With the fantasy football playoffs on the horizon, it’s time to optimize your roster for now and the rest of the season! Whether you’re shoring up a questionable position or planning for favorable matchups ahead, these under-the-radar options are worth considering.
This week’s “In the Scope” features high-upside players and a defense that can be added after the Week 12 waiver wire run to make a big difference down the stretch.
Rostership percentages courtesy of ESPN Points Per Reception (PPR) redraft fantasy football leagues as of Tuesday, Nov. 19.
- Xavier Legette (WR, Carolina Panthers) | 40.3%
- Ricky Pearsall (WR, San Francisco 49ers) 38.1%
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR, New Orleans Saints) | 14.0%
- Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (WR, Tennessee Titans) | 1.6%
- Demario Douglas (WR, New England Patriots) | 26.2%
New York Giants D/ST | 7.1% Rostered
Streaming defenses can be a crucial part of fantasy success late in the season, and the New York Giants are emerging as a valuable option. Despite their struggles earlier this year, the Giants rank first in the NFL in sacks per game with 3.6, providing a consistent floor for fantasy production. With edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux expected to return soon, their pass rush could become even more dominant.
The schedule down the stretch is promising. Week 12 brings the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield, a quarterback known for taking sacks and occasionally forcing ill-advised throws. Week 13 will be against the Dallas Cowboys, and backup quarterback Cooper Rush is another exploitable matchup. The Saints in Week 14 feature the inconsistent Derek Carr. The Week 15 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens will be their toughest test, but it’s then followed by Atlanta in Week 16, and the Giants’ defense could be able to exploit their inconsistencies. Week 17 wraps up with a favorable matchup against Indianapolis, where rookie Anthony Richardson has been prone to mistakes and sacks.
If you’re already streaming defenses or looking ahead for playoff matchups, the New York Giants D/ST is worth an early stash after the Week 12 waiver wire runs. The combination of sack potential and a juicy schedule makes them an excellent option to bolster your lineup when it matters most.
Devaughn Vele (WR, Denver Broncos) | 0.6% Rostered
The Denver Broncos’ offense has been searching for reliable weapons beyond their top playmakers, and Devaughn Vele may be stepping up. With Sean Payton’s trust growing and quarterback Bo Nix settling into the system, Vele has been quietly emerging. While his stats haven’t jumped off the page, his opportunity has increased throughout the season, and he’s shown the potential to be a solid complementary piece in the passing game.
Denver’s receiving corps lacks a clear No. 2 option, which opens the door for the former Utah Ute to carve out a consistent role. Payton’s offense thrives when multiple players contribute, and Vele’s growth in recent weeks indicates he could be the next man up. If you’re in a deeper league or searching for an upside play, taking a shot on Vele now could pay dividends as the Broncos’ offense continues to evolve. It’s a speculative add, but Denver will likely keep looking to see what they have in their younger players down the stretch. Vele fits the profile for a late-season breakout whose available on almost every league’s free agency following the Week 12 waiver wire claims.
Dylan Laube (RB, Las Vegas Raiders) | 0.1% Rostered
If you’re searching for a true dart throw with upside, Dylan Laube of the Las Vegas Raiders is worth consideration. He’s a rookie out of New Hampshire who hasn’t had much of an opportunity to showcase his skills this season, but circumstances could change quickly. With Zamir White nursing a quad injury and Alexander Mattison leaving last week’s game with an ankle issue, the Raiders may have no choice but to give the sixth-round pick a shot.
Laube is a small-school standout who impressed during the pre-draft process, earning him a spot on the Raiders’ roster. While he’s yet to see significant playing time, the team is in evaluation mode as they plan for the future. Given Laube’s potential as a dual-threat back, he could easily become a surprise contributor, especially with more opportunities as his teammates deal with injuries.
At just 0.1% rostered, Laube is a near-free acquisition ahead of Week 12 with upside for those in deeper leagues. He’s a classic waiver wire stash candidate who might not deliver immediately but could emerge as a sneaky play if the Raiders shift their focus to development in the coming weeks.
Check out all of our Week 12 fantasy football content: