10 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets Heading Into Week 12

Wendell Smallwood, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

ESPN Ownership: 2%
Yahoo Ownership: 3%

Despite having a name that makes me chuckle under my breath every time I say it out loud, Wendell Smallwood is definitely worth an add off of your waiver wire this week.

Following along the Week 11 theme of injury creating opportunity, Smallwood was the beneficiary of the Philadelphia Eagles' two primary backs, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles, going down to an MCL injury and a rib injury, respectively.

While he wasn't especially impressive against the Seattle Seahawks, generating just 48 rushing yards on 13 carries, that can be forgiven against the Seahawks’ burly fifth-ranked rush defense per our numbers. But on the season, Smallwood's -0.03 Rushing NEP per rush has been only slightly below league average (-0.02) while his 40.9% Rushing Success Rate has been slightly above league average (40.2%).

The last time Smallwood got significant work, he put up an impressive 17-carry, 79-yard, 1-touchdown effort up against the Pittsburgh Steelers. And with opportunity knocking, Smallwood could be set to carry a big load against the Green Bay Packers in Week 12, who've surrendered seven rushing touchdowns to running backs in Weeks 8 through 11.

Fire up a claim for Smallwood if the prior-mentioned Hightower or Ivory aren't available on your waiver wire.