As we get further and further into the fantasy football season, managers who aren't in playoff contention should start to get lazy. That's something you can take advantage of when it comes to waiver wire pickups going into Week 12. There were quite a few injuries and surprise performances that have thrust players to the top of the priority list. Below, we're going to go over some early options off the fantasy football waiver wire for Week 12.
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Early Week 12 Pickups
Sean Tucker, RB, Bucs (25% rostered on Yahoo)
Backup RBs reigned supreme in Week 11. We don't normally see a player rostered in just a quarter of leagues end up leading their position in scoring on the week. That could be the case for Tucker in Week 11 after he finished with 140 total yards on 21 touches (two catches) with three touchdowns and 33 fantasy points in a wild game vs. Buffalo. It's going to be hard to ignore Tucker on the wire after this performance, even if Bucky Irving returns from injury next week.
Emanuel Wilson, RB, Packers (6%)
The Packers lost starting RB Josh Jacobs to a knee injury in the first half of their win vs. the Giants on Sunday. Jacobs was unable to return, and Wilson capitalized as the next man up. Wilson finished the game with 11 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown, plus a nine-yard catch for 13.4 fantasy points.
In the final three games of 2024, Wilson was the RB10 from Weeks 16-18 while getting extended work. Over that span, he had 154 yards on 31 carries with three scores. If this injury forces Jacobs to miss any time, Wilson could become a solid RB2 option in most formats
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Steelers (32%)
The Steelers entered Sunday with a dream matchup for RBs going up against the Bengals, who have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing RBs this season. Jaylen Warren started the game strong but it was Gainwell who went off, rushing nine times for 24 yards while adding seven catches for 81 yards and a pair of scores. He would finish with 26 fantasy points, a potential top-five back in fantasy on the week.
If Pittsburgh continues to struggle getting the ball downfield in the passing game, Gainwell could get more looks and usage moving forward, even if Warren is healthy. If Warren's ankle injury becomes an issue, Gainwell gets thrust into RB2/3 territory.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jaguars (30%)
Many fantasy managers were likely surprised early on Sunday when Tuten was getting the bulk of the work over Travis Etienne Jr. for Jacksonville. The Jaguars would eventually run away with a win over the Chargers and Etienne ended up having a huge day himself, but Tuten reminded us all that he has value outside of being the backup. He finished with 15 carries for 74 yards and a score for 13.4 fantasy points. Tuten wasn't able to finish the game after suffering an ankle injury but the Jags were also up big, so it could have been more precautionary. Monitor Tuten's status the next few days but also make him a priority if you're in need of an RB or if you have Etienne on your roster (and for some reason don't have Tuten on your bench already).