Waiver Wire: Last-minute Fantasy shopping

Senior Fantasy Writer

Dec. 18, 2012 10:56 AM ET

For the past several weeks we've been telling you to add three players, names you'll see listed here again in Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick and Dennis Pitta. All three were huge scorers in Week 15 and might have been difference makers for you in the Fantasy playoffs.

Wilson and Kaepernick were Top 5 Fantasy quarterbacks, and either one could have been a great replacement for the injured Robert Griffin III (knee). Pitta was the No. 1 tight end, and I started him in two semifinal victories.

Now, the waiver wire wasn't all rosy in Week 15. David Wilson was added in the majority of leagues with Ahmad Bradshaw (knee) out, but he was a huge disappointment with six Fantasy points as the Giants got blown out by the Falcons. Still, he had a great opportunity, which is what Fantasy owners are looking for at this time of year.

What will this week bring off the waiver wire? We still like Wilson, Kaepernick and Pitta, and the Chargers are now looking for a starting running back with Ryan Mathews (clavicle) out for the season. Fantasy owners also might need a receiver with Torrey Smith (concussion) injured.

As for the DST options in Week 16, we'd look at the Chargers (57 percent) at the Jets, the Dolphins (52 percent) vs. Buffalo, the Redskins (28 percent) vs. Philadelphia, the Panthers (22 percent) vs. the Raiders and the Colts (9 percent) at the Chiefs.

Editor's note: Must add is for players worth adding in all leagues. Maybe add is for players worth adding in 14-team leagues or larger. Desperation add is for players worth adding only if you're, well, desperate. The ownership percentage listed is how many leagues that player was owned in the previous week for CBSSports.com.

Quarterbacks

Must add: Colin Kaepernick, 49ers (72 percent), Russell Wilson, Seahawks (62 percent)
Maybe add: Sam Bradford, Rams (44 percent), Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins (20 percent)
Desperation add: Kirk Cousins, Redskins (5 percent)
The breakdown: The hope is that your quarterback situation is settled for the Fantasy playoffs, but some owners without Griffin or in two-quarterback leagues might still need help. As we've been saying for weeks now, Kaepernick and Wilson are worth owning in all leagues. And if you had the guts to start either one in Week 15 you were definitely happy. Wilson was the No. 1 Fantasy quarterback with 41 points and Kaepernick was No. 4 with 32 points. They square off in Week 16 in Seattle, which makes both risky starting options in standard leagues, but if you play in Week 17 you can start Kaepernick against Arizona or Wilson against St. Louis. ... Cousins would be considered a must-add quarterback if Griffin is out again. He played well in Week 15 at Cleveland with 25 Fantasy points, and this would be a favorable matchup in Week 16 at Philadelphia. If you own Griffin and he's out again then plan on adding Cousins and starting him. ... Bradford could also be a good replacement option at Tampa Bay in Week 16. He just had 33 Fantasy points against the Vikings, and the Bucs defense is clearly vulnerable to the pass. He's a nice sleeper in this matchup. ... Tannehill might also be worth consideration in Week 16 in deeper formats. He just had 25 Fantasy points against the Jaguars in Week 15 and faces a Bills defense that was just beaten up by Wilson.

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Running Backs

Must add: DeAngelo Williams, Panthers (76 percent), Beanie Wells, Cardinals (72 percent), Danny Woodhead, Patriots (55 percent), Mark Ingram, Saints (49 percent)
Maybe add: Ben Tate, Texans (58 percent), Ronnie Brown, Chargers (23 percent), Jackie Battle, Chargers (18 percent), LaMichael James, 49ers (7 percent), Curtis Brinkley, Chargers (0 percent)
Desperation add: Alex Green, Packers (60 percent), Montell Owens, Jaguars (34 percent), Mike Goodson, Raiders (12 percent), Mike Tolbert, Panthers (6 percent)
The breakdown: It's hard to overlook the production from Williams the past two weeks with Jonathan Stewart (ankle) out. He has 34 Fantasy points over that span against Atlanta and San Diego, and he should close the season on a high note with matchups against Oakland and New Orleans. As long as Stewart remains out then consider Williams as at least a flex option given his remaining schedule. ... Wells just had a three-touchdown game against the Lions and faces the Bears at home in Week 16. In his past two home games, Wells has five touchdowns against the Rams and Lions. And the Bears have allowed a running back to score in each of their past three road games. ... Woodhead might be in a featured role in Week 16 in a great matchup at Jacksonville if Bill Belichick decides to punish Stevan Ridley and/or Shane Vereen for their fumbles in Week 15 against the 49ers. We doubt that's the case, but you never know with Belichick. In any case, it might be worth adding Woodhead because if he gets the majority of carries against the Jaguars he'll be a No. 2 Fantasy running back. Against the 49ers, Woodhead had 20 Fantasy points with two touchdowns and 84 total yards. ... Ingram just scored for the third time in the past five games in Week 15 against Tampa Bay. He faces the Cowboys in Week 16, and Dallas has allowed four rushing touchdowns in the past five games. Just keep in mind that if Ingram doesn't score his Fantasy production will be minimal. ... Tate and James are worth adding in case the Texans and 49ers, respectively, decide to rest their starters in Week 17. Tate could start for Arian Foster in a great matchup at Indianapolis, and James would also have a favorable matchup against Arizona. Also, if Jacquizz Rodgers (73 percent) is available, consider him as well in Week 17 against Tampa Bay if the Falcons rest Michael Turner. ... Ryan Mathews miserable season ended in Week 15 with a broken clavicle, but the Chargers might be replacing him with three guys in Brown, Battle and Brinkley. Brown would be the No. 1 choice if healthy, but he missed Week 15 with a hamstring injury. If he's out then the Chargers would likely split carries with Brinkley and Battle, with Battle having slightly more upside.

Wide Receivers

Must add: Danny Amendola, Rams (86 percent), T.Y. Hilton, Colts (84 percent), Justin Blackmon, Jaguars (82 percent)
Maybe add: Brandon Gibson, Rams (24 percent), Rod Streater, Raiders (7 percent), Riley Cooper, Eagles (3 percent), Joe Morgan, Saints (1 percent)
Desperation add: Randy Moss, 49ers (20 percent), Leonard Hankerson, Redskins (6 percent), Brian Quick, Rams (3 percent), Travis Benjamin, Browns (0 percent)
The breakdown: There aren't great options at receiver this week for owners in 12-team leagues or larger, so we'll look at some receivers in 10-team formats or less. Amendola returned from his two-game absence from a foot injury in Week 15 against Minnesota and had six catches for 58 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. As long as he's active he should be owned and started in most formats. ... Hilton had his third game with double digits in Fantasy points in his past five outings in Week 15 at Houston. He faces two mediocre pass defenses to close the season at Kansas City in Week 16 and a rematch vs. Houston at home in Week 17. ... Blackmon had six catches for 93 yards on 11 targets at Miami in Week 15. He now has 12 catches for 150 yards the past two weeks on 23 targets, but we like it that Blackmon now has a healthy Cecil Shorts (concussion) back on the field. In the two games before Shorts got hurt in Week 13, Blackmon had 42 Fantasy points, so he does well when he's not the No. 1 option. ... Gibson is someone to add in PPR leagues with his performance the past two weeks with 12 catches for 176 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets. He has a great matchup in Week 16 at Tampa Bay. ... Streater is closing the season as the best receiver for the Raiders. He has 12 catches for 258 yards and one touchdown over the past three weeks with 17 targets over that span. He has outperformed Denarius Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Streater should do well in Week 16 at Carolina. ... Cooper has a touchdown in two of his past three games and has taken advantage of DeSean Jackson (ribs) being out along with Nick Foles looking in his direction. He has 21 targets in his past three outings. ... Morgan isn't getting many catches or even targets, but he is producing for Drew Brees at a time when Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston have struggled. Now, we're not suggesting playing Morgan over those guys, but it's hard to ignore the production. Morgan has four catches for 167 yards and a touchdown the past two games at the Giants and against Tampa Bay on just five targets. He's a boom or bust receiver, but if you're looking for a home run this week he could be worth a flier.

Tight Ends

Must add: Dennis Pitta, Ravens (63 percent)
Maybe add: Tony Scheffler, Lions (17 percent)
Desperation add: Dwayne Allen, Colts (20 percent), Anthony Fasano, Dolphins (12 percent), Lance Kendricks, Rams (3 percent), Jeff Cumberland, Jets (0 percent)
The breakdown: We've been telling you for a while to add Pitta for his matchups the past two weeks, and he rewarded all the owners who added him with 34 Fantasy points combined against the Redskins and Broncos. He doesn't have the best matchup this week against the Giants, but we're still backing him as a must-start option. ... Scheffler failed to take advantage of Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) being out in Week 15 at the Cardinals with just three catches for 36 yards, but he had seven targets and should rebound in Week 16 against Atlanta as long as Pettigrew remains out. ... Allen, Fasano, Kendricks and Cumberland all scored in Week 15. Ho hum. You'd have to be in a dire situation to start any of these guys in the Fantasy playoffs.

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Griffin to be ready by camp?
Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS
11:54 AM

News: Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan suggested Thursday that quarterback Robert Griffin III has a chance to be ready for the start of training camp. "We're hoping," he said. "He's working extremely hard." Shanahan also said he wouldn't be comfortable starting Griffin without some offseason or preseason work. Griffin was spotted by NFL Network dropping back on passes to receivers while wearing a helmet along with a brace on his right knee on Thursday.

Analysis: It would be incredible for RG3 to be ready to go by late July, less than seven months after getting hurt. If the Redskins approach the injury with the long-term picture in mind then they might not rush him back unless they were convinced he was totally healthy. That seems risky, but for now any positive progress is great for prospective Fantasy owners. Here's a gameplan: Draft Griffin with a pick in Round 7 or 8 and pair him with Carson Palmer in the final rounds. Palmer has a great early-season schedule and the Cardinals take on the Panthers in Week 5 when the Redskins are on bye. We'll keep you posted on RG3.

Shanahan: Garcon had surgery
Pierre Garcon, WR, WAS
1:41 PM

News: Mike Shanahan disclosed Thursday that wide receiver Pierre Garcon had chest surgery this offseason, but the Washington Times clarified it as a minor procedure on his labrum, which is in the shoulder . It appears Garcon is not a candidate to miss any serious playing time, however. "I think he's really unbelievable. He's come back so fast ..." Shanahan said of his receiver. "lifting weights he shouldn't be able to lift."

Analysis: Garcon is also still battling a toe injury that capsized much of his first year in D.C. As long as he's healthy for the start of the season he's got plenty of upside to offer Fantasy owners. Garcon finished last year averaging 14.4 yards per catch, the second-highest average in his career, but he had a four-year-low 44 receptions with a three-year-worst four scores. Staying healthy is obviously the most important thing he can do to keep him relevant in Fantasy Football but one recurrence of the toe injury could wipe out several games. If he can stay upright -- and assuming quarterback Robert Griffin III is healthy with his knee -- Garcon can be considered a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver worth a mid-round pick.

Casey has knee surgery
James Casey, TE, PHI
11:42 AM

News: USA Today reports that Eagles tight end James Casey will undergo arthroscopic surgery to clean out loose cartilage his right knee and will be out of action for the rest of the spring. A team spokesman said Casey should be ready to go by the start of training camp. Casey signed a three-year deal with $14.5 million as one of the first additions for the Eagles in a busy opening few days in free agency. The former Texans fullback/tight end is expected to play a key role in coach Chip Kelly's offense.

Analysis: Casey had career-highs with 34 receptions, 330 yards and three touchdowns last year, numbers that could spike with the Eagles because of the expected design of the offense and the up-tempo style that will result in more snaps. Like any player getting used to Kelly's offense, Casey would surely benefit from more reps through the rest of organized team activities and minicamp, so being sidelined for the next month isn't ideal. Still, if all goes as well as planned, Casey should get plenty of time on the field in July and August as long as he's healthy. He's not worth drafting in most leagues, but Casey is someone to monitor as a potential waiver wire addition if he's fine as expected following this procedure.

Manning to CBS: My arm is stronger
Peyton Manning, QB, DEN
11:34 AM

News: In an exclusive Q&A with CBSSports.com NFL Columnist Pete Prisco, Peyton Manning admitted to being nervous about his arm as far back as June 2011 when he had a hard time throwing at all, then again last season when he forced some things in a road game at Atlanta. But a year removed from rehabbing his arm, Manning sounds confident in his skills. "I feel much more comfortable than I was last year. I am stronger than I was last year. I am throwing the ball better now in May of 2013 than I did in May of 2012 -- significantly better," he said. "I got better throughout the season. I am not doing the monthly update reports anymore. I am past that."

Analysis: The Broncos will attempt to move into a more up-tempo approach this season and added Wes Welker to an already stacked receiving corps. Manning should be in for a very good season, perhaps even better than the one he had last year. Manning is a candidate for 300 yards and at least two scores every week. He should be considered an elite passer worth a pick between the middle of Round 2 and the end of Round 3, depending on your league's size and scoring system.

Richardson misses practice
Trent Richardson, RB, CLE
10:57 AM

News: Browns coach Rob Chudzinski comfirmed running back Trent Richardson missed practice Thursday with a lower leg muscle pull. "It's precautionary," Chudzinski said. "We are holding him out. He may miss minicamp in a week and a half. I'm not sure, we'll just take it day-by-day."

Analysis: The Browns can't take chances with their prized running back, particularly since he'll be featured in an offense that will lean heavily on him. Richardson established himself as one of the top young running backs in the league last season with 267 carries for 950 yards with 11 touchdowns and another 51 catches for 367 yards and a score. He should be able to better those stats this season as long as he's healthy. You're taking him with a Top 5 pick.

Welker expects catches to drop
Wes Welker, WR, DEN
10:55 AM

News: The Denver Post reports that new Broncos receiver Wes Welker doesn't expect to reach his average for receptions, which was 112 over the past six seasons with the Patriots. "If I have to catch 112 balls, that probably means we're in trouble," Welker said. "(The catches) are not the goal," Welker said. "The goal is to go out there and help your team win games. However many catches that is, however many blocks that takes, however many routes I've got to run, whatever. I think we all feel the same way about that." The report says that in New England, the Patriots don't feature their outside receivers. In recent years, they have become a tight end-slot attack. Not so the Broncos. For all the questions about Peyton Manning's arm strength last year, he threw enough outside the numbers to help Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker develop into one of the NFL's top receiver tandems. "I mean, we have two really good guys. We can't ignore them," Welker said. "If one guy is catching 112 balls, the defense is focusing in on that guy. We want defenses focusing on everybody and having to worry about everybody. That was one of the main reasons I came here."

Analysis: Now, before you downgrade Welker, keep in mind it's not like the plan calls for him to go from 112 catches to 50. Manning won't forget his friends, but he won't ignore the new guy, either. Welker's Fantasy value definitely takes a hit going from New England to Denver, but he remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver worth a pick in Round 4 or 5 in standard leagues. In PPR formats, look for Welker to be drafted as early as Round 3 since he should still be around 85-plus catches despite the drop-off with the Broncos.

Harvin to get time at running back
Percy Harvin, WR, SEA
10:46 AM

News: The Seattle Times reports that new Seattle receiver Percy Harvin is already making an impact. "His talent level is unbelievable, off the charts," said quarterback Russell Wilson. "He brings an explosive mentality to the game, which a lot of our guys already have. But to have him is truly tremendous. He's a guy that's been one of the best football players in the National Football League for the past several years." Harvin, 24, has averaged 1,800 total yards in four seasons and was on pace for 2,400 yards in 2012 — which would have led the NFL — before an ankle injury ended his season. In those nine games, he had 62 catches — 12 more than any Seahawk — for 677 yards. He also had 96 yards rushing and 574 yards on kickoff returns, including a 105-yard touchdown return. The Seahawks plan to use him similarly. He'll likely line up in the slot as his regular spot, but figures to get used outside, as well, and should see his share of handoffs and kickoff returns. "I'll be moving around — pretty much all around," said Harvin. "There'll be a little bit of running back coming up. But right now, we're just trying to get the foundation set, just running the base plays, and we'll see where it goes from there."

Analysis: We're excited about Harvin in Seattle because he should be able to remain highly involved on offense with better talent around him. Harvin remains a solid No. 1 Fantasy receiver, and he's worth drafting in Round 3 or 4 in the majority of leagues, especially if he continues to see time in the backfield.

Rodgers: Cobb could catch 100 passes
Randall Cobb, WR, GB
10:37 AM

News: ESPN reports that Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has high expectations for third-year receiver Randall Cobb this season. Last year, Cobb made an enormous jump in his second NFL season. With Greg Jennings out with a torn abdominal muscle, Cobb played 733 snaps and caught a team-high 80 passes for 954 yards and added eight touchdowns. Rodgers thinks Cobb can do more. "I think Randall Cobb is a guy who could be a 100-plus catch guy every year," Rodgers said.

Analysis: We don't think Rodgers is far off with Cobb, who could take the next step in his career in his third season. The Packers as a team have high expectations for Cobb, and we like him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option. Plan on drafting Cobb in Round 4 in the majority of leagues, with his value slightly higher in PPR formats.

Williams played 'scared' in '12
Ryan Williams, RB, ARI
10:08 AM

News: Cardinals running back Ryan Williams told the Arizona Republic that he was more concerned about his knee than his play last season, saying he played scared. Williams came back from a torn patella tendon suffered in 2011 and wasn't ready for the physical punishment that comes with playing running back. Per the story, he got nervous when then-quarterback Kevin Kolb would call '39 toss' because it exposed his right side and his injured knee. The lack of confidence left him "pretty much scared all last year to get the ball in my hands." He added hurting his shoulder was a "blessing" because it allowed him time to get his knee feeling good. Now he says he's not scared anymore. "This is the healthiest I've felt in the past two years," Williams said. "It feels good to be able to run like myself, instinctive and not having to think about what I’m doing, just going out and doing it. I've been working real hard, so things are looking good. My stars are aligned this year."

Analysis: In the story coach Bruce Arians noted that Williams has his mobility back and is someone to watch when the pads come on. Williams has to fight for playing time after the Cardinals drafted Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington and signed Rashard Mendenhall. For now he's no better than a late-round flier but if he looks good in camp and runs with confidence then we could see him getting a decent amount of work.

Harbaugh: Crabtree will play in '13
Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
8:45 AM

News: 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated that Michael Crabtree's torn right Achilles will not cost him the entire season. With surgery already done, it is believed Crabtree will return within six months. Linebacker Patrick Willis said Crabtree went down after making a "simple, normal cut" after going in motion and before starting his route during 7 on 7 drills. "Crab is one of those tough guys. He can get hit hard, and he'll bounce right back up," Willis told the San Jose Mercury News. "Yesterday he stayed down a little longer than normal. You say a little prayer and hope it wasn't as bad as it looked. Unfortunately it is."

Analysis: Crabtree was expected to post ridiculous numbers in 2013 after becoming Colin Kaepernick's go-to receiver last year and his promise to dedicate himself to being the Niners' top receiver this year. Eventually he should return and contribute to the Niners but the earliest it seems he could be back is Week 12 at Washington. If you draft Crabtree with what would now be a late-round pick, you'd have to dedicate a bench spot to him for most of the regular season with no guarantee you'd get him in your lineup at 100 percent, if at all. We'd rather spend the same late-round pick on Anquan Boldin or maybe even A.J. Jenkins knowing both will see a lot of work in San Francisco with Crabtree sidelined.

More Updates

1	Peyton Manning, DEN, QB
2	Drew Brees, NO, QB
3	Tony Romo, DAL, QB
4	Cam Newton, CAR, QB
5	Tom Brady, NE, QB
6	Aaron Rodgers, GB, QB
7	Robert Griffin III, WAS, QB
8	Russell Wilson, SEA, QB
9	Andrew Luck, IND, QB
10	Michael Vick, PHI, QB
All Rankings

1	Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB
2	C.J. Spiller, BUF, RB
3	Marshawn Lynch, SEA, RB
4	Alfred Morris, WAS, RB
5	Frank Gore, SF, RB
6	Arian Foster, HOU, RB
7	DeMarco Murray, DAL, RB
8	Jamaal Charles, KC, RB
9	Stevan Ridley, NE, RB
10	LeSean McCoy, PHI, RB
All Rankings

1	Calvin Johnson, DET, WR
2	Dez Bryant, DAL, WR
3	Demaryius Thomas, DEN, WR
4	Brandon Marshall, CHI, WR
5	Wes Welker, DEN, WR
6	Eric Decker, DEN, WR
7	Reggie Wayne, IND, WR
8	Steve Smith, CAR, WR
9	Victor Cruz, NYG, WR
10	Marques Colston, NO, WR
All Rankings

1	Rob Gronkowski, NE, TE
2	Antonio Gates, SD, TE
3	Aaron Hernandez, NE, TE
4	Jason Witten, DAL, TE
5	Greg Olsen, CAR, TE
6	Jimmy Graham, NO, TE
7	Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE
8	Dwayne Allen, IND, TE
9	Kyle Rudolph, MIN, TE
10	Delanie Walker, TEN, TE
All Rankings

1	Matt Prater, DEN, K
2	Stephen Gostkowski, NE, K
3	Shaun Suisham, PIT, K
4	Adam Vinatieri, IND, K
5	Blair Walsh, MIN, K
6	Nick Novak, SD, K
7	Garrett Hartley, NO, K
8	Jason Hanson, DET, K
9	Mason Crosby, GB, K
10	Josh Brown, NYG, K
All Rankings

1	Steelers, DST
2	49ers, DST
3	Broncos, DST
4	Chargers, DST
5	Seahawks, DST
6	Bengals, DST
7	Bills, DST
8	Patriots, DST
9	Texans, DST
10	Packers, DST
All Rankings