"We always tell you every year that playing the waiver wire and making the right moves will help you win a Fantasy title. It's almost more important than having a quality draft.
We like to highlight some of the difference makers who were added as free agents and show you when we mentioned them in Playing the Waiver Wire. This year, there were two additions who shined brighter than the rest.
Cam Newton and Victor Cruz weren't drafted in the majority of Fantasy leagues, but they became must-start options in all formats. And they were successful all the way through the Fantasy playoffs into Week 16.
Newton enters Week 17 as the No. 4 quarterback in standard formats at 381 Fantasy points, trailing only Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Drew Brees. He was the No. 2 quarterback in Week 16 with 36 points.
Cruz enters Week 17 as the No. 4 receiver in standard leagues at 175 points, trailing only Calvin Johnson, Wes Welker and Jordy Nelson. He was the No. 2 receiver in Week 16 with 22 points.
There were many other quality Fantasy additions off the waiver wire, and we might not mention all of the key ones here. But the following players were impactful in all formats, and none more than Newton and Cruz.
Here are the best free agent pickups we suggested this year in Playing the Waiver Wire. We listed them in order based on their Fantasy production for the season.
Quarterback
Cam Newton, Panthers
We mentioned him heading into: Week 2
Comment: Newton was drafted in about 50 percent of leagues, but his ownership jumped to 90 percent in Week 2 after he had 33 Fantasy points in Week 1 at Arizona. It was one of five games this season he had over 30 Fantasy points, and he was a star for Fantasy owners all year. He was started in more than 70 percent of leagues from Week 5 on.
Value for 2012: Top 10 Fantasy quarterback
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills
Comment: Fitzpatrick is the No. 12 quarterback in standard leagues heading into Week 17, and he was a great Fantasy option early in the year. He had at least 22 Fantasy points in each of the first three weeks, and owners began to use him as a starter. His production tailed off in the second half of the season, but he was a great addition for owners who struggled with their quarterback to start 2011.
Value for 2012: Top 20 Fantasy quarterback
Tim Tebow, Broncos
We mentioned heading into: Week 6
Comment: Tebow started the season on the bench behind Kyle Orton, but he became the starter for Denver in Week 7, with Fantasy owners reaping the benefits. He had three games with at least 25 Fantasy points, and he was a great bye-week replacement in all leagues. Tebow is obviously a work in progress, but he will be a starting Fantasy option in 2012 as a low-end No. 1 quarterback.
Value for 2012: Top 12 Fantasy quarterback
Matt Moore, Dolphins
We mentioned him heading into: Week 13
Comment: We were a little hesitant to recommend Moore early on, but he proved to be a solid Fantasy quarterback to close the year after taking over for Chad Henne (shoulder) in Week 6. He had four games with at least 20 Fantasy points, including Week 16 with 25 points. His value will be limited next year, but he could be a good starting quarterback for the Dolphins if they fail to land a future starter in the draft.
Value for 2012: Top 24 Fantasy quarterback
Carson Palmer, Raiders
We mentioned him heading into: Week 8
Comment: Palmer gave Fantasy owners a much-needed boost at the quarterback spot when he was traded to Oakland in Week 7. He had three games with at least 20 Fantasy points, and he should be a good option in 2012 with a full offseason to work with his receiving corps, which should be healthy by then after Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford dealt with injuries. Palmer will be a top backup quarterback next season.
Value for 2012: Top 15 Fantasy quarterback"
