With another wild football Sunday in the rearview mirror, it's time to assess the state of our fantasy teams and add (or cut) accordingly.
Sunday of Week 11 was another injury-packed day for fantasy relevant players:
- TE Kyle Pitts (ATL) suffered a torn MCL and is out indefinitely.
- QB Justin Fields (CHI) sustained a left shoulder injury.
- QB Matthew Stafford (LAR) was evaluated for a concussion (again).
- RB Joe Mixon (CIN) exited with a concussion.
- WR Mike Williams (LAC) left early with an ankle injury, presumably the same one that held him out of the past two games.
- WR Wan'Dale Robinson (NYG) suffered a season-ending torn ACL.
- RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) sustained an ankle injury.
- RB Michael Carter (NYJ) suffered a chest injury.
- WR Kadarius Toney (KC) left after suffering a hamstring injury.
- RB Chase Edmonds (DEN) suffered a high ankle sprain and will miss significant time.
- RB Jaylen Warren (PIT) suffered a hamstring injury.
There are no teams on bye in Week 12. Happy Thanksgiving!
Whether you need a player to replace dead weight on your roster, or just need a streamer, make sure to check out Action Network's top targets at each position — all of which are available in at least 50% of Yahoo! leagues — that you should prioritize come Tuesday night.
Note: Yahoo! roster percentages are reflected in parentheses as of Monday and fantasy rankings are exclusive of the Monday Night Football game.
Fantasy Waiver Wire Pickups
Fantasy Waiver QBs to Target
Deshaun Watson, Browns (48% rostered)
I will continue to put Watson in this column until he surpasses the 50% mark.
Watson practiced with his new squad last week and is expected to make his first NFL start since Week 17 of the 2020 season just after Thanksgiving on the road in Houston (Week 13). He has been permitted to attend meetings and train in the facilities up until this point.
Backup Jacoby Brissett has been serviceable, but you cannot expect a $230 million player to ride the bench once his suspension is over. Watson was the QB5 in 2018, QB2 in ’19 and QB6 in ’20 — all with limited depth on the Texans.
I expect him to put up at least top-12 numbers with the Browns, who have Amari Cooper, Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Harrison Bryant and Donovan Peoples-Jones leading their offensive depth chart. Watson is worth adding prior to Week 13 — especially if you are lean at quarterback and in playoff contention.
Next three games: vs. Buccaneers* (inactive), at Texans, at Bengals
Marcus Mariota, Falcons (43%)
Mariota completed 13-of-20 attempts for 131 yards, one touchdown, zero interceptions and rushed 13 times for 25 yards and a touchdown in Atlanta's win over Chicago.
Mariota is currently the QB13 heading into Monday Night Football. He has seven games with at least 17 fantasy points and has a good chance to reach that threshold in Week 12 against the Commanders.
Washington has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, which should vault Mariota into the streaming conversation.
Next three games: at Commanders, vs. Steelers, BYE
Kenny Pickett, Steelers (11%)
Pickett was solid in a shootout loss to the Bengals. He completed 25-of-42 attempts for 265 yards, one touchdown, zero interceptions and rushed twice for 24 yards.
He is the QB15 with one game left to play, which is impressive in what was a difficult matchup on paper. Cincinnati had allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks and ranks ninth in pass DVOA.
The Colts are a slightly easier matchup, and after that, Pickett faces the Falcons in Week 13.
Next three games: at Colts, at Falcons, vs. Ravens
Ryan Tannehill, Titans (16%)
Tannehill turned in his best game of the season against the Packers. He completed 22-of-27 attempts for 333 yards, two touchdowns and one interception — he is currently the QB11 with one game left to play.
The Titans QB has delivered two consecutive strong fantasy games since returning from injury. He has tougher matchups on deck against the Bengals and Eagles, though he did surprise against the Broncos' stout defense in Week 10 when he finished as the QB9.
Next three games: vs. Bengals, at Eagles, vs. Jaguars
Other quarterbacks to consider: Matt Ryan, Colts (16%), Taylor Heinicke, Commanders (14%)
Fantasy Waiver RBs to Target
Samaje Perine, Bengals (8% rostered)
A heartfelt congrats to anyone who actually started Perine. He exploded in the Bengals' crucial win over the Steelers, recording a season-high 11 carries for 30 yards with four receptions for 52 yards and three touchdowns. His usage was higher than usual with Joe Mixon going down in the third quarter with a concussion.
This was by far Perine's best game of the year, which isn't surprising given he's primarily been Mixon's understudy. Perine is currently the RB2 in half-PPR scoring heading into Monday Night Football and would be a viable RB2 next week if Mixon can't clear concussion protocol.
Next three games: at Titans, vs. Chiefs, vs. Browns
Latavius Murray, Broncos (23%)
Stop me if you've heard this one before. Melvin Gordon III is handed the ball at the goal line. Gordon fumbles, ball is recovered by the Broncos, who proceed to miss a very short field-goal attempt to end the half. The Broncos go to overtime and lose 22-16. Time is a flat circle.
Murray led the backfield and recorded 17 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown. He also caught four passes for 23 yards and is currently the RB11 in half PPR. He could emerge as the RB1 with Gordon waived and Chase Edmonds dealing with a high ankle sprain that could sideline him for weeks.
The Broncos next take on the Panthers, whose defense ranks 23rd in rush DVOA and has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs. Murray will be a RB2 with this newfound opportunity.
Next three games: at Panthers, at Ravens, vs. Chiefs
James Cook, Bills (17%)
Buffalo's running backs capitalized on a soft matchup against Cleveland in Week 11. The rushing attack was led by Devin Singletary, who rushed 18 times for 86 yards and a touchdown. Cook also played a major role and was actually more efficient than Singletary with 11 carries for 86 yards.
This was Cook's best game of the season despite limited involvement in the passing game (two targets and zero catches). Singletary still out-snapped the rookie 47 to 16, though that ratio could begin to shift in Cook's direction with more games like this.
This week the Bills face the Lions, whose defense ranks 27th in rush DVOA and has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs. I sense a Cook breakout game incoming.
Next three games: at Lions, at Patriots, vs. Jets
Dontrell Hilliard, Titans (12%)
Unsurprisingly, it was the Derrick Henry show on Thursday night against Green Bay's rancid run defense. King Henry recorded 28 carries for 87 yards and a touchdown while Hilliard was held to one carry for four yards. Hilliard did tack on one catch for 14 yards and a touchdown, which salvaged his fantasy day if you started him.
At a bare minimum, Hilliard is one of the most valuable insurance policies at a position that lacks in longevity. He should be rostered in deeper leagues as a potential lottery ticket should Henry miss any time.
Next three games: vs. Bengals, at Eagles, vs. Jaguars
Justin Jackson, Lions (0%)
Jamaal Williams finished the day with the flashy, three-touchdown stat line, but it was Jackson who led the Lions in rushing in the team's decisive 31-18 victory over the Giants.
Jackson logged nine carries for 66 yards, caught a pass for 11 yards and is currently the RB26 in half-PPR scoring.
D'Andre Swift, still in a secondary role, logged eight touches for 32 all-purpose yards, but he managed to salvage his with a touchdown — his third in four games and fifth this year.
Swift doesn't seem 100% healthy yet, so Jackson could have more opportunities to step up, especially in the passing game when the Lions are trailing. This could happen as soon as Detroit's next game against the Bills, who are nine-point road favorites for the first of three Thanksgiving games.
Next three games: vs. Bills, at Jaguars, vs. Vikings
Other running backs to consider: Marlon Mack, Broncos (2%), Cam Akers, Rams (27%), Matt Breida, Giants (1%), Kyren Williams, Rams (28%)
Fantasy Waiver WRs to Target
Demarcus Robinson, Ravens (5% rostered)
Here's to you, Demarcus Robinson.
Robinson had a monster game in the Ravens' 13-3 win over the Panthers. He caught all nine of his targets for 128 yards and is currently the WR7 in half-PPR scoring with one game left to play. Devin Duvernay was held to one catch for three yards.
The Ravens need all the help they can get on the pass-catching side with Rashod Bateman out for the year. Robinson could be emerging as the team's WR1 and may be teeing up another solid fantasy game with the Jaguars' 30th-ranked pass defense (per DVOA) on deck.
Next three games: at Jaguars, vs. Broncos, at Steelers
Donovan Peoples-Jones, Browns (45%)
I am once again asking you to pick up Peoples-Jones.
I actually avoided him in light of the tougher matchup against the Bills. He shined anyway and caught 5-of-6 targets for 61 yards and a touchdown, finishing as the WR10 in half-PPR scoring.
This was Peoples-Jones' fifth game in the last seven with double-digit fantasy points. His stock can only go up from here with the return of Watson on the horizon. DPJ should be regarded as a WR3/flex moving forward as the No. 2 behind Amari Cooper.
Next three games: vs. Buccaneers, at Texans, at Bengals
Parris Campbell, Colts (40%)
Campbell was solid once again, hauling in 5-of-6 targets for 67 yards in a loss to Philly. He is currently the WR30 in half-PPR scoring.
Campbell was the No. 2 behind Michael Pittman Jr., which is looking like a more attractive position with Matt Ryan under center. He should be rostered in all leagues — especially ones with some form of PPR scoring.
The Colts take on the Steelers next, whose defense ranks 19th in pass DVOA and has allowed the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Campbell should be a viable WR3/flex option with upside in Week 12.
Next three games: vs. Steelers, at Cowboys, BYE
Skyy Moore and Justin Watson, Chiefs (6% and 8%)
Travis Kelce stole the show in the Chiefs' thrilling victory over the Chargers with a six-catch, 115-yard performance that was topped off with three touchdowns.
Other names also emerged with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman both sidelined due to injury, including Moore and Watson. Watson logged the second-most yards behind Kelce and caught 3-of-4 targets four 67 yards, followed close behind by Moore, who caught 5-of-6 targets for 63 yards.
Kadarius Toney was a non-factor despite high hopes for the recently acquired Year 2 wideout. He caught no passes and injured his hamstring — a major swing and a miss by myself and other members of the fantasy community.
I've liked Moore since the NFL Draft, as he arguably ended up in one of the best landing spots. I prefer Moore over Watson, though both could end up returning value on this WR depth chart.
Next three games: vs. Rams, at Bengals, at Broncos
Jameson Williams, Lions (22%)
Williams has not played this year due to a torn ACL he suffered in the CFP National Championship game against Georgia. In spite of this, the first-team All-American was selected 12th overall in this year's draft.
Williams has sky-high potential and is estimated to have 4.3-speed. He stands at 6-foot-1 and 179 pounds and should stack up well against physical NFL secondaries.
Once he does return, he will have minimal competition from the Lions' depth chart for targets. Amon-Ra St. Brown has been the team's alpha, but the loss of star tight end T.J. Hockenson, whom the Lions dealt to the Vikings at the NFL trade deadline, has left a gaping void in this offense. Williams is worth a speculative add and can be stashed in IR slots in most leagues.
Next three games: vs. Bills, at Jaguars, vs. Vikings
Jarvis Landry, Saints (22%)
Landry had a nice afternoon in the Saints' 27-20 win over the Rams. He caught 3-of-4 targets for 33 yards and a touchdown — his first since Week 18 last year.
He is currently the WR20 in half-PPR scoring and should continue to see a decent target share with Michael Thomas out for the season. Landry should be regarded as a WR3/4 against the 49ers' middle-of-the-road pass defense.
Next three games: at 49ers, at Buccaneers, BYE
Treylon Burks and Robert Woods, Titans (20% and 38%)
Burks, currently the WR11, was phenomenal in the Titans' Thursday night win over the Packers. He logged season highs in every category and caught 7-of-8 targets for 111 yards.
Woods also had a quality game with six receptions (on seven targets) for 69 yards. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who was coming off of a strong game in Week 10, caught 2-of-2 targets for 28 yards.
Burks and Woods may both be worth adding, though I would probably give a slight lean toward the former given his age and pedigree. The Titans have two tough matchups coming up, but things get easier in Week 14 against the Jaguars.
Next three games: vs. Bengals, at Eagles, vs. Jaguars
Other wide receivers to consider: Michael Gallup, Cowboys (47%), Richie James Jr., Giants (1%), Randall Cobb, Packers (4%), Terrace Marshall Jr., Panthers (11%), Mack Hollins, Raiders (16%), Nico Collins, Texans (27%), Julio Jones, Buccaneers (17%)
Fantasy Waiver TEs to Target
Juwan Johnson and Taysom Hill, Saints (30% and 47% rostered)
Johnson stayed hot against the Rams and caught 3-of-4 targets for 47 yards and a touchdown — his third in three weeks and fifth in five weeks. He is currently the TE3 in half-PPR scoring for Week 11 and the TE3 since Week 7.
Taysom Hill also had a nice game doing Taysom Hill things. He rushed nine times for 52 yards, completed a pass for 14 yards and caught a pass for eight yards, which is apparently good enough to be the TE8 with one game left to play.
Although Johnson and Hill are both listed as tight ends, their roles don't really overlap. Both could be worth adding, even with two tougher matchups, then a bye on the horizon.
Next three games: at 49ers, at Buccaneers, BYE
Logan Thomas, Commanders (6%)
Thomas had a nice day for fantasy in the Commanders' 23-10 win over the Texans. He caught 5-of-6 targets for a team-high 65 yards and is currently the half-PPR TE7.
Historically, Thomas has been solid when healthy, which it looks like he is at this time. He could be a viable streamer with the Falcons and Giants on deck in Weeks 12 and 13 — both teams rank bottom nine in pass DVOA.
Next three games: vs. Falcons, at Giants, BYE
Noah Fant, Seahawks (10%)
Fant had a quieter Week 10 against the Buccaneers and caught 3-of-4 targets for 34 yards. Prior to that, he had his best game of the year, hauling in 5-of-6 targets for 96 yards and finishing as the TE6 in half-PPR scoring.
He and the Seahawks will be well-rested coming off of their Week 11 bye to face the Raiders, who rank last in pass DVOA and have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Fant could be a fringe TE1 in this attractive matchup.
Next three games: vs. Raiders, at Rams, vs. Panthers
Foster Moreau, Raiders (40%)
Moreau was unremarkable in the Raiders' Week 11 win over the Broncos. He caught just one pass on three targets for 33 yards and is the TE18 in half-PPR with a game left to play.
I mention him only because the Raiders next face the Seahawks — their defense has allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends. Moreau will be a desperation streamer based on the matchup with Darren Waller on injured reserve.
Next three games: at Seahawks, vs. Chargers, at Rams
Other tight ends to consider: Cade Otton, Buccaneers (9%), Austin Hooper, Titans (12%), Jonnu Smith, Patriots (1%), Harrison Bryant, Browns (1%)
