Waiver Wire Wonders: Jerious Norwood Takes the Reins

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.

Jerious Norwood (RB, Falcons) - The song remains the same in Week 12 as the best pickup once again comes courtesy of Michael Turner's ankle. Last week, Jason Snelling benefited from the injury because Norwood was also inactive. This week, however, all three players began the game healthy. When Turner re-aggravated the ankle, a fresh Norwood filled in admirably. The stats were not exactly jaw-dropping -- just 22 yards rushing -- but he did find pay dirt with a nice 22-yard reception for a touchdown. Early indications look like we should see at least one big week from Norwood before Turner returns to action.

More Coverage: Week 12 Top Performers | Latest Player News

Fred Jackson (RB, Bills) - If somebody in your league got scared off and dropped Fred Jackson back when Marshawn Lynch returned earlier in the season from his suspension, snatch him up right now. It's becoming very obvious that Jackson is a better player, as Lynch appears to have lost his starting job. Jackson immediately responded by scoring two touchdowns on 73 yards rushing today and should be a beast down the stretch without Lynch in his way. You are looking at one of the potentially huge difference-makers for the fantasy playoffs.

Jason Avant (WR, Eagles) - We've been telling this story all season. The Eagles wide receiving corps is simply too talented to deal with from a fantasy perspective. Avant is definitely emerging late in the season as a key component in the machine, today catching five passes for 94 yards, but only add him in deep leagues. The consistency issue poses too much risk in anything other than the most desperate of situations.

Dante Rosario (TE, Panthers) - I know how much everybody loves relying on the pinpoint accuracy and cat-like agility of Jake Delhomme, but Rosario made the best of it today catching four passes from Delhomme for 62 yards. With tight ends at a premium down the stretch, Rosario makes a decent play if you are still struggling to find a replacement for Chris Cooley or Owen Daniels.

Chaz Schilens (WR, Raiders) - You'll have to just take my word on this one. Schilens only caught two passes for 32 yards, but after missing most of the season, he made his debut this week and should provide a big boost for the struggling Oakland offense. The Oakland staff reportedly thinks Schilens is the best receiver on the team, so his targets should shoot up in a hurry. The Raiders passing game still stinks, but keep an eye on this guy as he makes big plays and might be a nice surprise down the stretch.

Antonio Bryant (WR, Buccaneers) - Bryant quietly returned in Week 11 after missing two games due to injury, but Sunday he showed that he and new quarterback Josh Freeman have some notable chemistry. The pair connected three times for 91 yards and a touchdown. These two look like a legitimately dangerous tandem. If you are looking for some wide receiver depth, I would consider adding Bryant (available in about 53% of leagues) if he is available.

Chris Redman (QB, Falcons) - One wouldn't think Matt Ryan's "jammed toe" will keep him out for long, but boy did Redman make the most of his opportunity today when Ryan left the game. Redman went 23-for-41 for 243 yards and two touchdowns. This probably won't amount to anything more that just a one-hit wonder, but if Ryan misses any time, Redman might be worth further consideration.

Vince Young (QB, Titans) - Vince Young just wins football games. But can he help us win fantasy games? If days like today tell the story, then the answer is a resounding yes. Complete with last-second heroics, Young completed 27 passes for 387 yards and a touchdown. With Tennessee on a five-game winning streak and riding some of the best momentum in the league, Young looks very worthy of consideration, especially if your starting quarterback has risk of being benched in the last games of the season due to a clinched playoff spot.

Percy Harvin (WR, Vikings) - I'm finally ready to pull the trigger on Harvin. We've highlighted him in Waiver WIre Wonders a handful of times throughout the season, but after today's combined 146 all-purpose yards (101 receiving and 45 rushing) and a touchdown, Harvin officially makes a worthy flex starter. He's only available in about 25% of leagues, so we may be blowing smoke due to availability, but if you can get him, start him.