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

Week 12 got underway with Thursday night's game between the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans. Managers seeking reinforcements and bye-week replacements are quickly running short on options.

With waiver claims already processed, the available player pool isn't what it was earlier in the week. However, that doesn't mean that managers can't find a viable sleeper or two.

Here, we'll dive into some of the top waiver-wire targets still available in point-per-reception (PPR) leagues.

Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Rusty Jones

First of all, it's worth checking to see if Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett is available. He's rostered in over 50 percent of Yahoo leagues, but he's also coming off a 452-yard, two-touchdown game.

If Brissett isn't available, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is a solid Plan B. He threw for 448 yards and three touchdowns in Week 11, though his matchup this week isn't as favorable as Brissett's. However, his matchup isn't overly daunting either.

Young will be on the road against a San Francisco 49ers defense that has surrendered an average of 19.2 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. He's still available in over 80 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

Managers in deeper leagues can also consider Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is available in over 90 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/George Walker IV

To be clear, the top options at running back aren't available in the majority of leagues. Green Bay Packers back Emanuel Wilson is rostered in roughly 60 percent of Yahoo leagues, while Pittsburgh Steelers back Kenneth Gainwell is rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues.

Wilson and Gainwell could both end up playing significant roles because of the injuries of Josh Jacobs and Jaylen Warren, respectively.

If one of those two isn't available, Tennessee Titans back Tyjae Spears looms as a desperation play. The Seattle Seahawks have been tough against the run, but Spears has enough receiving ability that he should help managers avoid a blank.

Spears had five catches in Week 11 and has logged at least three in five straight games. He's still available in over 60 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

Mack Hollins, WR, New England Patriots

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

At receiver, it's worth checking to see if Michael Wilson is available. The Cardinals pass-catcher logged 15 catches for 185 yards last week but was, understandably, a top waiver claim this week. He's now rostered in 68 percent of Yahoo leagues.

New England Patriots receiver Mack Hollins is far more readily available. He carries some risk this week, as Kayshon Boutte is trending to return to New England's lineup. However, Hollins has reached double-digit fantasy points in three of his last four games.

This week, Hollins will face a middling Cincinnati Bengals defense this weekend. He's still available in over 90 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

Managers can also consider Packers wideout Christian Watson, who is available in just over 50 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues. Watson has been limited with a knee injury this week but has been one of Jordan Love's top targets since returning from last season's ACL tear.

Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Managers should see if New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson can he had. He's rostered in roughly 60 percent of Yahoo leagues, but he's also become a very steady fantasy performer.

Johnson has topped 10 fantasy points in each of his past four games.

Chicago Bears rookie Colston Loveland is less dependable, largely because the Bears heavily use fellow tight end Cole Kmet. However, Loveland has topped nine fantasy points in two of his last three games and has a very favorable matchup.

The Bears are set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. He's rostered in only 44 percent of Yahoo leagues and 37 percent of ESPN leagues.

*Fantasy roster and scoring information from FantasyPros.