Week 12: NFL Waiver Wire Pickups | Fantasy Football Player Rankings

Last week was all about big-name running backs getting injured and this week is all about quarterbacks. Both Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner suffered varying degrees of concussion problems last week. Hopefully, you have a decent backup quarterback in case your stud can't play this weekend.

Below we have the top players you might want to pay attention to for waiver pickups. Even if you don't select one (or have already done so), it's good to keep these names in mind for the future weeks.


Quarterbacks

Matt Leinart (Cardinals)

Some owner probably has Matt Leinart stashed away in your fantasy football league, but if he is available, you should nab him. Starter Kurt Warner suffered a concussion against the Rams this past Sunday and Leinart finished the game.

Even though Warner says he will play Week 12, it is a good idea to have Leinart as a backup. If Warner should suffer another head injury, then Leinart will be the start for the rest of the fantasy football season.


Dennis Dixon (Steelers)

Ben Roethlisberger suffered a concussion and back Charlie Batch injured his wrist and will be out for the next six weeks. At this time, the signs are good that Roethlisberger can play this coming week, but it is definitely not official yet.

If Roethlisberger is down, then the team will probably look to Dennis Dixon to start this week against the Ravens. If you get points for rushing yards from your quarterback, then Dixon has added value in those leagues.

The Steelers are also looking into signing veteran Jeff Garcia and he is worth a look, as well, if he is signed.


Matthew Stafford (Lions)

Now that Calvin Johnson appears to be healthy again, Matthew Stafford makes for a decent waiver pickup for depth. Even though Stafford threw for over 400 yards and five touchdowns last week, I wouldn't recommend starting him right now.

At the end of his great game against the Browns , Stafford injured his collar bone and is questionable for Thanksgiving. Even if Stafford wasn't hurt, this kid isn't reliable enough to start over so many other solid quarterbacks this season.

Just the same, he does make for a decent backup for your team, and if he catches fire down the stretch and your usual starter goes down with an injury, Stafford could help you.


Running Backs

Rock Cartwright (Redskins)

Clinton Portis may not play again this season because of concussion problems and Ladell Betts tore his ACL and MCL last week. Once Betts was out of the game, Rock Cartwright took over as the starting tailback.

The Redskins still have a couple of games on their schedule that could help a running back perform well for your fantasy football team. Look for Cartwright to give you good depth on your team.


Wide Receivers

Terrell Owens (Bills)

Many fantasy football owners have given up on Terrell Owens weeks ago, but the former star fantasy receiver has picked it up of late. This past week, Owens had a 98-yard touchdown catch and nearly 200 yards receiving. Even the week before, he had a decent 85 yards against the Titans.

With a new head coach on the team, Owens may see more looks in the game plan every week. If he is sitting out on your waiver wire, I would pick him up in a heart beat. This surge may not be for real, but it's worth finding out while he's on your bench and not someone else's.


Chris Chambers (Chiefs)

I recommended that owners go out and pick up Chris Chambers two weeks ago, and now I'm saying it again. With Dwayne Bowe still out another three weeks because of a suspension, Chambers is the No. 1 receiver on the Chiefs.

This veteran has now had three productive games in a row with his new team and should continue to be productive. If you need a receiver, then I suggest finding out if Chambers is still available.


Kickers

Billy Cundiff (Ravens)

The former Cowboy kicker Billy Cundiff was signed this past week by the Baltimore Ravens. This signing took place after the team lost faith in former kicker Steven Hauschka and cut him from the team.

In Cundiff's first game, he was 5-of-6 on field goal attempts and has now solidified his spot on the team. Look for Cundiff to continue his success, as Baltimore is a good place for a kicker to score points.


NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com