Fantasy football: Eli Manning and 4 other waiver-wire pickups in Week 12
By Peter Panacy
With the San Francisco 49ers on their bye in Week 12, Niner Noise explores the quarterback who just beat them, the New York Giants’ Eli Manning, and four other waiver-wire fantasy football adds.
It’s weird to think New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who led a key fourth-quarter comeback over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10, would be an ideal waiver-wire addition for fantasy football owners heading into Week 11.
But that’s the case. He’s an option and a good one.
Manning looked like his vintage self during the G-Men’s 27-23 come-from-behind win over the 49ers on Monday Night Football, leading a game-winning drive culminating in a touchdown pass to wide receiver Sterling Shepard.
The veteran quarterback tossed for only 188 yards. But his 19-of-31 mark with three touchdowns and zero interceptions was good for 19.5 points in standard ESPN leagues, giving the small number of owners a halfway decent performance.
So, why would that make the embattled Manning a viable waiver-wire add in fantasy football this week?
Well, owners are at that point in the season where the playoffs are nearing but bye weeks are still carrying weight. So while there may be other quarterbacking options out there, taking a look at Manning to hold the line in Week 11 wouldn’t be the worst of ideas.
To qualify, these five waiver-wire fantasy football adds must be owned in less than 40 percent of ESPN leagues before the Thursday Night Football matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
Let’s kick this thing off with Manning.
No. 5: Quarterback Eli Manning, New York Giants
Manning’s issues this season need no introduction. He’s given more than a handful of indications the Giants should move on to a younger option as early as this offseason.
Yet Manning shed the “time to give up” association in Week 10, albeit against a weak 49ers defense.
But what makes Manning an enticing target among fantasy owners for a late fill-in addition is the fact he’s facing off against another weak defense, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in Week 11. The 2,627 yards allowed through the air the Bucs have allowed this season ranks 29th, and the 23 pass touchdowns allowed ranks worst in the NFL.
That’s a juicy opportunity for a revamped and reinvigorated Manning.
Manning is owned in just 13 percent of ESPN leagues and is projected to post 17.5 points in standard-scoring formats.