Bye weeks are finally over, but the waiver wire can still play a pivotal role. Between some of the best early season offenses (Dallas, Kansas City and Green Bay) now struggling and injuries knocking out some great players, the waiver wire is as important in NFL fantasy as always.
Between veterans moving into starting roles to rookies coming off breakout performances, this week’s edition of the waiver wire is indeed eclectic. However, many of these players offer value beyond Week 12 and for those getting ready for the postseason, getting a few players in advance is not a bad strategy. Here are the best pickups going into Week 12 of the NFL season.
Top Quarterback
Ryan Fitzpatrick – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers deal with Jameis Winston’s injury and allegations of sexual harassment, they will likely use Ryan Fitzpatrick for the next one to two games, or maybe even for the remainder of the season depending on how things shake out. Fitzpatrick is coming off an efficient game, finishing with just a tick under 20 points. More importantly, Fitzpatrick did not throw an interception in Week 11 and looked to have good chemistry with Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson. Anyone who watched football over the last decade knows what Fitzpatrick can or cannot do, but in the right situation with little on the line for Tampa, Fitzpatrick could have some good games to close out the season.
Top Running Back
Corey Clement – Philadelphia Eagles
With touchdowns in consecutive weeks and a great schedule for the fantasy playoffs, Corey Clement could be that wildcard back that carries a team to a championship. The Eagles have a three-headed monster in the backfield with Clement, Jay Ajayi and LeGarrette Blount, with each seeing enough touches to have relevance in fantasy. Clement real value comes between Week 14 and 16 when the Eagles face three of worst defenses at stopping running backs. If you can hold out on running back for a few weeks and need someone for the playoffs, Clement could fit well at the flex spot.
Top Wide Receiver
Corey Coleman – Cleveland Browns
After spending the last eight weeks on the IR, Corey Coleman came back in a big way against the Jaguars. Coleman finished Week 11 with 80 receiving yards, the second most the Jaguars have allowed to a wide receiver this season (behind only Antonio Brown’s 157 in Week 3). Coleman had 53 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers in Week 1. The Jaguars and Steelers rank in the top-5 for fewest fantasy points allowed the wide receivers. Look for Corey Coleman to become the top wide receiver in Cleveland, with good potential to put up big fantasy points in garbage time against weaker secondaries.
Top Tight End
Ricky Seals-Jones – Arizona Cardinals
If you need a tight end going forward, taking a flyer on Ricky Seals-Jones could be the best route. Jones had his first career receptions and touchdowns in Week 11 and led all tight ends in standard scoring with 17.4 points. The Cardinals have been devoid of consistency at tight end in the Bruce Arians’ era, meaning Arians could opt to play and develop Jones for the remainder of the season, in hopes of turning him into a franchise player.
Top Defense
Los Angeles Chargers
With arguably the best passing rush tandem in the NFL, with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, the Chargers defense is quite capable of putting up big fantasy numbers on a consistent basis. The unit has topped 20 fantasy points in two of their last four games and could have topped 30 in Week 11, had the Bills not scored a few garbage time touchdowns. With the Dallas Cowboys struggling in life without Zeke, the Chargers are a great start in Week 12
Top Kicker
Nick Novak – Los Angeles Chargers
As the Chargers re-enter the playoff race, the team will rely on the veteran kicker, Nick Novak, to help the team return to the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Novak played for the Chargers for four seasons, twice finishing with a 90.0% field goal percentage or better. Novak is 8 for 11 this season and 17 for 17 on extra points. Novak will play his next three games in warm conditions, which is never a bad thing for a kicker.
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