10 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets Heading Into Week 12

Vernon Davis

ESPN Ownership: 39%
Yahoo Ownership: 55%

It's very surprising to me that Vernon Davis has as high of an ownership level as he does, currently sitting at 39% in ESPN leagues and 55% in Yahoo leagues. But in Week 11, he showed off the capabilities the Broncos' sought in him by catching all 6 of his targets for 68 yards against the Bears with backup quarterback Brock Osweiler filling in for an injured Peyton Manning.

Davis was traded to the Broncos roughly a month ago but had only made a minimal impact on the field in Week 10 as he continued to get caught up with learning the offense. But moving forward, after his showing in Week 11, in which he put up a 6.06 Reception NEP, he should continue to get looks.

Of course, the elephant in the Broncos' locker room is who is going to start at quarterback in Week 12. Osweiler performed admirably in Manning’s stead, throwing for a very efficient 0.37 Passing NEP per drop back, and Manning’s -0.02 Passing NEP per drop back this season pales in comparison. So naturally, Davis' value is possibly much higher with Osweiler under center. But if Manning can get healthy in the coming weeks, he could certainly benefit from an athletic pass catching tight end like Davis and may be inclined to utilize the veteran tight end's services.

Stash Davis as an upside play in case his role as a Bronco continues to look the same if Manning returns, or if Osweiler remains the quarterback moving forward.