Waiver Wire Week 12: Fantasy Projections for Top Pickups and Sleeper Targets
It's never too late in the fantasy football season to bring in some reinforcements for your roster. Whether you need an upgrade due to injury or an underperforming player, there may be somebody available on the waiver wire in your league who can help.
Through 11 weeks of the 2022 NFL campaign, the majority of the fantasy regular season is over. In most leagues, the playoffs will run from Weeks 15-17, which means there are only three weeks left for a push to the postseason.
As we head into Week 12, though, there are some players emerging as potential fantasy contributors who remain on the waiver wire in many leagues.
Here's a look at a few who could be worthy of picking up this week.
James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills
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The Bills may have used a second-round pick to get James Cook in the 2022 NFL draft, but they've been slow to work him in during his rookie season.
Through Buffalo's first nine games, the running back had more than five carries in a game only once.
However, the 23-year-old got more opportunities in the Week 11 win over the Cleveland Browns, and he delivered his best performance thus far. He had 11 carries for a season-high 86 yards. Prior to that, he hadn't recorded more than 53 rushing yards in a game.
Devin Singletary continues to be the lead RB in Buffalo's backfield, but perhaps Cook will start to contribute more down the stretch. It's possible both backs could fare well in Week 12, when the Bills will play a Thanksgiving Day road matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Detroit is allowing an NFL-high 415.9 total yards per game. It ranks 31st in run defense, giving up 153.7 rushing yards per contest. So, the Buffalo offense, which is loaded with playmakers, could quickly make it a one-sided game.
Because of that, Cook could get plenty of touches in the second half, making him a solid flex option for fantasy managers looking to take a flier on somebody this week.
Projection: 55 yards and a touchdown
Treylon Burks, WR, Tennessee Titans
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Treylon Burks got off to a solid start in his rookie season, had a few down performances and then missed some time due to a toe injury. Now, he has returned to the Titans' offense and could be on the verge of a breakout in the near future.
Last week, the 22-year-old had his best showing yet in Tennessee's road win over the Green Bay Packers. The receiver set career highs in receptions (seven) and yards (111) while helping to power the Titans to victory.
It may not be long before the Arkansas product scores his first career touchdown. It could even come this week, when Tennessee hosts the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
If the Titans are going to keep up with the Bengals, they'll need to put up a large number of points. That should work well for Burks, who is emerging as one of the top playmakers for the Tennessee offense.
Projection: 78 yards and a touchdown
Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints
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There probably aren't many fantasy managers who have had Juwan Johnson in their lineup of late. That's a mistake, because the Saints tight end has been getting in the end zone quite frequently in recent weeks, with five touchdowns over the past five games.
The 26-year-old scored his first two TDs of the season in New Orleans' Week 7 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He has now notched a touchdown catch in each of the past three weeks, finishing with between 42 and 47 yards in all of those games.
The Saints have a challenging matchup in Week 12, as they'll be on the road to face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. But there will be plenty of opportunities down the stretch for the former Penn State and Oregon player to have more strong performances.
So, even if Johnson doesn't put up huge numbers this week, he's likely to do so in later games. That's why it would be wise to pick him up now and either stash him or start him if you're lacking other solid options at tight end.
Projection: 39 yards and no touchdowns
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