by Kacey Kasem
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Every week, Kacey Kasem will bring you WR2s primed to exceed their slot in the weekly WR fantasy rankings and could help bolster your chances at fantasy football glory.
With Thanksgiving sneaking up on us, it’s time to think about the foods, the football, and, of course, the fantasy implications. Let’s be real: Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey—though I know some folks complain it’s dry, and we only eat it once a year because it’s not good.
Personally, I’m all in for turkey, stuffing, and green bean casserole. I’m not a huge fan of pie (especially pumpkin or sweet potato), but I’m all about the booze to keep things flowing while I watch the football games. Yeah, the Dallas Cowboys may not give me much to cheer for this season, but it’s still football.
As we get into Week 12, you’ll be without some major players like Ja’Marr Chase, Drake London, Garrett Wilson, Tee Higgins, Khalil Shakir, Darnell Mooney and Davante Adams—all of whom are on bye.
Just like how we all know that food and football are key ingredients for a great Thanksgiving, I’ve got the fantasy replacements that are the key ingredients for a fantasy win. Don’t worry; while your lineup may be missing some stars, these sleepers can give you the performance you need to feast on victory.
~ Check Out Our Week 12 Fantasy Football Rankings ~
WR2s with WR1 Potential This Week
Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers
Rostered in 60.4% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 63% of Sleeper Leagues
Quentin Johnston has steadily emerged as a vital piece of the Los Angeles Chargers offense, yet he remains available in far too many leagues. If the second-year player is still on waivers, it is time to make a move.
Johnston has secured six touchdowns this season, including one in each of his last three games. In Week 11, he saw a career-high eight targets, corralling two passes for 48 yards and a touchdown.
Justin Herbert is on 🔥🔥🔥
Touchdown #2 on SNF goes to Quentin Johnston! pic.twitter.com/RpJEdcuBl6
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) November 18, 2024
While the TCU alum’s target-to-reception ratio was not ideal, Justin Herbert’s strong play has kept Johnston’s fantasy value on the rise.
Looking ahead to Week 12, Johnston squares off with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens give up the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
With his recent scoring streak and increased involvement in the Chargers’ offense, the former first-rounder offers the type of consistent production fantasy managers crave. Whether dealing with injuries, bye weeks, or just looking for a high-upside play, Johnston is an outstanding option.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, New Orleans Saints
Rostered in 15.7% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 36% of Sleeper Leagues
A player who has been on fire lately is Marquez Valdes-Scantling of the New Orleans Saints. He has shown why he can be a valuable fantasy asset. And yes, he does not play this week. Get him now for his future matches.
Over the last two games, the 30-year-old has averaged 98 receiving yards and recorded three touchdowns, proving himself a dangerous big-play threat.
MVS! 71 YARDS TO. THE. CRIB.
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/Xf8Sl9id0R
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 17, 2024
In Week 11, he turned just two receptions into 87 yards and a 71-yard touchdown during the Saints’ 35-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
The seventh-year player’s ability to break off explosive plays has made him a key target for Derek Carr, especially with Rashid Shaheed out for the year and Chris Olave on injured reserve.
While Valdes-Scantling is on bye in Week 12, he is worth stashing for future games. The Saints’ offense is thin on trustworthy weapons, and the South Florida product has the potential to deliver fantasy value down the stretch. He is a wise addition for depth and upside in deeper leagues if you have the roster space.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tennessee Titans
Rostered in 6.2% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 18% of Sleeper Leagues
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has quietly been one of the most reliable touchdown producers in fantasy football this season. He has scored in five of his last six games, including a 98-yard TD in Week 11’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Indiana alum caught two balls on six targets in that contest, racking up 117 yards and continuing to serve as a crucial red-zone weapon for the Tennessee Titans. Despite his consistency, he remains under-rostered, making him a perfect pickup for Week 12.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine with a 98-yard touchdown!!!!
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 17, 2024
The Titans go up against the Houston Texans this week. The Texans surrender the ninth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
Westbrook-Ikhine’s steady target volume and red-zone involvement give him the potential to make a noteworthy impact in this favorable matchup.
If you are searching for a player who can find the end zone and capitalize on his shots, the 27-year-old is your guy. Our own Nate Polvogt wrote more about Westbrook-Ikhine in his waiver wire pickups for Week 12.
Noah Brown, Washington Commanders
Rostered in 10% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 18% of Sleeper Leagues
A wide receiver who might not jump off the page as a must-start option is Noah Brown of the Washington Commanders. His contest in Week 12 makes him an intriguing deep sleeper.
In Week 11, Brown caught just one of four targets for four yards against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he played on 77 percent of offensive snaps, more than Terry McLaurin‘s 71 percent.
“Noah Brown has played 71.3% of his snaps at RWR, where Dallas has allowed a league-high 73.3 yards per game.” https://t.co/u75DOrVZUN
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) November 21, 2024
The Ohio State product has been quietly increasing his route rate and target share over the past four weeks, and quarterback Jayden Daniels is starting to look his way more often.
In Week 12, Brown battles his former team, the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys’ defense has struggled versus the pass this season and is currently dealing with injuries to key cornerbacks DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis.
With six teams on bye, Brown’s veteran presence and this good matchup make him a viable choice in deeper leagues. If you need a last-minute fill-in, the wideout could surprise you with a productive outing.
Kacey Kasem is a contributing badass for Optimus Fantasy. For more from Kacey, follow her on X @TheKaceyKasem.
by Kacey Kasem
Share
Every week, Kacey Kasem will bring you WR2s primed to exceed their slot in the weekly WR fantasy rankings and could help bolster your chances at fantasy football glory.
With Thanksgiving sneaking up on us, it’s time to think about the foods, the football, and, of course, the fantasy implications. Let’s be real: Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey—though I know some folks complain it’s dry, and we only eat it once a year because it’s not good.
Personally, I’m all in for turkey, stuffing, and green bean casserole. I’m not a huge fan of pie (especially pumpkin or sweet potato), but I’m all about the booze to keep things flowing while I watch the football games. Yeah, the Dallas Cowboys may not give me much to cheer for this season, but it’s still football.
As we get into Week 12, you’ll be without some major players like Ja’Marr Chase, Drake London, Garrett Wilson, Tee Higgins, Khalil Shakir, Darnell Mooney and Davante Adams—all of whom are on bye.
Just like how we all know that food and football are key ingredients for a great Thanksgiving, I’ve got the fantasy replacements that are the key ingredients for a fantasy win. Don’t worry; while your lineup may be missing some stars, these sleepers can give you the performance you need to feast on victory.
~ Check Out Our Week 12 Fantasy Football Rankings ~
WR2s with WR1 Potential This Week
Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers
Rostered in 60.4% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 63% of Sleeper Leagues
Quentin Johnston has steadily emerged as a vital piece of the Los Angeles Chargers offense, yet he remains available in far too many leagues. If the second-year player is still on waivers, it is time to make a move.
Johnston has secured six touchdowns this season, including one in each of his last three games. In Week 11, he saw a career-high eight targets, corralling two passes for 48 yards and a touchdown.
Justin Herbert is on 🔥🔥🔥
Touchdown #2 on SNF goes to Quentin Johnston! pic.twitter.com/RpJEdcuBl6
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) November 18, 2024
While the TCU alum’s target-to-reception ratio was not ideal, Justin Herbert’s strong play has kept Johnston’s fantasy value on the rise.
Looking ahead to Week 12, Johnston squares off with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens give up the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
With his recent scoring streak and increased involvement in the Chargers’ offense, the former first-rounder offers the type of consistent production fantasy managers crave. Whether dealing with injuries, bye weeks, or just looking for a high-upside play, Johnston is an outstanding option.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, New Orleans Saints
Rostered in 15.7% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 36% of Sleeper Leagues
A player who has been on fire lately is Marquez Valdes-Scantling of the New Orleans Saints. He has shown why he can be a valuable fantasy asset. And yes, he does not play this week. Get him now for his future matches.
Over the last two games, the 30-year-old has averaged 98 receiving yards and recorded three touchdowns, proving himself a dangerous big-play threat.
MVS! 71 YARDS TO. THE. CRIB.
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/Xf8Sl9id0R
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 17, 2024
In Week 11, he turned just two receptions into 87 yards and a 71-yard touchdown during the Saints’ 35-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
The seventh-year player’s ability to break off explosive plays has made him a key target for Derek Carr, especially with Rashid Shaheed out for the year and Chris Olave on injured reserve.
While Valdes-Scantling is on bye in Week 12, he is worth stashing for future games. The Saints’ offense is thin on trustworthy weapons, and the South Florida product has the potential to deliver fantasy value down the stretch. He is a wise addition for depth and upside in deeper leagues if you have the roster space.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tennessee Titans
Rostered in 6.2% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 18% of Sleeper Leagues
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has quietly been one of the most reliable touchdown producers in fantasy football this season. He has scored in five of his last six games, including a 98-yard TD in Week 11’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Indiana alum caught two balls on six targets in that contest, racking up 117 yards and continuing to serve as a crucial red-zone weapon for the Tennessee Titans. Despite his consistency, he remains under-rostered, making him a perfect pickup for Week 12.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine with a 98-yard touchdown!!!!
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 17, 2024
The Titans go up against the Houston Texans this week. The Texans surrender the ninth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
Westbrook-Ikhine’s steady target volume and red-zone involvement give him the potential to make a noteworthy impact in this favorable matchup.
If you are searching for a player who can find the end zone and capitalize on his shots, the 27-year-old is your guy. Our own Nate Polvogt wrote more about Westbrook-Ikhine in his waiver wire pickups for Week 12.
Noah Brown, Washington Commanders
Rostered in 10% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 18% of Sleeper Leagues
A wide receiver who might not jump off the page as a must-start option is Noah Brown of the Washington Commanders. His contest in Week 12 makes him an intriguing deep sleeper.
In Week 11, Brown caught just one of four targets for four yards against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he played on 77 percent of offensive snaps, more than Terry McLaurin‘s 71 percent.
“Noah Brown has played 71.3% of his snaps at RWR, where Dallas has allowed a league-high 73.3 yards per game.” https://t.co/u75DOrVZUN
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) November 21, 2024
The Ohio State product has been quietly increasing his route rate and target share over the past four weeks, and quarterback Jayden Daniels is starting to look his way more often.
In Week 12, Brown battles his former team, the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys’ defense has struggled versus the pass this season and is currently dealing with injuries to key cornerbacks DaRon Bland and Jourdan Lewis.
With six teams on bye, Brown’s veteran presence and this good matchup make him a viable choice in deeper leagues. If you need a last-minute fill-in, the wideout could surprise you with a productive outing.
Kacey Kasem is a contributing badass for Optimus Fantasy. For more from Kacey, follow her on X @TheKaceyKasem.
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