The week is nearly wrapped up, and of course there were another round of injuries and surprising performances. As a result, fantasy football managers will be on the lookout for wavier wire additions and replacement options for those injured over the weekend or just to bolster their lineup moving forward. Here are a few players to consider adding via the fantasy football waiver wire this week. And here are all of our fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 12.
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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups to Target
Emanuel Wilson (RB – GB): 7% Rostered
- Next Opponents: MIN, @DET, CHI
- True Value: $17
- Desperate Need: $25
- Budget-Minded: $9
Analysis: Josh Jacobs, who has been one of the NFL’s most consistent running backs over the last two seasons, left the Packers’ Week 11 game against the Giants in the second quarter with a knee injury and didn’t return. Replacing Jacobs was Emanuel Wilson, who played 70.9% of the snaps in this game. Wilson carried 11 times for 40 yards and a touchdown, adding a nine-yard reception. The Packers’ other running back, Chris Brooks, played only 9.1% of the snaps. Wilson has flashed in the past, with big preseason performances and some explosive plays in relief duties. Early reports suggest Jacobs’ knee injury is not season-ending. However, it sounds as if he will miss some time. As a result, Wilson is our top waiver wire recommendation this week. If you are making a playoff push, go big for Wilson as the lead back on a team that has had its running backs score at least one touchdown in all but one of its games this season.
Kenneth Gainwell (RB – PIT): 32% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @CHI, BUF, @BAL
- True Value: $5
- Desperate Need: $8
- Budget-Minded: $3
Analysis: We now have more than just a one-game sample size of Kenneth Gainwell getting the Steelers’ backfield to himself. In both games, Gainwell has finished with RB1 numbers and was used as the lead rusher and pass-catcher. Jaylen Warren left the Steelers’ Week 11 win over the Bengals with an ankle injury, allowing Gainwell to take advantage of an abysmal Cincinnati defense. He finished with nine rushes for 24 yards and seven receptions for 81 yards and two scores. It appears Warren’s ankle injury may be minor. However, if he misses time, Gainwell should be locked into fantasy lineups. With matchups against the Bears and Bills coming up, it’s a dream schedule for fantasy running backs. Monitor Warren’s injury and adjust your bids accordingly.
Sean Tucker (RB – TB): 26% Rostered
- Next Opponents: @LAR, ARI, NO
- True Value: $4
- Desperate Need: $6
- Budget-Minded: $2
Analysis: If you’ve kept a close eye on the Buccaneers’ backfield, you’ve noticed that Sean Tucker‘s involvement has slowly increased over the last few weeks. Or at least it was a slow increase until Tucker went off for 140 yards from scrimmage and three scores in Week 11. Despite the big day for Tucker, Rachaad White played all third downs and two-minute drill snaps for the Buccaneers. If Bucky Irving remains out, Tucker will operate as the Buccaneers’ lead back on early downs and in goal-line situations. Irving’s injury timeline has been ambiguous, but he returned to practice last week on a limited basis. The Buccaneers’ running backs have a tough Week 12 matchup against the Rams.
Successful In-Season Fantasy Football Management
Once your fantasy football team is drafted, the work is not over. Successful in-season management is crucial to a winning fantasy football season. Here are some tips to help you manage your team effectively throughout the season:
Stay up to date on player news
Keep track of player injuries, suspensions, and other news that may impact their performance. This will help you make informed decisions about which players to start each week.
Monitor the waiver wire
Keep an eye on the waiver wire and be ready to pick up players who may be undervalued or overlooked by other teams. This can provide valuable depth to your roster. Use our waiver wire assistant to view optimal lineups, waiver and trade suggestions, and league analysis.
Analyze matchups
Analyze the upcoming matchups for your players and opponents to determine which players to start in your lineup each week. Look for favorable matchups and take into account the strength of the opposing team’s defense.
Stay active in trades
Be open to trading players with other teams if it will benefit your team. Analyze the potential impact of a trade before making a decision and negotiate with other teams to find a mutually beneficial agreement.
Be prepared for bye weeks
Plan ahead for bye weeks by having backup players ready to fill in for your starters. Avoid having too many players with the same bye week, which can leave your team short-handed.
Don’t overreact to one bad week
Avoid overreacting to one bad week of performance by a player. Take a long-term view of their performance and evaluate their potential moving forward.
Continuously evaluate your roster
Continuously evaluate your roster throughout the season and make adjustments as needed. Be willing to drop underperforming players or make changes to your lineup if necessary.
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If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup, based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant – that allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and by how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.
