Week 12 Waiver Wire: Breakout Fantasy Football Pickups from Sunday's Box Scores

Anthony Richardson's return to the Indianapolis Colts offense sparked the team to a victory over the New York Jets.

Richardson could also provide a spark for fantasy football teams in need of quarterback help in the coming weeks.

The second-year signal-caller ran in two touchdowns and looked far better in the passing game than he did in the games prior to his benching.

Richardson will be one of the must-have pickups on the waiver wire as bye weeks continue to roll on.

If you don't need a quarterback, there are plenty of options at other positions who could be difference-makers as the fantasy regular season reaches its conclusion.

Anthony Richardson

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 17: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up prior to a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 17, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Anthony Richardson produced season highs in completions and passing yards in Sunday's win over the Jets.

Richardson had 272 passing yards and was responsible for three touchdowns, two of which were on the ground.

The Colts quarterback displayed all-around improvement in Sunday's victory. That should give fantasy football players plenty of hope that he can be a solid fill-in for quarterbacks in coming weeks.

Josh Allen, Kirk Cousins, Derek Carr and Aaron Rodgers are all off in Week 12, so there will be vacancies across multiple fantasy teams that Richardson will fill.

The Week 12 matchup with the Detroit Lions is not ideal, but the Colts should play from a trailing position, which at least aids itself for a decent chunk of fantasy points.

Jerry Jeudy

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 17: Jerry Jeudy #3 of the Cleveland Browns runs after a catch for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of a game at the Caesars Superdome on November 17, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images)

Jerry Jeudy exploded for 142 receiving yards and a touchdown on Sunday.

The Cleveland Browns wide receiver may not have been on some fantasy radars going into Week 11, but a big game was coming.

Jeudy eclipsed the 70-yard mark in his previous two appearances. He had 12 receptions on 19 targets in those contests.

Jeudy hauled in six catches on 11 targets and averaged 23.7 yards per reception, all statistics that will pop out to fantasy players.

With Davante Adams, Garrett Wilson, Drake London, Ja'Marr Chase and others on bye in Week 12, Jeudy should be one of the most popular pickups.

Jonnu Smith

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 17: Jonnu Smith #9 of the Miami Dolphins scores a receiving touchdown in the fourth quarter of a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Jonnu Smith will not be on the waiver wire in many fantasy leagues.

The Miami Dolphins tight end had a 101-yard, two-touchdown day against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Smith had at least 40 receiving yards in four of his five games prior to Week 11, but nothing like his Sunday performance.

With Tyreek Hill banged up and Miami in need of a third option for Tua Tagovailoa in the passing game, Smith should receive plenty of opportunities moving forward to make a similar impact in Week 12 and beyond.