Joe Serpico shares his top fantasy football waiver-wire pickups heading into Week 12.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts: The player we saw against the Jets on Sunday is what many expected from Richardson when he was a high draft pick this summer. He completed 66 percent of his passes, only the second time this season he finished with a completion percentage above 50 percent. Richardson threw for 272 yards and a touchdown in addition to 10 carries for 32 yards and another two scores. There are six teams on a bye this week, with Josh Allen, Joe Burrow and Kirk Cousins among those affected. Richardson is a solid bye week replacement. If he plays well again in Week 12, he could be an option for the fantasy playoffs.
Ameer Abdullah, RB, Las Vegas Raiders: This is flier for those truly desperate for a running back. Alexander Mattison and Zamir White both exited with injuries on Sunday, and Abdullah would ascend to the top of the depth chart if both players are out in Week 12. Abdullah does offer some intrigue because he has always been seen as a solid pass-catcher, and the Raiders figure to throw it a ton the rest of the season.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns: Jeudy drew 11 targets on Sunday, reeling in six receptions for 142 yards. He got behind the Saints’ defense for an 89-yard touchdown. That’s back-to-back games with 11 targets for Jeudy, and the Browns’ pass game has life with Jameis Winston under center. The schedule is rough the rest of the way for the Browns, but it is hard to discredit the target share with the number of teams on a bye.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, New Orleans Saints: Taysom Hill stole the show, but MVS was the recipient of another deep touchdown, his third score in the last two weeks. Valdes-Scantling is the deep threat the Saints desperately need with Rashid Shaheed out for the season. The threat of MVS has allowed Alvin Kamara and the do-it-all Hill to do damage in the pass game. He is WR3 the last two games and should still be a factor when Chris Olave returns from injury. The Saints are on a bye this week, so you might be able to buy low on MVS.
Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints: I have been talking about Hill as a cheat code for years. You saw why in Week 11. Hill did it all against the Browns on Sunday, rushing for 138 yards and three touchdowns. More importantly, he had career-highs in targets (10) and receptions (8). He also threw a couple passes to show off just how incredible he is. Hill finished with 38.5 points in half-PPR scoring, and if not for an interception and fumble, would have been just the fourth player to break the 40-point mark this season. It’s the second time this season Hill has finished as the top tight end in fantasy. He has finished as TE5, TE16 and TE1 the last three weeks. The Saints’ injury woes have given Hill the opportunity to shine.
Jonnu Smith, TE, Miami Dolphins: Smith has seen his usage increase throughout the season. Sunday marked his first 100-yard game of the campaign. He scored twice, doubling his total on the year. His 52 targets are second most on the Dolphins, and his speed is a problem for opposing defenses. Miami has some juicy matchups coming up that should feature the pass game, making Smith a must-add for those playing roulette at tight end.
Top Handcuffs (Rostered in less than 50 percent of leagues)
Tyler Allgeier
Zach Charbonnet
Ray Davis
Braelon Allen
Cam Akers
Tyjae Spears
Blake Corum
Jaylen Wright
Trey Benson
Justice Hill