Waiver Wire Wonders: Week 11

Weeding through those unwieldy waiver wires requires a keen eye and a quick trigger. Thus, Waiver Wire Wonders provides a weekly snapshot of players worthy of consideration who should be available on a good portion of league waiver wires. Enjoy those pickups...

It's almost time for the holidays folks, and you know what that means -- families spending quality time together, snowy winter wonderlands, chestnuts roasting, heavy drinking, and of course the fantasy playoffs. Well, think of the Week 11 waiver wire like those evasive toys that the whippersnappers just can't live without, causing parents to move fast and chase their tails around town in order to get their hands on one. In other words, don't wait long, because the goods on the wires this week will be gone soon, if they aren't already. Hurry up or you'll miss out.

Peyton Hillis (RB, Broncos) - Also known as Elmo. While everybody knew Hillis would likely get the start in Denver this week, the addition of Tatum Bell to the roster last week must have scared the majority of fantasy owners away, because at the time of this writing, Hillis was still available in about 85 percent of leagues. You better move quickly though, because he is one of the few clear pickups this week. Hillis rushed for 44 yards and two touchdowns as well as catching three passes for 26 yards. Who knows what will transpire in the elusive Denver backfield the rest of the season, because the carries today were split three ways, but Hillls looks like a great add.

Ted Ginn, Jr. (WR, Dolphins) - Ted Ginn, Jr. continues to hang around the periphery of worthy No. 2 or No. 3 wide receivers, but he looks to be officially the go-to playmaker at this point in the season. Ginn Jr. caught four passes for 51 yards and ran the ball twice for 42 yards with a big-40 yard touchdown run. It's still a tough call to rationalize starting Ginn on a weekly basis, but he is definitely a good reserve for your roster. Keep in mind the Dolphins are, believe it or not, 6-4, so they are in the throes of a playoff run. Thus, expect them to keep going to Ginn as he is a huge part of their ascent to 2^nd place in the AFC East.

Warrick Dunn (RB, Bucs) - Also known as the Nintendo Wii. This is another move you better bust ass over to the wires to capitalize on, because Earnest Graham left the game with an ankle injury -- and has already been struggling with a knee injury -- after just one carry for three yards. Warrick Dunn did not post earthshaking numbers in Graham's absence, but he did get 20 carries, which translated into 53 yards, and he caught four passes for another 65 yards. If Graham's injuries keep him out of action, which they likely will, Dunn should get a hefty workload and post solid digits down the stretch. On the downside, Cadillac Williams is back on the scene and could eventually see some time, but for now, it looks like Warrick's show.

Matt Cassel (QB, Patriots) - After a big primetime effort on Thursday night where Cassel put up 400 yards and three touchdowns through the air and added a team-high 62 rushing yards, he looks like a decent add for the end of the season. Currently in third place behind Miami and New York, the Patriots are in a battle in the AFC East. The Patriots face Seattle, Oakland, and Arizona during Weeks 14 through 16, so Cassel has some valuable spot matchups if your starter plays against some dominating defenses during your fantasy playoff run.

Pierre Thomas (RB, Saints) - Pierre Thomas made good on his opportunity with Reggie Bush still on the pine, rushing for 88 yards and a touchdown and catching four passes for another 56 yards. In terms of Pierre's value through the next six weeks of the regular season, he might have another week or two depending on Reggie Bush's recovery time, but Bush was actually expected to return on Sunday, so he'll likely be back next week. Hence, Thomas will likely not see any more weeks like this one.

J.J. Arrington (RB, Cardinals) - It is a bit tough to rationalize betting on the Arizona ground game considering they are clearly a pass-oriented offense. Just three weeks after Edgerrin James lost the starting job to Tim Hightower, J.J. Arrington now appears to be next in line, splitting the load with Hightower vs. Seattle and outperforming his teammate. Arrington put up great numbers, scoring touchdowns both on the ground and through the air and amassing over 60 total yards. I think there are better guys out there on the waiver wires this week, but if you are shallow at running back, Arrington is a decent add.

Justin Gage (WR, Titans) - This week, the star of this season's storied team best known for its defense and ground game came from the receiving corps. Fantasy owners have wondered all season if the Titans' top receiving threat would ever become a reliable option, having battled injuries and posted volatile performances. But this week he had a career day, catching two long touchdowns and hauling in 147 yards. While he is not necessarily a weekly starter, Gage is a decent pickup to play matchups, particularly in games like Sunday's where the Titans might be playing from behind. Gage is owned in just 15 percent of leagues, so he should be available if you are short in the receiver department.