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John Brown
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
You probably already know this, but it's cathartic to say it: John Brown is officially a fantasy dud for 2020, and you don't need to keep his bench seat warm any longer.
After stellar performances in Weeks 1 and 2, Brown's production has only suffered due to lower leg injury troubles. Limited with a foot injury in Week 3, Brown scored less than 10 total fantasy points over six weeks—not good for someone who should have reaped the benefits of a Josh Allen offense. Brown made up for it in Weeks 9 and 10, but after a bye week and a "tweaked" ankle that landed him for three weeks on IR, he's effectively out for rest of the fantasy season.
Somehow, he's still rostered in 50 percent of ESPN leagues, so just make sure he isn't rostered for you.
@OneBillsLive @MSGNetworks @WGR550 @SteveTasker89 @MadGlab @BuffaloBills @EWood70 John Brown is such an important p… https://t.co/4kA9gh5rpz— Mike Vadala (@Mike Vadala) 1606755241.0
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Jarvis Landry
Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps you are a current or former disgruntled Landry owner—he's still available in 23.5 percent of ESPN leagues, a somewhat surprising stat for someone who has been a key player in the Browns passing game for several years.
But truthfully, Landry hasn't popped off this season, his Week 12 performance being his best one to date. Remarkably, Landry didn't score a touchdown or snag more than five catches all season until this Sunday, which could predict a positive trend in usage during fantasy playoffs. After a Week 13 game against the Titans, Landry will face the Ravens, the Giants and the Jets, the latter two being favorable matchups for a strong AFC North team set to cop a wildcard slot. If Landry and Mayfield can capitalize on their playoff-bound momentum, perhaps you can too.
Highest rated Week 12 performances, per @PFF: Offense: Jarvis Landry 94.5 Defense: Darnell Savage 96.3 (Yes, I know there's 1 more game)— Andrew Siciliano (@Andrew Siciliano) 1606841608.0
Amari Cooper
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Since joining the Cowboys, Amari Cooper has transformed from dud to stud as he benefited from an underpaid and underrated Dak Prescott. So when Dak was sidelined with a season-ending injury in Week 5, Cooper was left to deal with the kind of inconsistency he dealt with back in Oakland. Cooper scored 13-point half-PPR games for the first three weeks of the season, but after losing Prescott, he only scored 13 or higher in a Week 6 game against the Cardinals—until now.
Air yards per game over the last 4 weeks: 1. Tyreek Hill (183) 6. DK Metcalf (112) 7. Justin Jefferson (110) 11. Ca… https://t.co/FK3MoDSbvy— Hayden Winks (@Hayden Winks) 1606835280.0
Landing six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown, Cooper is a favorite of a returning Andy Dalton, who dealt with his own injuries this season. In a Cowboys offense that could slowly be stabilizing, Cooper is a desirable fantasy target with a playoff slate against the Bengals, 49ers and Eagles. Cooper is even a solid start against the Ravens in Week 13, so if you have Cooper, now is the time to use him.
DeVante Parker
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
DeVante Parker is owned in nearly 90 percent of ESPN leagues, and for good reason: when FitzMagic is in the air, so are Parker's fantasy numbers. Parker is easily Fitzpatrick's favorite target on the field. After subbing for Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter in Week 11, Fitzpatrick targeted Parker for three catches, two of them being caught for 36 yards. The last pass, an endzone target, was intercepted, but Fitz and Parker bounced back this week with eight catches for 119 yards.
As long as Fitzpatrick is starting, so should Parker, especially against a weakened Bengals squad in Week 13. While the Chiefs and Patriots prove formidable foes in the fantasy playoffs, a Week 16 matchup against the Raiders should fare well for this Dolphins duo.
#ProBowlVote Devante Parker https://t.co/emVZrhya8D— Tua SZN 🏈 (@Tua SZN 🏈) 1606838208.0
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Collin Johnson
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Chances are you weren't aware of Jacksonville's Collin Johnson before Week 12, but now is definitely time to pay attention to what could be the wide receiver pickup of Week 13.
Collin Johnson in Week 12: 💥 8 Targets 💥 4 Receptions 💥 96 Yards 💥 1 TD 💥 83% Snap Share @QBsMVP gives you his top… https://t.co/jiE6OIN6dW— PFF (@PFF) 1606842121.0
Averaging no less than 10 yards per catch all season, Johnson averaged an incredible 24 yards per catch against the Browns with four catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. The rookie fifth-rounder is only seeing this kind of production because DJ Chark and Chris Conley are out and quarterback Mike Glennon is in, but Johnson's Sunday performance should secure him a more prominent role in Week 13 against the Vikings. Whether Chark returns or not is a factor, but Johnson is still someone to watch as playoffs near.
Mohamed Sanu
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mohamed Sanu has had a quiet and challenging 2020 season: the Patriots released him on September 4th after trading a second-round pick for him, with head coach/GM Bill Belichick claiming, "it just didn't work out." The Patriots often field aging players to see if there's any talent left, so such a statement could have tempered hype for the former Falcons receiver.
Sanu bounced from the 49ers, then the Lions, suiting up for the blue and silver in Week 12 against Houston. Despite an embarrassing Thanksgiving loss, Sanu was a winner on Sunday, catching all four targets for 32 yards and a touchdown. As long as Kenny Golladay, Danny Amendola and Marvin Hall are out, Sanu looks to benefit from a Matt Stafford offense that is newly freed of maligned head coach Matt Patricia.
@andyholloway Mohamed Sanu MVP SZN https://t.co/mGj7w6PLby— Stephen Andress ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 (@Stephen Andress ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿) 1606662427.0
Gabriel Davis
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
If you finally dropped John Brown, it's time to pick up his replacement: Gabriel Davis.
The rookie third-rounder has had a few decent games all season, his second best being a 15-point game against Seattle in half-PPR leagues. This week, Davis did slightly better, catching three of four targets for 79 yards and a touchdown. With Brown out, Davis will accompany Diggs and Beasely, carving his own role opposite Diggs, who often faces double coverage.
In one of the best NFL passing games, Davis is someone to stash in Week 13 against the 49ers, as well as a Week 15 Broncos match and a Week 16 Patriots rematch.
scary part about the bills receiving core: Diggs is a top 5-7 receiver in the game Cole Beasley is the number 1 slo… https://t.co/SCMiGybyWc— Philip Gong (8-3) (@Philip Gong (8-3)) 1606765845.0
scary part about the bills receiving core: Diggs is a top 5-7 receiver in the game Cole Beasley is the number 1 slo… https://t.co/SCMiGybyWc— Philip Gong (8-3) (@Philip Gong (8-3)) 1606765845.0
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Baker Mayfield
© Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
It may surprise you to realize that the Browns are 7-3, making them a top AFC team and second in their division only behind the Steelers. Yes, that means they even have a better record than the Ravens.
But those victories aren't the result of Mayfield's play: he's thrown for under 250 yards in ever game but one, and in that monster Week 7 anomaly, he threw for five touchdowns rather than his usual one or two.
It's Week 12 of the NFL season. The last time Baker Mayfield scored a touchdown, it was Week 7.— Paul Charchian (@Paul Charchian) 1606269552.0
Simply put, Mayfield is ranked 25th, so even in a 12-person, two-QB league, you can stand to do better than the Browns starter. Even if you're a Browns fan, it's not worth having him on your squad.
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T.J. Hockenson
© Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
It's always fun to root for players in the Thanksgiving game, so if you have a few extra trading chips and need a TE, Hockenson has been solid all season. Currently ranking fifth among tight ends, Hockenson has racked up 40 targets in the past six games and found the end zone five times over ten starts.
He's currently listed as questionable for Thanksgiving, but that could even lower his value this week if you want to score a last-minute trade. Consider Hockenson in a league that's honestly quite thin at standout tight ends that are still healthy.
T.J. Hockenson, rest of Detroit’s passing attack trying to find groove without Kenny Golladay https://t.co/oIjwxRnUBR— MLive (@MLive) 1606259709.0
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Michael Pittman Jr.
© George Walker IV / Tennessean.com via Imagn Content Services, LLC
In back-to-back games, Michael Pittman has emerged as Phillip River's favorite target on a lackluster Colts passing offense. While T.Y. Hilton has fallen by the wayside, Pittman has emerged with ten receptions, 167 yards and a touchdown over the past two games. Pittman should be the top target on waivers this week as the Colts face division rival Tennessee Titans.
Former #USC wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. having a really good season with the Colts. https://t.co/QG0X8AqYtE— Gerard Martinez (@Gerard Martinez) 1606267472.0
Carlos Hyde/Richard Rodgers
© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Both Hyde and Rodgers are listed together here because picking and playing them depends on what happens to their injured starters. If Chris Carson and Zach Ertz return this Sunday, Hyde would be a solid starter, while Rodgers could be a flex option as he competes with Dallas Goedert.
The funny thing here is that the Eagles and Seahawks face off for Monday Night Football, making it a must-watch primetime game for fantasy owners.
RB Waiver Wire week 12 - Gus Edwards - Cam Akers - Frank Gore - Carlos Hyde (pending Carson) #FantasyFootball… https://t.co/JJFpsgS1O5— Fantasy Football Scout (@Fantasy Football Scout) 1606266453.0
Week 12 waiver wire pickups to consider, with availability: QB - Kirk Cousins (81%) RB - James White (64%) WR - Mic… https://t.co/wZjZZbQF9K— Zach Cohen (@Zach Cohen) 1606252991.0
Brandon McManus
© Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Another player ranked fifth amongst his cohort, Brandon McManus is still available in half of ESPN leagues. Unless you're one of a lucky four who has better kicker, McManus is a better option. Denver kickers get a little advantage at home kicking in thinner air, but McManus is still a straight-shooter, missing only one field goal this season (and it was over 50 yards). Pick up McManus before anyone else notices for a solid kicker to propel you to the championship round.
Defense + Brandon McManus = win? #Broncos #BroncosCountry #MIAvsDEN #Defense— Ben_Bronte (@Ben_Bronte) 1606087600.0
Defense + Brandon McManus = win? #Broncos #BroncosCountry #MIAvsDEN #Defense— Ben_Bronte (@Ben_Bronte) 1606087600.0
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Phillip Lindsay
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
When Denver signed Melvin Gordon, there was reasonable doubt that Phillip Lindsay would maintain the same level of production as he did in 2019. Those doubts seem to be founded, as Gordon has taken over as the primary Broncos back.
@StacyLinsay Elway has got to go. This man is averaging more than 6 yards per carry and these fools don’t #FeedPhil it’s just ridiculous— Clint Askins (@Clint Askins) 1605645441.0
Although Lindsay has been averaging 5.5 yards per carry (1.3 yards more than Gordon), Lindsay has only garnered double-digit touches once all season. Denver simply isn't feeding Lindsay the ball, which is likely a result of Gordon's proficiency as both a pass-catching and blocking back. With Gordon offering a more well-rounded repertoire on the field, it looks like Lindsay will be sidelined unless Gordon is injured. For now, Lindsay belongs on waivers unless he's handcuffed to Gordon.
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Ronald Jones & Leonard Fournette
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Among the more intriguing running back situations is the one in Tampa Bay. While Ronald Jones began as the featured back, the signing of former Jaguars star Leonard Fournette complicated the picture. In Week 11, fantasy managers still consider the question: Is there enough work for two viable fantasy backs in Tampa?
The answer is… kind of. Fournette is still getting work, but it hasn't been enough to start him in your lineup—Jones is the back you'll want to back this season.
@YahooFantasy Someone trading Robert Woods for Leonard Fournette in week 2 https://t.co/YPZ2mjX2xx— Roy Winkelman (@Roy Winkelman) 1605639722.0
Fournette has seen two touchdowns in seven games, but those touchdowns were both in Week 2. Outside of that exceptional Week 2 showing, Fournette hasn't seen more than 15 carries, nor has he notched more than 52 yards. However, Fournette does catch, which means he still retains some potential fantasy value.
Jones has remained a solid RB all season, dipping below 8 points in half-point PPR leagues only twice this season. One of those weeks was Week 10 against the Saints. On a Tom Brady offense full of options, Jones has found the end zone five times, and he manages 5.1 YPC. Jones is the guy, but Fournette remains a fantasy factor.
If you can include Fournette when trading away, it might be worth doing so—he could get some more solid opportunities as this Bucs offense continues to solidify. And if you can trade for Jones, he's certainly a running back you'll want to keep an eye on after a historic 98-yard run.
By Next Gen Stats, Bucs’ Ronald Jones reached a top speed of 21.19 mph on his 98-yard touchdown run Sunday. Panther… https://t.co/Kbqt4spRXd— Greg Auman (@Greg Auman) 1605648110.0
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Jakobi Meyers
Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Julian Edelman is out, right? And the Patriots need to pass to someone, right? And Cam Netwon is still the quarterback, right?
If all the above is true, then why is Jakobi Meyers only rostered in 38 percent of ESPN leagues?
It's a great question: Meyers has been nothing short of impressive since his bounceback game against San Francisco. While he hasn't scored a touchdown (come on, it's still the Patriots we're talking about), he's averaged about 10 yards per reception, making him a reliable passing option in an offense that is still fighting for first downs. As the Patriots build momentum after a big win against Baltimore, Meyers deserves the top spot on your waiver wire list this week against Houston.
Kalen Ballage
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
With all of 2020's injuries, there are still running back options on the waiver wire this late in the game. Chargers running back Kalen Ballage is the biggest score you can make if he's still available.
With Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson injured, Ballage has stepped in with incredible back-to-back performances in the past two weeks. Despite the presence of Troymaine Pope and Joshua Kelley, Ballage seems to have taken the lead in this backfield, which coordinates nicely with an upcoming game against the Jets. Even with Ekeler's potential return in Week 12, Ballage is a talented player who will likely continue to see usage all season.
Running back waiver adds: Kalen Ballage - spot start until Ekeler returns. If JJack is back, temper expectations N… https://t.co/ObCodLyKBD— The Fantasy Break (@The Fantasy Break) 1605647961.0
Salvon Ahmed
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Another 2020 anomaly, Ahmed is Miami's main guy because Matt Breida, Jordan Howard and Lynn Bowden are all injured right now. After a meager game against the Cardinals, Ahmed arrived in Week 10 with 21 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown. Whether you have an injured Dolphins RB or need someone to tide you over while your early-round pick is out, Ahmed is poised to make the most out of a matchup against the Broncos this week.
NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks
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Rex Burkhead & James White
NFL: Denver Broncos at New England Patriots
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Despite winning a Super Bowl in 2019, the Patriots offense has been something to avoid in fantasy with the exception of their franchise quarterback and Julian Edelman.
Committing to spread the ball amongst RBs is great for game-planning, but not so great for fantasy managers. It's always been a gamble with Patriots running backs, but in a 3-5 season, James White and Rex Burkhead haven't gotten the necessary volume to maintain a bench spot. While waivers are always thin at RBs, avoid starting these two at all costs.
