It’s an all-important week in fantasy football as managers strive to secure their playoff spots with only two weeks remaining in the fantasy regular season. With Thanksgiving festivities and games lined up on Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday, we’re in for a thrilling week. The stakes are high, and every decision counts!
While there are no teams on bye this week and no major injuries affecting wide receivers in Week 12, it’s a great opportunity to bolster your roster. This week, I’ve identified some top players available on the waiver wire who can make a significant impact, not just this week but as we head into the playoffs.
Top WRs to Target on the Waiver Wire
Here are the top three wide receivers I’m targeting on the waiver this week. Their availability data comes from ESPN, and they could serve as excellent streaming options if necessary.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tennessee Titans, 93% Available
Let’s kick things off with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. I highlighted him last week, and he didn’t disappoint! He made two catches for 48 yards and found the end zone. Remarkably, he’s scored a touchdown in six of his last seven games and has posted 11.9 points or more in PPR leagues in four out of five games. He’s also recognized as a top waiver wire add by many experts.
What’s even more impressive is that Westbrook-Ikhine has been on the field more than Calvin Ridley over the last four weeks. He’s commanding nearly 20% of the Titans’ total targets during this span, averaging five targets per game. This week, the Titans face a Commanders secondary that just allowed 241 passing yards and two touchdowns to Cooper Rush. CeeDee Lamb also had a productive outing against them with 10 catches for 67 yards.
With Will Levis showing improvement since his return from injury, this matchup could lead to a negative game script for the Titans, meaning they may need to throw the ball more. Looking ahead, they also face the Jaguars, who are one of the worst fantasy defenses against wide receivers, in the coming weeks. This presents Westbrook-Ikhine with ample opportunities to shine!
Noah Brown, Washington Commanders, 89% Available
Next up is Noah Brown from the Washington Commanders. While Terry McLaurin often steals the spotlight, Brown has solidified his role as the clear No. 2 in a high-scoring offense. In Week 12, he received a whopping 10 targets and has averaged 5.5 targets over the last six games. He’s currently capturing 18% of the Commanders’ total targets, just behind McLaurin’s 22%.
This week, the Commanders face the Titans, who have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. While it’s not the most favorable matchup, it’s worth noting that after a bye in Week 14, the Commanders will take on the Saints, who surrender the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers, followed by a clash with the Falcons, who rank sixth in points allowed.
Whether you decide to start him or simply want to keep him off another team’s roster, Brown has a crucial role to play down the stretch in fantasy. His consistent target share makes him a valuable asset as the playoffs approach.
Devaughn Vele, Denver Broncos, 98% Available
Last but certainly not least, we have Devaughn Vele of the Denver Broncos. Vele has climbed up the Broncos’ depth chart and is now their primary slot receiver. He’s been on the field for over 65% of their snaps in the last three weeks, trailing only Courtland Sutton. During this time, he’s commanded over 15% of the targets, peaking at 25% in Week 12.
In the past three weeks, Vele has consistently scored over 10 points in PPR leagues, turning 18 total targets into 14 catches for 185 yards and one touchdown. This week, he faces a Browns defense that is giving up the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. After that, he will meet the Colts and Chargers, both of whom have been average in terms of points allowed to fantasy wide receivers.
Why This Week Matters
As we dive deeper into the fantasy season, every decision becomes crucial. With only two weeks left in the regular season, the pressure is on to make the right moves. The waiver wire can be your best friend, especially with the right players available.
It’s important to stay ahead of the curve and make strategic additions to your roster. Whether you’re looking to fill gaps due to injuries or simply want to enhance your lineup, these wide receivers could be the key to your success.
So, as you prepare for this week’s matchups, keep an eye on these players. They could be the difference between a playoff berth and an early exit. Remember, every point counts, and the right waiver wire pick can propel you into the postseason.
With excitement building and the fantasy playoffs just around the corner, it’s time to make your moves! Are you ready to seize the moment?
