The NFL moves into week twelve and fantasy football right along with it. The playoffs are staring owners right in the face. Every move made could be the difference between a high seed or missing the post season entirely. What is a manager to do? We here at Belly Up Sports have been here every step of the way and we are here to help to the very end. Join as we journey through this waiver moves week twelve, won’t you?

Running Backs

As has been the case throughout this fantasy season, there are some running backs on the wire that can help fantasy managers get to the finish line. There aren’t many, so be ready when the bell rings.

Carlos Hyde, Seattle Seahawks, 32% owned

Carlos Hyde returned to the Seahawks lineup after a three game absence Thursday night. With Chris Carson ruled out as he continues to nurse a foot injury, Hyde returned to the starting lineup with a flourish against Arizona. Hyde rushed 14 times for a season high 79 yards and a touchdown. He also caught two of three targets for an additional 16 yards.

Hyde averaged 5.64 yards per carry against the Cardinals, also a season high. It was the second straight game he scored a touchdown. Seattle doesn’t play again until Monday night against Philadelphia. There is a good chance that Carson will return by then. Even so, Carson has proven to be fragile and Hyde would make an excellent stash.

The first week of most playoffs finds Seattle playing the Jets. There is a great chance both could have monster games against their hapless defense. Don’t be concerned about Carson’s status. Get to the wire as Hyde is strongly recommended on this waiver moves week twelve edition.

James White, New England Patriots, 36% owned

After a quiet week ten, there was James White back to his usual pass catching self Sunday against the Texans. White caught just two passes against Baltimore in his previous game, but came up with six catches out of nine targets for 64 yards. The targets were tied for his most this season. Against Houston, White averaged an outstanding 10.67 yards per catch. White also rushed five times for 19 yards.

With Rex Burkhead carted off with a knee injury and looking at a lengthy absence, White takes on added opportunities going forward. An Arizona team that just allowed a big day to Carlos Hyde is next up at home. White should come close to matching his performance against Denver in week three when he caught eight of nine targets. White is definitely worthy of a waiver pickup.

Wayne Gallman, New York Giants, 34% owned

Now that Wayne Gallman and the Giants are through their bye week, we can again list him as a player that needs more fantasy attention. When looking at New York’s next two opponents, the urgency of adding him is even greater. With the Bengals and Seahawks on the schedule, Gallman should have some big games ahead of him, even though those games are on the road.

And big games are what Gallman has been averaging of late. He has a touchdown in four straight games, including two in his last game against Philadelphia. Gallman doesn’t get targeted much, but he did have five catches against the Eagles in week seven. Add it all up and if available, Gallman is the number one priority add on this waiver moves week twelve edition.

Other recommendation: Gus Edwards of Baltimore will be the featured back Thursday against Pittsburgh. Dobbins and Ingram will both miss the game, giving all of the important touches to Edwards. If a need is there, consider adding him.

Wide Receivers

A certified legend and some newcomers are featured at the wide receiver position on this waiver moves week twelve edition. As always, there is a rush to the front of the line, so don’t hesitate to make a purchase.

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals, 14.5% owned

Just when you think that Larry Fitzgerald is ready to ride into the desert sun, he reminds us that he is still an excellent football player. Even with fellow receivers Deandre Hopkins and Christian Kirk on the roster, Fitzgerald remains a big part of the Cardinal passing attack. That was proven against the Seahawks on Thursday night.

Fitzgerald was targeted a team high 10 times, resulting in eight catches for 62 yards. The targets were a season high and he tied his catch high for the year. It looked like Fitzgerald was out as a play maker during the previous two games with just 10 targets. However, never count Fitzgerald out. Ever. The Cardinal’s have nine days before their next game against the Patriots.

New England is not the defensive juggernaut it was last season. Even if it were, the priority has to be defending Hopkins. Arizona has shown it will play three WR sets. A manager could do a lot worse than adding a future Hall of Famer. If there is a WR need, fill it with Fitzgerald.

Jakeem Grant, Miami Dolphins, 3.6% owned

The fact that Miami’s next opponent is the Jets should be enough reason for owners to add Jakeem Grant. That is true despite the fact that Miami in general, and Grant in particular, pulled a disappearing act against Denver. After catching four passes in two straight games, it seemed Grant and Tua Tagovailoa were getting into a rhythm.

That’s not the way it played out against the Broncos, however. Tagovailoa wound up getting pulled and Grant caught just two of his six targets. Tua should be back as the starter against the Jets. Even if he isn’t, Ryan Fitzpatrick has shown he has what it takes to get the job done. New York has a way of making every wide receiver look like an All-Pro. That alone makes Grant a huge add this week.

Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos, 13.9% owned

The entire passing offense of the Broncos was a surprise coming against a hot Miami defense. However, surprises are one of the main engines that drive the sport as the Broncos won 20-13. Denver has a few players that can catch passes that fantasy owners could invest in. Between Tim Patrick and KJ Hamler, however, the pick is Patrick.

Patrick leads in every significant category on the season- catches 36-25, yards 563-275, YPC 15.6-11,0 and TDs 3-1. The totals coming out of the Miami game are even more pronounced- targets 8-6, catches 5-4, yards 119-35, YPC 23.80-8.75. The Saints are next for the Broncos. The New Orleans defense is playing well but a receiver that has been targeted six or more times in five of six games demands attention. Patrick is widely available and owners could do a lot worse.

Other recommendation: Jakobi Meyers of New England is probably not available on the wire in most leagues. If so, even after a less than standout performance Sunday, he is definitely worth the add.

Tight Ends

Last week, it was stated definitively that there wasn’t a tight end worth adding to fantasy rosters. That has changed in week twelve and don’t worry, there will be Taysom Hill recommendations.

Robert Tonyan, Green Bay Packers, 33.1% owned

After disappearing from the landscape for a couple of weeks, Robert Tonyan is back on the fantasy radar. Tonyan caught all five of his targets for 44 yards and a score Sunday against Indy. He caught only four passes in his previous two games. Tonyan has shown that he has the capability of showing up big with five or more catches in four games this season. In addition, he has six touchdowns.

The Bears and their tough D is next up, but with Aaron Rogers throwing the ball, a breakout game is always a possibility. If tight end help is needed, pick up Tonyan today.

Logan Thomas, Washington Football Team, 27.7% owned

Washington TE Logan Thomas was recommended in week seven. He hasn’t grabbed the attention of many fantasy owners, especially after Sunday. Thomas only caught two of his six targets for just six yards against Cincinnati in an underwhelming performance.

However, with Alex Smith (see below) playing well for Washington, Thomas is due for a big game against Dallas. The Cowboys are a middle of the road defense against tight ends and don’t have much time to prepare. Dallas has looked better in recent weeks on defense but my gut tells me that Thomas makes for a quality add on this waiver moves week twelve edition.

Other recommendation: Speaking of returning from a long absence, take a look at Jordan Atkins of the Texans. Atkins caught five of six targets for 83 yards against the Patriots. Detroit’s defense is third in catches allowed to the TE position. However, with QB Deshaun Watson on fire, Atkins can do some damage on Thursday.

Quarterbacks

Unlike other positions, quarterbacks have been available on the wire throughout the season and week twelve is no exception. Large and two QB leagues should get to the window in a hurry or the shelf will be empty.

Alex Smith, Washington Football Team, 7.9% owned

Alex Smith was featured in last week’s edition and he is still way undervalued. That is especially true given that the Cowboys on Thanksgiving is Smith’s next opponent. Washington traditionally gives all it can against Dallas and there is no reason to think that will change this time around. The Cowboys are playing better on defense, but Kirk Cousins had a big game against them Sunday.

As for the game against the Bengals, Smith completed 17 of 25 passes for 166 yards and a score. Of course, those numbers won’t blow anyone’s doors off. Even so, Smith’s performance needs celebrating as he won his first game as a start since his devastating injury 20-9. And remember, Smith is coming off 390 yards passing the previous week against Detroit. It clearly looks like a game that Smith can put together solid passing stats. If in need of a quarterback this week, pick up Smith and enjoy your turkey.

Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders, 37.9% owned

What a game that was Sunday night between the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs! And what a dual it was between Patrick Mahomes and Derek Carr. Carr put together one of his most solid games of the season, completing 23 of 31 passes for 275 yards and three scores. He completed 74.19% of his passes. It certainly wasn’t his fault that Mahomes delivered the game winning TD with seconds to spare.

Carr is delivering one of his best seasons that no one in the fantasy community is paying attention to. He has 19 TD passes against just three interceptions. Carr has completed over 70% of his passes in six games. Best of all, the Raiders next two opponents should have managers licking their lips in anticipation. Las Vegas visits the Falcons and Jets in their next two contests. Carr should be through the roof in both. If QB is an issue, Carr will certainly solve it the next two Sundays.

Other recommendation: if neither Smith or Carr are on the wire, check out Kirk Cousins. No, I am serious. Cousins threw for 314 yards and three TDs against Dallas. He won’t do that against Carolina. Even so, if a need is there, be assured that Cousins will be on the wire to fill it.

Thanks all for joining me for this fantasy football waiver moves week twelve edition. Always feel free to leave a comment or suggestion on the players that should be added to or removed from the list. I welcome input. Have a great fantasy football week twelve! Follow me on twitter @kevin62wilsea, and be sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy Sports and Picks for all the latest NFL and sports news!