Week 12 Fantasy Waiver Wire Pickups

Another week down, another week closer to the fantasy postseason.  If you've been paying attention to the waiver wire (and had a little luck) you're probably in position to make a deep run in the playoffs.  If not... you may still have time!  With injuries piling up as the season wears on, new players will step in and show what they've got.  Here are a few players worth a look in the final weeks of the regular season.



1. Toby Gerhart, RB, Minnesota Vikings 

While he's no Adrian Peterson, it looks like Gerhart will be taking the carries for Purple Jesus in Week 12.  Peterson left the game against Oakland with a grade 1 high ankle sprain, an injury that's especially tough for a running back, and is doubtful for next weekends game against the Falcons.  Gerhart doesn't have Peterson's explosiveness, but he will be stepping into a run heavy offense where he will get most of the touches (including 3rd down's).  While his matchup in Atlanta isn't incredibly favorable, Gerhart does have value, especially as the 2-8 Vikings will be in no hurry to rush Peterson back onto the field.


2. Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions 

Lions running back Kevin Smith seemingly came out of nowhere to dominate the fantasy world in Week 11, rushing for 140 yards and 2 scores. While he has a tougher matchup this week against the 10-0 Packers, Smith still may be a decent 2RB or flex play as long as Jahvid best stays sidelined. Even if Best does return, it appears Smith has at least earned himself a timeshare in Detroit. Looking down the road, Smith has a very up and down schedule matchup-wise as he will face the Packers (twice), Vikings, Saints, Chargers and Raiders.  Bottom line, he's worth an add in most leagues... Just don't expect those monster numbers every week.  He's only owned in .8% of ESPN leagues, so he should be available.




3. Matt Leinart, QB, Houston Texans 

What is bad news in Houston may be great news for your fantasy team.  Matt Schaub went down with a season ending foot injury in week 10, and Matt Leinart will take over under center for the 7-3 Texans.  While there are legitimate questions regarding Leinart's ability to bring this team to the postseason, I do think there is reason to be optimistic about his fantasy potential.  First of all, Houston has an incredibly talented team.  With Arian Foster taking pressure off the passing game, Leinart will have some time to make plays and get the ball out to all-pro Andre Johnson (who should be coming back this weekend).  With a wideout of Johnson's caliber, just about any NFL quarterback could be productive in fantasy.  Add in reports that Lineart has spent the past year and a half seriously studying and improving his game - something he was criticized for not doing in Arizona - and he could be a late season fantasy gem.  Especially considering his matchups against Jacksonville, Carolina, Indianapolis and Tennessee.

4. Carson Palmer, QB, Oakland Raiders 


Despite 3 solid, albeit not fantastic, games in a row, Palmer is still only owned in 58% of ESPN leagues.  In a game where quarterbacks are often worth their weight in gold, Palmer is a must-add in just about any situation.  After a rough start, Palmer has shown glimpses of his former self by putting up games of 20 and 17 points, despite turning the ball over numerous times.  As he continues to adjust to his new team, the interceptions will become less frequent, and his fantasy value could skyrocket.  The Raiders have upcoming games against Miami, Green Bay, Kansas City and San Diego... all of whom are in the bottom half of the league against opposing quarterbacks.