Week 12 Waiver Wire: Fantasy Football's Top Pickups and Breakout Candidates

Staying ahead of the curve is essential in fantasy football, and more names cropped up for fantasy owners to have at on the waiver wire heading into Week 12.

Whether it's a crucial skill-position player's injury paving the way for a backup to break out or the return of a quarterback allowing a struggling player to get it going, there's no shortage of options for those trying to make a playoff push in fantasy. Take a look below for the hottest pickups to make after Week 11.

Week 12 Top Waiver-Wire Targets

Pos.	Player	Team	Week 12 Opp.	% Owned
QB	Marcus Mariota	Titans	Raiders	43.1
QB	Brock Osweiler	Broncos	Patriots	9.3
RB	Tevin Coleman	Falcons	Vikings	26.1
RB	Javorius Allen	Ravens	Browns	5.3
RB	Charles Sims	Buccaneers	Colts	46.0
WR	Terrance Williams	Cowboys	Panthers	32.8
WR	Marquess WIlson	Bears	Packers	3.0
TE	Brent Celek	Eagles	Lions	0.9
K	Cairo Santos	Chiefs	Bills	40.9

Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

His weapons have fallen like flies and his team can't seem to win, but Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota continues to shine.

He did so again Thursday night in Jacksonville, going 22-for-35 with 231 yards and would have had more if not for struggling play all around him in the offense. He also rushed for 29 yards and his first rushing touchdown of his career, the biggest of pluses for fantasy quarterbacks.

Facing the Raiders and Jaguars (again) in the next two weeks, now is the time to insert Mariota into your lineup if you need a quarterback.

Javorius "Buck" Allen, RB, Baltimore Ravens

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Injuries have ravaged the Baltimore Ravens this season, who lost feature back Justin Forsett to a broken arm in Sunday's game before losing quarterback Joe Flacco to a torn ACL. 

Forsett's injury alone would turn Javorius "Buck" Allen into a prime waiver pickup, but Flacco's ACL tear only accentuates that. With Matt Schaub (gulp) under center, the Ravens will be intent on establishing the run.

Allen looked good in his first duties as the top back, rushing 22 times for 67 yards.

Terrance Williams, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

The return of Dez Bryant may have nullified the impact of Terrance Williams a bit as he fell back into his No. 2 receiver spot, but the return of Tony Romo has done the exact opposite for his effectiveness.

Romo's first game back not only produced the Cowboys' first win in two months, but it allowed Williams to post a strong fantasy outing for the first time since Week 4. He put up 79 yards and a touchdown, and those numbers will be more common with Romo now back under center.

Brent Celek, TE, Philadelphia Eagles

Brad Penner/Associated Press

As if the Philadelphia Eagles' 45-17 drubbing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wasn't bad enough, they lost their top tight end. Zach Ertz suffered a nasty fall on his neck and a concussion, leaving his status for Week 12 in limbo. 

Previous fantasy star Brent Celek stepped in well in his place, leading the team in receiving with seven catches for 79 yards. Facing the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, a short week might keep Ertz from the field and allow Celek to continue performing.