Week 12 Waiver Wire: Pickup Advice That Will Make You Give Thanks

Kevin Smith's amazing performance on Sunday helped the Detroit Lions earn a crucial win against the Carolina Panthers, and he is a player you must add off of the waiver wire in your fantasy football league this holiday week.

Smith is the type of late-season pickup who could be the difference in your quest for a fantasy football championship.

Let's look at seven waiver-wire pickups who will have you giving thanks in Week 12 and help your team be successful.

Vince Young, Philadelphia Eagles

More often than not Vince Young makes the plays for his team to win, and he will do the same for your fantasy football team this season.

With Michael Vick battling injuries this season there is a strong chance that Young will play often down in the final weeks of the season.

Against the Patriots in Week 12, Young has a great matchup. New England allows 299 yards per game through the air and does not have a good pass rush.

Young has plenty of offensive weapons to utilize on offense, and should have a great day on Sunday if he plays over Vick.

Matt Moore, Miami Dolphins

If you need a quarterback for either a week or the rest of the season, pick up Matt Moore right now. The Dolphins have won three straight games after an 0-7 start and Moore is a major reason for their recent success.

Moore has thrown six touchdowns with just one interception in his last three starts, with an average of 204 passing yards in that same span.

The Dallas Cowboys defense allowed Washington Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman to have a good day last week, which means Moore could easily have another solid game.

Matt Leinart, Houston Texans

Matt Leinart will lead the Houston Texans for the rest of the season since Matt Schaub has been lost for the year with an injury.

Leinart has become a harder worker in Houston than he was with the Arizona Cardinals out of college, and was re-signed by the team in the offseason despite not playing much of a part in their offense.

Leinart has been given a great offense to take control of and has talented wide receivers such as Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter at his disposal.

He also has the best running back combination in football with Arian Foster in Ben Tate. Leinart won't be asked to do a ton but he has the talent around him to put up good stats for your fantasy team.

Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions

Kevin Smith reignited the Detroit Lions rushing game that has suffered with the loss of Jahvid Best to injury last week in a great win against the Carolina Panthers.

Smith rushed for 140 yards and caught four passes for another 61 yards with two total touchdowns against the Panthers, and is sure to feature heavily against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving so that the Lions have a balanced offensive attack.

He is very likely to start on Thursday and should be started in any type of league. Go pick up Smith right now.

Toby Gerhart, Minnesota Vikings

Toby Gerhart could start on Sunday if starting Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson cannot play with an ankle sprain.

The Falcons are not a great matchup for the Vikings rushing attack but Gerhart is a very strong back who will see goal-line touches.

Minnesota will not abandon the run even if Peterson cannot play, so Gerhart is a solid option for fantasy owners who are desperate for a running back replacement.

Jabar Gaffney, Washington Redskins

Jabar Gaffney is a good veteran wide receiver that the Washington Redskins can depend on for the rest of the season.

He has caught 22 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns during the last five games, and that kind of production is typically not available on the waiver wire this time of the year.

Gaffney will play the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings over the final weeks of the season, which are two great matchups for him to perform well for your team.

Joe McKnight, New York Jets

With Shonn Greene battling a rib injury, Joe McKnight should be a larger part of the New York Jets offense this week against the Buffalo Bills.

McKnight racked up 121 total yards on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos, including six catches, which makes him a worthy pickup if you play in a PPR league.

McKnight has shown he can be effective when given the chance, so expect him to be a dependable fantasy option for the rest of the season.