Jared Levitt 
Welcome to the Week 12 edition of The Wire Report for the 2021 NFL season. In this article I’ll be highlighting some of the top players that should still be available in your season long leagues.
We’re at the point in the year where the waiver wire in most leagues is going to be slim pickings. This week is no exception. There isn’t too much out there but I tried to find the best available players still unowned in many leagues.
Below are my top waiver wire targets:
Marquez Valdez-Scantling – Wide Receiver – Green Bay Packers (3.2% Rostered in ESPN Leagues)
This was the breakout game many have been hoping for from MVS all season. Thanks to a 75 yard reception that resulted in a TD, MVS cracked the 100 yard mark for the first time this year. MVS was in this spot due to an injury to teammate Allen Lazard. Should Lazard miss again this week MVS becomes a must pick up as he’d have another game starting where there should be plenty of volume for him.
Cam Newton – Quarterback – Carolina Panthers (40.9% Rostered in ESPN Leagues)
I wrote up Cam Newton last week and I’ll write him up again. If your QB is hurt or struggling, it’s time to rethink your strategy and pick up Newton. He’s the guy now in Carolina. While he’s no Lamar Jackson at this point in his career, Newton is still a double threat as this weekend he threw for 2 touchdowns and also ran one in himself.
That’s 2 straight weeks now with a rushing touchdown for Newton. He’s still available in 60% of ESPN leagues. Pick him up if you’re in need.
Rex Burkhead – Running Back – Houston Texans (.6% Rostered in ESPN Leagues)
I told you earlier that we are at the point where the waiver wire is slim. This recommendation is based purely on volume. This weekend Burkhead saw 18 carries. Although he did absolutely nothing w/ them, it’s still volume. Similar to targets with wide receivers and tight ends, we want carries with running backs. If you’re desperate for a running back, Burkhead is out there. I’ll just leave it at that for him.
Tyrod Taylor – Quarterback – Houston Texans (5% Rostered in ESPN Leagues)
Tyrod Taylor hasn’t played much this season due to injury, but outside of his one poor game in Week 8 against the Dolphins Taylor has been extremely solid. This weekend he used his wheels as he rushed for 2 touchdowns.
While the weather impacted his passing game, he did enough to help his team beat a solid Titans team. This weekend he gets a dream matchup vs. the New York Jets. While I favor the longevity in Newton, if you need to stream a QB for just 1 week, go Taylor due to the matchup.
Elijah Moore – Wide Receiver – New York Jets (40.8% Rostered in ESPN Leagues)
This was a breakout game for Moore. For the first time this year Moore cracked 100 yards receiving. He also saw double digit targets for the first time as well. This is now 3 consecutive weeks with a touchdown for Moore and has 4 in those 3 games. The Jets offense is becoming clearer by the day and Moore is a big part of it. He’s still available in more than half of ESPN leagues and that’s far too many.
Devonta Freeman – Running Back – Baltimore Ravens (33.8% Rostered in ESPN Leagues)
While the Ravens have somewhat of a crowded backfield now with Latavius Murray back in the mix, Freeman is still a big part of the running game. This weekend Freeman had 16 carries for 49 yards and 1 touchdown. Ravens have a big game this weekend against divisional rival Cleveland and they’ll need all hands on deck. Freeman should be a big part of the game plan, especially if Jackson is forced to miss again with his illness.
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