Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups: Available Sleepers in Most Yahoo Leagues

The fantasy football landscape looks a lot different in Week 12 than it did before the start of the NFL season. Optimism reigned back in August, and many managers felt like they had drafted a lineup capable of vanquishing all.

However, injuries, unexpected roles and surprising regressions have shaken the confidence of many a manager in the months since. Many will need to rely on bench players or waiver-wire additions for the final playoff push, especially with six teams on bye this week.

The Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints and New York Jets will be out of action this weekend, meaning reliable stars like Bijan Robinson, Josh Allen, James Cook, Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Taysom Hill won't be available.

Finding suitable replacements this late in the week won't be easy, but we've uncovered a few viable options who may still be available in your league.

All picks and analysis are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

QB Tommy DeVito, New York Giants

Alika Jenner/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 06: Tommy DeVito #15 of the New York Giants looks on before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on October 06, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. The New York Giants won 29-20. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Managers who are really in a pinch at quarterback should consider New York Giants signal-caller Tommy DeVito. Last year's surprising success story (albeit a brief one) is back in the lineup after New York benched Daniel Jones.

DeVito didn't have overwhelming numbers as a six-game starter last season but he did some good things. He had a 246-yard, three-touchdown game against the Washington Commanders in Week 11, for example.

"Last year was a good story and all, how it happened," DeVito said, per ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "...That was last year. I'm sticking to football now."

DeVito is more experienced than he was a year ago, and he has a stronger supporting cast, thanks largely to the presence of rookie receiver Malik Nabers. He's also about to face a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.

Heading into the weekend, DeVito is still available in roughly 90 percent of Yahoo leagues.

RB Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals

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GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 10: Trey Benson #33 of the Arizona Cardinals walks back to the line of scrimmage during an NFL preseason football game against the New Orleans Saints, at State Farm Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)

Finding a serviceable running back this late in the week is never easy. However, we mentioned Arizona Cardinals rookie Trey Benson a couple of days ago, and fortunately, he's still available in more than 80 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Benson doesn't have the most favorable of situations this week. He's still a depth back behind James Conner, and he has yet to earn a high-volume role. However, he's seen more work over the last couple of weeks and has taken advantage of his opportunities.

The Florida State product had 10 carries, two receptions and 87 scrimmage yards in his last game. He had one catch, 55 yards and a touchdown the game before that. His floor may be low—and based largely on how Sunday's game unfolds—but his ceiling against the Seattle Seahawks is high.

Seattle has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points (tied) to opposing running backs this season.

WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tennessee Titans

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 10: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine #15 of the Tennessee Titans runs after the catch before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

The Tennessee Titans certainly haven't been a fantasy football factory this season. However, they do have a less-than-daunting matchup against the Houston Texans this week, at least as it pertains to Titans receivers.

Houston has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points (tied) to opposing wideouts in 2024.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine might not be a big-name pass-catcher, but he's becoming a viable fantasy option in deeper leagues. He had two catches for 117 yards and a touchdown last week, and he's caught touchdown passes in five of his past six games.

While Westbrook-Ikhine isn't a high-volume receiver, he's been a bigger part of the game plan since Tennessee traded DeAndre Hopkins. He's averaged five targets over his past three games. He's a regular target in the red zone, and the Texans have allowed 22 passing touchdowns on the season.

Westbrook-Ikhine is still available in over 90 percent of Yahoo leagues.

TE Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins

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INGLEWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) catches the ball for a gain during the NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Rams on November 11, 2024 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Surprisingly, Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith is still available in over 70 percent of Yahoo leagues. That's a bit surprising after he dropped 101 yards and two touchdowns on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11.

Of course, the Raiders have struggled against opposing tight ends this season. Only the Carolina Panthers have allowed more points to the position. Still, Smith was starting to become a regular part of the offense even before the Las Vegas game.

Smith had averaged four receptions and 37 yards over his previous three games. He had seven catches for 96 yards and a touchdown.

The Dolphins will be up against the New England Patriots, who have been middle-of-the-road against tight ends in fantasy (13th-fewest points allowed). Smith shouldn't be viewed as a high-end play, but he can be started if needed and, most importantly, is likely available.

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*Fantasy scoring and roster information via FantasyPros.