The fantasy football regular season is sprinting to a close, and Week 11 left a battlefield littered with injuries and unexpected depth chart shakeups heading into Week 12. This is it, the moment that separates the contenders from the pretenders. Your season might be hanging by a thread, or maybe you’re just looking for that one league-winning player to stash for the playoffs. Either way, the waiver wire is your arena.
This isn’t the time for hesitation. It’s time to be aggressive, make the tough calls, and find those diamonds in the rough who can carry you to glory. Forget what the roster percentages say. We’re looking for opportunity, volume, and the guys who are ready to step into the spotlight when their number is called. Let’s dig in and find the players you need to target heading into Week 12.
Running Backs: The Next Men Up for Week 12
- Emanuel Wilson (RB – Green Bay Packers)
When Josh Jacobs went down, the panic in Green Bay was palpable. But for savvy fantasy managers, it was a signal. Emanuel Wilson stepped right in, dominating snaps (70.9%) and finding the end zone. He wasn’t just a placeholder; he was the game plan. While Jacobs’ injury might not be a season-ender, Wilson is the clear-cut lead back for now. He has immediate volume and goal-line upside, making him the top running back priority this week. Don’t get cute; go get him.
- Kenneth Gainwell (RB – Pittsburgh Steelers)
We’ve seen this script before. Jaylen Warren gets banged up, and Kenneth Gainwell transforms into an RB1. It happened again in Week 11, as Gainwell became a PPR machine, catching seven passes and finding the paint twice. The Steelers clearly trust him in high-leverage situations, especially in the passing game. With Warren’s ankle issue lingering, Gainwell is more than just a handcuff; he’s a potential starter with a mouth-watering schedule ahead.
- Sean Tucker (RB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Talk about an eruption! Sean Tucker looked like a man possessed in Week 11, racking up 140 yards and a hat-trick of touchdowns. With Bucky Irving out, Tucker seized control of the backfield, handling early-down work with authority. That kind of explosive performance can’t be ignored. He earned himself a significant role moving forward, and that kind of upside can win you a fantasy championship.
- Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB – Washington Commanders)
Sometimes the quiet moves are the most important. Over the past few weeks, Chris Rodriguez Jr. has steadily wrestled control of the Commanders’ backfield. He’s been running with power and purpose, piling up 160 yards in his last three games. Washington heads into a bye, which might cause others to overlook him. Don’t be that manager. Use the bye week to your advantage and stash a running back with a clear path to touches and a fantasy playoff schedule that looks absolutely juicy.
Wide Receivers: Primed for a Breakout in Week 12
- Michael Wilson (WR – Arizona Cardinals)
Opportunity knocked, and Michael Wilson kicked the door down. With Marvin Harrison Jr. on the sidelines, Wilson didn’t just step up; he exploded for 15 catches and 185 yards on a massive 31.5% target share. He became the undisputed go-to guy. With upcoming matchups against struggling secondaries, Wilson has the perfect runway to continue producing as a high-end WR2. This wasn’t a fluke; it was a statement.
- Alec Pierce (WR – Indianapolis Colts)
Consistency is king in fantasy football, and Alec Pierce is starting to wear the crown in Indianapolis. He’s become the trusted deep-threat for his quarterback, posting top-24 numbers in three of his last four games. He’s not just a boom-or-bust player anymore; he’s a reliable weapon who is dominating his matchups. With his role clearly defined and his connection with his QB solidified, Pierce is a must-add for any team needing a boost at wide receiver.
- Christian Watson (WR – Green Bay Packers)
The breakout is here. After weeks of flashes, Christian Watson put it all together with a two-touchdown performance, reminding everyone of the game-breaking talent he possesses. He is Green Bay’s primary vertical threat, and the Packers are finally scheming him open. Look at his schedule down the stretch, it’s a fantasy goldmine. Watson has the kind of slate-breaking upside that can single-handedly win you a week, and he’s hitting his stride at the perfect time.
