Waiver Wire Watch: Week 12

There is still opportunity to add depth and/or shore up a weakness, so let's take a look at the top waiver wire pickups for Week 12...

Is the Red Rifle matchup-proof? It certainly appears that way after he threw for 373 yards and a TD against a Ravens defense that gave up the 2nd-fewest Adjusted FP to QBs heading into Week 11. He had another TD to Jermaine Gresham that was called back, and played this game without his top weapon -- A.J. Green -- at his disposal. His upcoming schedule isn't favorable, but matchups with the Rams and Cardinals in Weeks 15-16 make him a nice add for the stretch run.

Smith has been steady, throwing for at least 200 yards and a TD in each of his last three games. His matchup this week (BAL) isn't great, but the Rams and Cardinals are waiting in the wings.

Jay Cutler needs surgery on his thumb, so Hanie will take over as the Bears' QB for the time being. He threw for 153 yards, a TD and two interceptions in relief of Cutler in last year's NFC Championship Game against the Packers, and his upcoming schedule is favorable.

Locker relieved Matt Hasselbeck, who injured his throwing elbow, and posted 140 yards and two TDs (both to Nate Washington) against the Falcons. Hasselbeck is the starter, but if he can't go, Locker has four better-than-average matchups in a row and he produced when given the opportunity in Week 11.

You never know what you're going to get from Sexy Rexy. Will it be a zero-TD, two-pick effort against the Dolphins? Or a 289-yard, three-TD outing against the Cowboys? There is some opportunity given his upcoming schedule -- but will he take advantage of it?

Moore has been up and down the last few weeks -- he had a quiet game against the Redskins (209 yards, INT) sandwiched between two terrific outings against the Chiefs and Bills (404 combined yards, 6 TDs). He's not a terrible desperation start against the Cowboys on a short week.

Ponder has had three decent fantasy lines in his last four games, combining for 666 yards and five TDs against the Packers, Panthers and Raiders. He is a rookie and therefore not trustworthy, but his upcoming schedule isn't bad.

This may be Leinart's final chance as an NFL QB, and he couldn't have landed in a better situation. He has a great running game and defense in support, and it looks like Andre Johnson is making a Week 12 return. He could manage his way to an average of 220 yards and 1.3-1.5 TDs down the stretch.