Roman Bruno

Content Contributor

Week 11 of the NFL season was full of fantasy football excitement, disappointment, and everything in between. There were also plenty of injuries, and fantasy teams are certainly looking to either find replacements or just upside bench depth. Here are 5 players on the fantasy radar as waiver wire pickups for Week 12 (percentages according to ESPN):

RB Latavius Murray (DEN) – 34% Rostered

The writing was on the wall these past few weeks that Murray was slowly becoming the top option in Denver’s backfield. The Broncos announced on Monday that they waived Melvin Gordon III, which gives Murray more opportunity. Additionally, newly-acquired RB Chase Edmonds will miss multiple weeks with a high ankle sprain. Murray had a very solid Week 11 performance, rushing for 49 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries as well as four receptions for 23 yards. He has found a home in Denver for the rest of this season, and he should find a home on fantasy football rosters. Murray is available in most leagues, and he can provide some FLEX appeal and an overall decent depth piece.

RB Samaje Perine (CIN) – 4% Rostered

Perine led the way for the Bengals on Sunday after starter Joe Mixon left the game with a concussion. Perine had the best game of his career: 11 carries for 30 yards, four receptions for 52 yards, and THREE TOUCHDOWNS. It is unreasonable to expect these types of performances on a weekly basis. However, if Mixon were to miss any time, Perine would become the featured back who can produce on the ground and the receiving game. The Bengals are hitting their stride on offense, and they are still waiting for the return of Ja’Marr Chase. Perine has a tough matchup ahead against the Titans this week, but he is one of the top waiver wire pickups regardless.

“Did he get there? TOUCHDOWN!!”

Greg Gumbel calls Samaje Perine’s THIRD TD of the day for the @Bengals💨

📺 CBS | Paramount+pic.twitter.com/pH0t8HEy8b

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 21, 2022

WR George Pickens (PIT) – 62% Rostered

Pickens posted his best PPR fantasy performance of the season in Week 11: four receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown. There is a lot to like about the rookie out of Georgia. He is beginning to emerge as the top option in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately for him, he has not had the best quarterback play with Mitch Trubisky and now Kenny Pickett. Pickens will continue to get plenty of targets, as the air attack runs through him. Diontae Johnson is no where to be found and Pat Freiermuth is not always consistent. Pickens is already owned in most leagues. Managers should double check the waiver wire to see if he is available. He is the top WR worth adding this week. He could become an interesting play as we get closer to the fantasy playoffs.

WR Treylon Burks (TEN) – 23% Rostered

Burks had a long-waited breakout performance in Tennessee’s win against the Packers. The rookie was targeted eight times, catching seven balls for 111 yards, including a game-sealing 51-yard catch under two minutes. It is very encouraging to see as he finally gets healthy and available. Burks will continue to be a key contributor for the Titans and likely their top receiving option if he continues to progress. In terms of fantasy, he will give managers WR3 numbers. Managers who held Burks through his injury are feeling pretty good right now. He is still available in most leagues. You need to see him put up some consistent performances to feel good about starting him. However, the time is near. Expect Tannehill to keep looking his way if the Titans want to revive their passing game on their way to the playoffs.

Have a DAY @TreylonBurks! #ProHogs 🐗 pic.twitter.com/sDmgTaHkpm

— Arkansas Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) November 18, 2022

WR Odell Beckham Jr. (FA) – 30% Rostered

Odell is close to signing with a team, and the top reported destinations are the Cowboys and Giants. Both would suit him well for fantasy. The Giants just lost rookie Wan’Dale Robinson to an ACL tear. They desperately need a WR1, so a reunion with Beckham may be in store. The Cowboys have an overall elite offense. Beckham could have a similar role there as he did with the Rams last season. Either destination would provide upside for Odell in fantasy, unless there is a third destination he may also be considering. From all accounts, he looks good enough to play right how. However, it will still take a few more weeks before managers see him on the field and acclimated to the offense. He could be a sneaky interesting option during the fantasy playoffs, but only time will tell. Go grab him and bank on his upside. It will not hurt you to roster him as a bench stash.

Honorable Waiver Wire Pickups: WR Jameson Williams (DET), WR Richie James (NYG), WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE), Kansas City Chiefs Defense

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports