Waivering: Week 12

Tue Nov 22 8:23am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

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Burks could have strong finish


There is some good news this week. There are no bye weeks. So fantasy owners will have a full compliment of players to pick from, barring injury. This is a positive, especially at this time of the year when the injuries start to mount. Now the byes will return for Weeks 13 and 14, which will cause some problems, but enjoy all the teams playing this week while you can. Here are some players to consider grabbing if you are looking for an injury replacement or an upgrade. 

QUARTERBACK

Ryan Tannehill, Titans. Tannehill has returned to the lineup red hot. He has 21-plus fantasy points two straight games. He had his first 300-yard game of the season last week. He has multiple touchdowns each of his last two games. The Titans’ offense is really coming together, which is good news for Tannehill. He is available in 66 percent of leagues. 

Kenny Pickett, Steelers. Pickett seems to be making strides every time out. He was 25-of-42 for 265 yards and a touchdown without a turnover last week. He has not turned the ball over two straight games and has 18-plus fantasy points each of those games. Pickett is capable of the big game in this offense, especially as he continues to grow as a player. He is available in 65 percent of leagues. 

RUNNING BACK 

James Cook, Bills. Cook had a season high in rushing yards last week with 86 and tied a season high in rush attempts with 11. The Bills seem to be gaining confidence in him every week, which could lead to more carries for him going forward. He could be a bigger factor down the stretch in this Bills offense. Cook is available in 54 percent of leagues. 

Justin Jackson, Lions. Jackson had more touches than D’Andre Swift last week. He had nine carries for 66 yards and caught a pass for 11 yards. He has at least four touches three straight games and is getting weekly touches in the Lions offense. He won’t produce huge numbers in his current role, but has value in deeper fantasy formats. He is available in 98 percent of leagues. 

Cam Akers, Rams. Akers got the second most carries of his season last week, leading the way in the Rams backfield. He ran 14 times for 61 yards. He seems to be getting back in good graces with the Rams coaching staff, which bodes well for the rest of his season. He might end up being the lead back once again. Many teams dropped Akers, so he is available in 48 percent of leagues. He might be worth grabbing based on his usage in Week 11. 

Latavius Murray, Broncos. Murray has double-digit fantasy points three of four games. He had a season-high 17.2 fantasy points last week, getting 21 touches in the game. He is the back to trust right now in this Broncos backfield, especially after the release of Melvin Gordon. And Murray is available in some leagues still, being out there in 33 percent of leagues.  

RECEIVER

Demarcus Robinson, Ravens. Robinson has really emerged as the go-to receiver for the Ravens with Rashod Bateman out of the lineup. He had a huge game last week, catching nine passes for 128 yards on nine targets. He has double-digit fantasy points two of three games. His workload is becoming a trend and not a fluke. He has real value for fantasy teams and is available in 95 percent of leagues. 

Terrace Marshall, Panthers. Marshall hit double-digit fantasy points for the third time in four games last week. He has really becoming the most consistent Panthers receiver in the passing game despite the Panthers having all sorts of issues at quarterback. Marshall has hit this list in recent weeks, but remains available in 68 percent of leagues. 

Darius Slayton, Giants. Slayton continues to emerge in the Giants passing game. He had a season-high 10 targets last week and has double-digit fantasy points four straight games. He seems to make this list every week, but continues to be available in leagues. Slayton is available in 32 percent of leagues on our site. He really is worth owning in all formats, especially after the season-ending injury to Wan’Dale Robinson. 

Treylon Burks, Titans. Burks was drafted in most leagues before the season but dropped after a slow start and injury in many leagues. He is back and playing well, though. He had his first 100-yard game as a pro last week, catching seven passes for 111 yards on eight targets. Burks is as talented as any rookie receiver and could be a difference maker down the stretch for fantasy owners. He is available in 56 percent of leagues. 

TIGHT END

Juwan Johnson, Saints. Johnson scored a touchdown for the third straight game last week and has scored four of five games. He has become a legit starting tight end for fantasy owners. He remains available in 35 percent of leagues. 

Logan Thomas, Commanders. Thomas had his first double-digit fantasy performance in Week 11 for the first time since Week 2. It was encouraging to see him get five catches for 65 yards on six targets. Thomas is more than capable of producing some good fantasy games. He might be getting his footing after a slow start and injury issues. He has 10 targets the last two games and is available in 88 percent of leagues. 

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Roschon Johnson Apr 26 7:30pm CT
Roschon Johnson

The Carolina Panthers traded with the Indianapolis Colts to move up to the 46th spot to select Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks (knee). He was behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson on the Texas depth chart for two seasons. However, he broke out in 2023 with 1,139 yards and 10 rushing scores and was named second-team All-Big 12. The 20-year-old tore his ACL late in the season but should be ready for training camp. Brooks joins a crowded running back room with Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders, which could limit his fantasy value early in the season, but he should be a late first-round pick in dynasty rookie drafts.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Apr 26 7:13pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Dynasty | The 23rd overall pick in the draft, Brian Thomas, Jr., gives Trevor Lawrence a premier downfield threat. Dynasty Analysis: After losing Calvin Ridley to free agency, Lawrence was facing a dearth of receiving options like he hadn't seen in his three year career. Bringing in Brian Thomas, Jr. may even prove to be an upgrade for Lawrence as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing season. Lawrence was able to maintain a top 10 ranking among DLF rankers, but has been closer to dropping below his QB9 rank than rising back into the top five. The selection of Thomas might not move the needle for Lawrence's immediate dynasty value, but should give him every opportunity to outperform his projections.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Keon Coleman Apr 26 7:13pm CT
Keon Coleman

Dynasty | The Buffalo Bills drafted FSU wide receiver Keon Coleman with the first pick of the second round in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Coleman was shut out of the first round but landed in a great spot, taken with the first pick of the second round by the Buffalo Bills. It's a dream scenario for Coleman, who lands with an elite quarterback in dire need of new weapons after losing so many this off-season. Coleman has work to do for sure but his landing spot is going to place him in the first round of virtually every rookie draft.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Ladd McConkey Apr 26 7:13pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Dynasty | Ladd McConkey was drafted by the Chargers with the second pick of the second round in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: McConkey was taken early in the second round by the suddenly receiver-needy Chargers. A precise route runner with serious quickness, McConkey is going to be thrown into action early and often this season. He had a meteoric rise after the NFL Draft Combine and that, combined with a great landing spot, should keep him right around the turn of rounds one and two in rookie drafts.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Xavier Worthy Apr 26 7:13pm CT
Xavier Worthy

Dynasty | Kelce is the sneaky winner of the defending champs' first round selection of WR Xavier Worthy. Dynasty Analysis: Adding another burner opposite Marquise "Hollywood" Brown gives the Chiefs the fastest receiving corps in the league. While neither WR expects to command an overwhelming target share, the biggest benefactor will be TE Travis Kelce as he operates in the wide open spaces of the middle of the field. Kelce's dynasty value has been creeping downward due to his age (34), dropping from his long time throne as QB1 all the way to QB6 in DLF's dynasty rankings. With the field-stretching speedsters on the perimeter opening up the field, Kelce is a virtual lock to outperform most of the tight ends currently ranked ahead of him.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Justin Herbert Apr 26 7:13pm CT
Justin Herbert

Dynasty | After getting a new left tackle in round one, Justin Herbert's stock continues to rise as the Chargers trade up for Ladd McConkey. Dynasty Analysis: Even after the team used it's fifth overall pick to protect Herbert's blindside, skepticism remained due to a lack of weaponry. But the Chargers moved up three spots to acquire a new top pass catcher (and Keenan Allen replacement in the slot), Ladd McConkey. The Chargers likely aren't done building the offense around Herbert, but with just those two draft picks, the franchise has made their quarterback a dynasty value. DLF's QB6 has QB1 overall upside with his own skillset and a little help from his supporting cast.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Drake Maye Apr 26 7:13pm CT
Drake Maye

Dynasty | The Patriots drafted Washington wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: As expected, Polk was drafted right in the middle of a big receiver run in the NFL Draft, going to the Patriots early in round two. He was the tenth receiver taken but amazingly the 37th overall pick, which just shows the depth of this draft. Polk lands in a desirable spot as the Patriots depth chart at receiver is a mess. He'll need to grow together with Drake Maye but some patience could be rewarded here. Polk looks like a pretty solid pick in round two of conventional rookie drafts.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Ja'Lynn Polk Apr 26 6:50pm CT
Ja'Lynn Polk

The New England Patriots selected Washington wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk with the No. 37 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. New England has often been predicted to pick a wide receiver in Round 2 after landing their QB of the future in Round 1, and that's exactly what they did. Despite sharing the field with stud wide receiver Rome Odunze in 2023, Polk caught 69 passes for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns during Washington's run to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Given the weak wide receiver room in New England, he's another rookie wideout who could become his team's No. 1 wide receiver in short order. He has the ability to start at X-receiver immediately.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Apr 26 6:30pm CT
Keon Coleman

The Buffalo Bills have selected Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman with the No. 33 overall pick (second round) in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 20-year-old was rumored to have a chance at being drafted in the first round, but Buffalo traded back twice and still landed him. The 6'4", 215-pound pass-catcher is a contested-catch specialist and racked up 18 touchdowns in his last 24 games with Florida State and Michigan State. With Stefon Diggs gone to Houston, Coleman could step in right away and act as Josh Allen's No. 1 wide receiver. This is a great landing spot, and Coleman is very much in the first-round conversation of upcoming rookie drafts in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Apr 26 6:30pm CT
Ladd McConkey

The Los Angeles Chargers selected University of Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Friday. McConkey is viewed as one of the best route runners in this wide receiver class, and the Chargers had a dire need at wideout after moving on from Mike Williams and Keenan Allen this offseason. Although McConkey's numbers over the last three years aren't all that impressive (119 receptions for 1,687 yards and 14 touchdowns), it's worth noting he battled injuries as a senior, and he dominated at the NFL Combine. With Quentin Johnston struggling to make an impact as a rookie, McConkey could make a run to be Justin Herbert's go-to target.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Apr 26 5:20pm CT
Deebo Samuel

The San Francisco 49ers have listened to calls on All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel, but sources are saying that the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots are considered highly unlikely to trade for him. After the first round of the 2024 NFL draft was completed on Thursday night, a report surfaced that the Niners were more likely to trade Samuel than Brandon Aiyuk. There has been a lot of trade talk around both Aiyuk and Samuel this offseason, and the Niners' first-round pick of receiver Ricky Pearsall at No. 31 on Thursday night made it look like a trade was more likely to happen. The Bills and Patriots have the first two picks in the second round, respectively, so if neither of them can pull off a trade for Samuel before Round 2 starts, they could both go with pass-catchers in what is a deep and talented class in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Brian Callahan Apr 26 4:00pm CT
Brian Callahan

Former Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham was selected with the seventh overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2024 NFL draft. Tennessee had a glaring need at left tackle, but Latham played on the right side for Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. However, Titans head coach Brian Callahan said Latham is eager to play on the left side and has the traits to do so. Tennessee had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season, but with Latham, second-year guard Peter Skoronski, and newly signed center Lloyd Cushenberry starting up front, the unit could be one of the biggest improvers in 2024. This bodes well for all of Tennessee's fantasy-relevant offensive skill players.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Apr 26 3:40pm CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is seeking a reworked deal that includes more guaranteed money, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapaport. The 36-year-old has three years left on his current deal, though the Rams have a potential out following the 2025 season. The four-year contract that he signed ahead of the 2022 season included $130 million in total guarantees. The Super Bowl-winning QB has been present at voluntary workouts this offseason and a holdout does not appear to be imminent, but this is a situation worth monitoring. After posting nearly 4,000 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions en route to a playoff berth in 2023, Stafford believes he has plenty left in the tank.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Apr 26 3:30pm CT
MarShawn Lloyd

Former Southern California and South Carolina running back MarShawn Lloyd is viewed as a top-five running back in the 2024 NFL Draft class, and NFL insider Tom Pelissero believes he could be the first ball carrier selected. The 23-year-old missed his entire freshman season at South Carolina with a torn ACL and handled just 196 touches for 1,021 yards and 12 total touchdowns over his next two seasons. He transferred to Southern Cal for the 2023 campaign and posted 820 rushing yards (7.1 YPC), 232 receiving yards (17.8 YPR), and nine total touchdowns. He turned heads at the 2024 NFL Combine with a 4.46 forty-yard dash time at 220 pounds, and in a weak running back draft class, that might have been enough to push him into the RB1 spot for some NFL squads.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Apr 26 3:20pm CT
Spencer Rattler

Former Oklahoma and South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler was once viewed as a potential first-round pick after being a five-star recruit in the high-school class of 2019. His career did not go as expected, but he's thought to be the next-best quarterback on the board in the 2024 NFL draft. The first round saw six signal-callers selected in the top 12 picks, and any other teams looking to take a flyer on a quarterback likely have Rattler on their radar. The Around The NFL staff at NFL.com expects the 23-year-old to be selected in Round 3, but the run of quarterbacks on Day 1 could push him up to Round 2. Rattler threw for 10,807 yards, 77 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 48 games with the Sooners and Gamecocks.

From RotoBaller

Jaycee Horn Apr 26 2:00pm CT
Jaycee Horn

The Carolina Panthers officially picked up the fifth-year option for standout cornerback Jaycee Horn on Friday, according to sources. Despite playing in only six games in 2023 due to a hamstring injury, Horn will have his fifth-year option picked up. The 24-year-old former eighth overall pick by Carolina in 2021 out of South Carolina had 27 tackles (20 solo) and five passes defensed in his six starts last season. He's only played in 22 games in his first three years in the league due to injuries, so picking up Horn's fifth-year option was far from a guarantee. In his three years in the NFL, Horn has produced 85 tackles (60 solo), four interceptions and 13 passes defensed in 22 starts. The Panthers are taking a bit of a gamble and are hoping the defensive back can avoid the injury bug moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Apr 26 1:40pm CT
Deebo Samuel

The Buffalo Bills have interest in trading for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, according to league sources. Now that the first round of the 2024 NFL draft is in the books, Niners wideout Brandon Aiyuk is less likely to be traded than Samuel, who has a 2025 salary cap number over $20 million. Not only are the Bills extremely desperate for a receiver after trading Stefon Diggs and losing Gabe Davis in free agency this offseason, but they acquired extra picks in this year's draft by trading down twice late in the first round on Thursday night. A move to Buffalo would immediately make Samuel the team's top wideout for Pro Bowl quarterback Josh Allen and allow him to retain plenty of fantasy value given his after-the-catch abilities. Stay tuned.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Apr 26 1:30pm CT
Drake Maye

Rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who was taken third overall in this year's NFL draft by the New England Patriots on Thursday night, will initially compete with veteran Jacoby Brissett for the starting job in 2024. The Patriots also have former fourth-rounder Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke on their QB depth chart. "To go back to Bill [Belichick's philosophy], I don't think many rookies are ready to just jump in and play," first-year head coach Jerod Mayo said. "At the end of the day, our philosophy is the best players will play. We will compete and the best player will start." The 21-year-old started 26 games over the last two years for the Tar Heels and threw for 8,018 yards, 63 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Maye was more productive in 2022 and has plenty to work on. Meanwhile, he has a pretty weak supporting cast in the receiver room, so fantasy managers taking the leap on him in dynasty/keeper leagues will want to be patient.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Apr 26 1:20pm CT
Tony Pollard

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said former Texas running back Jonathon Brooks had the best pre-draft interview of any young prospect Jones has spoken to in 30 years. "We got him high, high (on our board). He's a good player," Jones said. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are getting close to a reunion with running back Ezekiel Elliott. The team's top RBs right now are Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn after Tony Pollard left in free agency this offseason, so Dallas is definitely looking to add to the position in both free agency and the draft. Brooks could come off the board at No. 56 overall to the Cowboys and could be in line to see a substantial backfield role in his first year in the NFL if he were to land in Dallas. At this point in his career, Zeke is merely a complementary weapon. The biggest question mark with Brooks is that he's coming off a torn ACL.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Apr 26 1:20pm CT
Stefon Diggs

The Buffalo Bills traded down twice on Thursday night to drop out of the first round of the NFL draft and now hold the 33rd pick, the first selection in the second round. There are a few players they really like who are under consideration, but they've already received calls from teams considering trading up. After trading down twice on Thursday night, the Bills moved up 38 spots in the later rounds with their first trade and 59 spots with their second swap. Buffalo was criticized heavily for trading back twice late in the first round, only to see both the Chiefs and Panthers take receivers with those picks. The Bills are desperately in need of receiving help after trading Stefon Diggs and losing Gabe Davis in free agency this offseason, but they could still select one they are high on at No. 33 overall.

From RotoBaller