed 65 receiving yards in five contests.

He's averaging 9.8 half-PPR PPG and has provided fantasy managers with a quality floor. In back-to-back weeks, he has set new season-highs in high-weekly scoring, going off for 14.5 and 16.4 half-PPR points the last two weeks. Wildly thought of as just a one-trick pony, Pierce has elevated his game and has clearly surpassed Josh Downs in the target hierarchy.

Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers - 26.2% Rostered

Watson has played four games this year, but has scored 5.5 half-PPR points or more in each one. This includes two games in which he scored double digits. This past weekend, he had his best fantasy outing of the season, finishing with five targets, four receptions, 46 yards, and two touchdowns en route to 18.6 half-PPR points.

With Tucker Kraft and Jayden Reed on IR and rookie Matthew Golden struggling, Watson could very well operate as the team's No. 1 pass-catcher on any given week moving forward. His primary competition right now is Romeo Doubs. Watson is a high-upside player with a significant weekly ceiling.

Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears - 5.9% Rostered

Burden played more snaps than Olamide Zaccheaus for the first time all year. Based on this past weekend's usage, Burden appears to be the team's new slot receiver moving forward. It took a while, but this development makes Burden a must-add player.

Burden has made several splash plays and has flashed in limited opportunities. He is currently leading the team in yards per route run. DJ Moore has been a massive disappointment thus far, and it's possible, maybe even plausible, that Burden will eventually become Caleb Williams' No. 2 pass-catcher behind Rome Odunze in the next few weeks.

Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars - 28.5% Rostered

Travis Hunter's season is over due to a knee injury. Brian Thomas Jr. has missed the last two weeks due to a high-ankle sprain. Even before that, Thomas had been a massive disappointment. Washington has been the team's most trustworthy pass-catcher. The team traded for Jakobi Meyers, which could negatively impact Washington's target share moving forward.

Before this past weekend, Washington had three consecutive games with seven or more targets and scored more than 8.2 half-PPR points in all three games. Head coach Liam Coen indicated that Washington would continue to be the team's slot receiver, a boon for his fantasy value. He should be viewed as a WR4 with weekly upside.

Tez Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 37.0% Rostered

Johnson busted this past weekend despite the shootout contest against the Bills, but fantasy managers should still look to add him if he's available. Dating back to Week 5, before this past weekend, Johnson had five straight weeks with at least 6.8 half-PPR points or more. That included three games with 11.0 half-PPR points or more, including an 18.2-point performance.

His scoring has been touchdown-dependent to an extent, but he has operated as the team's No. 2 receiver since injuries to Chris Godwin and Mike Evans pushed him up the depth chart. Godwin seems close to returning, which would significantly hurt Johnson's value.

Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals - 3.1% Rostered

Marvin Harrison Jr. was ruled out this past weekend to have surgery on his appendix. Based on reports, he may miss more time. In his absence, Wilson operated as the team’s No. 1 receiver.

With Jacoby Brissett balling out in Kyler Murray’s spot, this actually means something. He finished with 18 targets, 15 receptions, and 185 yards en route to 26.0 scoreless half-PPR points.

He’s not a long-term solution but until Harrison Jr. returns, Wilson can be started as a solid WR3 with upside.

Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons - 37.0% Rostered

2025 has been a major disappointment for Mooney, but he was very effective last year with the Falcons. He also had a 1,000-yard season when he was with the Bears. He's a talented player, but he's been hampered by multiple injuries this season.

#Falcons star WR Drake London, who left Sunday’s game late with a knee injury, is not believed to have suffered a major knee injury, sources said. He could miss some time, but will find out tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/bAqfE0ZKIS

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2025

Drake London left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury and did not return despite the game going to overtime. If London were to miss this week, Mooney would become a worthwhile start.

WR4/5s with some Upside

Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans - 19.7% Rostered

Higgins has scored 7.5 half-PPR points or more in three out of his last four games. His role is increasing, and he's played well, which will likely only lead to more opportunities. This Houston offense leaves a lot to be desired, but the target competition behind Nico Collins is not imposing. He's a strong add this week.

Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots - 28.1% Rostered

Boutte suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter of Week 9 and did not return, and was inactive this past weekend. Hamstring injuries can be tough, so it'll be something fantasy managers need to keep an eye on.

Before Week 9, Boutte had scored 15.0, 12.5, and 23.8 half-PPR points in the three weeks prior. In Week 1, he scored 13.3 half-PPR points, and in Week 2, he scored 8.1 half-PPR points. He's had five solid weeks throughout the first half of the season.

The hamstring injury is unfortunate, but fantasy managers shouldn't completely ignore him if he's available. The production before his injury was very encouraging.

High Upside Stashes

Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers - 28.4% Rostered

He tore his MCL and ACL early last season and will need some time to shake off the rust. However, he’s an IR candidate and someone you can stash for free. From 2023-24, Aiyuk had 2,357 yards and 15 touchdowns. He finished as the WR22 in 2022 and the WR12 in 2023. He’s absolutely worth taking a shot on.

He’s the receiver with the most chemistry with Brock Purdy (toe) and could be a second-half weekly WR2 starter. San Francisco has not been very forthcoming regarding his injury. At this time, it's unknown when it'll open his 21-day window. We're running out of time for him to make an impact, but if you're looking for a lottery ticket, he could be it.

Deep League Stashes

If you do not require someone you have to start in the short term, these players are worth stashing for when they return from injury (Reed) or if their role increases (Burden). 

Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers - 39.4% Rostered

Reed is currently on IR, and his exact return date is unknown. However, if he's been dropped in your league, stashing Reed could pay dividends later on this season.

In Week 1, he had five targets, three receptions, 45 yards, and a touchdown en route to 12.0 half-PPR points. Once Reed returns, he'll likely settle into being ranked as a WR4, and he'll have weekly WR2 upside.

The Packers have an efficient offense, and Jordan Love is playing at a high level. Fantasy managers should want a piece of this offense. With Tucker Kraft sidelined for the remainder of the season, Reed could immediately earn a high target share when he returns.

Potential WR5/6s

• Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders - 46.2% Rostered
• John Metchie III, New York Jets - 0.1% Rostered
• Chimere Dike, Tennessee Titans - 10.6% Rostered
• Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans - 13.7% Rostered
• Greg Dortch, Arizona Cardinals - 3.5% Rostered

Deep, Deep League Sicko Stashes

• Jaylin Noel, Houston Texans - 2.6% Rostered
• Jack Bech, Las Vegas Raiders - 3.1% Rostered
• Kyle Williams, New England Patriots - 1.4% Rostered
• Adonai Mitchell, New York Jets - 1.8% Rostered
• Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers - 3.0% Rostered
• Dontayvion Wicks, Green Bay Packers - 1.3% Rostered

Boom or Bust, Touchdown Dependent WR6/7s

• Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens - 12.4% Rostered
• Darius Slayton, New York Giants - 29.3% Rostered
• Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers - 21.1% Rostered
• Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins - 18.2% Rostered
• Roman Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers - 0.4% Rostered
• Joshua Palmer, Buffalo Bills - 3.3% Rostered
• Tyler Lockett, Las Vegas Raiders - 4.0% Rostered
• Andrei Iosivas, Cincinnati Bengals - 0.6% Rostered
• Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns - 12.0% Rostered
• Marquise Brown, Kansas City Chiefs - 29.8% Rostered
• Calvin Austin III, Pittsburgh Steelers - 24.1% Rostered

These players have no consistent volume from week to week. All of these players are touchdown or bust. If they don't score a touchdown, you're very likely to be disappointed with their outcome because they do not generate enough volume to make them consistent fantasy producers.

These players should be viewed as boom-or-bust options. The positive for them is that they only need one target to have a productive fantasy outing. All of these players are capable of turning their one target into a 40-yard touchdown (minus Shepard, but he has the benefit of catching passes from an elite quarterback and being in an injury-ravaged receiver room).

That's the pro argument for them. The con argument is that it might be the only target they get.

Tight End Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 12

TE2s with Some Upside

Theo Johnson, New York Giants - 59.6% Rostered

Over the team's last eight games, Johnson has five games with more than 9.0 half-PPR points. This also includes four games with six or more targets. Following Malik Nabers' injury, he has become one of Jaxson Dart's favorite pass-catchers. He's a high-end TE2 with weekly upside.

Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints - 35.0% Rostered

Johnson is averaging 8.7 half-PPR PPG and has been a consistent performer all year. He started with three consecutive games with 8.0 half-PPR points or more. He went through a three-game dry spell, scoring just 7.5 half-PPR points.

However, since then, he's averaged 11.5 half-PPR PPG over his last four games. He now has five games with double-digit points, which include three in his last four. In his first game without Rashid Shaheed, Johnson had the best game of his season, scoring 17.2 half-PPR points. He could have a second-half surge now fully operating as the team's No. 2 pass-catcher.

Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears - 39.2% Rostered

Cole Kmet returned this past weekend, and both tight ends played over 50 snaps of the team's 75. Kmet had five targets and Loveland had four. Burden also supplanted Olamide Zaccheaus as the team's slot receiver. Burden could end up earning targets at a higher rate than Zaccheaus, and Kmet's return could lower Loveland's snap and route share.

His talent and draft capital pedigree still make him an interesting stash. Chicago's schedule gets much more difficult, which could be a double-edged sword. This could result in more passing situations for Chicago, but Caleb Williams and the passing offense have also been inconsistent.

Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans - 53.0% Rostered

Since the team's Week 6 bye, Schultz has four games with eight or more targets in the last five contests. He's become the team's No. 2 pass-catcher behind Nico Collins, and that role has held with C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills under center. He has four games with 8.0 half-PPR points or more, which includes two with more than 14.0 half-PPR points.

His target volume has given him a safe weekly floor. Fantasy managers should view him as a high-end TE2 with weekly TE1 upside.

Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 48.4% Rostered

Otton disappointed in what was a high-scoring affair against the Bills, scoring just 3.8 half-PPR points. However, before that, he had five straight games with 6.0 half-PPR points or more, which included three games finishing with double digits. This is even more impressive since he did not score a touchdown during that stretch.

Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving could return soon, increasing the target competition in Tampa Bay. Historically, Otton has been great when Godwin and Mike Evans are out, but unstartable when these two are healthy. If Godwin is back soon, along with Emeka Egbuka, Otton will become far less appealing.

Players to Stash Who Could Return Soon and Provide TE1/2 Value

1. Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars - 10.2% Rostered
2. Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins - 19.0% Rostered

Deep, Deep League Options

• AJ Barner, Seattle Seahawks - 9.5% Rostered
• Luke Musgrave, Green Bay Packers - 12.3% Rostered
• Brock Wright, Detroit Lions - 1.2% Rostered
• Evan Engram, Denver Broncos - 47.8% Rostered
• Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders - 5.6% Rostered
• Noah Fant, Cincinnati Bengals - 3.2% Rostered
• Mason Taylor, New York Jets - 13.1% Rostered
• Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens - 9.4% Rostered
• Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans - 6.3% Rostered
• Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears - 0.6% Rostered
• Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints - 1.0% Rostered
• Jonnu Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers - 17.4% Rostered
• Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers - 9.4% Rostered
• Ja'Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers - 0.7% Rostered

Quarterback Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 12

Must Add

Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers - 61.9% Rostered

Mac Jones currently leads the NFL in passing yards per game. The 49ers have been passing at a high rate. Before Week 10, they ranked fourth in pass attempts and first in passing yards. Purdy looked sharp in his return and should be viewed as a low-end QB1 for the rest of the season.

Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals - 40.9% Rostered

Flacco had a dud this week in a game played in intense winds that clearly affected both teams' passing attacks. Joe Burrow is on the mend and could return in the next 2-3 weeks. However, until then, Flacco should continue to be treated as a high-end QB2 with elite upside.

QB2s with Upside

• Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals - 23.7% Rostered

QB2 Options for Deeper or Superflex Leagues

• Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks - 47.9% Rostered
• Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars - 24.5% Rostered
• J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings - 49.1% Rostered
• Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders - 16.9% Rostered
• C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans - 44.6% Rostered
• Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins - 16.3% Rostered
• Justin Fields, New York Jets - 39.3% Rostered

Team Defenses (D/ST) - Waiver Wire Streamers for Week 12

• Cleveland Browns at Las Vegas Raiders - 40.7% Rostered
• Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints - 42.8% Rostered
• San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers - 16.7% Rostered
• Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans - 45.4% Rostered

Waiver Wire Parameters for This Article

A few rules and notes about this weekly waiver wire article. Every league is different, with varying roster formats and sizes. That makes this one of the more challenging articles because every league’s waiver wire can look dramatically different. Even the host site you use matters. ESPN has rankings that differ from those of Yahoo!, which in turn differ from those of CBS or Sleeper, and all of this impacts which players are drafted and which are not.

We only identify quarterbacks and tight ends with a roster percentage of 60% or less. For running backs and receivers, that number drops to 50%. We don’t delve too deeply into defenses, but I highlight a few streamers to target each week.

Positions are also categorized into different groups, such as RB3 or a potential league-winner to stash. You’ll need to know your roster and what to look for on the waiver. From there, each positional group is arranged based on who you should prioritize first at that position. We use ESPN’s roster percentages for this article.

For example, if you are looking for immediate value, you might be more interested in someone like Benson than Corum right now because Benson is more likely to score points in the short term. Know your team and your team’s needs. If you’re healthy and your starting roster is strong, shoot for upside.

As a reminder, please use promo code "BOOM" at checkout for an additional 10% off any NFL Premium package.

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