Waiver Wire Week 12: Ranking Top Fantasy Options for Run to Playoffs

The fantasy football playoffs are approaching fast, and there is a mad rush for owners on the cusp of contention to find the players on the waiver wire who can lead their teams to several late-season wins.

Making the postseason is half the battle for many fantasy owners stricken by injuries and suspensions, and finding a hidden gem like New England’s Jonas Gray or St. Louis’ Kenny Britt could make or break your season.

Here are the top waiver-wire targets for Week 12 and a focus on the player you must add.

Rank	Player	Yahoo Own %	ESPN Own %
1	Jonas Gray, RB New England Patriots	23	9.3
2	Kenny Britt, WR, St. Louis Rams	16	12.5
3	Alfred Blue, RB, Houston Texans	51	66.1
4	Bryce Brown, RB, Buffalo Bills	23	9.4
5	John Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals	30	14.7
6	Charles Sims, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers	29	20.5
7	Latavius Murray, RB, Oakland Raiders	2	0.7
8	Jacob Tamme, TE, Denver Broncos	2	0.3
9	Kenny Stills, WR, New Orleans Saints	15	5.8
10	Josh McCown, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers	21	8.1

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

Player You Must Add: Charles Sims, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

There are several intriguing options on the waiver wire heading into Week 12, but fantasy owners must place a claim on Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Charles Sims.

Sims made his NFL debut in Week 10 due to ankle surgery he underwent in August, and he has quickly earned the starting job over his first two weeks playing. While veteran Bobby Rainey got the start in Week 11, Sims played on 31 snaps, while Rainey only played on 19 snaps.

Former starting back Doug Martin was inactive once again and has fallen out of favor with head coach Lovie Smith. With the path to the starting job clear, fantasy owners should be buying low on Sims and letting him lead you to fantasy playoff glory.

Smith spoke about how Sims is improving each week, telling Greg Auman of the Tampa Times, “He is looking better and better. It is tough when you miss everything. If you look at it, this is like his second preseason game, second NFL game for him and he has a high ceiling.”

Sims also spoke to Auman, saying, “It felt good to be out there and compete, felt good to get the win. I just had a good feeling. It's always good to be part of a win. I think we did some great things on offense.”

Fantasy owners are skeptical about Sims after his first two starts were lackluster, but he is a rookie who saw no preseason action and only made his debut two weeks ago. Sims is learning on the job, but with the confidence from his coaching staff and raw talent, he is a viable fantasy option.

There are two weeks of regular-season action left in most fantasy football leagues, and Tampa Bay has favorable matchups against Chicago and Cincinnati. With the Buccaneers pass attack rounding into shape with Josh McCown, Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, Sims should have opportunities to break big runs.

Add in Sims' ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, and the dual-threat running back will be a major part of Tampa Bay’s offensive game plan when fantasy owners need a boost the most. Start him as your flex and reap the rewards.

Predicted Stat Line: 18 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown, four receptions for 40 yards.

*Stats via NFL.com.