Scott Engel is in his 12th year as the official Fantasy Football writer and analyst for Seahawks.com. He is an inaugural member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hall of Fame. Scott is a four-time FSWA award winner and a 13-time nominee. You can find more of his fantasy football analysis at The Game Day and fantasy football rankings at RotoBaller.com.
We get a break from the bye weeks in Week 12, yet there is still much work to be done as we get closer to the fantasy football playoffs. This week, I have added more waiver wire recommendations to address needed depth for the important stretch ahead, which includes more byes, as fantasy players attempt to qualify for the postseason. Injuries are a constant concern too, so having a solid bench is important in case you need to replace a starter at any time.
This week's column features lists of the best fantasy football waiver wire adds at running back and wide receiver. Analysis leans to Points Per Reception (PPR) formats.
Running Backs
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Jerome Ford
Rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson played well enough last week to help the Browns get past the Steelers. Cleveland gets a tough test this week against the resurgent Broncos, who have won four consecutive games. The Denver defense has forced 11 turnovers in its past three games, yet the unit is ranked last in the league against the run and ranks 25th in fantasy points per game allowed to RBs over the past four weeks. Expect Cleveland to lean on its RBs. Ford rushed for 107 yards in Week 10 and had a rushing TD in Week 11.
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Keaton Mitchell
The undrafted Baltimore rookie is capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. Mitchell is averaging 10.3 yards per carry and has long runs of 60, 39, and 21 yards in his last three games while adding in a 32-yard reception during that span. In their most recent offensive line rankings, Pro Football Focus rated Baltimore's line No. 2 overall in the NFL. Mitchell bursts through the holes created and can take off quickly, and he is hard to catch once he gets in space. The Chargers rank 28th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs over the past four weeks, so start Mitchell as an upside flex player.
Other RBs to Consider Starting in Week 12: Tony Pollard, Rachaad White, Jaylen Warren, Rhamondre Stevenson, Alexander Mattison
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Zach Charbonnet
In John Boyle's news and notes from Pete Carroll’s Monday press conference, he included information that Carroll shared on the status of Kenneth Walker III, who left Sunday's game against the Rams with an oblique injury.
"Those are the kinds of strains that it takes a while to figure it out," Carroll said, and when asked if Walker can play Thursday, he said, "I don't know that."
Fantasy players can check back on Seahawks.com and on the player news feed on RotoBaller.com to stay up to date on Walker's status. Charbonnet is one of the top fantasy football waiver wire adds of the week, as he may continue to get a heavy amount of work as he did in Week 11 at Los Angeles. Entering last week's game, Charbonnet had played on over 50 percent of the snaps in three consecutive games, so he was trending to deliver increased fantasy production.
I had previously mentioned Charbonnet as a top pickup, as even when Walker is available, the Seahawks' second-round rookie will be a valuable fantasy football depth player. He is a dual threat who has caught 10 of his 11 targets in his last two games, and Charbonnet's excellent pass-blocking skills for a first-year player assure him of staying on the field often.
San Francisco has the third-best rushing defense in the NFL, but as Seahawks fans have already observed, Charbonnet is a determined physical runner who will battle hard for every yard, and he seeks out contact for extra yardage. If he has to take on an expanded role this week, start Charbonnet as a fantasy RB3 for the projected volume.
Carroll also indicated rookie Kenny McIntosh might be in the mix for Thursday's game, and he should be added in deeper leagues for fantasy roster depth.
Week 12 Fantasy Football Running Back Waiver Wire Rankings – Top 5
- Zach Charbonnet
- Ty Chandler
- Miles Sanders
- Tyler Allgeier
- Leonard Fournette
Wide Receivers
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Michael Pittman Jr.
The Colts' No. 1 WR has caught eight passes in three consecutive games, and he has been targeted 33 times during that span. His matchup vs. Tampa Bay in Week 12 should be a fun one, as we will see Pittman, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin all on the same field. Pittman will certainly provide his share of highlights, as the Buccaneers have allowed the most receiving yards and third-most catches to WRs over the past four weeks. According to Pro Football Focus, Pittman has a projected matchup grade of 88.4 when lining up as the right side WR this week, which is considered 'excellent."
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Zay Flowers
I will stick with the Baltimore theme at this position, too, as we have to take advantage of the NFL's lowest-ranked pass defense as fantasy players. Flowers has registered double-figure PPR totals in seven of 11 games this season. The rookie also must be one of the Baltimore pass-catchers to step forward and contribute more with Mark Andrews out. Odell Beckham Jr., who hit the 100-yard mark for the first time as a Raven last week and may be available on your waiver wire, is also a quality start against a Chargers defense that ranks 27th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to WRs over the past four weeks.
Other WRs to Consider Starting in Week 12: Nico Collins, Diontae Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins, Brandin Cooks, Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
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Jayden Reed
Here is another first-year player who demonstrates that having patience with rookies in fantasy football can pay off. Reed has five total TDs from scrimmage, as he scored on a 32-yard run in Week 11 and caught a TD pass in Week 10. He has been targeted five-plus times in three of the past four games and finished with 80-plus receiving yards twice during that span. Reed is emerging as a viable flex play and WR3 streamer for your fantasy playoff push.
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Jameson Williams
Williams flashed his upside with a 32-yard TD reception in Week 11. He has a good opportunity to take advantage of, as he can seize the No. 2 WR role in the Detroit offense in the weeks ahead. Williams is an upside type and a potential difference-maker for the fantasy playoffs.
Week 12 Fantasy Football Running Back Waiver Wire Rankings – Top 10
- Josh Downs
- Jayden Reed
- Odell Beckham Jr.
- Tutu Atwell (if Cooper Kupp is out with an ankle injury, he can be started as a flex play).
- Demario Douglas
- Jameson Williams
- Jaylen Guyton
- Michael Wilson
- Khalil Shakir
- Zay Jones
Quarterbacks And Tight Ends
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Justin Fields
In his return from a thumb injury in Week 11, Fields rushed for 104 yards, and he can also provide quality passing totals this week. According to PFF, the Bears have the third-best pass-blocking advantage of any offensive line in Week 12.
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Joshua Dobbs
One of the best stories of the 2023 season, Dobbs has functioned as a quality fantasy starter in his three games as a starter for Minnesota. He has rushed for TDs in five consecutive games overall and scored 24-plus fantasy points in three of his past four. The Vikings have the best pass-blocking advantage of any team for Week 12. The Bears rank 23rd in FFPG allowed to QBs. If you need a streaming starter, go with Dobbs again.
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Isaiah Likely
Andrews may unfortunately be done for the season with an ankle injury, and Likely now becomes one of the top pickups in fantasy football. The second-year TE has displayed his potential in the preseason and in the 2022 season finale, Likely caught eight passes for 113 yards. He does have the promise to contribute at least as a back-end fantasy TE1 in the weeks ahead.
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David Njoku
Despite Cleveland dealing with some QB changes, Njoku has been very busy, with 13 receptions and 24 targets over the past two weeks. The Broncos have allowed the most FFPG to TEs this season.
For more fantasy football analysis from Scott Engel, visit The Game Day during the 2023 fantasy football season.
The Seahawks and 49ers face off on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. PT. Take a look back through history at the Seahawks' matchups against the 49ers.
Seattle Seahawks fullback Dan Doornink (33) runs upfield during an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco, Oct. 7, 1979. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 35-24. (AP Photo/Al Messerschmidt)
San Francisco quarterback Joe Montana (16) passes during an NFL football game against Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Nov. 25, 1985, in San Francisco. The 49ers won the game, 19-6. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
San Francisco 49ers' Terrell Owens catches the game-winning touchdown pass from quarterback Jeff Garcia while Seattle Seahawks' Shawn Springs defends during the fourth quarter in Seattle, Monday, Oct. 14. 29, 2002. The 49ers won, 28-21. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks defensive back Marcus Robertson (31) gets ready to make sure San Francisco 49ers running back Garrison Hearst (20) is stopped on Sunday, December 1, 2002, in San Francisco, California. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 31-24. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Seattle Seahawks' Antonio Cochran (78) celebrates a fumble recovery by teammate safety Ken Hamlin on the first play after the 2-minute warning in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 20-19. At left is 49ers' Ron Stone. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
San Francisco 49ers running back Kevan Barlow (32) looks for hole in line on Saturday, December 27, 2003, in San Francisco, California. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 24-17. (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck looks for room to pass under pressure from San Francisco 49ers' John Engelberger (95) and Derrick Hamilton (88) in the first quarter in Seattle, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks' Darrell Jackson, right, runs in for a touchdown past San Francissco 49ers' Ronnie Heard on a 33-yard pass reception in the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/George Nikitin)
Seattle Seahawks' D.J. Hackett (18) grabs a touchdown pass in front of San Francisco 49ers' Shawntae Spencer in the first half on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith attempts to pass under pressure from Seattle Seahawks' Craig Terrill, right, and Rodney Bailey (95) in the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005, at Qwest Field in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 41-3. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws downfield while under pressure from Seattle Seahawks linebacker Julian Peterson, left, in the second half of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.J. Hackett (18) cannot hold on to a pass in the second quarter as San Francisco 49ers strong safety Mark Roman defends in the second quarter Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006, at Qwest Field in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
San Francisco 49ers' Frank Gore, center, fumbles in front of Seattle Seahawks' Darryl Tapp in the first quarter of their NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 12: Tight end Marcus Pollard #88 of the Seattle Seahawks spins after the reception against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, November 12, 2007 in Seattle, Washington. Seattle won the game 24-0. (AP Photo/Thomas E. Witte) Marcus Pollard
Seattle Seahawks' Josh Wilson defends as San Francisco 49ers' Isaac Bruce makes a 33-yard reception in overtime in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in Seattle. The 49ers won 33-30. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks running back Julius Jones, left, carries the ball in front of San Francisco 49ers cornerback Nate Clements in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Aaron Curry (59), top, tackles San Francisco 49ers running back Glen Coffee (29) during an NFL football game in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Seattle Seahawks Matt Hasselbeck in action against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks' Justin Forsett in action against the San Francisco 49ers in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ruvell Martin (82) catches a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers cornerback Nate Clements (22) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (15) against the San Francisco 49ers in an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) drives for the end zone during an NFL game against Seattle Seahawks defensive back Kam Chancellor (31) on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in Seattle. The 49ers won the game, 19-17. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) tries to make a tackle while blocked by Seattle Seahawks tight end Zach Miller (86) during the NFL week 7 football game on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012 in San Francisco. The 49ers won the game 13-6. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman comes down with an interception ahead of San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver Randy Moss in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, in Seattle. The Seahawks beat the 49ers 42-13. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes against the defense of San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell, left, intercepts a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree, right, in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) catches a 35-yard touchdown pass at 13:44 of the fourth quarter of the NFL NFC Championship playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, January 19, 2014 in Seattle. The Seahawks won the game 23-17. (AP Photo/Paul Jasienski)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson (10) heads downfield during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Nov. 27, 2014, in Santa Clara, Ca. The Seahawks won the game, 19-3. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Seattle Seahawks' Bobby Wagner, left, closes in on San Francisco 49ers' Carlos Hyde, right, in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (34) drops the ball after scoring a touchdown ahead of San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) catches the ball against San Francisco 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers, 37-18. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Seattle Seahawks' Jeremy Lane (20) tackles San Francisco 49ers' Raheem Mostert (31) during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
In this third in a series of seven photos, Seattle Seahawks tight end Luke Willson leaps over San Francisco 49ers cornerback Will Redmond, left, as defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Sept. 17, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
