The 2021 fantasy season has reached its critical weeks, and we have a host of issues to navigate. The Cardinals and the Chiefs are on bye, which means rosters will have gaps in almost every category. Add on the host of players who didn't clear their designations last week, plus the ones who suffered new injuries, plus the fact that there are THREE Thursday games due to Thanksgiving...and this is prepping to be one for the books.
Waivers are getting thin, especially in 12-man leagues or any league with a bid-style waiver system, expanded bench slots, or extra IR slots. The announcement of season-ending IR for Chris Carson, Michael Thomas, Robert Woods, and others frees up some slots in some respects, but who do we replace them with?
Many of these guys may not be available in your league, but if they are, they are worth a bid.
WR Elijiah Moore, NYJ
Rookie Elijiah Moore was one of my late-round sleepers, I think the main hesitation was the rookie QB/"it's the Jets" situation. Moore is supremely talented and that is becoming apparent as he has success regardless of the QB lining up back there in New York.
Over the last four weeks, he has 24 receptions on 31 targets for 336 yards and 4 touchdowns. Add in a few rushing attempts as well, and don't be surprised if this guy rushes one in again soon like he did in week 7 against the Patriots.
The icing on the cake is this: his upcoming schedule. The Jets play Houston, Philly, and the Saints the next three weeks, and for the fantasy playoffs it's Miami/Jacksonville/Tampa. Moore seems to do his best work against tough defenses, and that's becoming a more consistent product.
It is still the Jets, however, so some duds are certainly in the future for the rookie, but his potential for usage regardless of game script for New York is promising. Moore is the highest-scoring PPR WR in fantasy football over the last four weeks and he is available in about 40% of ESPN and NFL leagues.
RB Devonta Freeman, BAL
Freeman has benefitted from Latavius Murray's ongoing injury problems, and this last week from the absence of Lamar Jackson. His ceiling is always going to fluctuate, but it seems he has done enough to handle the important snaps out of the backfield for Baltimore moving forward and that means a healthy amount of carries. Carries means potential for production and that gives him solid RB2 value, especially during this bye week if you need a replacement for James Conner.
RB TY Johnson, NYJ
Ty Johnson has slowly became an integral part of the Jets offense as the versatile receiving back, but after Michael Carter left the Dolphins game with an ankle injury, it was Johnson who shouldered the load. We need to monitor Carter's condition but if he were to miss time, Johnson will see his normal passing workload increase with double-digit rushing touches as well. More plays, more potential, more production. As I said before, it is the Jets though, so even with added touches Johnson could be a risky flex.
WR Rondale Moore, ARI
I know, he's on bye, and when the Cards come back Hopkins and Green and everybody will be healthy...but he had a great game with Colt McCoy and showed once again his versatility regardless of situation. With a healthy Kyler and the Cards making the playoff run, I think Moore is worth snagging (especially if he is free in bid leagues) and stashing for your own fantasy playoff run.
TE Adam Trautman, NO
I almost put Trautman on my Week 11 "Ball 'Em" list, and I should have, because he snagged his first touchdown of the season last week. Trautman was hyped a lot in preseason, but that never came to fruition with Jameis Winston. The change in QB, along with Trautman himself simply getting more open on his routes, has caused him to see 27 targets over the last four games and five catches in each of the last two. Tight ends aren't super exciting, but if your TE is Zach Ertz or that Kelce guy, plug and play Adam Trautman in Week 12 at home against the Bills. The Bills are likely on the rebound warpath, but less time in the pocket and tighter receiver coverage should create more targets for the tight end over the middle or the flats.
TE Pat Freiermuth, PIT
Freiermuth was rostered in a lot of leagues after his 2TD performance in week 9, but was subsequently dropped after his production dipped. His target share in the Pittsburgh offense is high, and he clearly has the multi-tool approach to the position from a route running, sure handed, strong blocker perspective. The issue has been...yardage. Freiermuth isn't totaling enough yards to be fantasy relevant without a score, and the Steelers haven't been scoring a lot. They put up 37 last week in a loss, and Freiermuth scored, so if you are looking for a Kelce replacement the Steelers tight end has another favorable matchup against Cincinnati this week and will look to add yards to a potential score.
QB Cam Newton, CAR
If Cam is available in your league, go get him. If you are carrying a backup QB, drop that guy and just grab Cam. If nothing else, to keep him away from someone who is going to start him against you in the coming weeks. Love him or hate him, it's like that scene in Harry Potter 5: "He's Back!"
QB Taylor Heinicke, WFT
Heinicke was flirting with getting benched due to the potential return of Ryan Fitzpatrick, but after leading the Football Team to back-to-back victories against Tampa Bay and Carolina, Washington has a lot more confidence in their "backup". He has thrown for almost 2400 yards with a 15/9 TD/INT ratio, and perhaps the most impressive thing has been his will to win. He has been playing his best fantasy games against some of the toughest defenses around, so Seattle this week doesn't appear to be an issue. If you need a Mahomes substitute, and the wire is thin, Heinicke could squeak you out a win.
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