Familia, I almost didn’t write this column. Not because I was feeling flojo with the holiday week, but because I just didn’t think there were many choices out there that were worth going after with whatever FAAB or waiver priority you have left.

Instead of going straight to the Thanksgiving slate of games, I did some digging and found some players who were worth going after on the waiver wire. Remember, we’re always looking to get better, and with so many leagues already done with their trade deadlines, all we have left is this Tuesday night ritual (and the open waivers that follow).

Before I get into what players to pick up, I’d like to take a moment to give thanks for my immediate familia, and the small window we’ve given into our world with this podcast. I’m thankful especially for my wife and daughters, and for the health of my mother. I’m grateful to the Thieves, who keep inspiring and boosting me up in this industry, and a big shoutout to so many new friends I’ve made among fantasy analysts. And to you, our familia that has been watching, listening and reading our content, un millon de gracias for helping us continue to grow and find an audience. Se lo agradecemos. 

OK, time to get into LOS PEEKUPS for Week 12. As always, we’re looking at players who are rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues. Vamonos, Familia! Salud!

STREAMING QUARTERBACK OF THE WEEK
MAC JONES vs TEN
40%
This was not an easy pick, because available players at this position have few good matchups this week. Jones is going into a matchup where the Patriots will have to put some of the game on his right shoulder, because the Titans are #4 against RBs, but #30 against the QB. Jones has 4 games with multiple TDs and down the road faces a couple tasty opponents in the fantasy playoffs in the Colts and Jaguars.

RUNNING BACK
TY JOHNSON @ HOU
21%
By pure attrition, Johnson is the call after Michael Carter injured his ankle and will miss multiple weeks. Johnson had just 1 rush attempt last week, but is second among Jet RBs in targets with 38. Weeks 7-10 he got at least 6 targets three times. The Texans are allowing a league-high 122.3 rushing yards to the RB position.

SONY MICHEL @ GB
25%
This is more speculative stash, because Darrell Henderson has been getting dinged up all season. If an injury makes Henderson miss time, Michel will assume lead caballo role. Michel is not a play this week against the Packers.

WIDE RECEIVER/TIGHT END
MARQUEZ VALDES-SCANTLING vs LAR
9%
Wasn’t that 75-yard TD just a thing of beauty? This is what people like Dusty Evely of the Pack a Day Podcast told me could happen during the preseason. MVS will boom, and bust, but he did run a route 88% of the plays in Week 11. Aaron Rodgers kept throwing to him against the Vikings, which is a good indication of the trust factor. Worth a stash.

DAN ARNOLD vs ATL
41%
Hard to recommend him after he put up a big donut last week. But the 25 targets the three games before show that he’s getting plenty of use in the Jacksonville passing game. Hunter Henry just missed on a TD last week against the Falcons, and Mike Gesicki popped for 7-8-85-1 in Week 7. 

COLE KMET @ DET
26%
Mi primo Nico gave me a hard time for convincing him to switch to Kmet in DFS this past Sunday, and Kmet was a dud. The 8% target rate against the Ravens pales in comparison to the 29% the previous game. Keep in mind that Allen Robinson missed this past game, and he may not be ready on Thanksgiving against the winless Lions. 

DEFENSIVE STREAMER OF THE WEEK
CHICAGO @ DET
26%
Slim pickings this week, but the Bears are coming off a 6-sack performance against the Ravens even after losing Khalil Mack for the season. Last time these two met, the Bears sacked Jared Goff 4 times and recovered 2 fumbles. They’ll help themselves to several servings in the Lions backfield against whomever starts.  

SOURCES: PFF / Pro-Football-Reference / Fantasy Pros / Football Guys / Lineups.com