Here's a quick look at 10 players to target off the waiver wire as we head into Week 12 of the fantasy season.
Deion Branch, WR, Seattle (83 percent): Branch returned from an injured back and caught four passes for 54 yards in a loss to the Cardinals. The former Super Bowl MVP might not be the most consistent wideout in fantasy football, but he's still good enough to be owned in most leagues. He faces great matchups against the Rams and Jets in the last two weeks of the fantasy postseason.
Broncos defense (78 percent): Fantasy leaguers looking for a sleeper defense in Week 12 might want to take a chance on the Broncos, who face Oakland at Invesco Field. The last four defense and special teams units to face the Silver and Black have averaged 21 fantasy points on NFL.com. The Broncos could also get CB Champ Bailey back, which would of course be a huge return.
Matt Bryant, K, Tampa Bay (53 percent): Who says kickers get no love in fantasy land? Bryant showed off his stuff this week against the Vikings, kicking four field goals (26, 26, 29, 39) and scoring an impressive 13 fantasy points on NFL.com. He's become an attractive starter in all leagues with 12-plus teams. Bryant faces the hapless Lions in Week 12.
Matt Cassel, QB, New England (25 percent): I have not been a fan of Cassel's in fantasy leagues, but Thursday's night great performance against the Jets (400 yards, three TDs) will make him a hot name on the waiver wire. While I wouldn't expect such a monster stat line from him again this season, Cassel does have a favorable matchup in Miami next on the slate.
Warrick Dunn, RB, Tampa Bay (46 percent): Earnest Graham was injured against the Vikings and missed most of the game. Now comes word that he is likely done for the season. Couple that with the fact that coach Jon Gruden doesn't think Cadillac Williams is set to return yet, and Dunn could see a ton of carries in his next game. Oh, and that game is against the Lions.
Justin Gage, WR, Tennessee (81 percent): Gage has become a popular target for Kerry Collins since his return from an injured knee. In his last two games, Gage has a combined eight catches for 194 yards and three touchdowns. He'll be a very nice No. 3 fantasy wideout or flex starter in larger PPR fantasy leagues in Week 12, as Gage faces a vulnerable Jets pass defense.
Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, Miami (44 percent): Ginn came up large for fantasy leaguers against the Raiders, posting four catches, 93 scrimmage yards and one touchdown. He's now found the end zone in consecutive weeks and is making more of an impact in the Dolphins offense. The Ohio State product also has favorable matchups against the Rams, 49ers and Chiefs down the stretch.
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Peyton Hillis, RB, Denver (60 percent): Hillis, who was listed in this space last week, rushed for 44 yards on 10 carries and scored two touchdowns in a win over the Falcons. The former Arkansas fullback, who blocked for Darren McFadden and Felix Jones in his final collegiate season, will be a very attractive flex option in Week 12 against the Raiders' poor run defense.
Dustin Keller, TE, N.Y. Jets (55 percent): Keller, who has drawn comparisons to Colts tight end Dallas Clark has become a favorite of Brett Favre in recent weeks. In his last two games, the rookie out of Purdue has hauled in 14 passes for 194 yards and one touchdown. Good tight ends have been hard to find this season, so Keller has sudden value in all formats.
Kyle Orton, QB, Chicago (33 percent): You're probably wondering why in the world I would suggest picking up Orton, who recorded a forgettable 133-yard, no-touchdown dud in Green Bay. Well, just look at who's next on the schedule -- the St. Louis Rams. The NFL's whipping boys have allowed a combined 82 points and 707 total yards of offense over the last two weeks.
(Note -- Percentage of availability in NFL.com leagues listed in parenthesis.)
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