Welcome, fantasy football aficionados, to the latest installment of “In the Scope.” As we continue into the latter half of the NFL season, we’re here to navigate the diverse landscape of Week 12 waiver wire options, delving beyond the mainstream to provide your fantasy team with the competitive edge it needs for success without breaking the bank.
Rostership percentages are based on ESPN Points Per Reception (PPR) redraft fantasy football leagues as of Tuesday, Nov. 21.
Check Your Waivers: Mainstream Fantasy Football Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups
Let’s begin by highlighting some mainstream Week 12 waiver wire targets. While likely added in most 12-team leagues, there’s a chance these players might still be available after waivers run or for a $0 Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB):
Quarterback
- Gardner Minshew (QB, Indianapolis Colts) | 6.7%
Running Backs
- Zach Charbonnet (RB, Seattle Seahawks) | 32.2%
- Keaton Mitchell (RB, Baltimore Ravens) | 44.7%
- Jeff Wilson Jr. (RB, Miami Dolphins) | 20.4%
- Roschon Johnson (RB, Chicago Bears) | 24.4%
Wide Receivers
- Josh Downs (WR, Indianapolis Colts) | 49.1%
- Romeo Doubs (WR, Green Bay Packers) | 39.2%
- Jayden Reed (WR, Green Bay Packers) | 18.5%
- Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, Baltimore Ravens) | 43.8%
- Tutu Atwell (WR, Los Angeles Rams) | 25.3%
- Khalil Shakir (WR, Buffalo Bills) | 4.4%
- Demario Douglas (WR, New England Patriots) | 24.8%
- Noah Brown (WR, Houston Texans) | 41.1%
Tight Ends
- Cade Otton (TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) | 26.1%
- Michael Mayer (TE, Las Vegas Raiders) | 6.5%
- Pat Freiermuth (TE, Pittsburgh Steelers) | 41.3%
- Isaiah Likely (TE, Baltimore Ravens) | 1.0% Rostered
In the Scope Targets: Top Fantasy Football Week 12 Free Agent Finds
Now, let’s shift our focus to the hidden gems that could impact your fantasy roster down the line. These under-the-radar talents are waiting to be discovered after the Week 12 waiver wire clears.
D’Ernest Johnson (RB, Jacksonville Jaguars) | 0.1% Rostered
D’Ernest Johnson showcased his versatility in Week 11 against the Titans, racking up 54 yards on just eight touches. His efficiency is impressive, finishing as the PPR RB39 and RB35 in the last two weeks on a mere 13 total touches.
The fifth-year RB played an entire series, a sign of the Jaguars’ trust in him. Notably, he’s out-snapping the perceived handcuff, Tank Bigsby. The third-round rookie, who’s struggled with penalties, drops leading to turnover and poor efficiency, hasn’t been making a strong case for more touches.
Additionally, Travis Etienne saw a season-low 13 touches in Week 10 and two consecutive weeks of a snap share under 70%. This raises questions about whether his bell-cow workload will remain unchanged moving forward. By Week 17 against the Panthers, a favorable matchup for running backs, there’s a possibility that the Jaguars could rest Etienne if they secure the division early. Johnson then becomes a valuable pickup, especially for fantasy managers rostering Etienne. Get to the party early after the Week 12 waiver wire runs or for a $0 FAAB bid.
Kenny McIntosh (RB, Seattle Seahawks) | 0.1% Rostered
Kenny McIntosh, the seventh-round rookie, is poised to make his debut on Thanksgiving against the 49ers after recovering from a knee sprain and being a healthy scratch in Weeks 10 and 11. While Pete Carroll’s statements should be taken with caution, the optimism around McIntosh’s role is encouraging:
Pete Carroll all but declares rookie RB Kenny McIntosh will make his #Seahawks and NFL regular-season debut Thursday night vs 49ers.
Seattle needs him. Kenneth Walker's oblique strain is going to take a bit to figure out, Carroll says.
McIntosh: "He's going right to the front"
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) November 20, 2023
McIntosh, last seen winning the National Championship with Georgia, didn’t have a prolific college career but demonstrated his capabilities enough to warrant a place on an NFL roster. He Accumulated 12 total touchdowns and 1,334 combined yards – the fourth-most in the SEC – above players like De’Von Achane. With 43 receptions for 505 yards in his senior year, he also showcased his prowess as a receiving back.
With uncertainty surrounding the extent of Kenneth Walker‘s oblique injury, labeled as “legit” by Carroll, McIntosh is positioned to play some type of role. If Carroll’s optimism holds true, McIntosh could either take Charbonnet’s pass-catching/change-of-pace role or step into a lead role in Walker’s absence. Fantasy managers should consider rostering him until the situation regarding Walker’s injury becomes clearer.
Thanks for reading our “In the Scope” targets to add following the Week 12 waiver wire run. Check out more of our fantasy football and other written content here at In-Between Media, or head over to our YouTube channel to get your fix via video.
*Photo Credit: Lon Horwedel – USA TODAY Sports*