👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 12 Waiver Wire – Wide Receivers (WR) & Defenses (DEF)

RotoBaller Matt Hartman breaks down Week 12 waiver wire pickups for wide receivers (WRs) & defenses (DEF) and your fantasy football teams. Let's win some leagues!

Each week of the NFL season I will take a look at how to improve your fantasy football teams. Below I highlight wide receivers (WRs) and defenses (DEF) that need to be considered on the Week 12 waiver wire for your fantasy football teams. Some may have a good matchup for Week 12, or have been putting up relevant points and should be rostered.

What's up ballers?  Hopefully some of you have clinched a playoff spot or about to following the advice found at Rotoballer.com.  For this week I'll be recommending two younger WR's and a tried true name everyone has heard of.  This week I will break my rules and recommend Santonio Holmes again.  I will be the first to state that I'm not a member of the Holmes fan club.  However, his matchups and big play ability make him a nice option (if he stays healthy).  I will continue to be recommending defenses that are nice streamer choices based off the matchup.

With that said, lets get to it. Here are the waiver recommendations this week by priority order:

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups – Wide Receivers (WR)

 

Ace Sanders, WR, JAX - Waiver Wire Pickup

BALLER MOVE: Add in Deep Leagues only (12+ teams PPR)
ANALYSIS:  Guess who had the most catches in the Jacksonville vs. Arizona game?  Bet you wouldn't have guessed Ace Sanders.  For the game, Sanders had eight catches on 10 targets for 61 yards.  This again is a young player (rookie) that posted his career-best stat line.  With the injuries and depletion of WR options in Jacksonville, Sanders has been given the opportunity to shine.  While I don't expect him to get 10 targets every week, I do believe he has a chance to be a solid PPR option given the 'garbage' time the Jaguars are always in.  If you are in a PPR league, Sanders may well be worth a flier.

 

Santonio Holmes 2011Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ  - Waiver Wire Pickup

BALLER MOVE: Add in Deep Leagues only (12+ teams Standard, PPR)
ANALYSIS:  Guess who I'm recommending again?  Santonio Holmes... yes, I guess I'm setting myself up once again.  However, I cannot deny that the Jets were looking his way in his first game back from injury (eight targets).  While his stats didn't show up in the scoreboard (two catches for 71 yards),  I like Holmes's big-play ability and potential with some favorable matchups coming up.  If you are looking for WR depth, Holmes could be an option for you to consider.

 

Marquise Goodwin, WR, BUF  - Waiver Wire Pickup

BALLER MOVE: Add in Deep Leagues only (12+ teams Standard, PPR)
ANALYSIS:  Marquise Goodwin is coming off a strong week vs NYJ with 81 yards and a touchdown on six catches and nine targets.  All of those numbers were season-highs.  With EJ Manual back at the QB position and Robert Woods nursing an injury, itis hard for me to see why the Bills don't dial Goodwin up again next week.  The catch with this recommendation is that this is his outburst game so he has not shown any consistency yet-- he could well be a dud next week.  If you are in a deep league, Goodwin might be worth a flier given his speed and big-play ability.

 

Previously Mentioned Players: Jericho Cotchery, WR, PIT, Dexter McCluster, WR, KC

Honorable mention: Rod Streater, WR, OAK; Richard Matthews, WR, MIA; Markus Wheaton, WR, PIT

Players I recommend beyond rules (above 25% ownership or previously recommended).  Add these WR players immediately if they are available in your leagues (in priority order):

  • Josh Gordon, WR, CLE - continues to play well regardless of who is at QB.
  • Percy Harvin, WR, SEA - first game of the season was on a limited snap count...expect value to rise in upcoming weeks
  • Jarrett Boykin, WR, GB - Another solid game for Boykin 6 catches, 91 yrds.  Beware owners...Cobb will be back around week 14 so the value of him may dip soon...depending on injuries
  • Harry Douglas, WR, ATL - Solid week with 134yrds and a 1td.  Value may take a dip with Roddy White back but still will get opportunities
  • T.Y. Hilton, WR, IND - had a modest game vs a solid Tennessee defense
  • Keenan Allen, WR, SD -  Hyperextended his knee...watch injury report
  • Terrance Williams, WR, DAL - bye week
  • Golden Tate, WR, SEA - bad game with only one catch this week
  • Doug Baldwin, WR, SEA - another week another td...only had two catches
  • Emmanuel Sanders, WR, PIT - exited last week due to a foot injury...monitor this situation as Markus Wheaton could get his place
  • DeAndre Hopkins, WR, HOU - was benched last week for 'mental errors'...watch this situation closely
  • Michael Crabtree, WR, SF - Won't be back until late to mid Nov.

 

Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups – Defenses (DEF)

Defense no-brainer starts:  BAL (vs NYJ), HOU (vs JAX)

Cleveland, DEF - Waiver Wire Pickup

BALLER MOVE: Add in Standard Leagues (12+ teams)
ANALYSIS: As much as this may come as a surprise to some of you, the Browns defense is underrated. This week, the Browns will be playing the Steelers who have given up the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.  The Browns defense (currently ranked fifth-best overall) will be facing a Steelers offense ranked in the middle of the pack (15) who have a -8 turnover ratio.  If you are looking for a nice streamer option, Cleveland is a solid choice.

 

Dallas, DEF - Waiver Wire Pickup

BALLER MOVE: Add in Standard Leagues (12+ teams)
ANALYSIS:  This week, the Cowboys will be playing a Giants team that has given the most points to opposing defenses.  To add to this recommendation, the turnover ratio of the Giants team this season is -11. In Week 1 of this season the Giants offense allowed three  sacks, three interceptions, three fumbles and two TDs vs. the Cowboys.  While I don't think Dallas will be able to repeat that defensive performance, I expect them to have a solid game.

 

Paul Worrilow, IDP - LB, ATL  - Waiver Wire Pickup

BALLER MOVE: Add in Standard Leagues (12+ teams IDP Leagues)
ANALYSIS: The last 3 weeks Worrilow has been a beast!  Worrilow has tallied 32 solo tackles and 22 assists.  That averages out to ~11 solo and 7 assists per game.  If you are looking for a LB option Worrilow could be an excellent choice.  Prior to the past 3 weeks his best game was 6 tackles so proceed with caution.  I don't expect him to continue his unbelievable past 3 weeks.

 

My Guidelines

1. I will not repeat waiver selections. All mentioned players prior to week 4 will apply to the current waiver options and going forward.

2. I will only recommend players that are lower than 25% ownership in Yahoo! or ESPN leagues.

=============

As always, you can find all of our weekly waiver wire recommendations on our famous waiver wire pickups list. And if you haven’t joined the best and largest fantasy football chat room community on the web, check out the RotoBaller.com Fantasy Football chat room for live fantasy advice, sit/start questions, and more.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jorge Soler

Suspension Reduced to Four Games
Harrison Bader

Giants Place Harrison Bader on 10-Day Injured List With Hamstring Strain
Matthew Golden

Packers "Clearing the Way" for Matthew Golden on WR Depth Chart
CFB

Michigan Lands Commitment From Quarterback Kamden Lopati
Arizona Cardinals

Ty Simpson Visiting With Cardinals on Wednesday
De'Von Achane

"Not Available for Trade"
Travis Hunter

Will Still Play Receiver in 2026
Ketel Marte

Serving as Designated Hitter on Wednesday
Kevin McGonigle

Tigers, Kevin McGonigle Agree to Eight-Year Contract Extension
Sahith Theegala

Brings Strong Form Into Harbour Town
Kansas City Chiefs

Jordyn Tyson in Play for Chiefs at No. 9 Overall in NFL Draft?
Wyndham Clark

Needs Putter to Show Up at RBC Heritage
Ryan Weathers

Allows Four Homers, Strikes Out 10 on Tuesday
Byron Buxton

Sets the Tone for Twins With Two Homers on Tuesday
Hunter Goodman

Homers Twice in Loss to Astros
JJ Wetherholt

Goes Yard Twice in Win Over Guardians
Colston Loveland

Could Colston Loveland Emerge as the Dynasty TE1?
Khalil Shakir

Has Khalil Shakir Fallen Too Far in Dynasty Rankings?
Christian Watson

How High is the Ceiling for Christian Watson?
Pat Freiermuth

Can Pat Freiermuth Become More Than a Depth Piece Again?
Cale Makar

Returns With Three-Assist Performance
Jimmy Snuggerud

Records First Career Four-Point Game
Tua Tagovailoa

How Much Value Does Tua Tagovailoa Offer as Falcons' Starter?
Jeremy Swayman

Ends Losing Run With Shutout Performance
Oliver Moore

Won't Play Wednesday
Nils Lundkvist

Returns for Regular-Season Finale
Roope Hintz

to Miss First Two Playoff Games
Pavel Zacha

Will Be Available for Start of Playoffs
Jalen Green

Scores Team-High 35 Points During Play-In Loss
Jrue Holiday

Nets 21 Points in Playoff Clincher
Deni Avdija

Helps Trail Blazers Into Playoffs With 41-Point Effort
Miles Bridges

Caps Off Big Night With Game-Winning Block
LaMelo Ball

Leads Hornets to Victory Versus Heat
Isaiah Jackson

Questionable Wednesday
Jacob Bridgeman

Looks to Return to Elite Form at Harbour Town
J.J. Spaun

a Volatile Option at RBC Heritage
PGA

Sungjae Im Offers High-Upside Value at RBC Heritage
Matt Fitzpatrick

Set for Another Strong Showing at RBC Heritage
Jason Day

Eyes Bounce-Back After Sunday Struggles at the Masters
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Rebound at Harbour Town
Zay Flowers

Set to Face Competition After Career-Best Season?
Detroit Lions

Lions Open to Trading Up in the NFL Draft
New York Giants

Giants and Dexter Lawrence Reach a Contract Impasse
Jordan Mason

Is Jordan Mason's Buy-Low Window Still Open?
Dak Prescott

Still a Dynasty Target After Leading NFL in Completions
CeeDee Lamb

Trending Down Slightly in Dynasty Leagues?
Ketel Marte

Diamondbacks Expect Ketel Marte to Return on Wednesday
Zay Flowers

Ravens Could Add Receiver in First Round to Pair With Zay Flowers
Cameron Young

Hoping to Secure Second Win of Season at RBC Heritage
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Again at RBC Heritage
Shane Lowry

Has Disappointing Final Round at Masters
Viktor Hovland

Hoping to Build on Final Round at Masters
Brian Harman

Struggling For Consistency Heading to RBC Heritage
Chris Gotterup

Putting Together Outstanding 2026 Season
Derwin James Jr.

Looking for a New Deal?
NFL

Oscar Delp to Visit With Buccaneers, Chargers
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Getting Hamstring Checked After Earning Save on Tuesday
Justin Thomas

Looks to Defend in Hilton Head
Kimani Vidal

Chargers Officially Re-Sign Kimani Vidal
Jordan Spieth

in Search of Improved Putting at RBC Heritage
Willson Contreras

Exits Early on Tuesday Due to Lower-Back Tightness
A.J. Brown

Still With the Eagles
Marco Penge

May Continue Up-and-Down Ride at the RBC Heritage
Jerami Grant

Coming Off the Bench Tuesday
Xander Schauffele

Could Get The Job Done at RBC Heritage
Quinten Post

Won't Play Wednesday
Jake Knapp

Keeps Building Strong Results in 2026
Draymond Green

Available Wednesday Night
Bam Adebayo

Ruled Out for Rest of Tuesday's Game
Kurt Kitayama

Trying to Regain Form From Florida
Collin Morikawa

Continues to be a Scary DFS Play at RBC Heritage
Kawhi Leonard

Ready for Play-In Action
Grayson Allen

Won't Play Tuesday Night
Bam Adebayo

Questionable to Return Tuesday
Jerami Grant

Returns to Action Tuesday
Triston Casas

Shut Down With Abdominal Strain
Jaxson Hayes

Ready for Game 1 Against Rockets
Zion Williamson

Pelicans Not Interested in Trading Zion Williamson
Johni Broome

Remains Out Wednesday
Trendon Watford

Probable for Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

is Returning on Tuesday
Royce O'Neale

and Mark Williams Available on Tuesday
Jett Howard

Iffy for Wednesday
Ketel Marte

Scratched on Tuesday With Back Tightness
Nick Pivetta

Heads to 15-Day Injured List With Elbow Inflammation
Jonathan Isaac

Questionable for Wednesday
John Marino

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Pyotr Kochetkov

Starting for Hurricanes Tuesday
Gabriel Moreno

Diamondbacks Put Gabriel Moreno on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Matvei Gridin

Returns to Action Tuesday
Cole Ragans

Returning to the Mound on Tuesday Against Tigers
Ryan Pulock

Unavailable for Season Finale
Luis Arraez

Back in Giants Lineup on Tuesday
Evander Kane

Not Expected to Play This Week
Erik Karlsson

Kris Letang Won't Play Tuesday
Sidney Crosby

Evgeni Malkin Resting on Tuesday
Jackson Chourio

Estimated Return Pushed Back to Early May
Christian Yelich

Expected to Return in Mid-to-Late May
Jackson Holliday

to be Shut Down a Few Days With Wrist Soreness
Mark Scheifele

Establishes New Franchise Record With 101 Points
Quinton Byfield

Scores Twice in Playoff Clincher
Porter Martone

Extends Point Streak to Five Games
Macklin Celebrini

Nets Two Goals Against Predators
Matt Duchene

Registers Three Assists Monday Night
Nikita Kucherov

Hits 130-Point Mark in Monday's Overtime Win
Jack Eichel

Collects Four Points Against Jets
CFB

Tramell Jones Jr. Outperforms Aaron Philo During Florida's Spring Scrimmage
CFB

Keelon Russell Flashes in Alabama's Spring Game
Ty Gibbs

Holds off the Field for His First Cup Series Victory at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Earns His First Runner-Up Finish at Bristol
Kyle Larson

Dominant Performance At Bristol Falls Short of Victory
Tyler Reddick

Matches his Career-Best Finish at Bristol
Alex Bowman

Crashes Early at Bristol in Return From Injury
Carlos Ulberg

Is The New Light Heavyweight Champion
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Azamat Murzakanov

Suffers His First Loss
Paulo Costa

Wins Back-to-Back Fights
Curtis Blaydes

Drops Decision At UFC 327
Josh Hokit

Remains Unbeaten
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar A Worthy DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
NASCAR

Could Bubba Wallace Be A Solid DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
Carlos Ulberg

A Slight Underdog
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Can Become UFC Champion Again
Paulo Costa

Makes his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Azamat Murzakanov

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Josh Hokit

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Curtis Blaydes

A Favorite At UFC 327
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF