Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups: Kyle Orton, Kevin Smith and Top Available Players

As the fantasy football playoffs draw near, hitting the waiver wires is extremely essential to a team's success. If a fantasy owner fails at being an active waiver wire participant, the chances of winning the league are very slim. 

Every week it becomes harder and harder to find solid pickups on the waiver wires, especially since there are no more bye weeks, but it still can be done.

So, if you have an injured player or just looking to add another contributor, here are some players to look at. As always, if you need any help with your fantasy lineups, don't hesitate to leave a comment and we'll help you out. 

Kevin Smith, RB 

You'll have to hurry on this one because Smith plays at 12:30 p.m. today. 

Smith was a huge hit last week, which is the reason he went from being owned in less than one percent of leagues to more than half. Still, though, he's out there in some leagues, which is why I had to mention him. 

The Detroit Lions' running back rushed for 140 yards and scored three touchdowns last Sunday, and while he won't have that type of production again, he's still worth the add. 

Smith was up against the Carolina Panthers, who have given up the most fantasy points to running backs this year. He's up against the Packers this week, who are decent at stopping the run. 

It will depend on whom you have as to whether or not you should start Smith this week, but with Jahvid Best still sidelined with a concussion and no timetable for a return, Smith will be solid for the remainder of the year. 

Kyle Orton, QB 

The Kansas City Chiefs saw how pathetic their offense was with Tyler Palko at quarterback, so they put a claim in for the former Denver Broncos' QB. 

You too should place a claim on Orton, as he will succeed in the Chiefs offense. With a depleting run game, the Chiefs will look to throw the ball a lot. Orton has had his ups and downs during his career, but he's been solid when he has a legit No. 1 receiver. 

With Dwayne Bowe, Steven Breaston and Jon Baldwin, Orton has all that and more in Kansas City. There may be a slow start, but if you had Matt Cassel, Matt Hasselbeck or Matt Schuab as your fantasy QB, you're in need of someone.

Let Orton be that guy, as he's only owned in 14 percent of ESPN and Yahoo! leagues. 

Torrey Smith, WR

The Baltimore Ravens have found a serious deep threat in rookie wide receiver Torrey Smith. You'll have to act fast though, as he too plays on Thursday night.

He's been a hot pick-up in recent weeks, but there's still a strong chance he's available in your league. 

If you miss out for this week and he's still available in your league, go ahead and make plans to add him anyway. He's a solid option for the remainder of the season, especially Thursday night against the San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers are fantastic at stopping the run, having not given up a single rushing touchdown this season and ranking No. 1 in the NFL. However, their pass defense ranks 23rd in the league, meaning Flacco will be passing much more Thursday night.   

Joe Flacco and Smith are gaining great chemistry, and he is a guy you want on your team. Anquan Boldin still gets the most targets, but it's Smith's ability for the big play that makes him a hit in the fantasy world.

Other players to consider adding at Miami Dolphins' quarterback Matt Moore, Cleveland Browns' running back Chris Ogbonnaya and/or Montario Hardesty, who is expected to return soon, Toby Gerhart of the Minnesota Vikings if Adrian Peterson doesn't play, wide receiver Laurent Robinson of the Cowboys and tight end Jake Ballard of the New York Giants.

The Cincinnati Bengals defense is worth a look, as it plays the slumping Cleveland Browns, and the Oakland Raiders host the Chicago Bears, who will be forced to have Caleb Hanie as their quarterback.