Who Should I Pickup for Fantasy Football Week 12? Jaleel McLaughlin, Josh Downs, Blake Corum, Theo Johnson, Sterling Shepard, Ollie Gordon II, Juwan Johnson, AJ Barner, Jalen Coker, Mack Hollins

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin should be in a key timeshare for the surging Broncos for the next several weeks after the significant injury to J.K. Dobbins (foot). McLaughlin had only been active for one game and had just one carry all season until last week against the Chiefs, when he took six carries for 19 yards and scored a touchdown while also catching the one pass thrown his direction.

McLaughlin played just eight snaps (13%) while rookie RJ Harvey played 38 snaps (61%), but McLaughlin had almost as many carries, a better average, and the only rushing score of the game for Denver. The Broncos are on a bye this week, but when they return, McLaughlin and Harvey will have a favorable Week 13 matchup against the Commanders.

He should remain in enough of a role to be worth owning in standard-sized leagues, and he also has more upside if he claims more of the available work after the bye.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs saw a massive reduction in snaps and targets during his last game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10. In Berlin, Downs played a mere 43 percent of the Colts' offensive snaps, converting two targets into one catch for three yards.

The 24-year-old impressed as the WR35 in PPR leagues last season, but he has taken a step backward this year. He ranks outside the top 40 receivers and can no longer be trusted on a week-to-week basis. One reason for Downs' struggles is the increased competition around him. Indy is leaning on the run more than usual given Jonathan Taylor's success, and they've also gotten exceptional contributions from Tyler Warren, Michael Pittman Jr., and Alec Pierce.

This has left Downs as somewhat of the odd man out. We do expect him to command more than two targets per game going forward, but he's not startable for the time being. Managers should leave Downs on the bench when the Colts return from their bye in Week 12.

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum continues to get significant opportunities in the team's rushing game, and he can be a deep-league addition if you're looking for running back options on the waiver wire. Corum only had 10 rushing yards in Week 11 against the Seahawks, but he still did get eight carries while playing 16 snaps (31% of the offensive total).

He's still working behind Kyren Williams, but he has averaged 11.5 carries per game over his last four contests, and he continues to play about one-third of the Rams' snaps.

Blake Corum and the Rams have a favorable schedule the rest of the season, with the Buccaneers this Sunday night and then matchups against the Panthers and Cardinals, who have been good running back matchups this season.

Miami Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II had one of the better games of his young career in Week 11, recording nine carries for 45 yards and a touchdown against the Washington Commanders. Across 11 games played, Gordon II has now logged 194 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 56 touches.

While De'Von Achane is still the star of the Dolphins' backfield, Gordon II has proven he can be productive in a complementary role when Miami is in a favorable game script. The Dolphins enter their Week 12 bye having won three out of their last four games and have a winnable matchup on paper in Week 13 against the New Orleans Saints.

Gordon II's primary fantasy value remains as a handcuff to Achane, but he could be a deep-league flex option in Week 13 against New Orleans. In fantasy leagues with 14 or more teams where he remains available, Gordon II could be worth targeting on the waiver wire.

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson scored in back-to-back games before the team's Week 11 bye, establishing a good connection with former college teammate Tyler Shough. It's been a strong four-game stretch for the 29-year-old, totaling 17 receptions for 255 yards and two touchdowns on 23 targets.

With Rashid Shaheed dealt to the Seattle Seahawks at the trade deadline, Johnson has the opportunity to establish himself as the No. 2 target earner behind top wideout Chris Olave. Johnson was the TE2 in PPR points per game (14.2) in the first three weeks of the season before cooling off in the following three contests.

However, the Saints' offense is trending up with Shough playing decently well, and Johnson is back on the map as a potential low-end TE1 moving forward. Owned in 35% of ESPN leagues, he is worth adding in 12-team leagues if he is still available.

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2025 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players - Jaleel McLaughlin, Josh Downs, Blake Corum, Theo Johnson, Sterling Shepard, Ollie Gordon II, Juwan Johnson, AJ Barner, Jalen Coker, Mack Hollins. These are some common searches for 2025 fantasy football waiver wire pickups.

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