Fantasy Football's Week 12 Waiver Wire Pick-Ups

By Garth Gregor

Fantasy Football's Week 12 Waiver Wire pickups are here! The wire picks are players who are or were still available in most leagues this week. Depending on how your waiver wire/free agents’ pool works, players may not clear waivers until later this week. 

Instead, these players should be monitored or stashed away on your bench for a playoff run or potential upside due to matchup problems.

QUARTERBACKS

Tyler Thigpen - Make that four games in a row, somehow this Kansas City longshot has skyrocketed to a top 15 QB with very limited playing time.  Accounting for seven touchdowns in his last three games, he has been the No.1 fantasy quarterback during this stretch.

He faces a very beatable Buffalo team at home and is available in 48 percent of ESPN leagues so he stays on the list.

Kerry Collins - In the past two games, Collins has thrown for 500+ yards, five touchdowns, and has limited himself to one turnover. The Titans are 10-0 and their running game combined with his efficiency is a big reason why. Most of his yards come on big plays, but does it really matter? 

He plays a Jets squad that was torched by New England last week and it is hard to imagine they will have made many changes. They will have to contend with the slowest and fastest running backs in the league with LenDale White and Chris Johnson. Collins is available in 78 percent of ESPN leagues.

Shaun Hill - If nothing else, he plays the Rams in Championship Week 16 and should be improving in the Martz offense. Hill has done a solid job in his first two starts throwing for 430 yards and four touchdowns.

Turnovers are another story, but he is also improving in this area. You probably have better options but consider a bench spot while he develops and prepares for week 16.

RUNNING BACKS

Pierre Thomas - With Reggie Bush still banged up and Deuce McAllister facing his possible suspension, this New Orleans running back could have an impact. He showed his talent in week 11 rushing for 88 yards and adding 56 receiving yards with a touchdown. 

What more do the Saints want out of a running back? No matter what, he is great insurance for Bush's owners and is available in 80 percent of ESPN leagues.

Warrick Dunn - Great play against the Lions in Week 12, and with Graham out of the picture, it is his job to lose in Tampa Bay. Garcia has the ability to keep defenses honest, and there are a couple more good matchups this season for Dunn. Available in 48 percent of ESPN leagues.

Other Wire Gems ...