Waiver Wire ~ Week 12

Here continues my "Slim pickin's" approach to the fantasy football waiver wire. Just when you think there isn't a player out there that could impact your overall performance an injury occurs (NE running back corp.) or a breakout performance (Jason Campbell vs. The Dallas Cowboys).

Here are my "three and out" picks for Week 12's waiver wire.

QUARTERBACKS:

Matt Schaub: He appears to be healthy enough to get back to work. The return of Andre Johnson and Jacoby Jones makes it even more profitable for the Houston Texans. Ron Dayne needs to continue to step up and perform well enough to keep defenses honest. Expect relatively the same performances he had prior to his hip injury and concussion.

Jason Campbell: Although the Redskins came out with a loss in Week 11, Jason demonstrated great poise and discipline while at the helm for the Washington offense. He is starting not only to show why Coach Joe Gibbs grabbed in him in the first round, but also why you should consider starting him in larger fantasy league formats.

David Garrard: He is not flashy, doesn't put up a ton of yardage or touchdowns in the air but his presence in the offense has sparked even more of a "forward motion" for the Jacksonville Jaguars. His feet give him the edge over most NFL quarterbacks as he has the ability to put his head down and run for a lot of yardage, having just as much possibility for him to run one in as it is to put on in the air.

RUNNING BACKS:

Andre Hall: With Travis Henry nursing his ankles and a suspension looming, it was Selving Young's turn to be the next "Mr. Relevant" in Denver. An injury put a big dent in an otherwise promising "injury filler". In steps Andre who has had a combined eight carries in his career, prior to Week 11's appearance against the Titans. He ripped off a 60+ yard run to solidify his chances of starting, if Selvin rides the pine.

Fred Taylor: The return of David Garrard is only going to improve Taylor's stats. He has the consistency of a seasoned veteran, getting 75 yards a game and a touchdown once in a while. Like Derrick Mason, Taylor has enough consistency to be considered a third option at their position.

Heath Evans: First it was Sammy Morris, then it was Kevin Faulk... Now it is Heath Evans. Heath has done this before, filling in for Corey Dillon for a few weeks almost two years ago. Heath is a fullback with enough field vision and prowess to fill in at the H-back position. No news on Laurence Maroney is not good nor bad as the New England Patriots are tighter with injury information is than the Pentagon is with clearance badges.

WIDE RECEIVERS:

Bernard Berrian: Not because he is doing anything different, but because Rex Grossman will do all he can NOT to lose his starting position, which means relying more on those he can trust with the ball. Bernard is that guy. The offense seems to be stepping up, including Muhsin Muhammad, tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen, and even running back Cedric Benson stepping up their game. Berrian is the speedster of the group and should benefit most from the flourishing offense.

Drew Carter: He isn't fast, does not have great hands, nor is he consistent on his route running, but the Carolina Panthers have no one else to turn to as their team suffers a third consecutive season of season-demoralizing injuries to key players. Drew should get some good looks throughout the rest of the season, even if Steve Smith comes back to full health. When does anyone turn to the way they practice and the trainers for answers?

Arnez Battle: He is the play-maker on an otherwise abysmal offense. Battle has consistenly received 75+ yards, comparable to Derrick Mason. The offense does not lend confidence to starting him in most leagues, but he is averaging enough yards to warrant a third or fourth receiver on most rosters.

TIGHT ENDS:

Donald Lee: Donald Lee is growing into one of the premiere tight ends and no one is really focusing on it. He is tied for fourth most touchdowns for a tight end and has an exceptional match-up on Thanksgiving as the Green Pay Packers pay a visit to the Detroit Lions and their secondary that looks like a "swiss cheese" approach to defense.

Chris Baker: As Kellen Clemens becomes more acclimated to the offense, it appears that Chris Baker will finally come into his own, both fantasy-wise and as a tight end in the NFL in general. He is good pick-up if you are dealing with on-again, off-again tight ends.

Quinn Sypniewski: Heap isn't coming back at least for another week or two which means that Quinn will continue to replace him. The Baltimore offense will through a ton more when Kyle Boller is at the helm and he seems to rely on the tight end position as check down unlike Steve McNair who relied on his own legs or McGahee out of the backfield (or nothing at all and taking a loss of downs by getting rid of it or loss of yardage with a sack.)

And there you have it, this week's waiver wire... love'em or leave'em.

Statistocrat