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Waivering: Week 12

Tue Nov 22 8:23am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

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Burks could have strong finish


There is some good news this week. There are no bye weeks. So fantasy owners will have a full compliment of players to pick from, barring injury. This is a positive, especially at this time of the year when the injuries start to mount. Now the byes will return for Weeks 13 and 14, which will cause some problems, but enjoy all the teams playing this week while you can. Here are some players to consider grabbing if you are looking for an injury replacement or an upgrade. 

QUARTERBACK

Ryan Tannehill, Titans. Tannehill has returned to the lineup red hot. He has 21-plus fantasy points two straight games. He had his first 300-yard game of the season last week. He has multiple touchdowns each of his last two games. The Titans’ offense is really coming together, which is good news for Tannehill. He is available in 66 percent of leagues. 

Kenny Pickett, Steelers. Pickett seems to be making strides every time out. He was 25-of-42 for 265 yards and a touchdown without a turnover last week. He has not turned the ball over two straight games and has 18-plus fantasy points each of those games. Pickett is capable of the big game in this offense, especially as he continues to grow as a player. He is available in 65 percent of leagues. 

RUNNING BACK 

James Cook, Bills. Cook had a season high in rushing yards last week with 86 and tied a season high in rush attempts with 11. The Bills seem to be gaining confidence in him every week, which could lead to more carries for him going forward. He could be a bigger factor down the stretch in this Bills offense. Cook is available in 54 percent of leagues. 

Justin Jackson, Lions. Jackson had more touches than D’Andre Swift last week. He had nine carries for 66 yards and caught a pass for 11 yards. He has at least four touches three straight games and is getting weekly touches in the Lions offense. He won’t produce huge numbers in his current role, but has value in deeper fantasy formats. He is available in 98 percent of leagues. 

Cam Akers, Rams. Akers got the second most carries of his season last week, leading the way in the Rams backfield. He ran 14 times for 61 yards. He seems to be getting back in good graces with the Rams coaching staff, which bodes well for the rest of his season. He might end up being the lead back once again. Many teams dropped Akers, so he is available in 48 percent of leagues. He might be worth grabbing based on his usage in Week 11. 

Latavius Murray, Broncos. Murray has double-digit fantasy points three of four games. He had a season-high 17.2 fantasy points last week, getting 21 touches in the game. He is the back to trust right now in this Broncos backfield, especially after the release of Melvin Gordon. And Murray is available in some leagues still, being out there in 33 percent of leagues.  

RECEIVER

Demarcus Robinson, Ravens. Robinson has really emerged as the go-to receiver for the Ravens with Rashod Bateman out of the lineup. He had a huge game last week, catching nine passes for 128 yards on nine targets. He has double-digit fantasy points two of three games. His workload is becoming a trend and not a fluke. He has real value for fantasy teams and is available in 95 percent of leagues. 

Terrace Marshall, Panthers. Marshall hit double-digit fantasy points for the third time in four games last week. He has really becoming the most consistent Panthers receiver in the passing game despite the Panthers having all sorts of issues at quarterback. Marshall has hit this list in recent weeks, but remains available in 68 percent of leagues. 

Darius Slayton, Giants. Slayton continues to emerge in the Giants passing game. He had a season-high 10 targets last week and has double-digit fantasy points four straight games. He seems to make this list every week, but continues to be available in leagues. Slayton is available in 32 percent of leagues on our site. He really is worth owning in all formats, especially after the season-ending injury to Wan’Dale Robinson. 

Treylon Burks, Titans. Burks was drafted in most leagues before the season but dropped after a slow start and injury in many leagues. He is back and playing well, though. He had his first 100-yard game as a pro last week, catching seven passes for 111 yards on eight targets. Burks is as talented as any rookie receiver and could be a difference maker down the stretch for fantasy owners. He is available in 56 percent of leagues. 

TIGHT END

Juwan Johnson, Saints. Johnson scored a touchdown for the third straight game last week and has scored four of five games. He has become a legit starting tight end for fantasy owners. He remains available in 35 percent of leagues. 

Logan Thomas, Commanders. Thomas had his first double-digit fantasy performance in Week 11 for the first time since Week 2. It was encouraging to see him get five catches for 65 yards on six targets. Thomas is more than capable of producing some good fantasy games. He might be getting his footing after a slow start and injury issues. He has 10 targets the last two games and is available in 88 percent of leagues. 

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Marquez Valdes-Scantling May 5 9:20pm ET
Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Free-agent wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is scheduled to visit the Chargers on Monday. The 29-year-old had six trips to the end zone in 2020 while still a member of the Green Bay Packers. Since then, he hasn't come close to that mark. He finished the 2023-24 campaign with Kansas City by posting career-lows in catches (21), receiving yards (315), and touchdowns (one). Valdes-Scantling's most notable contribution last season came in the postseason, with the 2018 No. 174 overall pick pulling in a 16-yard touchdown throw from Patrick Mahomes in the Chiefs 25-22 overtime win over the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. Nonetheless, MVS will likely find work this season. But it will be difficult to tell how things will look from a fantasy standpoint until he inks a deal, although he could get looks from Justin Herbert if he signs with Los Angeles, considering the team no longer has Keenan Allen or Mike Williams on the roster.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall May 5 6:13pm ET
Breece Hall

Dynasty | The New York Jets drafted running back Isaiah Davis in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Davis has an uphill climb to a roster spot with the New York Jets after being taken in the fifth round. The Jets already have Breece Hall as their starter and also took Braelon Allen to shore up their backfield. Still, he has a chance and could surprise as a late-round small school prospect. While he may need to beat out Allen to earn a spot on the team, Davis should still be kept on watch lists for the time being.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Duke Johnson May 5 2:00pm ET
Duke Johnson

Running back Duke Johnson announced his retirement from professional football on Sunday. Johnson was originally taken in the third round (77th overall) by the Cleveland Browns in the 2015 NFL draft out of Miami. He spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Browns before spending two years with the Houston Texans. Johnson played for the Miami Dolphins in 2021 and the Buffalo Bills in the final year of his career in 2022. The 30-year-old wraps up his career having recorded 2,265 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 532 carries, adding 311 catches on 405 targets for 2,870 yards and an additional 12 touchdowns in 97 games (21 starts) covering eight seasons. Johnson had a career-high 410 rushing yards on 83 attempts in his first year in Houston in 2019.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott May 5 1:50pm ET
Dak Prescott

Dallas police will not pursue sexual-assault charges against Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, with a police spokesperson saying that detectives determined there was insufficient evidence an offense was committed. The case stemmed from an alleged incident that occurred in 2017 in which a woman said Prescott assaulted her in the back of an SUV in a strip club parking lot. In March, Prescott filed a suit seeking monetary relief in excess of $1 million after receiving a letter in January from attorneys on behalf of the woman that they would "forego pursuing criminal charges, along with disclosing this information to the public, in exchange for compensating her for the mental anguish she has suffered." It's unclear if the NFL is doing their separate investigation, but either way, it doesn't appear likely that Prescott will be in danger of facing a suspension from the league.

From RotoBaller

Denico Autry May 5 1:30pm ET
Denico Autry

Pass-rusher J.J. Watt isn't ruling out a return to professional football if the Houston Texans need him, but this if the final year that he'll say that. Watt retired after the 2022 season. "I told DeMeco [Ryans] last year: 'Don't call unless you absolutely need it, but, if you ever do call, I'll be there.' And he knows not to call unless he absolutely needs it. This is the last year I'll tell him that, because I'm not going to keep training [the way] I've been training," Watt said. The 35-year-old and Ryans played in Houston together in 2011, which was Watt's first NFL season and Ryans' last with the Texans. It's unlikely the Texans need Watt after signing Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry this offseason to pair with impressive second-year pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr. Watt is currently an analyst for CBS Sports.

From RotoBaller

Carson Steele May 5 1:20pm ET
Carson Steele

The Kansas City Chiefs recently signed undrafted free-agent running back Emani Bailey, defensive back Miles Battle, linebacker Swayze Bozeman, wide receiver Phillip Brooks, wide receiver Reggie Brown, tight end Baylor Cupp, offensive lineman Ethan Driskell, linebacker Curtis Jacobs, defensive lineman Fabien Lovett Sr., offensive lineman Griffin McDowell, offensive lineman McKade Mettauer, defensive back Derrick Miller, punter Ryan Rehkow, defensive back Christian Roland-Wallace, running back Carson Steele, offensive lineman Nick Torres and linebacker Luquay Washington on Saturday. All of these players will be fighting an uphill battle to make the Chiefs' final roster out of training camp this summer, but they could stick around on the team's practice squad if they impress the coaching staff.

From RotoBaller

Dorian Thompson-Robinson May 5 1:10pm ET
Dorian Thompson-Robinson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (hip) is set to have a follow-up MRI exam on his hip on Monday, and if all goes as planned, he's hoping to be back out on the field during the team's minicamp next weekend. The 24-year-old signal-caller suffered a subluxation of his hip on Christmas Eve last season and missed the rest of the year, which prompted the Browns to add veteran QB Joe Flacco. Thompson-Robinson has made good progress this offseason and is close to being cleared to throw during the team's offseason workouts. The Browns aren't going to rush him, though, and when healthy, he's going to be buried on the QB depth chart in Cleveland behind Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley.

From RotoBaller

Rasheen Ali May 5 1:10pm ET
Rasheen Ali

Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Rasheen Ali (biceps), who ruptured his biceps tendon at the Senior Bowl in late January, is taking part in some of the team's rookie minicamp after the Ravens took him in the fifth round of this year's NFL draft. Head coach John Harbaugh said he expects Ali to be fully ready for training camp at the end of July. If he's healthy and doesn't suffer a setback this summer, the 23-year-old will be competing for a spot on the team's regular-season roster as RB depth. As things stand now, the Ravens RB room consists of Derrick Henry, Keaton Mitchell, Justice Hill, Owen Wright, Ali and fellow rookie Chris Collier.

From RotoBaller

Xavier McKinney May 4 1:20pm ET
Xavier McKinney

Green Bay Packers rookie safety Kitan Oladapo (toe) said he had surgery on his left big toe recently and is out for the team's offseason workouts. However, he expects to be ready for training camp this summer. Oladapo suffered a stress fracture doing drills on the turf at the NFL combine in February in Indianapolis and powered through more drills at his pro day despite being injured. Along with the 23-year-old, the Packers also took safeties Xavier McKinney and Anthony Johnson in this year's draft to help them shore up their secondary. Oladapo, who hails from Oregon State, will need to get healthy in a hurry if he wants to impress the coaching staff enough in training camp to secure a spot on the regular-season roster.

From RotoBaller

George Holani May 4 1:10pm ET
George Holani

The Seattle Seahawks signed undrafted free-agent linebackers Sunny Anderson, Nelson Ceaser, Easton Gibbs and Rason Williams II, quarterback Chevan Cordeiro, offensive tackle Garret Greenfield, wide receivers Hayden Hatten and Dee Williams, running backs George Holani, Kobe Lewis and TaMerik Williams, cornerbacks Carlton Johnson and Ro Torrence, defensive end DeVere Levelston, center Mike Novitsky and tight end Jack Westover on Friday. Cordeiro, who is out of San Jose State, was the Mountain West Conference's all-time leader in total touchdowns, total yards and completions. Ceaser, from Houston, was a first-team All-Big 12 selection and team captain who led his team with 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in 2023. Greenfield was a three-time first-team FCS All-American.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Travis May 3 8:20pm ET
Jordan Travis

New York Jets rookie quarterback Jordan Travis (ankle), who was drafted by the Jets in the fifth round last week, won't take part in offseason workouts but should be cleared for training camp at the end of July, according to head coach Robert Saleh. The Jets took the Florida State star as a developmental prospect who can learn behind Aaron Rodgers and veteran backup Tyrod Taylor. Travis suffered a gruesome, season-ending ankle injury on Nov. 18 and required surgery. He rode a stationary bike on Friday during part of practice. "He's a tremendously talented young man and extremely gifted, especially athletically. He's got a lot of work to do for sure, especially with tying his lower half to his arm and all that good stuff, but he's a gifted athlete," Saleh said. Travis threw for 8,643 yards and 65 touchdowns while finishing his career with 17 straight wins for the Seminoles.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill May 3 5:13pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Dynasty | The Miami Dolphins have signed wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. Dynasty Analysis: Beckham has been flirting with the Dolphins for weeks and now it's official. It's a one-year deal worth $3 million with incentives that can push its max value to $8.25 million. The incentives are likely going to be very tough for OBJ to meet with the likes of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle around. Still, it's another fresh start for Beckham, who hasn't had a 1,000-yard season 2019. He's still a hold in dynasty leagues but expecting a late-career renaissance seems to be asking a little too much at this point.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Malachi Corley May 3 4:50pm ET
Malachi Corley

The New York Jets traded up to the first pick of the third round (No. 65) in the 2024 NFL Draft to select former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley. In a recent media availability, Jets general manager Joe Douglas touted the rookie's run-after-catch skills and believes he's a great fit alongside Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams. "He really excels with the ball in his hands. When guys are really good at running after catch in college, it usually translates well in the pros," Douglas said. "If a guy has the ability to make people miss it's because they're really an elusive high-level athlete and if they're wired to compete. Our coaches are going to use that skill to turn him into an elite route runner." Needless to say, the team has high expectations for the 22-year-old -- and for good reason. In his final two collegiate campaigns, he caught 180 passes for 2,277 yards and 22 touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Dawuane Smoot May 3 4:30pm ET
Dawuane Smoot

The Buffalo Bills signed linebacker Deion Jones and defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot on Friday, according to NFL.com. The team moved on from several veterans on both sides of the ball this offseason, so Jones and Smoot could compete for playing time in 2024. Jones, a former second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, earned Pro Bowl honors in 2017, but he hasn't lived up to his breakout campaign. In 109 games with the Falcons, Browns, and Panthers, he has racked up 731 tackles, 12 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 13 interceptions. Smoot, a former Jaguars third-round pick, spent the first seven seasons of his career with Jacksonville and compiled 23.5 sacks through his first 99 games.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers May 3 3:10pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh said that there will be no restrictions for quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) when Phase 3 of the offseason begins in two weeks, which consists of 10 organized team activity practices. "Once phase three hits, we're not anticipating any restrictions from what we can and can't do with him," Saleh said. Meanwhile, rookie QB Jordan Travis (ankle), is expected to be ready for training camp after suffering a devastating injury in November. The 40-year-old Rodgers is coming off a torn left Achilles that he suffered on the first offensive series of the season in 2023. The odds are against him returning to his MVP form with the Jets, but he's not lacking for offensive weapons around him if he can stay healthy in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Tolbert May 3 3:00pm ET
Jalen Tolbert

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert, who worked as the team's No. 4 wideout in his second season in 2023, is expected to have a bigger role in 2024 alongside CeeDee Lamb and veteran Brandin Cooks. Tolbert essentially split offensive snaps with Michael Gallup last year, but Gallup is now in Las Vegas. In 17 regular-season games (six starts) last year, Tolbert caught 22 of his 36 targets for 268 yards and two touchdowns after recording just two receptions in his rookie campaign in 2022. The 25-year-old former third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft out of South Alabama won't necessarily be worth drafting in standard-sized fantasy leagues this fall, but if Lamb or Cooks go down with an injury at any point, Tolbert would become a popular waiver-wire pickup.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Bellinger May 3 2:30pm ET
Daniel Bellinger

Darren Waller's expected retirement could open the door for Daniel Bellinger to become the New York Giants' No. 1 tight end in 2024 like he was as a rookie. Bellinger's receiving opportunities were limited by Waller's presence last year, but the addition of veteran blocking tight ends this offseason should allow Bellinger to be featured more as a receiver in his third season in the league. The 23-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2022 out of San Diego State has caught 55 of his 63 targets for 523 yards and two touchdowns in his two seasons with the G-Men. If Waller hangs up his cleats as things seem to be trending, Bellinger could be a decent under-the-radar TE2 target in deeper fantasy leagues this fall.

From RotoBaller

Mac Jones May 3 2:30pm ET
Mac Jones

Unsurprisingly, the Jacksonville Jaguars didn't pick up the fifth-year option on new quarterback Mac Jones, who the team acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots this offseason. Jones was New England's first-round pick in 2021 but failed to make an impact as their starter under center. He went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2021 but was merely a replacement player. Jones started all 42 games that he played for the Patriots, but the team went 4-13 in 2023 and Jones found himself on the bench for the final six games. The 25-year-old from Alabama regressed in each of his three seasons in Boston, but it didn't help that the Patriots were constantly bringing in new offensive coaches during his time there. Now in Jacksonville, Jones will operate as the clear backup to Trevor Lawrence in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels May 3 2:20pm ET
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was taken in this year's draft with the second overall pick, has the experience and ability to give him a chance to start immediately in his first season in 2024, according to multiple sources. "When that time comes, when he's ready, then that's when we'll do it. But there's no timeline on that," head coach Dan Quinn said. If Daniels doesn't start right away, the Commanders would go with Marcus Mariota. Both Quinn and general manager Adam Peters have said they want to rely on a strong defense and run game to reduce the burden on the rookie QB. The addition of veteran players like tight end Zach Ertz and running Austin Ekeler should lessen the need for Daniels to be the leader of the offense right away. Numerous NFL coaches think Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme will be good for Daniels, and while he has tons of long-term potential, Daniels will be a low-end QB2 with upside in fantasy in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Eric Gray May 3 2:20pm ET
Eric Gray

New York Giants running back Eric Gray has a clear path to a bigger role in New York's backfield in his second season in the league now that Saquon Barkley is no longer in town. The Giants signed Devin Singletary to be their No. 1 back, but he's never been the top dog and there will be room for carries for other backs now that Barkley is out of the picture. The Giants haven't signed any other veterans and didn't take a RB in the draft until selecting Purdue's Tyrone Tracy in the fifth round, which is the same spot Gray was taken in 2023. The 24-year-old had 23 touches for 70 yards in 13 games as a rookie last year, but his production should go up considerably in 2024 as long as he stays healthy. Gray won't necessarily be a draft target in standard 12-team leagues, but he'll surely be a waiver-wire target if Singletary misses time with an injury.

From RotoBaller