Did you enjoy the quick reprieve of mostly-injury-free football we experienced in Week 10? Good, because Week 11 was a bloodbath. We saw four high-end running backs go down (Devonta Freeman, Charcandrick West, Justin Forsett, Marshawn Lynch) along with Ryan Fitzpatrick and Zach Ertz leaving with concussions.

Same rules as always - in this column we will be looking at NFL players owned in 25% or less of Fleaflicker leagues. These players can be sneaky fantasy football lineup sleepers for Week 12 as you consider adding players off the waiver wire and optimizing your fantasy football lineups. The 25% rule means Thomas Rawls (33%) and Tevin Coleman (43%) will not be highlighted, but both should be top priorities this week.

Same as last week, I'll include a player from every position (including D/ST) each week - as long as the options are worthy of discussion. Let's get to it.

 

Digging Deeper - Potential Week 12 Waiver Wire Sleepers

Brian Hoyer (QB, HOU)

17% Owned in Fleaflicker

Yes, Brian Hoyer still hasn't been cleared from his concussion that caused him to sit Week 11. Let's be real though, even an unconscious quarterback could still light up the Saints defense.

Before leaving his Week 10 contest with Cincinnati with the concussion, Hoyer had accumulated multi-touchdown games in five straight outings. Some of those defenses were buttery soft (Falcons, Colts, Jaguars, Dolphins) but the point remains. Plus, each of those teams have been better than the Saints 32nd ranked pass defense. Speaking of Texans, this is a dream matchup for DeAndre Hopkins. The Saints give up on average 85.1 yds/game to No. 1 receivers, 8th worst in the NFL.

With bye-weeks come and gone, there may not be a reason to utilize Hoyer in this game. But if you're just getting over the Peyton Manning woes or have been using Ryan Fitzpatrick, Hoyer is a great play for Week 12. Keep an eye on the health report this week and act accordingly.

FAAB: $2

Spencer Ware (RB, KC)

1% Owned in Fleaflicker

Yes, Charcandrick West is listed as day-to-day. Yes, the Chargers are a dysfunctional mess on the edge of combustion. But did you see Spencer Ware run on Sunday? He was a man on a mission, and if that mission was to get our attention, mission accomplished.

Ware came in after West left with a hamstring injury in the third quarter and ran for 96 yards on 11 carries with two touchdowns while adding in a 5-yard reception. Read that again -- he got all those stats in the second half. Ware found the holes West couldn't find (11 carries, 16 yards) and was very impressive at the goal-line. If you didn't get a chance to watch the game, or you just decided there are better things to do with your life than watch a 33-3 contest, do yourself a favor and watch some Ware highlights. Jamaal Charles, Charcandrick West, Spencer Ware... someone give the talent department a raise in Kansas City.

West owners shouldn't be the only players targeting Ware in this week's waiver wire. Hamstring strains can be multi-week injuries which would open the door for Ware to be a key factor in playoff runs. Should West miss Week 12, Ware becomes a RB1 option against a Bills defense ranked 29th versus the run.

FAAB: $25

Cecil Shorts (WR, HOU)

15% Owned in Fleaflicker

Shorts did his best Brian Hoyer impersonation on Sunday, completing a 21-yard flea flicker to Alfred Blue for a score. He also added two catches for 51 yards and four carries for 26 yards out of the wildcat formation.

It's been hard to trust Shorts this season. A bulky hamstring sidelined him for three games and the target quota on DeAndre Hopkins makes it difficult for Shorts to get his share of touches. Shorts has only eclipsed 10 points twice for fantasy owners.

The reasoning for Shorts is similar to Hoyer's; anytime you can face the Saints defense is a good time. But Shorts may be in for a better day if Hoyer sits. No Hoyer means more wildcat formations, a design that was highly successful versus the Jets defense. More wildcats means more Shorts touches, increasing his scoring opportunities. Shallow leagues, you've probably got better options on your bench. Anything larger than 12 teams, give Shorts a look for your flex spot.

FAAB: $4

Brent Celek (TE, PHI)

7% Owned in Fleaflicker

There's no doubting the Eagles are a mess currently. They just got slaughtered by Jameis Winston on their home turf 45-17 and the Chip Kelly era is in serious jeopardy. But that doesn't mean the offense should be ignored, especially if they find themselves playing catch up down the stretch.

The biggest beneficiary currently is Brent Celek. Celek came on for an injured Zach Ertz (concussion) and turned 10 targets into seven catches and 79 yards versus the Bucs. It's not like he only benefited from Ertz leaving; in Week 10 he posted a 4-134 line against Miami.

Mark Sanchez will likely relinquish the quarterback duties to Sam Bradford upon his return, but until then fantasy owners should take advantage of the tight end situation in Philly. Sanchez loves to utilize his tight ends and the Eagles face a Lions defense ranked 27th versus opposing tight ends. It's highly unlikely Ertz is cleared before Thursday, making Celek a sneaky play for Week 12.

FAAB: $4

Cleveland Browns Defense

10% Owned in Fleaflicker

ALERT! ALERT! Matt Shaub is starting at quarterback for an NFL team. The king of the pick-six visits Cleveland for a Monday Night tilt without his running back (Justin Forsett - broken arm) and his top receiving option (Steve Smith - Achilles). I don't anticipate a slaughter by any means (Browns rank 29th on defense) but a defensive touchdown is a legitimate possibility here. The Browns had the week off so they should be well rested for what is likely going to be the worst Monday Night Football game of the year. If you want a piece of this game in your fantasy lineup, here's the play.

FAAB: $1

 

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