Notable Injuries from week 12:
- Alvin Kamara (Knee)
- Ashton Jeanty (Ankle)
- Tee Higgins (Concussion)
- Michael Mayer (Ankle)
- Baker Mayfield (Left shoulder)
- Lamar Jackson (Toe)
- JJ McCarthy (Concussion)
Waiver Wire Targets
Chris Rodriguez (Rostered in 8.8% of ESPN leagues)
Last week Rodriguez was a pickup and stash play. This week he may be a fringe start against a tough Denver defense. It’s not every week you have the potential to pick up a starter though.
Here’s what I had to say last week:
Man, this Washington Commanders team has been such a let down this year. Coming off a trip to the NFC Conference Championship game, there were high hopes for this team in the offseason. A couple of big name signings like Von Miller, a trade for Deebo Samuel and an electric runner who broke out during the early stages of the year in Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The sky was the limit but here we are at this point in the season and the Commanders are 3-8 fresh off a tough loss to the Dolphins. Croskey-Merritt had so much hype and people scrambled to pick him up or draft him. Things haven’t quite panned out for him and it seems like there is a changing of the guard in DC. Chris Rodriguez is starting to emerge as the guy. Since week 8, he has seen his offensive snaps steadily rise from 4% all the way up to 45% while Croskey-Merritt has declined week to week (57% to 27%). The rest of the Commander schedule is tough for running backs but there are a few exploitable matchups sprinkled in there (I’m looking at you Dallas Cowboys). Headed into their BYE week, Rodgriguez is at least a pick up and stash should you need RB help.
Devin Neal (Rostered in 1.9% of ESPN leagues) Genius Pick of the Week
With Alvin Kamara potentially set to miss some time with a knee injury, Devin Neal is a top waiver target for week 13. Listen, you and I both know that this Saints offense is pretty bad. The QB play is lackluster and this team is sitting at 2-9 in the NFC South with nothing to play for except draft position. Maybe that leads to Kamara sitting out the rest of the year, maybe it doesn’t. Regardless, for this week, Neal presents as a fill in option should you need RB help. In their loss to the Falcons, Neal was fairly productive from a receiving perspective as he brought in 5 receptions for 43 yards. That is likely where you will find the value from Neal in week 13 against the Dolphins. He may not be a flashy play but he should certainly see enough work to make him worth adding into your lineups should you need the help.
Jayden Higgins (Rostered in 23.3% of ESPN leagues)
Last week I called out Higgins’ elevated role in this offense and that the Bills presented a good chance for him to stay fantasy relevant. On Sunday he delivered as he put up 13.8 points on 9 targets and a touchdown. It’s important to note that he led the team in targets. Next up is a stingy Colts defense that seems daunting but the volume and involvement in the offense/red zone is encouraging for Higgins. I’m still in on him as a flex play.
John Metchie III (Rostered in 0.5% of ESPN leagues)
That’s right. It’s that point of the season where guys like John Metchie are able to shine. Talented in his own right as a professional NFL player, that doesn’t always translate to fantasy relevance. However, with Garrett Wilson on IR, these past 2 weeks have been great for Metchie’s fantasy relevance. Against the Ravens he saw a nice 7 targets for all you PPR enjoyers and he also brought in a touchdown. That is now back to back weeks with a score. The Falcons are now also playing for draft position so anything could happen on Sunday. I like Metchie as a fun flex option.
Juwan Johnson (Rostered in 49.6% of ESPN leagues)
Johnson has been producing from a fantasy perspective even if he’s been on one of the worst teams in the NFL. Both young QBs he has been dealt have been targeting him at a pretty decent rate as he is averaging just over 6 targets a game. Next up is a nice matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Brenton Strange (Rostered in 10.9% of ESPN leagues)
Before being placed on IR, Brenton Strange was heating up in this Jaguars offense. Seeing almost 6 targets a game through the first 4 weeks, he seemed to be developing a connection with QB Trevor Lawrence in the wake of Evan Engram’s departure to the Broncos. That was before all the injuries to the WR room as well. With Travis Hunter on IR and Brian Thomas Jr. struggling with an injury, Strange is primed for fantasy production. Against the Cardinals, he saw 5 targets and brought in every single one of them for 93 yards. I have no issue with starting him this week against the Titans.
Mike Gesicki (Rostered in 0.8% of ESPN leagues)
With Tee Higgins out for week 13’s matchup against the Ravens with a concussion, the receiving options in Cincinnati are suddenly limited. Personally, I’m betting on Gesicki over Andrei Iosivas to have a solid outing. Ja’Marr Chase will be back from his one game suspension and Joe Burrow is looking like he will be the starter on Thursday. Gesicki has also been in this spot before and seen production which is influencing my choice here. Divisional matchups also bring fireworks and an offensive battle would be great for Thanksgiving.
Jacoby Brissett (Rostered in 47% of ESPN leagues)
For some reason Jacoby Brissett has been able to sustain some sort of fantasy relevance which is so strange when compared to the outings Kyler Murray put together this year. With my luck, this will be the week he tanks but lets not worry about that. The Bucs offer a juicy matchup this week, especially if Baker is unable to suit up. The defense is currently in the bottom half of the league and is allowing an average of 25.8 points per game. For an offense with capable weapons, that should be a fairly easy matchup. Look to Brissett to be a startable option in week 13.
*Point totals mentioned assume full point PPR scoring
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