We've reached the point where some leagues are wrapping up their regular seasons, which means some of us are under immense pressure in Week 12 to win our games. There are two ways of thinking that I subscribe to at various times and for various reasons. If my team has been pretty solid all year and I've just had some unlucky weeks that have me fighting for a playoff spot still, I'm rolling out my dependable lineup and trusting them to get it done. But if I'm at this point because I've been the lucky one, I'm going all-in on tinkering and trying risky things. If you're in that final group, this column might be helpful for you--what players are still out there who you can bet it all on?
The answer isn't great. It seems like every year there's a late emerging player that wins your league for someone. I wager a guess at who that could be here, but it's also very likely that it ends up being no one this year. Things don't always happen neatly in fantasy football.
Let's look at deeper waiver wire targets and sleepers for Week 12, players whose ownership is currently under 20% and are likely available in many of your leagues. Note: All ownership percentages are for Yahoo leagues.
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Deeper Waiver Wire Targets for Week 12
QUARTERBACKS
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 9% owned
You can do worse than Fitzpatrick against the Falcons. Tampa Bay has a good collection of weapons in Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Cameron Brate, and O.J. Howard. Atlanta doesn't struggle against quarterbacks at the same levels they have in the past, but they're in the middle of the pack and Fitzpatrick could end up with a solid game, as long as he avoids the turnovers.
Matt Moore, Miami Dolphins - 1% owned
This one obviously depends on the availability of Jay Cutler (concussion), but if Moore ends up as the starter then he could be a sneaky option for streamers against the Patriots, whose defense has definitely improved as of late but could still be susceptible for Miami to exploit. (Or not...)
RUNNING BACKS
Devontae Booker, Denver Broncos - 8% owned
This feels like last season all over again--after a season in which other running backs were expected to produce for Denver, we reach the latter stages of the season and find Devontae Booker gaining a major role in the offense. For what it's worth, that role seems like its more based on necessity and his production more based on volume than it is on his actual skills, but after seeing 14 carries and five receptions in Week 11, Booker is a really solid add, especially when you factor in that their next four games are Oakland, Miami, the Jets, and Indianapolis. Could Booker be that mythical league winner that you've been waiting for? Will he be the next savior of Reddit?
Mike Davis, Seattle Seahawks - 1% owned
As I write this, it's halftime of the Atlanta/Seattle game. Davis has looked tough at times and also struggled at other times, because that's what Seattle running backs do this year. But I'm drawn, specifically, to a play he made in the first half, a 13-yard run where he lowered his shoulders and showed some real power that's been missing from Seattle's run game. Obviously, his second half performance could either push him up in priority or relegate him to staying on waivers, but as of now? I like what I'm seeing.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Bruce Ellington, Houston Texans - 8% owned
Ellington has been solid during the Tom Savage Era in Houston and could be in line for another start in Week 12 if Will Fuller is out again. Ellington has been targeted 23 times since Savage took over as the starting quarterback for the injured Deshaun Watson. He's turning into a player with a decent floor, as weird as that seems since the Texans offense has been...disappointing over the past few games.
Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers - 5% owned
It seems like we've been saying Williams was due for a breakout week since he started seeing the field for the Chargers, but the Buffalo game might have been a turning point, as Williams was targeted eight times, bringing in five of them for 38 yards. The yardage total wasn't great, but Williams should continue to see an increased share of the offense.
TIGHT ENDS
Ricky Seals-Jones, Arizona Cardinals - 0% owned
It's basically a rule that a player eligible for this list who scores two touchdowns will make this list. Seals-Jones is a rookie and had only been targeted once coming into Week 11, but he scored a pair of touchdowns and will likely end up with a bigger role in the offense moving forward. Do you trust him against the Jaguars? Probably not, but if you're going to throw a dart, he's a good one to try.
Adam Shaheen, Chicago Bears - 0% owned
Another dart throw, though at this point in the season the tight end market is mostly just shots in the dark. Shaheen has caught all six of his targets over the past two games and Chicago plays an Eagles team that has given up the tenth-most points to opposing tight ends this week.
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