Emanuel Wilson and the Best Week 12 Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Pickups

The fantasy football regular season is quickly coming down to the wire. With Week 12 on the horizon, there are only a few more matchups remaining before the playoffs get underway in most leagues.

It's time for managers to lock in and get their rosters in shape by making smart waiver-wire plays ahead of the impending postseason.

Due to a rash of injuries and other developments around the NFL, there is plenty of free-agent talent set to make a difference over the next two months. Unheralded players have been stepping into larger roles, offering an opportunity for managers to bolster their lineups with serviceable starters at this late point of the campaign.

With that in mind, let's review the top waiver-wire targets for Week 12.

Suggestions are available in approximately half or more of all Yahoo! Sports leagues. Fantasy points and rankings courtesy of FantasyPros' PPR data. Suggested free-agent acquisition budget (FAAB) bids are based on a $100 dollar starting budget.

Quarterback

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Arizona Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett

Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals (33 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $6-9

Brissett's emergence as Arizona's full-time starting quarterback is a lifeline for managers still desperate for stability at the position. Although he's finished in the QB1 tier in all five of his 2025 starts, the journeyman is somehow available in nearly two-thirds of all leagues.

That should change after the 32-year-old set the regular-season record with 47 completions in Week 11. While he did have an uncharacteristic pair of interceptions, he amassed 452 passing yards and two touchdowns to tally 23.9 fantasy points and another top-five finish.  

If your roster lacks a quarterback capable of posting top-10 numbers on a weekly basis, you'd be foolish to pass over Brissett again. He's going to be one of the hottest waiver targets at his position in Week 12 and won't remain available to stream, so clear up a spot on the roster for this shoo-in starter.

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (45 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $1-2

During Sunday's big win over the Falcons, Young finally looked like the type of quarterback the Panthers were hoping for when they selected him No. 1 overall three years ago.

The 24-year-old completed 31-of-45 passes for a career-high 448 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions to lead Carolina to a key overtime victory against a divisional rival.

Young's 31.8 fantasy points and QB2 finish were the second-best marks of his career, trailing only his 36.4 points and QB1 finish against the Falcons in last season's finale.

While Young is a great play whenever he visits Atlanta, he'll still have some decent value as a streaming pick in Week 12 when the Panthers take on the 49ers.

Don't expect another top-five finish, but placing just inside the top 12 isn't too unreasonable after this impressive showing.

Running Back

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Green Bay Packers RB Emanuel Wilson

Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers (7 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $15-20

After Josh Jacobs went down with a knee injury on Sunday—an issue "not expected to be season-ending," but one that could keep him sidelined for a stretch—Wilson worked as the next man up in Green Bay's backfield.

The backup capitalized on his expanded opportunity, turning in 40 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries against the Giants.

Managers may remember the 26-year-old from his electrifying preseason, a stretch in which he racked up 223 yards and two scores on just 38 totes. While he hasn't seen much volume being being stuck behind a true lead back in Jacobs during the regular season, he showed he's ready to shine with more playing time.

Don't be afraid to invest heavily in Wilson if you are in desperate need of RB help to make a fantasy playoff push.

If Jacobs misses time or isn't 100 percent upon his return, Wilson will be a difference-maker down the stretch.

Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars (30 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $4-7

Tuten hit the rookie wall and failed to log a top-32 finish between Weeks 3-7 after a promising start to his career that included a RB17 finish in Week 2.

Things have been looking up for the fourth-rounder since Jacksonville's Week 8 bye, however, as he has now logged a pair of top-25 finishes in his last three outings.

The 23-year-old earned a career-high 15 totes on Sunday against the Chargers, converting those into 74 yards and a score. Unfortunately, he had his breakout day spoiled by a minor ankle injury early in the fourth quarter.

Those desperate for RB help shouldn't shy away from claiming Tuten even after the injury. You'll have to monitor updates on his status throughout the week, but he could be a low-end RB2/flex choice against the Cardinals in Week 12 if healthy.

Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26 percent rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $3-6

Tucker has usurped Rachaad White as Tampa's preferred running back during Bucky Irving's extended absence.

Any doubt about this increased role should have been assuaged in Week 11 when the 24-year-old exploded for 140 yards and three touchdowns on 21 touches.

While White is still getting plenty of run as Tampa's third-down back and out-snapped his backfield mate by a 42 to 31 margin, Tucker recorded nine more touches and chipped in 25.8 more fantasy points against the Bills.

Given that usage and production, you can consider Tucker a must-start if Irving remains sidelined. That may not be much longer after the starter returned to practice last week, though, so don't invest too heavily in a player whose fantasy value projects to plummet in the coming weeks.

Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers (32 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $3-6

Gainwell saw increased usage on Sunday after Jaylen Warren exited with an ankle injury.

Although Gainwell turned in a meager 24 yards on his nine carries, he was a major asset in the passing attack—catching seven balls for 81 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

While Warren was able to return to action against the Bengals, his backup remained the preferred option. If the starter remains limited or can't go, Gainwell should have plenty of PPR appeal.

Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders (12 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $2-4

The Commanders have been shuffling their backfield deck looking for answers during this trying season. Rodriguez ended up atop the pecking order in Week 11, tallying a team-high 15 carries and converting those into 79 yards. He also caught his lone target for six yards.

Washington's committee—which also includes up-and-down rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt (nine carries for 28 yards in Week 11) and veteran Jeremy McNichols (four carries for 13 yards)—and lack of success during its trip to Spain limits Rodriguez's upside, but he could be a serviceable flex play if he retains the top spot in the platoon when the Commanders return from bye in Week 13.

Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos (1 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $0-1

The Broncos lost injury-prone running back J.K. Dobbins for the rest of the season, an absence that saw RJ Harvey bump up to a starting role and McLaughlin slot in as a second-stringer.

Although McLaughlin only saw eight offensive snaps in just his second appearance of 2025, he still managed to move the needle with 19 yards and a score on six carries. He's still not going to be a viable play in most leagues, but he's worth a pickup as an intriguing handcuff in deeper formats.

Wide Receiver

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

Green Bay Packers WR Christian Watson

Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (34 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $5-7

Managers who have remained patient with Watson were rewarded on Sunday when the talented but oft-injured wideout exploded for 20.6 points.

Although the 26-year-old only caught four of his five targets for 46 yards, a pair of touchdown receptions bolstered his fantasy line and resulted in his first top-five finish since Week 10 of the 2022 campaign.

Watson may not see a ton of volume—he's averaging just a shade over four targets per game since making his 2025 debut in Week 8—but he's worth rostering and deploying for his scoring-based upside in a Packers offense that needs playmakers right now.

Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts (48 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $5-7

Despite recording three finishes of WR22 or better in his last four games, Pierce remains available in more than half of all leagues.

Timing played a role in this—the Colts were on bye in Week 11 following their trip to Germany—but managers should be jumping at the chance to add a red-hot playmaker to their roster.

Pierce should keep it rolling when he returns to action against the Chiefs in Week 12. He's Daniel Jones' top target on the deep ball and should come up with enough big catches to post another worthwhile fantasy line.

Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals (47 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $4-6

With Marvin Harrison Jr. on the shelf in Week 11, Wilson stepped up as Arizona's No. 1 wideout. He delivered in that role too, reeling in a whopping 15 catches on 18 targets for 185 yards.

Although a good portion of that production was due to game scripting that led to Jacoby Brissett racking up 57 throws to try to keep the Cardinals afloat, the contest did reveal this coaching staff trusts the quarterback to let it fly.

Wilson will be on the WR2 border in any game Harrison misses and still has some flex appeal if the star wideout returns in Week 12.

Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans (16 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $1-3

C.J. Stroud's two-game absence hasn't set the Texans back, as they've now won back-to-back contests with Davis Mills at the helm. The backup's presence may have even helped Higgins become a larger part of the team's offense going forward.

Higgins finished Sunday's win over Tennessee with four catches for 55 yards. It marked the second consecutive game and third time in the last four that he's seen at least seven targets and caught at least four balls.

Although Higgins failed to find the end zone after notching two scores in his previous three outings, his season-most yardage tally and increased usage gives him flex appeal in what could be a high-scoring affair versus Buffalo in Week 12.

Mack Hollins, New England Patriots (5 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $1-2

Hollins has become the latest Patriots pass-catcher to break out thanks to the prolific rise of Drake Maye. After stepping in for injured touchdown-maker Kayshon Boutte two weeks ago, he went on to rack up 15 catches for a team-high 170 yards.

While Hollins could fade back to fantasy irrelevance upon Boutte's return, he's still worth adding at this juncture. His rapport with Maye has been undeniable and could result in more targets going his way regardless of Boutte's status.

John Metchie III, New York Jets (0 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $0-1

The hits keep coming for the Jets, who announced prior to their Thursday night loss to the rival Patriots that star wideout Garrett Wilson would be heading to the IR with a knee injury.

Wilson's absence opened the door for Metchie to have his first big fantasy outing since joining Gang Green at the trade deadline.

The 25-year-old finished Week 11 with three catches for 45 yards and a touchdown. Although his three targets aren't great—especially in this decrepit offense—the career-high 82.5 percent offensive snap share he logged are promising.

It's clear the Jets want to see what they have in the 2022 second-rounder and will be giving him plenty of opportunities to show out with Wilson on the shelf, so don't be afraid to put in a claim if you can spare a roster spot for a high-upside dice roll.

Tyrell Shavers, Buffalo Bills (0 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $0-1

Shavers earned an increase in playing time in Sunday's barnburner against the Buccaneers. With Keon Coleman riding the pine for disciplinary reasons, the little-used wideout co-led Buffalo with five targets and finished the game with four catches for 90 yards and a score.

Although he can't be trusted for anything more than a desperate flex play in Week 12, Shavers should at least be on the fantasy radar. He's worth a speculative claim in deep formats in case his scoring outburst earned him more opportunities and playing time in this high-octane passing scheme.  

Tight End

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Houston Texans TE Dalton Schultz

Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (49 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $2-4

He may not be exciting, but Schultz is the ideal streaming choice for managers looking to play it safe at the tight end spot.

The 29-year-old just had another perfectly serviceable outing, finishing as the TE6 with 11.1 points. He's now finished TE7 or better in three consecutive contests and four of the last five.

While the Houston veteran is not going to explode for 20-plus points and give you week-winning numbers, he's as consistent as they come for a waiver-wire pickup at this position.

A.J. Barner, Seattle Seahawks (9 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $1-2

Barner has been inconsistent in 2025, but he deserves some streaming consideration for his upside. He's notched four top-10 finishes this season and just capped off his second top-five performance of the past six games.

The tight end's 11 targets in Week 11 were a career high and could be indicative of an increased role in Seattle's passing attack. He converted those looks into 10 catches for 70 yards, giving him a solid 17.1 points on the day. Consider him a high-ceiling, borderline TE1 against a soft Titans defense in Week 12.

Darnell Washington, Pittsburgh Steelers (0 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $0-1

Washington hasn't seen much work as a pass-catcher since entering the NFL in 2022, but the hulking tight end is starting to see more looks come his way in recent weeks. Washington secured the first double-digit fantasy line of his career on Sunday,  totaling up 10.7 points after catching four of five targets for 67 yards.

With Washington now logging five or more targets in two of his past three games, he's at least worth a modicum of streaming consideration in deeper leagues.

Most managers will still want to hold off on starting him until he displays more consistent production, but you could do worse than betting on this 6'7", 264-pounder's upside.

D/ST

AP Photo/David Richard

Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns (48 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $2-4

The Browns may be a terrible football team, but their defense hasn't been too shabby for fantasy purposes.

Led by a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Myles Garrett—who has 15 sacks so far and is a real threat to break the longstanding single-season sack record—Cleveland's D/ST has averaged a solid 14 points over the past four contests.

After sacking Lamar Jackson five times on Sunday on their way to a 17-point outing, the Browns should have little trouble making plenty more noise when they square off with the downtrodden Raiders in Week 12. Vegas allows the third-most points to opposing D/ST units in 2025.

Keep Cleveland around for the following two weeks as well, with both the 49ers (No. 13 in points allowed to D/ST) and Titans (No. 1 against D/ST) representing appealing matchups for streamers to hunt.

Jacksonville Jaguars (20 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $1-2

The Jaguars D/ST is starting to pick up steam. The squad recorded 11 points in Week 10 and followed that up with a 12-point outing on Sunday.

Jacksonville can easily push that string of double-digit scoring lines to four straight with back-to-back matchups against soft foes in the Cardinals (No. 5 against D/ST) and Titans (No. 1). Consider the Jags an ideal rental for the next fortnight before ditching them when the high-powered Colts come to town in Week 14.

San Francisco 49ers (18 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $0-1

Although the Niners D/ST has been ravaged by injuries and is far from the top unit it was expected to be in 2025, this group still has some streaming appeal in certain matchups.

Expect San Francisco to finally break through with season-high numbers against both the Panthers in Week 11 (a team that allows the seventh-most points to opposing D/STs) and Browns (No. 2 against D/ST) the following week.