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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

Kevin Huerter

Active on Sunday Night
Caris LeVert

Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert Available Sunday
Dean Wade

Max Strus Replaces Dean Wade in Starting Lineup Sunday
Luke Kornet

Iffy for Monday
Larry Nance Jr.

Won't Play Sunday
De'Aaron Fox

Listed as Questionable for Monday's Action
Jalen Williams

Officially Available for Game 1 Against Spurs
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Named MVP for Second Straight Year
Jonah Coleman

is an Intriguing Power Back to Target in Dynasty Leagues
Colt Emerson

Mariners Promoting Top Prospect Colt Emerson to Major Leagues
Darius Slayton

Lacking Long-Term Upside for Dynasty Managers
Keaton Mitchell

a Prime Dynasty Handcuff Option Entering First Season in L.A.
Jadarian Price

Looks Like the Running Back of the Future in Seattle
Isaiah Bond

Dynasty Outlook Clouded by Uncertain Role in Cleveland
James Cook III

Remains a High-End Dynasty RB1 Entering 2026
Lamar Jackson

Poised for Bounce Back Season in 2026
Bucky Irving

Expected to Be Ready for Training Camp
Kyle Williams

Deep Threat Kyle Williams Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time
Michael Pittman Jr.

Could Receive Short-Term Value Uptick in PPR Leagues
Stefon Diggs

Chiefs, Commanders Could Make Sense for Stefon Diggs
Will Howard

Dynasty Value Dealt a Blow
Jaylen Warren

Should Benefit From Veteran QB's Return to Pittsburgh
Drew Allar

Could Continue to Hold Dynasty Value
Pat Freiermuth

Could See a Small Dynasty Bump With Veteran QB Returning
DK Metcalf

A Dynasty Sell Candidate With Veteran QB Returning?
Bones Hyland

Wants to Stay in Minnesota
Mike Conley

Hints He Will Continue Playing Next Season
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Sunday Night
Caris LeVert

Questionable for Game 7
Duncan Robinson

Back on Injury Report Ahead of Game 7
Larry Nance Jr.

Likely Out Sunday Due to Illness
Munetaka Murakami

Fantastic First Season Continues With Two More Homers
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Dazzles With 13-Strikeout Complete Game on Saturday
Aaron Rodgers

Signs One-Year Deal With Steelers
Blake Snell

to Undergo Elbow Surgery on Tuesday
Clay Holmes

Could Miss Around Three Months
Jose Altuve

Exits After Swing
Corey Seager

Absent With Back Spasms on Saturday
Jeremy Lauzon

Misses Saturday's Practice
Mark Stone

Doesn't Practice Saturday
Josh Manson

Misses Practice, Considered Day-to-Day
Brent Burns

Day-to-Day Ahead of Conference Finals
Cale Makar

Considered Day-to-Day
Alex Lyon

Likely to Start Game 6 Against Canadiens
Owen Power

Available Saturday
Isaac TeSlaa

Can Isaac TeSlaa Carve Out a Larger Role in Detroit Going Forward?
Troy Franklin

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Denver
Trevor Lawrence

Should Trevor Lawrence Be Valued as a Dynasty QB1?
Courtland Sutton

in Line for Reduced Role in Denver?
Trevor Story

Hits the Injured List With Groin Injury
Blake Snell

Likely to Need Elbow Surgery
Duncan Robinson

Nets 14 Points With Four Triples
Cade Cunningham

Contributes 21 Points in Game 6 Win
Jalen Duren

Bounces Back With Double-Double
Anthony Edwards

Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 24 Points
Victor Wembanyama

Tallies 19 Points in Friday's Win
De'Aaron Fox

Highly Effective in Blowout Win
Stephon Castle

Shines in Series-Clincher
Kyle Schwarber

on a Heater, Hits Two More Homers to Take Major-League Lead
Clay Holmes

Suffers Fractured Fibula on Friday Night
Blake Snell

Heads to 15-Day Injured List
Blake Snell

Scratched From Start on Friday for Undisclosed Reasons
Max Fried

Heading to Injured List With Elbow Bone Bruise
CFB

Julian Sayin Looking To Build Off Of Strong Debut Season
CFB

College GameDay Set for First Three Weeks
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Aiming For Ohio State Receiving Records
CFB

Keshaun Singleton Projects as Auburn's WR1
CFB

Jeremiah Cobb Impresses New Auburn Staff
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Very Likely to Start for Georgia Tech
CFB

Charles Woodson Jr. Commits to Michigan
Jordan Westburg

to Have Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Melquizael Costa

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Main Event
Arnold Allen

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 117
Daniel Santos

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Co-Main Event
MMA

Dohoo Choi Returns At UFC Vegas 117
Juan Diaz

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Malcolm Wellmaker

Looks To Bounce Back
Christian Edwards

Set For His UFC Debut
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Tarik Skubal

Resumes Playing Catch, Ahead of Schedule?
Lane Hutson

Contributes Two Assists in Game 5 Victory
Nick Suzuki

Amasses Three Points in Crucial Victory Thursday
Juraj Slafkovsky

Dishes Out Three Assists in Game 5 Win
Carter Hart

Stops 31 Pucks in Series-Clinching Win
Pavel Dorofeyev

Enjoys Second Consecutive Multi-Goal Game
Shea Theodore

Records Two Points in Game 6 Win
Mitchell Marner

Scores Special Goal in Series-Clincher
Ryan Johnson

Takes Over as Canucks GM, Sedins Promoted to Co-Presidents
Drew Helleson

Won't Play Thursday
Radko Gudas

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Jeremy Lauzon

Remains Out Thursday
Mark Stone

Misses Third Consecutive Game
EDM

Kris Knoblauch Fired as Oilers Head Coach
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
Byron Buxton

Scratched on Thursday With Hip Soreness
Cal Raleigh

Heading to Injured List With Oblique Strain
Francisco Alvarez

has Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss Eight Weeks
Quinn Hughes

Finishes Postseason With 15 Points
Cal Raleigh

Exits With Apparent Side Injury on Wednesday Night
Juan Soto

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

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
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
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
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
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
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
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