Week 12 Waiver Wire Fantasy Projections for Top Pickups and Sleeper Targets

Week 11 saw a few backups lead their respective NFL teams with varying degrees of success. Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills, for example, notched his second consecutive win.

Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders played for a half and had a disaster of a debut.

Of course, being in a more favorable situation certainly aided Mills. Managers looking for help off the waiver wire will hope to find their own advantageous situations and matchups in Week 12.

Let's take a look at what to expect from this week's top pickups.

Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young might have had the best game of his career in week 11. Against the rival Atlanta Falcons, he racked up 448 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Young probably won't replicate those numbers against the San Francisco 49ers this week, but he might come closer than most expect. San Francisco's defense has suffered numerous injuries this season and, as a result, has surrendered the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

A lot will be dictated by San Francisco's ability to corral Rico Dowdle and Carolina's rushing attack, but if the 49ers focus heavily on stopping the run, Young can make them pay.

Young is rostered in just 13 percent of Yahoo leagues and eight percent of ESPN leagues.

Week 12 Projection: 298 passing yards, 2 TDs, 15 rushing yards

Emanuel Wilson, RB, Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Mike Roemer

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs exited Sunday's win with a knee injury and did not return.

Jacobs could "potentially" play in Week 12, head coach Matt LaFleur said, per Mike Spofford of the team's official website. However, backup Emauel Wilson could see a significant role even if Jacobs is active. He replaced Jacobs after the injury and finished with a catch, 49 scrimmage yards and a touchdown.

This week, the Packers will face the Minnesota Vikings, who have surrendered the 13th-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs. That's not an ideal matchup, but it could be far worse. If Wilson gets the start, he could still put up high-volume numbers.

Wilson is available in over 90 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

Week 12 Projection: 3 receptions, 88 scrimmage yards, 1 TD

Michael Wilson, WR, Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Julio Cortez

With Marvin Harrison Jr. sidelined by appendicitis, the Arizona Cardinals needed a perimeter receiver to become a go-to target. Michael Wilson answered the call, finishing with 15 receptions for 185 yards.

While Wilson isn't likely to put up such prolific numbers every week, he's definitely gained the trust of quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Expect him to be a focal point of the passing attack again this week, as the Cardinals host the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Jacksonville's defense did a terrific job against Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers last week. However, it has been a middle-of-the-road unit that has surrendered the 13th-most fantasy points to opposing receivers over the course of the season.

Wilson is rostered in 48 percent of Yahoo leagues but only 15 percent of ESPN leagues.

Week 12 Projection: 7 receptions, 79 yards

Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Rookie tight end Colston Loveland had a monster game back in Week 9, finishing with six catches, 118 yards and two touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals. Since Cole Kmet has been back in the Chicago Bears' lineup, though, Loveland's production has been more modest.

Loveland had four catches for 55 yards in Week 10 and three catches for 40 yards in Week 11.

This week, however, there should be room in the offensive game plan for both of Chicago's talented tight ends. The Bears will be hosting a Pittsburgh Steelers team that has been extremely vulnerable to opposing tight ends. Pittsburgh has surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to the position in 2025.

Loveland is rostered in 48 percent of Yahoo leagues and 39 percent of ESPN leagues.

Week 12 Projection: 5 receptions, 65 yards

*Fantasy roster and scoring information from FantasyPros.