Emanuel Wilson, RB (GB)
Rostered: 7%
Emanuel Wilson is shaping up to be one of the top waiver wire targets in fantasy football after stepping in for an injured Josh Jacobs in Week 11. With Jacobs leaving early due to a knee injury, Wilson dominated the backfield, logging 70.9% of snaps and turning 11 carries into 40 yards and a touchdown while adding a nine-yard reception. His performance wasn’t a fluke. Wilson has flashed explosive ability in past preseason and relief appearances, and the coaching staff has consistently trusted him over Chris Brooks. With early reports indicating Jacobs could miss time, Wilson projects as Green Bay’s lead back heading into Week 12. Given that Packers running backs have scored in all but one game this season, Wilson carries both volume and touchdown upside for fantasy managers.
Wilson’s role becomes even more appealing when factoring in how the Packers have historically leaned on one primary back when injuries strike. If Jacobs’ injury lingers, Wilson could provide RB2/Flex production every week, making him a priority fantasy football waiver wire add, especially for managers chasing the playoffs. His upcoming schedule is manageable, and even matchups like Baltimore during fantasy championship week aren’t intimidating, given the Ravens have allowed top-six production to running backs. Whether you need depth, an injury replacement, or a potential playoff starter, Wilson is worth an aggressive bid. In a thin running back landscape, he stands out as a must-add this week.
Michael Wilson, WR (ARI)
Rostered: 47%
Michael Wilson exploded in Week 11 with the best performance of his young career, posting an incredible 15 catches for 185 yards while commanding a massive 31.5% target share. With Marvin Harrison Jr. sidelined following an appendectomy and several other Cardinals receivers on injured reserve, Wilson stepped into a featured role and operated as the team’s primary X receiver. While his weekly ceiling won’t always reach these heights, the combination of volume, opportunity, and upcoming favorable matchups puts him firmly on the waiver wire radar. Jacksonville and Tampa Bay are both struggling to stop perimeter wide receivers, and Wilson should continue to act as a high-usage safety valve for the Cardinals’ passing attack.
Even once Harrison eventually returns, Wilson could maintain fantasy relevance if his confidence and rapport with Jacoby Brissett continue growing. His route participation and snap share reached elite territory in Week 11, and Arizona’s injury-depleted receiving corps ensures he won’t be phased out any time soon. For fantasy football managers in need of WR help, Wilson offers short-term WR2 upside and long-term Flex appeal until the depth chart stabilizes. He’s one of the more exciting wide receiver pickups on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB (PIT)
Rostered: 32%
Kenneth Gainwell has now put together back-to-back strong fantasy performances, proving he can be the Steelers’ lead back when Jaylen Warren misses time. After Warren exited Week 11 with an ankle injury, Gainwell delivered an RB1-level outing with nine carries for 24 yards and an impressive seven catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns. Pittsburgh leaned on him heavily in passing situations, and he dominated high-value snaps in the two-minute drill. The Steelers’ evolving backfield usage suggests that if Warren is out even briefly, Gainwell will be locked into a high-volume role. With favorable upcoming games against the Bears and Bills, he makes for a top waiver wire add.
Even if Warren’s injury turns out to be minor, Gainwell’s involvement on third downs and late-game scenarios keeps him fantasy-relevant. Pittsburgh’s likely negative or neutral game scripts over the next month align perfectly with Gainwell’s strengths as a pass-catching back. In deeper leagues, he carries Flex value regardless of Warren’s status and becomes an instant starter if Warren sits. For fantasy football managers looking for running back help, Gainwell is one of the safest pickups on the fantasy football waiver wire, offering both immediate utility and upside depending on Warren’s recovery timeline.
Chris Rodriguez Jr, RB (WAS)
Rostered: 12%
Chris Rodriguez Jr. has quietly taken control of the Commanders’ backfield, earning the starting role in consecutive weeks and outperforming Jacory Croskey-Merritt in efficiency and consistency. Over his last three appearances, Rodriguez has recorded either a touchdown or double-digit carries, including a strong Week 11 performance before exiting with a minor shoulder issue. Washington leaned on him early and often, giving him the first two drives and showcasing his reliability on the ground. Although the Commanders enter a Week 12 bye, Rodriguez has a highly favorable schedule during the fantasy playoffs. With matchups against the Giants, Cowboys, and Eagles, all bottom-tier defenses against running backs, he becomes a priority waiver wire add.
Rodriguez is trending upward at the perfect time for fantasy football managers preparing for playoff runs. His role appears secure, as Croskey-Merritt has struggled recently, and Jeremy McNichols plays only in limited passing situations. Rodriguez’s physical running style and early-down dominance make him a strong bet for 12–16 touches per game moving forward. Even with a bye in Week 12, he’s worth stashing as a potential RB3/Flex starter in Weeks 13–17. If you’re shopping the fantasy football waiver wire for high-upside late-season running backs, Rodriguez belongs at the top of your list.
Darnell Mooney, WR (ATL)
Rostered: 31%
With Drake London already ruled out for Week 12 due to a PCL sprain, Darnell Mooney becomes a must-target wide receiver on the waiver wire. Mooney’s usage has quietly ticked up in recent weeks, seeing 7.5 targets per game over his last two outings despite modest yardage. Now he’s set to operate as the Falcons’ WR1 with Kirk Cousins taking over at quarterback for the injured Michael Penix Jr. This pairing produced WR16 numbers for Mooney last season and on 106 targets. Atlanta faces two beatable secondaries next in the Saints and Jets, giving Mooney a strong chance to produce WR3/Flex numbers immediately. This is a rare opportunity where injuries and quarterback changes align to boost a player’s fantasy football value right away.
Mooney’s efficiency metrics suggest he’s overdue for positive regression, and increased volume could help unlock deeper production. His route participation and snap share already place him among the Falcons’ top receiving options, and London’s absence ensures he’ll soak up additional first-read targets. Even if London’s timeline becomes clearer later in the week, Mooney is worth adding now before his value spikes. For any fantasy football manager who needs wide receiver depth, Mooney is one of the most compelling pickups on this week’s fantasy football waiver wire.
Christian Watson, WR (GB)
Rostered: 34%
Christian Watson finally delivered the breakout performance fantasy managers have been waiting for, posting 46 yards and two touchdowns on a 20.8% target share in Week 11. Over the last month, he has been heavily utilized as Green Bay’s primary deep threat, with a massive 25.8-yard average depth of target between Weeks 8–10. With the Packers’ wide receiver room still dealing with injuries, Watson has maintained a secure role in two- and three-receiver sets, consistently playing over 70% of snaps. His upcoming schedule is extremely favorable, with matchups against the Bears, Vikings, and Ravens, all defenses that rank inside the top seven in deep-ball completion rate allowed. Watson’s combination of big-play potential and increasing stability makes him a strong waiver wire pickup.
Even once Jayden Reed eventually returns, Watson’s field-stretching role appears safe, with Reed likely to play more in the slot once he returns and the production Watson has had since returning. The fact that he isn’t losing snaps to Dontayvion Wicks or Matthew Golden is a major green flag for his fantasy football future. Watson has great upside if he can stack multiple big weeks together during the fantasy playoffs. For managers seeking high-ceiling wide receivers, Watson is one of the best bets available on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.
Sean Tucker, RB (TB)
Rostered: 26%
Sean Tucker erupted in Week 11 with a stunning 140 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns, instantly putting himself back on the fantasy football map. With Bucky Irving sidelined and the Buccaneers looking for stability in the run game, Tucker handled 19 carries and dominated early-down work while Rachaad White remained the passing-down back. Tucker’s explosive running and goal-line usage give him real touchdown potential if Irving continues to miss time. Even with a tough Week 12 matchup against the Rams, Tucker remains a strong waiver wire add due to his role and the likelihood that Tampa Bay continues feeding the hot hand. His performance mirrors the breakout he had during the middle of last season, making this more than a one-week anomaly.
Tucker’s long-term outlook depends on Irving’s health, but there is a realistic scenario where Tucker maintains meaningful touches even when the backfield is fully healthy. The Buccaneers have one of the best running back schedules during the fantasy playoffs, including multiple matchups against bottom-half run defenses. Tucker’s early-down role and red-zone involvement create a path to Flex-level production down the stretch. Whether you need RB depth or a potential late-season breakout, Tucker is a smart addition from the fantasy football waiver wire in Week 12.
Alec Pierce, WR (IND)
Rostered: 48%
Alec Pierce has been heating up for fantasy football managers, making him one of the most intriguing wide receivers on this week’s waiver wire. The Colts’ X receiver has averaged 12.6 PPR points per game in his past seven outings, with three performances of 80+ receiving yards. Pierce has developed into Daniel Jones’ go-to target on vertical routes, ranking top-five in air yards share and averaging an impressive 128 air yards per game. His recent spike in target share and adding his 1st touchdown of the season have significantly increased his value over the past few weeks.
Although the Colts were on bye in Week 11, Pierce’s fantasy playoff schedule is appealing, with multiple matchups against defenses that struggle to contain perimeter receivers. His dominance against single-high coverage gives him weekly big-play potential and makes him a valuable stash for fantasy managers looking ahead. Pierce’s consistent usage and expanding chemistry with Jones make him a priority waiver wire pickup and a potential WR3 during the playoff push.
Luther Burden, WR (CHI)
Rostered: 8%
Luther Burden is shaping up to be one of the most important waiver wire additions in fantasy football after finally jumping Olamide Zaccheaus on the Bears’ depth chart in Week 11. Chicago shifted its personnel usage, and even though the team ran a season-high number of plays out of two-receiver sets, Burden still managed to log a 61.1% route share and a strong 17.8% target share. His efficiency has always been the best in the wide receiver room, posting 2.74 yards per route run, far better than any Bears wideout not named Rome Odunze. Burden also produced his third game of 50+ receiving yards despite rarely exceeding 20 snaps before Week 11, proving he doesn’t need elite volume to contribute. If the Bears return to normal three-receiver usage next week, Burden’s snap share and target opportunities are poised to rise even further.
Burden should be treated as a priority waiver wire add, thanks to his surge in playing time and opportunity. Chicago’s offense has been searching for a stable No. 2 option behind Odunze, and Burden has shown more explosiveness and efficiency than DJ Moore or Zaccheaus. Even if the Bears remain heavy in 12 and 21 personnel, Burden’s 60–65% projected route share is more than enough for him to deliver weekly Flex-level production. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been frustratingly slow to unleash the rookie, but Week 11 was the clearest sign yet that Burden is finally emerging. Managers in competitive leagues should stash him immediately before he becomes a must-start option. Burden has elite upside if his target share keeps trending upward
Juwan Johnson, TE (NO)
Rostered: 45%
Juwan Johnson has quietly had a resurgence, thanks largely to his strong connection with quarterback Tyler Shough. In Shough’s two starts, Johnson has commanded a 15.1% target share, 61.5 receiving yards per game, and an impressive 3.00 yards per route run. During that span, he finished as the TE9 and TE3 while seeing valuable red-zone and deep targets, the exact usage fantasy managers want from a tight end streamer. Even though his snap share dipped in Week 10 due to increased usage of Foster Moreau in early-down sets, Johnson still ran a route on 71% of New Orleans’ pass plays. He turned that opportunity into a dominant 4/92/1 line, reminding managers of his fantasy ceiling. With Rashid Shaheed traded to Seattle, Johnson now stands firmly as the Saints’ No. 2 target behind Chris Olave.
Fantasy managers looking for tight end help should check their waiver wire immediately, as Johnson was dropped in many leagues due to the Saints’ Week 11 bye. His upcoming matchup against Atlanta is tough, but he follows that with two extremely favorable spots against the Dolphins and Panthers, matchups that historically give up major production to tight ends. Johnson’s role in the passing game is secure, and Shough has shown clear trust in him on important downs and scoring opportunities. In an unpredictable fantasy football tight end landscape, Johnson offers rare stability and weekly upside.
Cleveland Browns, DEF
Rostered: 47%
Myles Garrett remains the most dominant defensive player in football with a league-leading 15 sacks and 22 tackles for loss, anchoring a unit that ranks first against the pass and second overall in yards allowed. In Week 11, the Browns sacked Lamar Jackson five times and intercepted him twice, showcasing their ability to produce fantasy points even in difficult matchups. They now sit as the DST6 on the season despite playing in several unfavorable game scripts. Even with one of the NFL’s worst offenses, the Browns’ defense continues to keep games competitive while delivering strong fantasy totals.
For fantasy football managers streaming defenses, Cleveland should be added wherever available on the waiver wire. The Raiders have allowed heavy pressure all season, surrendering 27 sacks and ranking near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency. Geno Smith is struggling with turnovers, and the entire offense relies too heavily on Brock Bowers, making the Raiders one-dimensional and vulnerable. Cleveland’s defensive metrics make them nearly matchup-proof, and they’ve posted 27 fantasy points over their last three games. Even if the Browns’ offense continues to rotate quarterbacks, their defense is strong enough to deliver top-10 production weekly. Managers should start them confidently this week in a favorable matchup.
Honorable Waiver Wire Mentions
- Jacoby Brissett QB (ARI) – 33% rostered
- Bryce Young QB (CAR) – 45% rostered
- Bhayshul Tuten RB (JAC) – 30% rostered
- Tyjae Spears RB (TEN) – 37% rostered
- Devin Singletary RB (NYG) – 20% rostered
- Bam Knight RB (ARI) – 17% rostered
- Mack Hollins WR (NE) – 5% rostered
- Jayden Higgins WR (HOU) – 16% rostered
- Parker Washington WR (JAC) – 47% rostered
- Dalton Schultz TE (HOU) – 49% rostered
- Colston Loveland TE (CHI) – 48% rostered
- Noah Fant TE (CIN) – 3% rostered
- Las Vegas Raiders DEF – 4% rostered
- Jacksonville Jaguars DEF – 20% rostered
- Evan McPherson K (CIN) – 38% rostered
- Cairo Santos K (CHI) – 21% rostered
Droppable Players
- Justin Fields QB (NYJ)
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt RB (WAS)
- JK Dobbins RB (DEN)
- Tony Pollard RB (TEN)
- DJ Moore WR (CHI)
- David Njoku TE (CLE)
Don’t Drop these Guys Just Yet
- Sam Darnold QB (SEA)
- David Montgomery RB (DET)
- Quentin Johnston WR (LAC)
- Ricky Pearsall WR (SF)
- Rashid Shaheed WR (SEA)
- Kyle Pitts TE (ATL)
