Waiver Wire Week 12 – Fantasy Football 2024

The NFL schedule makers decided to play tricks on fantasy gamers this year, giving us six teams on bye in Week 12, none in Week 13, and six more byes in Week 14 — which is the fantasy playoffs for some.

As we head into this crucial stretch run, it’s important to take stock of your players’ availability in the coming weeks and plan accordingly if those late byes pose a threat to your playoff hopes. As always, I’ll be here every Tuesday with my top waiver targets of the week. Percentages are based on ESPN’s rostered player data.

Quarterbacks

Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints (15.3%)

In a day where pesky Taysom Hill scored three touchdowns on the ground, Carr still put up a quality day in fantasy, throwing for 248 yards and two touchdowns against the Browns. While Carr and the Saints have their bye in Week 12, he could be a serviceable fill-in in Week 14 when six teams (Ravens, Broncos, Texans, Colts, Patriots, Commanders) have bye weeks.

Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts (43.6%)

If you’re looking for a quarterback who will actually play in Week 12, Richardson is your best bet if he’s still available. After his brief stint on the bench, the Colts finally decided to lean into his strengths (what a concept) against the Jets, using Richardson’s legs to power the offense, especially in the red zone. While the Colts will face a tougher opponent in the Lions in Week 12, Richardson’s dual-threat ability offers a high ceiling every Sunday.

Running Backs

Cam Akers, Minnesota Vikings (16.5%)

Akers has seen double-digit carries in the past two contests, and he found the end zone on a short pass last week against the Titans. He holds some contingent upside as well, as he’d serve as the lead back on a good Vikings offense if Aaron Jones misses time.

Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals (17.3%)

Benson remains one of the best handcuffs in fantasy due to the Cardinals’ ascending offense and the potential workload Benson would see if James Conner missed time. Conner has never played an entire season, so an injury in the coming weeks would not come as a surprise.

Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears (14.2%)

Johnson matched his season high in carries Sunday against the Packers with 10, and he scored a short touchdown as well. If Johnson is going to see a reasonable amount of carries while serving as the short-yardage back, he could be usable in the flex, especially during these bye-heavy weeks upcoming.

Wide Receivers

Elijah Moore, Cleveland Browns (9.4%)

Moore has continued to see a nice target share since Amari Cooper left. He earned eight targets Sunday and turned them into six catches for 66 yards and a score. The Browns’ upcoming schedule is daunting, however, as they’ll face the Steelers twice along with the Broncos and Chiefs across the next four weeks. Due to the dearth of quality options at receiver, beggars can’t be choosers, and Moore might be the best you can find right now.

DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots (26.2%)

Even though Kendrick Bourne was the only receiver to catch a touchdown against the Rams on Sunday, Douglas was second on the team in targets with seven behind Hunter Henry‘s nine. The Patriots continue to lean into their youth movement, and Douglas has been the more consistent receiver to date. The New England offense will be a volatile one to end the year as Drake Maye adjusts to the NFL, and Douglas could benefit from a few of Maye’s good days.

Tight Ends

Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints (46.2%)

The fantasy cheat code did it again last week, scoring three touchdowns in what likely turned into a week-winning performance for those who started him. Hill will have explosive games like these and then go quiet the next week, but the upside he brings due to his versatility makes him a must-add if he’s available.

Will Dissly, Los Angeles Chargers (13.9%)

Dissly has taken over as the clear No. 1 tight end in Los Angeles, and he’s begun to see more healthy target numbers as the Chargers have begun to air it out more. The Chargers’ upcoming schedule will do him another favor as well, with pass-funnel teams on tap.