Fantasy Football: 3 Things We Learned from Week 12

Sammy Watkins Could Help You Win a Title

Few NFL players have been as frustrating for fantasy owners as Sammy Watkins has been this season. After a bangout sophomore campaign in which his 1.05 Reception Net Expected Points (NEP) per target led the league in receivers with over 90 targets, Watkins was expected to really kick his career into full gear in his third season.

However, after an offseason foot surgery in which the Bills’ targeted a Week 1 return date, Watkins severely underwhelmed in his two games of action before landing on the injured reserve list.

But patient owners and waiver wire scavengers now have reason to rejoice, as Watkins finally took the field again against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12. While he only played on 45% of snaps, that number should increase significantly in the coming weeks. And with his opportunities-- 3 targets -- Watkins showed he could be a league-winner as the fantasy football playoff season nears, reeling in 3 catches for 80 yards, including a monster 62-yard grab.

The Buffalo Bills have every incentive to increase Watkins' involvement moving forward. At 6-5, they actually have a chance -- a 24.2% chance, per our numbers -- to make the playoffs for the first time since 1999. And their schedule the next few games is looking marshmallow soft, particularly against opposing pass defenses. In fact, the Bills they only face one team the rest of the season -- the Miami Dolphins -- who don't have a pass defense ranked in the bottom 10 in the league.

That should make Watkins owners drool. If somehow your league doesn't do trade deadlines, Watkins is a guy to target immediately. If your league-mates have somehow left Watkins available on the waiver wire, go get him. He could win you a championship.