Week 12 Waiver Wire: The Latest Tips on Fantasy Football Steals

On the Week 12 fantasy football waiver wire, the following five players are the steals of the week.

RB Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions

Sitting at home without a football job just two weeks ago, Smith burst back onto the scene in Detroit with 201 total yards and three scores on Sunday against the Panthers.

Now, he's the most wanted guy on this week's waiver wire. That doesn't mean he's not a steal, however. For a running back on an explosive offense like Smith, the price can't be high enough.

And with the playoffs on the horizon, finding impact running backs is usually an impossible task. Smith could be an impact guy down the stretch as the Lions' lead back.

RB Toby Gerhart, Minnesota Vikings

Losing Adrian Peterson with a high ankle sprain means more touches for Gerhart, who was a second-round pick in 2010.

Despite being 2-8, the Vikings are still a run-first football team and should plan to give Gerhart plenty of touches. Gerhart hasn't always made the most of his carries in 2011, but the potential here is what drives the steal.

Depending on how fast they rush Peterson back, Gerhart could be the Vikings starter for the next two or three games.

WR Jabar Gaffney, Washington Redskins

The Redskins' offense doesn't inspire much confidence, but Gaffney is their top receiving target right now and has two scores in his past three games.

There is some consistency here, too. Gaffney has at least four catches in seven of 10 games this season. No. 1 target plus consistency is enough to take a flier on Gaffney down the stretch.

DEF/ST Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks aren't going back to the playoffs in 2011, but the defense isn't the root of the problem. They've been a strong point this season.

You have to like their matchup in Week 12, too. The Redskins and their turnover-prone offense under Rex Grossman travels to Seattle. The Seahawks could be a great one-week start this weekend.

WR Titus Young, Detroit Lions

Young is my sleeper of the week. He's been productive over his past three games (13 catches, 154 yards, two TDs), and you have to like the matchup with the Packers on Thanksgiving.

Green Bay has continued to be vulnerable against the pass, and they'll likely have their coverage fixated on Calvin Johnson. If Young can win some one-on-one matchups, he could feast on the Packers defense.