The 9 best fantasy waiver pickups for Week 12

Ameer Abdullah, Jeremy McNichols and Adonai Mitchell highlight the top waiver wire targets in fantasy football entering Week 13.

Welcome to the Week 13 waiver wire watch! Consider making a waiver claim in your fantasy football leagues for the following players (available in at least 50% of ESPN leagues).

Cooper Rush, QB, Dallas Cowboys

There were calls for Trey Lance a few weeks ago when Rush turned in one of the worst passing performances ever (including -3 fantasy points) in Week 10. But over the past two games, Rush has passed for 601 total yards (and scored 16 and 17 fantasy points) in two wins. Though there are flashier options available in most leagues, the Cowboys have a juicy schedule against the 2-9 Giants, 4-7 Bengals and 3-8 Panthers on deck, and their running game isn’t worth a lick. The Rico Dowdle-led backfield ranks bottom-three in rushing yards, yards per carry, rushing first downs and rushing touchdowns this year. Mike McCarthy will continue leaning on Rush and CeeDee Lamb as he coaches for his job.

Ameer Abdullah, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

The 10th-year vet took advantage of his first start since 2021, and his second since 2017, with Alexander Mattison (ankle) Zamir White (quad) out of action. Abdullah totaled 13 touches for 65 total yards and a gorgeous touchdown grab on Sunday. Considering Mattison and White didn’t practice last week, he could start again this week with the Raiders playing on Black Friday.

Jeremy McNichols, RB, Washington Commanders

McNichols is another back who could benefit from teammate’s absences, as Brian Robinson (ankle) and Austin Ekeler (concussion) left Sunday’s game and didn’t return. “McWeapon” started his first career game in Week 7 and produced just 7 carries for 42 yards — and next week’s matchup against the Titans is daunting — so expectations should be tempered. That said, running backs who could realistically see double-digit touches are rarely free at this time of year.

Noah Brown, WR, Washington Commanders

Though the Commanders’ offense has regressed, Brown has seen his own stock rise in recent weeks. He’s played over 60% of snaps and seen 4-plus targets in all but one game since returning from a groin injury in Week 6. Many might see him just another option for Jayden Daniels, but many would be wrong. Brown is very much a threat to Terry McLaurin’s volume.

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Our guy Josh Downs sadly sustained a shoulder injury on Sunday and is considered week-to-week. With the Colts one game away from its bye, Downs is likely to be inactive this week, which opens the door for 52nd-overall pick Adonai Mitchell to get more reps. He still has to overcome starters Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce in the pecking order, but those two will also see a lot of Patriots stud corner Christian Gonzalez next week. Mitchell is in a good spot to score his first career touchdown on Sunday.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR, Tennessee Titans

Make it 6 touchdowns in seven games for Westbrook-Ikhine, who’s blossomed as a big-play machine now that DeAndre Hopkins is in Kansas City. While he only has 1 game with over 3 catches, and 1 with over 50 yards, he ranks top-20 among all receivers in half-PPR points thanks to his knack for the endzone. It’s typically unwise to bank on such volatile production to continue, but NWI benefits from a good playcaller in Brian Callahan and a Jameis-esque quarterback in Will Levis. He can keep his streak going so long as Levis is slingin’ it deep.

Cowboys D/ST

Dallas’ defense became available in most fantasy leagues due to poor production and a tough recent schedule. Mike Zimmer’s unit awoke from its slumber last week, though, as 4 sacks, 2 interceptions and KaVontae Turpin’s highlight housecall led to an 11-point upset win in Washington. They have a mouthwatering matchup on Thanksgiving Day against the spineless Giants, so go ahead and grab Cowboys D/ST now to plug into your starting lineups.