I don't need to tell anyone who the biggest fantasy pickup is going to be this week. After watching the action Sunday, you better believe a certain Detroit throwaway (Kevin Smith) is going to blow up the waiver wires across the boards. So let's dive into this week's pickups as we head into Week 12. And with many leagues entering their playoffs in another week or two, now is the time to load up for that playoff push. Make sure to check this list throughout the day as we continue to add players we feel worthy of a pickup this week. Unlike other sites, I hate listing players who had a big game, but did nothing before and likely won't be trusted enough to do anything again. So if there is a player that you have questions about, post a comment below or visit out Forum.
QUARTERBACKS
Vince Young - PHI: It looked like it was going to be a long night when Young threw two picks against the Giants and most of his game was so-so. But after managing a huge 80-yard drive that resulted in a score, Young's rust should be gone if he winds up having to start again against the Patriots. There is no early word if Michael Vick is going to be able to start with his injured ribs. But after last night, the Eagles staff shouldn't feel pressured to have to rush him back. Going against a Pats Defense that ranks dead last against fantasy quarterbacks, Young is a must pickup for all Vick owners.
Rex Grossman - WAS: Grossman's performance against the Cowboys was a reminder of the last few weeks after the Redskins had benched Donovan McNabb at the end of the 2010 season. Grossman's 289 passing yards was the third best of this season and his 3 total touchdowns (1 rushing) easily outweighed his 12th interception. With the Seahawks allowing the 5th least amount of fantasy points to running backs, Grossman will have to throw a lot in Week 12. At worst, he could be a desperation QB1 if your other options are shaky. Just remember that he can easily put up a dud.
Carson Palmer - OAK: Not surprisingly, Palmer is only owned in 58% of ESPN leagues thus far. It's a high number, but I am shocked that he hasn't been picked up as, at least, a QB2. He did tally two touchdowns, 1 passing/1 rushing, but the Raiders went into Michael Bush mode to nurse the lead against the Vikings. Still, I would pluck Palmer off the wire. His schedule over the next few weeks contains some pretty decent matchups. The downside to Palmer is that he totally destroyed Denarius Moore's value Sunday after targeting the rookie a mere two times.
Caleb Hanie - CHI: With the news that Jay Cutler's season could be over after breaking the thumb in his throwing hand, Hanie gets the chance to lead the Bears offense. With 14 regular-season attempts in 2 years, it's hard to see Hanie as anything more than a two-quarterback league option. He also has some playoff experience after losing to the Packers last year.
RUNNING BACKS
Kevin Smith - DET: It's amazing that just a few weeks ago, Smith was sitting on his couch watching the games on tv. It didn't take long for him to fight his way past Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams when he started out third on the depth chart. Smith's 201 yards from scrimmage and 3 total touchdowns made him the best fantasy running back out of all the games thus far for Week 11 and was the best performance of his career. He should easily gain the most adds in all waiver wires this week. And with Jahvid Best still out with concussion problems, Smith could keep the job for the next several weeks. He'll continue his comeback campaign against a Packers Defense who allowed LeGarrette Blount to rack up over 100 rushing yards and a score Sunday.
Joe McKnight - NYJ: Because of the logjam at running back with Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson, once he comes back, I'm not recommending McKnight as a fantasy option for this season. But considering LT is on his last legs and Greene clearly isn't the type of running back the Jets had hoped for, McKnight could be someone to eye or keep in dynasty leagues. His 121 total yards and 6 receptions against the Broncos were highs for the rookie's career and could be a sign of things to come if the Jets think he can be a bigger part of the offense. LT is a free agent after the season and may not be re-signed, leaving McKnight with an opportunity as a backup and a bigger role in 2012.
Ryan Grant - GB: It's amazing that the Packers keep winning with a running game that is less-than-desirable. James Starks is dealing with a right knee "sprain" and could wind up as a game-time decision in a short week against the Lions on Thanksgiving. If Grant does get the start, he should at least be considered for your flex spot as he will take the bulk of the carries. Just remember that the Packers have relied mainly on their passing game, virtually eliminating a lot of their running backs' fantasy value this year.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Riley Cooper - PHI: Filling in for an injured Jeremy Maclin (shoulder/hamstring), Cooper was targeted a team-high 12 times, with 5 catches for 75 yards and a score. It's too soon to say whether or not Maclin will be available for Week 12's outing against the Patriots, but Cooper showed he can be a competant passing option if given the chance. He is a must-add, especially for Maclin owners and could be an even better option if Michael Vick sits again.
Earl Bennett - CHI: Even after putting up big numbers over the last 3 weeks, Bennett is still owned in only 38% of ESPN leagues. Bennett led the Bears with 9 targets Sunday, but his value could plummet with the news that Jay Cutler will likely miss the rest of the season with a broken thumb. Look at Bennett with caution.
Tight Ends
Brent Celek - PHI: The fact that Celek is still only owned in 18% of ESPN leagues is outright ridiculous. Even with Michael Vick out, Celek and Vince Young still hooked up for 6 catches and 60 yards against the Giants. Against the Patriots, in what could be a high-scoring game, Celek has now risen to low-end TE1 status for Week 12.