Fantasy Football: Jonas Gray Among Week 12 Waiver Wire Must-Adds

Sometimes, it’s not too hard to predict where fantasy points will come from. This game was not one of those times.

In a Sunday night showdown that featured the likes of Tom Brady, Andrew Luck, Rob Gronkowski and T.Y. Hilton, the top fantasy scorer was none other than New England Patriots running back Jonas Gray.

Gray’s performance — 199 rushing yards and four touchdowns for nearly 44 points in standard-scoring leagues — came completely out of the blue (out of the Gray?) and instantly thrust the 24-year-old into the fantasy spotlight.

But can you expect Gray’s production to continue? Past history gives some reason for optimism. Branden Oliver followed up his breakout game with another double-digit fantasy performance the following week, while Ronnie Hillman strung together four straight games of 10 fantasy points or more before getting hurt.

Gray’s situation obviously is different, and it’s hard to trust anyone in the Patriots’ run game given the recent success of the passing attack. But players like Gray are what the waiver wire was built for, and as you head toward the playoffs, taking a risk on such a player ultimately could pay big dividends.

Let’s take a look at some more prime candidates on the waiver wire this week.

Quarterback: Josh McCown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Apparently, McCown isn’t messing around. The Bucs QB threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns — both to rookie Mike Evans — in Sunday’s win to give him 20 fantasy points in back-to-back weeks in standard-scoring leagues. On the slate next Sunday is his former team, the Chicago Bears, who have surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. McCown is a solid plug-and-play option if you need him.
Other quarterbacks to watch: Tony Romo, Andy Dalton, Blake Bortles, Shaun Hill, Kyle Orton

Running Back: Jonas Gray, New England Patriots
Before we pump up Gray too much, we should tell you that he faces the best run defense in the league in the Detroit Lions next Sunday. Still, it’s impossible not to at least stash Gray on your bench after Sunday night’s performance. The Patriots get a soft Green Bay Packers run defense in Week 13, and with Shane Vereen relegated to third-down-back duties, Gray looks like the bell cow going forward.
Other running backs to watch: Alfred Blue, Isaiah Crowell, Charles Sims, Travaris Cadet, Bryce Brown

Wide Receiver: Cecil Shorts III, Jacksonville Jaguars
Remember him? Once a solid fantasy option, Shorts has fallen off the map a bit this season after struggling with injuries. With Allen Robinson out for the season, though, it’s time to give Shorts a second chance. He figures to be the new No. 1 receiver alongside Allen Hurns going forward and should see plenty of targets as the Jags are forced to throw from behind. Shorts is a wise long-term add.
Other wide receivers to watch: Jordan Matthews, Kenny Britt, Allen Hurns, Malcolm Floyd, Justin Hunter

Tight End: Coby Fleener, Indianapolis Colts
Fleener has put up big numbers in back-to-back weeks even with Dwayne Allen in the mix, and now it’s being reported that Allen suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday night’s loss to the Patriots. Allen has been the fantasy stud, but Fleener is more than capable of picking up the slack. The Colts get the Jaguars at home next weekend, so if you have Allen on your roster, go out and snag Fleener now for some high-upside insurance.
Other tight ends to watch: Charles Clay, Owen Daniels, Marcedes Lewis

Have a fantasy/NFL question for Darren? Send it to him via Twitter at @darren_hartwell

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