One if the keys to being a good fantasy football owner is to maximize your resources. Your main resource though out the season would have to be the waiver wire. Every week you’re given the chance to discover the next diamond in the rough impact player, or to secure a solid one time bye week fil in. The waiver wire can turn seasons around for fantasy owners if they discover one of these diamonds in the rough. Some of today’s top fantasy players were once considered waiver wire fire. With a little research and luck the next big break out player could be yours. Below is my list of week twelves top waiver wire acquisitions. My list includes some players who are emerging as stars and some players who will see increased action due to others injuries. Below I’ll list the players by position, percentage of ownership (in espn leagues), and their week 12 opponent.
1. Jonas Gray: RB, 8.4% ownership, WK12 vs Lions
I’ve been following Jonas Gray ever since his week 7 debut where he had 3 carries for 12 yards. His ascension from the practice squad to being Shane Vereen’s back up took all of one day. After seeing him in action and knowing Bill Belichick’s tendency to find and use unknown players I decided to put out a sleeper alert on him vis twitter and Facebook. Gray went on to make the waiver wire list after his week 8 performance of 86 yards. The next week versus Denver Gray was held in check and had a quiet game with only 12 carries for 33 yards. Then came the Patriots bye week and many fantasy owners seemed to forget about Gray. That is until last Sunday night when Jonas Gray put the league on notice. Gray’s 38 attempts for 199 yards and 4 touchdowns showed the league what he’s capable of. While he may never get 38 touches or 4 touchdowns again, he will be a factor in the run game since Shane Vereen has proved to be a better receiver out of the backfield than runner. Add Gray as the Patriots traditional running back who has the potential to score big again in the future.
2. Kenny Britt: WR, 12.4% ownership, WK12 @ Chargers
An extremely gifted receiver Kenny Britt was once one of the top prospects in the league. After an injury and trouble riddled 4 years with the Titans Britt signed a 1 year deal with the Rams in hopes of resurrecting his career. After a slow start with quarterback Austin Davis, Britt has since looked more like his old self with Shaun Hill’s return to quarterback. Last week Britt had 4 receptions for 128 yards and 1 touchdown (all season highs) in the Rams win over the Broncos. He flashed his playmaking ability early catching a deep 63 yard pass for a touchdown in the first quarter. Kenny Britt’s chemistry with Shaun Hill is promising going forward. Since the Rams are playing better football they will try to keep the passing game rolling under the veteran QB. Add Kenny Britt for WR depth and in hopes of a continued re-emergence.
3. Coby Fleener: TE, 26.1% ownership, WK12 vs Jaguars
In week 11 the Colts tight end Dwayne Allen suffered a high ankle sprain. In came Andrew Luck’s college team mate Coby Fleener. Fleener went on to tear the Patriots up for 7 receptions for 144 yards (both season highs). Surprisingly Dwayne Allen has been the tight end to own on the Colts most of this season, but with his recent injury and Fleener catching everything thrown near him Fleener is now the must have tight end. The Colts offense is very tight end friendly especially in the red zone, so Fleener’s break out won’t be a fluke. Expect Coby Fleener to become an integral part of the Colts offense and should remain the tight end to own even if Dwayne Allen returns. Add and start Coby Fleener in all formats and enjoy the production that will follow.
4. Jordan Matthews: WR, 41.7% ownership, WK12 vs Titans
For a second week in a row Jordan Matthews makes the list. His recent performances with the Eagles new quarterback Mark Sanchez has him rising quickly up the wide receiver ranks. With 12 catches, 245 yards and 3 touchdowns in the last two games it’s hard to believe Matthews is still not owned in 58.3% of leagues. After this week expect that to change. The rookie has the ability to be a big factor the remainder of the season. Mark Sanchez has made it a point to target and involve Matthews more than Nick Foles ever did. Sign and start Matthews if available in your league.
5. Tre Mason: RB, 41.3% ownership, WK12 @ Chargers
Rookie Tre Mason is by far the most gifted running back on the Rams roster. After weeks of splitting carries with the Rams other backs it appears Mason has finally eclipsed them as the teams lead running back. Now that Shaun Hill is under center the Rams have a legitimate passing quarterback who can exploit defenses when they stack the box. The Rams handed Mason the ball 29 times last week versus the Broncos defense who were allowing the fewest rushing yards per game. The result was great with Mason going for 113 yards and effectively keeping the clock running and the ball out of Peyton Manning’s hands. Expect the Rams to continue this strategy in the future and for Mason to have some big games. Add Tre Mason for running back depth and a decent start week to week.
6. Kenny Stills: WR, 5.8% ownership, WK12 Vs Ravens
In week 11 rookie wide receiver Brandin Cooks broke his thumb and will likely be out for at least a month. This gives Kenny Stills the opportunity to step up and be a big target for quarterback Drew Brees before the playoffs. Drew Brees likes to spread the ball around but with Cooks injury, an aging Marcus Colsten and an often double covered Jimmy Graham he may have to look elsewhere often. Stills should see a good increase in targets in this situation. Add Stills for wide receiver depth and a potential flex starter with high upside.
7. Dan Herron: RB, .1% ownership, WK 12 vs Jaguars
With only six fantasy points on the entire season most owners won’t consider Dan “BOOM” Herron a must add, but I do. With Ahmad Bradshaw’s broken ankle the Colts will be forced to lean on Trent Richardson more, which isn’t good news for their offense. The Colts seem committed to Richardson after trading a first round pick for him last year. Even with his pathetic 3.4 yards per carry on the season Richardson will get first crack at being the lead back. The perfect analogy for the Colts situation is imagine “people who pay a lot for a gym membership and feel obligated to use it probably know how the Colts feel about TRich.” (Per@CDCarter13). Don’t be surprised though by the end of next week’s game if you see closer to a 50/50 split between Richardson and Herron. While Herron isn’t speedster or explosive playmaker he is a good downhill runner who pounds defenses for yardage. His nickname “Boom” came from his high school days in Ohio where he ran with force “When Danny runs the ball , you’d better be prepared to hit and be hit” said his high school coach. Herron is definitely a sleeper pick up but with Richardson’s ineffectiveness Herron could be the next diamond in the rough.
Good Luck!
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