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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:

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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.




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Zachariah Branch

Impressing New Falcons QB in OTAs
AJ Barner

Expected to be Ready for Training Camp
Aaron Judge

Diagnosed with Stress Fracture, Out 4-6 Weeks
Luther Burden III

Looking Like a True WR1 in OTAs With Bears
T.J. Watt

Alex Highsmith Expected to Remain With Steelers
Maxx Crosby

Close to Returning to Practice?
A.J. Brown

Patriots Don't Expect A.J. Brown to be Limited Physically
Shohei Ohtani

has "Small" Blister, a "Non-Issue" for his Pitching Starts
Brent Rooker

Out on Thursday Due to Knee Soreness
Myles Garrett

Rams Rework Myles Garrett's Contract
Frederik Andersen

Hurricanes Retain Confidence in Frederik Andersen
Tank Dell

Back on the Field at OTAs This Week
Vincent Trocheck

Maple Leafs Interested in Vincent Trocheck
Sam LaPorta

Looks Good During OTA Practice on Thursday
Mike Evans

Making a Strong Impression at OTAs With his New Team
Trevor Etienne

Currently the RB3 in Carolina?
Dylan Larkin

Requests Trade From Red Wings
Jaylen Wright

Impressing Bobby Slowik During OTAs
Greg Dulcich

Developing Chemistry with New Quarterback During OTAs?
Caleb Douglas

Suffers Minor Injury During OTAs on Wednesday
James Conner

Doing Side Work with Trainers During OTAs
George Kittle

"On Track" for Week 1 Return
Corey Seager

Expected to Return This Weekend
Bo Nix

Expected to Have More of a Role in Minicamp
Jaylen Waddle

Sean Payton has "Crystal Clear" Vision for Versatile Jaylen Waddle
Alvin Kamara

Hasn't Talked Pay Cut, "No Beef" With Saints
George Pickens

Brian Schottenheimer Expects George Pickens to Return for Mandatory Minicamp
Kendrick Law

Rookie Receiver Kendrick Law Suffers Torn ACL
Lucas Erceg

Royals to Mix and Match in Ninth With Lucas Erceg Struggling
Jonathan Toews

Expected to Retire
Anders Lee

Set to Hit Open Market
TB

Jon Cooper Wins First Jack Adams Trophy
De'Aaron Fox

Struggles Again Wednesday Night
Dylan Harper

Turns Heads in Finals Opener
Stephon Castle

Close to Double-Double in Game 1 Loss to Knicks
Victor Wembanyama

Notches 26 Points in Finals Debut
Josh Hart

Grabs 15 Rebounds in Game 1 Win Over Spurs
Karl-Anthony Towns

Opens Finals With Double-Double
Jalen Brunson

Scores Game-High 30 Points in Finals Opener
Aaron Judge

to Undergo Additional Imaging
Ketel Marte

Out on Wednesday With Back, Hamstring Injuries
Mitchell Robinson

is Available for Game 1 on Wednesday
Kawhi Leonard

Unlikely to be Traded
Chicago Bulls

Bulls Host Potential Lottery Picks for Workout
Washington Wizards

Wizards Considering Trading Down in Draft
Corbin Burnes

has Teres Major Strain, Unlikely to Return Until September
Rickie Fowler

Looks To Continue Resurgent Season At Memorial
CFB

Can Eric Singleton Jr. Fully Break Out at Third School?
CFB

Katin Houser Steps into QB1 Role for Illinois
CFB

Savion Hiter an Immediate Impact Freshman for Michigan
CFB

Isaiah Horton Set to Take Over KC Concepcion's Role
CFB

UCLA Transfer Karson Gordon Signs with Austin Peay
CFB

Will Muschamp Bringing New Intensity to Texas Practices
Gary Woodland

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Memorial
Jordan Spieth

Still Searching for a Breakthrough
Alex Smalley

Brings Elite Form to Memorial Tournament
Justin Rose

Looks to Recapture Memorial Tournament Success
Cameron Young

Looks to Get Back to His Contending Ways at Murifield Village
Chris Gotterup

Needs to Find Fairways at Muirfield Village
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Stay Hot at Memorial Tournament
Matt Fitzpatrick

Positioned for Success at Muirfield Village
Jalen Chatfield

Records Two Assists in Tuesday's Loss
Keegan Bradley

Looking for Another Strong Finish at Muirfield
Nikolaj Ehlers

Nets Two Goals in Game 1 Loss to Golden Knights
Shea Theodore

Notches Three Points in Game 1 Win
Brayden McNabb

Sets Up Three Goals in Game 1 Win Over Hurricanes
Justin Thomas

is an Exciting Play This Week in Ohio
Brett Howden

Starts Finals With Multi-Point Effort
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Memorial Tournament for Third Consecutive Year
Tomas Hertl

Scores Game-Winner in Finals Opener
Rory McIlroy

Looking for Better Performance at Muirfield Village
Drake Baldwin

Could Return During Braves Next Homestand
Garrett Crochet

Diagnosed With Low-Grade Lat Strain
Russell Henley

Coming to Ohio on the Heels of Latest Victory
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking for Better Iron Play at Memorial Tournament
Patrick Cantlay

Looks to Continue Dominance at Muirfield Village
Ludvig Aberg

a Great Fit for Muirfield Village
Isaiah Hartenstein

Hopeful to Stay with Oklahoma City
Luguentz Dort

Wants to Remain with Thunder
Mitchell Robinson

is Questionable for Game 1
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate Has Contract Guaranteed for 2026-2027 Season
Oso Ighodaro

Gets Guaranteed Contract for Next Season
NAS

Chris MacFarland Joins Predators as President and General Manager
VAN

Canucks Name Manny Malhotra as New Head Coach
Brendan Gallagher

to Leave Canadiens This Offseason
Patrik Laine

Looking Forward to Free Agency
Jeremy Lauzon

Returns to Action Tuesday
Zach Werenski

Wins 2025-26 Norris Trophy
Aaron Judge

Out on Tuesday With Rib/Shoulder Injury
Josh Hader

Set to Return from Injured List on Tuesday
CFB

SEC Coach Calls Buster Faulkner a "Home-Run Hire"
CFB

Auburn a Sleeper in the SEC Under Alex Golesh?
CFB

Noah Fifita Primed for Strong 2026 Campaign
CFB

Oregon Assistant Coach Charged with DUII, Reckless Driving
CFB

Tight End Nick Pollack Commits to Clemson
Akshay Bhatia

Needs the Driver to be True in Ohio
Aaron Rai

Primed to take on the Memorial Tournament
J.J. Spaun

Rebounded at Charles Schwab Challenge
Xander Schauffele

One to Watch This Week in Ohio
Elly De La Cruz

to Miss 2-4 Weeks of Action
Chase Burns

is Scratched Due to Illness
Deiveson Figueiredo

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Song Yadong

Gets Second-Round Submission Win
Zhang Mingyang

Suffers Back-To-Back Losses
Alonzo Menifield

Gets Back In The Win Column
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Sergei Pavlovich

Scores First-Round Knockout Win
Cameron Smotherman

Suffers Third Loss In A Row
Edwin Arroyo

Reds Promote Top Infield Prospect Edwin Arroyo, Viewed as Priority Pick Up Ahead of MLB Debut
Kai Asakura

Earns His First UFC Win
Elly De La Cruz

Placed on IL with Right Hamstring Tightness
Denny Hamlin

Earns the first Nashville Cup Series Victory of his Career on Sunday
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Nashville
Chase Briscoe

Earns First Career Podium Finish at Nashville
Ryan Blaney

Scores A Solid Top-10 Finish at Nashville
Kyle Larson

Top-10 Streak at Nashville Ends after Late Flat Tire Spin
Elly De La Cruz

Exits with Hamstring Tightness
Tyler Reddick

Is One of the Top Favorites to Win at Nashville
Kyle Larson

May Continue his Top-10 Consistency at Nashville this week
Christopher Bell

Is One of the Top Competitors for the Win at Nashville
Chase Briscoe

Is A Must Start for Nashville DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

has Plenty of Upside for Nashville DFS Lineups
William Byron

Is William Byron A Playable DFS Option for Nashville Lineups?
Carson Hocevar

Is Likely to have Another Solid Result at Nashville
NASCAR

Should Fantasy Players Roster Bubba Wallace at Nashville?
Chris Buescher

Is A Decent All-Around DFS Option for Nashville Lineups
Daniel Suarez

is Likely to Drop Positions during the Cracker Barrel 400
Garrett Crochet

Suffers Setback, Likely to Undergo MRI for Lat Tightness
Denny Hamlin

Could Denny Hamlin Dominate at Nashville?
Ryan Blaney

Is a DFS Tournament Option at Nashville
Ty Gibbs

Don't Overlook Ty Gibbs at Nashville
Joey Logano

Could Show Life at Nashville
Ross Chastain

Needs a Good Run at Nashville
Chet Holmgren

Fails to Step Up in the Season Finale
Cason Wallace

Ends Postseason with Strong Showing
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Caps MVP Season with Game 7 Exit
Stephon Castle

Continues Postseason Run with 16 Points
Julian Champagnie

Shines in Series-Clinching Win
Lane Hutson

Posts a Power-Play Assist in Game 5 Loss
Cole Caufield

Nets a Power-Play Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Seth Jarvis

Closes Out East Finals With Multi-Point Game
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF