Entering Week 12, let’s take a look at the top quarterbacks to target on the waiver wire in your fantasy football league. All players listed below are rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo, ESPN, and/or Sleeper leagues.
Note that I have done away with FAAB recommendations this year, as there are too many variables to account for. Instead, I replaced it with my opinion on how aggressive fantasy managers should be in pursuing the player on a scale of 1-10.
Looking for other positions? Check out our Week 12 Waiver Wire article, which covers a plethora of players from all positions.
Anthony Richardson, QB | IND
Rostered: 47%
By no means should you throw Anthony Richardson back into lineups after one good game, especially not against the Detroit Lions, but this was a guy ranked inside the top-five fantasy quarterbacks entering the season. He threw for 272 yards and a touchdown without an interception, while running for 32 yards and two more scores. He scored 28 fantasy points.
The Indianapolis Colts’ remaining schedule is not overly friendly. Even so, Richardson’s upside remains where it was when the season started. That’s worth stashing to see if the young quarterback has turned a corner.
Aggressiveness Rating: 4.5
Matthew Stafford, QB | LAR
Rostered: 57%
A bit heavily rostered, Matthew Stafford has displayed a high enough ceiling to be worth discussing. The ridiculous run of Kyren Williams scoring all of the Los Angeles Rams’ touchdowns has come to a screeching halt. Unsurprisingly, it’s coincided with the healthy returns of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp.
Stafford has now thrown multiple touchdowns in three of his last four games. Against the New England Patriots, he threw for 295 yards and four touchdowns.
The remaining schedule is very difficult. So, Stafford is not the most appealing option. However, this offense is good enough, and Stafford is savvy enough to overcome it. You can do worse if you need a QB.
Aggressiveness Rating: 4.0
Drake Maye, QB | NE
Rostered: 14%
This is more for deeper leagues or those really struggling at QB. Drake Maye hasn’t really displayed a super high ceiling during his brief tenure as the Patriots starting QB. He opened up hot, with two straight 20-point games but hasn’t hit that threshold since.
Maye does come with a decently high floor, given his rushing prowess, averaging 41.3 rushing yards per game. Next week is a tough spot against the Miami Dolphins, but he is very streamable in two weeks against the Colts.
Aggressiveness Rating: 1.0
Bo Nix, QB | DEN
Rostered: 48%
It’s time to buy into Bo Nix. The Denver Broncos’ rookie QB has really turned a corner. Sure, the Atlanta Falcons don’t have the best pass defense, but there’s nothing flukey about 307 yards and four touchdowns.
Pat Surtain II said Bo Nix is playing like the MVP of the NFL, not just the Rookie of the Year.
“He’s him” pic.twitter.com/gC8acy6vZl
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) November 18, 2024
Nix is averaging 20.5 fantasy points per game since Week 5. While the Broncos do still have their bye in front of them, their remaining schedule is pretty favorable, facing three bottom-10 pass defenses.
You can trust Nix as your weekly QB1. All you have to do is Bo-lieve.
Aggressiveness Rating: 7.0