Fantasy Football waiver wire help for week 12.
CHARLIE BATCH (PIT-QB): Ben Roethlisberger concusion-like symptoms, which forced him to leave this week's game, put him at very high risk of sitting out Pittsburgh's upcoming contest versus Baltimore. The Black and Gold shouldn't be in awful shape with Batch at the helm given his athleticism and grasp of the offense. The grizzled veteran is very injury prone, but has the arm and overall tools to be serviceable in the short term.
BRUCE GRADKOWSKI (OAK-QB): He’s not the prettiest quarterback out there, but he’s both gutsy and fiery. Defenses will probably expose the limited quarterback as the weeks go on, but Gradkowski may be able to do the job as an emergency quarterback in the short term in deep leagues. Although his arm is nothing to fawn over, the scrappy Raider is a master at getting rid of the ball quickly and won’t typically get sacked under pressure. Gradkowski spearheaded Oakland’s shocking victory over Cincinnati by passing for 183 yards and two touchdowns.
RYAN FITZPATRICK (BUF-QB): Fitzpatrick’s popgun arm doesn’t make him much of a fantasy option, but his receivers prefer him over Trent Edwards and the former Bengal has been fairly productive. The Harvard graduate is naturally a smart player who can audible his way into big plays, as he did on his 99-yard touchdown pass to Terrell Owens.
 MATT LEINART (AZ-QB): The golden boy from Cali filled in for a battered Kurt Warner and played a half of mistake-free ball and occasionally even used his improvisational skills to get rid of the rock under pressure. It’s not known at this point if Warner left the game due to a concussion or a stinger. Whatever the case, Leinart should be added to most rosters because of the talent surrounding him. This isn’t the former Trojan’s first rodeo; he has a few starts under his belt and looks to have a reassuring calmness in the pocket.
ROCK CARTWRIGHT (WASH-RB): The longtime backup was called into duty versus Dallas and performed admirably by grinding out 67 yards on the ground and recording seven receptions for 73 yards. The slow-footed Cartwright doesn’t possess any special running skills, but he’s a versatile player who runs hard and is a very sure-handed pass catcher. Look for him to get the start next week versus Philadelphia, as Ladell Betts recovers from a torn MCL and Clinton Portis will reportedly sit out one more week with a concussion.
MIKE BELL (NO-RB): Like Lazarus, Bell rose from the dead in Week 11 following a first-half knee injury and bounced back to gain 75 rushing yards and run for two goal-lines scores. The 225-pound thumper is a tough, take-no-prisoners inside back that should see several scoring opportunities going forward in New Orleans’ high-octane offense. Bell’s value does take a hit, though, if Reggie Bush is healthy enough to play next week.
CHANSI STUCKEY (CLE-WR): The former Jet enjoyed his best performance of the season by catching five receptions for 76 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown grab in which he took advantage of a William James misread in Cleveland’s shootout victory over Detroit. Expect Brady Quinn to target Stuckey with greater frequency as the signal caller grows as a starting NFL quarterback. The 6’0”wide out is at his best out of the slot, where he can make good use out of his short-area quickness.
DAVE THOMAS (NO-TE): Many Jeremy Shockey owners were undoubtedly disappointed by the fact that Dave Thomas was the only tight end Drew Brees had eyes for this week. The oft-injured former Patriot has soft hands and the ability to stretch the field. Thomas may just be the flavor of the week or a rising star. It won’t hurt you to pick him up in a deep league. The upside is considerable.
JAMES CASEY (HOU-TE): Here’s a shot-in-the-dark addition that may pay immediate dividends. Texans head coach Gary Kubiak has big plans for the rookie tight end, who’s finally healthy and will be needed to fill the hole left by original starter Owen Daniels. The 6’3” Casey is a big, agile target that can make people miss after the catch, but also has the toughness to break tackles.
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