Fantasy: 5 last-minute additions poised for big games in Week 12
Each week, we take a look at five last-minute additions for your fantasy team heading into Sunday.
Curtis Samuel, WR, Panthers
vs. Seahawks
Samuel posted season-highs in targets (7) and receiving yards (55) while scoring his third touchdown in three weeks against the Detroit Lions in Week 11.
The sophomore is up to five total scores through seven games, and he's already topped his receiving total from his injury-shortened rookie season.
Veteran Torrey Smith remains questionable heading into Sunday after a four-game absence, and Samuel's versatility and strong overall performance this season should keep him highly involved both as a receiver and an occasional complement to Christian McCaffrey in the backfield.
Chris Herndon, TE, Jets
vs. Patriots
An ankle injury is still hampering Robby Anderson, though he's expected to play in a limited role on Sunday. That should leave Herndon as one of the top available targets for quarterback Josh McCown against the Patriots.
The rookie tight end has received four targets in each of his past two games, recording seven catches to improve his catch rate to 73.1 percent this season.
Herndon leads the Jets in both red-zone receptions and touchdowns. If the Jets are able to move the ball better than they did against the Buffalo Bills in Week 10, Herndon should benefit with the Patriots having allowed more receiving touchdowns than all but five teams this season.
Dante Pettis, WR, 49ers
at Buccaneers
Although Pettis' lone score of the year came all the way back in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, he recorded four catches off a season-high six targets in Week 10, albeit for a very modest 12 yards.
Veteran Pierre Garcon has been ruled out for a second consecutive game, and Marquise Goodwin is doubtful after being excused for a personal matter. Pettis' role should be elevated to the No. 2 option behind tight end George Kittle.
Only two teams have allowed more 20-plus yard passing plays than the Buccaneers this season, and Tampa's defense also shares the league lead in touchdowns allowed through the air.
Jordan Wilkins, RB, Colts
vs. Dolphins
Wilkins has had a strong debut season while operating predominantly as the Colts' No. 3 back behind Marlon Mack and fellow rookie Nyheim Hines.
He's carried the ball just 57 times over 10 games, but he's averaging 5.6 yards per attempt and has caught 10 of 11 targets for 42 yards. Only five teams allow more yards per carry than the Dolphins, who also rank 30th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game.
The Colts are favored by more than a touchdown Sunday in quarterback Ryan Tannehill's return from injury. Wilkins could get plenty of second-half work in order to preserve Mack for closer games down the stretch if this one plays out as the oddsmakers predict.
Marcell Ateman, WR, Raiders
at Ravens
Brandon LaFell is out for the season with a torn Achilles while Martavis Bryant and Jordy Nelson are at risk of missing Week 12, which should give Ateman a chance to lead the Raiders' receiving corps against the Ravens.
The seventh-round pick of the 2018 NFL Draft caught four of his five targets for 50 yards last week in his first game on the active roster. Oakland faces a tough matchup, but Ateman will likely be Derek Carr's No. 2 target behind tight end Jared Cook.