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Fantasy Football Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickup: RB Trent Richardson

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By @teapester725

Trent Richardson Colts

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

With it getting late into the fantasy football season, many trade deadlines have passed. That means the only way to add talent to your team is through free agency and the waiver process. It isn’t easy to find worthwhile talent this late in the game, but injuries will provide opportunities for players on NFL teams and owners in the world of fantasy football.

One of those players is Trent Richardson.

Richardson was acquired by the Indianapolis Colts last season for a first-round pick from the Cleveland Browns. He has struggled throughout most of his tenure with the Colts, averaging only 3.1 yards per carry through 23 games. It was a little more understandable last season as getting traded in the NFL is tougher than any other professional sports, but the lackluster performance hurts this season.

The Colts will not have much choice but to go with Richardson for the time being though, as Ahmad Bradshaw suffered a fractured fibula against the New England Patriots in Week 11. The injury will not only end his 2014 as he is more than likely IR-bound, but it may put his training camp and possibly the beginning of the 2015 season in jeopardy as well.

But Richardson will be the featured back, and he has few threats behind him who can take away carries. The only other running back currently on the roster is Daniel Herron, who will sprinkle in for touches but won’t seriously push Richardson for lead back carries.

If Richardson is indeed available in your league, you should go get him. Not only is he looking at an increased workload, he has an outstanding matchup coming up in Week 12 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Their run defense is improving, but is still surrendering 126.2 rushing yards per game. If anyone currently on the Colts’ roster is going to be gaining those, it will be Richardson.

Even if it means using a waiver priority to get him, Richardson needs to be scooped up. You won’t find many other players available in FA with the opportunity that he has in front of him. His stats are underwhelming, but the volume alone will make him a weekly flex play with RB2 potential. Make sure to add him this week if he is available, because he won’t be after next week against the Jaguars.

Kenneth Teape is a New York Giants writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @teapester725 or join his Google network

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