NFL Waiver Wire: Week 13 Deep Dive

Because I know Week 13 is key in many fantasy leagues being the last chance for middle-of-the-road teams to earn a playoff spot, it pains me to say that the waiver wire isn't particularly abundant. No high-end handcuffs were unleashed due to a starter going down, and no new studs emerged out of the blue. There are plenty of options worth taking a dart through and a number of guys I'd be fine spending significant FAAB on at this point of the season, but success is far from guaranteed. 

This Thursday article is our second waiver wire piece of the week, intended to give a broad overview of players worth fantasy consideration. Every Monday, Kevin Payne's first edition of the Waiver Wire series summarizes the top names.

As usual, for add/drop, start/sit, or any other questions relating to fantasy, just comment below or hit me up on Twitter (@ivilloth). 

The list below includes players rostered in no more than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues and is listed in order of preference based on half-point per reception scoring and a 12-team league. Depending on your league's scoring and roster settings, certain players might warrant higher consideration than what is listed. Each player's listed roster percentage is based on Tuesday's Yahoo statistics, to give a general sense of availability for a given week.

QUARTERBACK 

Philip Rivers at Texans (33 percent) - If you remove one matchup against the Ravens, old man Rivers has quietly been a high-end fantasy quarterback since Week 6 by averaging around 25 points per game. His next three matchups are also outstanding, as he'll get the Texans twice with a squishy Las Vegas secondary in between. Rivers has only thrown under 200 yards twice this season and has gone for more than 250 in five of his last six games, so he also provides a reasonable floor. 

Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Bengals (21 percent) – With about as perfect a matchup as one could ask for on deck, Fitzpatrick represents an ideal streaming candidate for the week – as long as he actually starts. Coach Brian Flores has already confirmed Tua Tagovailoa (25 percent) will line up under center if he can recover from his thumb injury, so this is a situation that may not become clear until later in the week. Both signal callers are on the fantasy radar against Cincinnati, but Fitzpatrick's chemistry with DeVante Parker and gunslinger tendencies make him the higher-upside option. 

Kirk Cousins vs. Jaguars (40 percent) – Cousins has now hit 20-plus fantasy points in four straight games, and he just managed 307 yards and three touchdowns against Carolina even without Adam Thielen. He'll get Thielen back in time for a favorable matchup against the Jags. And though he's somewhat gone under the radar, Cousins has been a pretty solid option against bad defenses this year by posting 25 or more fantasy points five times in 2020. 

Mitchell Trubisky vs. Detroit (4 percent) - "Trubisky the fantasy quarterback" is a different entity than "Trubisky the quarterback you have to watch on TV". One produces high-end fantasy numbers on a fairly predictable basis, the other leads one to question every decision that led up to their turning on a Bears game of their own free volition. Sunday Night's difficult-to-watch loss to Green Bay is a perfect example of the latter phenomenon, which Blake Bortles once also perfectly personified: Trubisky quickly falls behind in ugly fashion, but was able to take enough advantage of garbage time to pile up a more-than-serviceable 25 fantasy points. He's averaged 3 TDs and 277 passing yards in four games against the Lions, although all those games occurred when Matt Patricia - who inexplicably only chose to blitz Trubisky 9.9 percent of the time - was Detroit's head coach. 

RUNNING BACK  

Cam Akers at Cardinals (30 percent) - Darrell Henderson got the start versus San Francisco, but it was Akers who produced and took over in the second half. The rookie second-round pick racked up 84 yards and a score on nine carries, while Henderson only managed 19 yards on 10 attempts. There's a real chance Akers earns the lead role just in time for the fantasy playoffs. 

Benny Snell vs. Washington (36 percent) - With James Conner on the COVID list and Jaylen Samuels (quadriceps) nursing a lingering injury, Snell could be in position to lead Pittsburgh's backfield again Week 13. The Steelers' bellcow role always carries massive fantasy potential, so rookie Anthony McFarland (7 percent) is also worth monitoring - although he's probably better suited to a chance-of-pace role. Washington is a stout run defense, but Snell's tough between-the-tackles skill set makes him a better match than some. And he just managed a respectable 93 total yards against Baltimore.  

Devontae Booker at Jets (10 percent) - Booker has been a solid stash ever since he emerged as the Raiders' No. 2 back, and now it looks like Josh Jacobs (ankle) could be in danger of missing time. It looks like Jacobs is trending in the right direction, but Booker will be a quality streaming option if he gets a chance at the lead role versus the still-winless Jets.

Carlos Hyde vs. Giants (38 percent) - Hyde led the Seahawks' backfield in snaps, carries and targets versus the Eagles, but it was Chris Carson who scored and compiled 50 more yards on seven less touches. Carson's workload stands to keep increasing as he distances himself from his knee injury, but Hyde makes for a high-end handcuff and could conceivably see double-digit touches for a few more weeks. 

Mark Ingram at Steelers (46 percent) - Ingram couldn't play against Baltimore on Wednesday night, but it sounds like he'll be activated from the COVID-19 list in time for Week 13. Of course, the veteran RB's presence on waivers has more to do with his lack of production than lack of availability. Ingram has only surpassed double-digit PPR points twice this season, and it sure looks like J.K. Dobbins - currently on the COVID list himself - is pushing to usurp the lead role down the stretch. 

Salvon Ahmed vs. Bengals (37 percent) - Ahmed sat out versus the Jets due to a shoulder injury, but returned to practice Wednesday and could be ready to face Cincinnati. The UDFA has passed the eye test in limited action, and the Dolphins have near-definitively proven Matt Breida won't be handed the No. 1 role if anyone else is available. Even if DeAndre Washington (hamstring) is also healthy, I'd be confident in Ahmed getting the start but it would assuredly complicate things if Myles Gaskin (knee) comes off IR. 

Alexander Mattison vs. Jaguars (32 percent) - Dalvin Cook (ankle) isn't expected to miss time, but last weekend's scare serves as a reminder Mattison's fantasy value can skyrocket any given week. 

Frank Gore vs. Raiders (25 percent) - Gore led the Jets' backfield with La'Mical Perine (ankle) on IR by running for 74 yards on 18 carries versus Miami while No. 2 RB Ty Johnson only managed two carries, confirming Gore will be a workhorse for at least two more weeks - and likely longer. 15-plus carries is worth something, even if it comes against the Raiders. 

DeAndre Washington vs. Bengals (10 percent) - Despite all expectations Matt Breida (22 percent) would lead this backfield with both Myles Gaskin (knee) and Salvon Ahmed (shoulder) out, it was Washington who actually paced Miami in carries. He wasn't particularly efficient versus the Jets by only racking up 49 yards on 13 rushes, but would only need a similar amount of work to have real TD upside versus the Bengals - although he began practice this week nursing a hamstring injury.

Brian Hill vs. Saints (46 percent) - Hill only put up mediocre production against the Raiders by translating 13 carries into 55 yards. However, it's not guaranteed Todd Gurley (knee) misses more time and Hill has never really delivered when he's gotten lead-back opportunities in the past. It's also worth noting Ito Smith (1 percent) produced a similar amount of carries (12), more work in the passing game and the Falcons' only rushing touchdown. Then again, much of Smith's work came in the fourth quarter. 

Tony Pollard at Ravens (19 percent) - Pollard remains a pure handcuff to Ezekiel Elliott. Thursday's blowout loss to Washington marked his first game since Week 5 with less than five carries, but that can be attributed to an unusual game as Zeke managed just 10 rushes.

Boston Scott at Packers (28 percent) - In a game where Myles Sanders suffered two bad drops, Scott caught five of his six targets for 40 yards and had a 37 percent snap share. Sanders has floated around 60 percent of snaps the last two weeks, so it looks like Scott's workload is by design rather than a product of game script. Against Green Bay's feeble run defense, he's on the radar as a Flex option. 

Jordan Wilkins at Texans (17 percent) - Even with Jonathan Taylor on the COVID list last weekend, Wilkins didn't get much of a chance for work behind Nyheim Hines (65 vs 35 percent of snaps). However, the Colts were a bit fluky and played into Hines' favor. Taylor is now back, but Wilkins has split a role with him recently and Indianapolis could be in position to lean on the run versus Houston. 

Ty Johnson vs. Raiders (1 percent) - Johnson is working as Frank Gore's top backup and got one of the Jets' four plays in the red zone last week. But given the offense, Johnson is only worth consideration in deep, deep leagues. 

WIDE RECEIVER 

Deebo Samuel vs. Bills (48 percent) - Samuel probably came off waivers when they first opened this week, given that he's now put any questions about his health to rest. Coming off a three-game absence, Samuel exploded for 11 catches and 133 yards against the Rams, and he looked back to rookie-year form as arguably the most dangerous YAC threat in the league. Samuel perfectly complements what the 49ers want to do with Nick Mullens - and Jimmy Garoppolo for that matter - which is turn low-risk passes into large gains by virtue of scheme and elusiveness. He'll be this team's No. 1 weapon down the stretch, which shouldn't surprise anyone.

Allen Lazard vs. Eagles (39 percent) - Lazard shouldn't be on waivers in most leagues, even if he still hasn't resumed handling his usual snap count. He scored on four catches versus the Bears, and will slowly regain the No. 2 role in Green Bay's offense as he continues to put distance between his core muscle surgery. The Packers' fantasy playoff schedule is also fantastic, with the Lions, Panthers and Titans on deck after the Eagles.  

T.Y. Hilton at Texans (38 percent) - Hilton produced 81 yards and a score versus Tennessee, his first TD or game over 70 yards all year. It's difficult to have confidence in the former superstar at this point, but he's now posted at least five targets in all but two appearances this season. His next three matchups are also very favorable, as he'll get the Texans twice and a break against the Raiders in between. 

Nelson Agholor at Jets (43 percent) - Agholor continues to operate as the No. 1 in this offense, though Henry Ruggs (28 percent) and Hunter Renfrow (17 percent) both had similar snap counts (around 65 percent) in what was a blowout loss to the Falcons. The Raiders clearly want to get Ruggs more involved, but Agholor has simply played that role better this season - although he's still a boom-or-bust option. 

Denzel Mims vs. Raiders (7 percent) – Mims has now received seven or more targets in four of his last five contests and is averaging 56.8 yards per game over that span. The rookie is still looking for his first score of the season, but it's only a matter of time before he gets into the end zone with his involvement. Even still, Mims' catches and yardage have been enough to put up respectable Flex numbers. 

Breshad Perriman vs. Raiders (12 percent) – As tempting as it is to chase Mims' upside, it can't be ignored that Perriman is actively producing as the Jets' No. 1. Perriman and Mims are both hovering around the 20-target range over the last three games and both get a fair amount of deep shots, while Jamison Crowder only has 11 targets during that stretch.  My worry is that Joe Flacco was more capable of unlocking Perriman than Sam Darnold, which doesn't bode well.

Sammy Watkins vs. Broncos (44 percent) – Watkins put up a disappointing stat line in his first game back from a hamstring injury with just four catches for 38 yards, but it came in a game where Tyreek Hill (13-269-3) didn't leave much left over for his position mates. Watkins' involvement pushed Mecole Hardman (26 percent) out of the starting rotation, a clear indication his status as the No. 2 receiver is unchallenged.  

Gabriel Davis at 49ers (3 percent) – With John Brown (knee) on IR, Davis played a full-time role on offense with 97 percent of the snaps. He finished with three catches for 79 yards and a score while working as Josh Allen's top deep threat. The Bills have a tough schedule down the stretch, but Davis can be considered a legitimate Flex option now that he's in a starting role.

Keke Coutee at Colts (2 percent) - Would the Texans have cut Kenny Stills (quadriceps) if they knew Will Fuller would get a rest-of-season plus-1 suspension? Probably not, but the team no longer has much choice but to rely on Coutee as a starter especially with Randall Cobb (toe) banged up. He only has four catches for 27 yards and a score over the last two weeks, but dynasty enthusiasts will recall Coutee once carried a notable amount of hype. And this is the best opportunity to finally deliver to those of us who paid up for him last offseason. 

Laviska Shenault at Vikings (18 percent) – Shenault wasn't too impressive Week 12, but it was his first game back from a two-game absence due to a hamstring injury and he also had to deal with Mike Glennon under center. The rookie second-round pick will have to work with Glennon again against the Vikings Sunday, but could see a sharp uptick in opportunities if fully over his hamstring injury as DJ Chark (ribs) and Chris Conley (hip) are both banged up. 

Josh Reynolds at Cardinals (9 percent) – Reynolds played 98 percent of snaps during Sunday's loss to the 49ers, but only parlayed that role into three catches for 32 yards while Robert Woods stole the show. Reynolds has now received at least six targets in five straight games, which is enough to make him a serviceable fantasy option in deep leagues.  

Darnell Mooney vs. Lions (7 percent) – Mooney leading the Bears in air yards has become a regular weekly occurrence, but he doesn't often convert those opportunities into actual production. He still consistently gets the conceivable opportunity for "boom" games if only he can connect on his deep balls, and a matchup against the Lions - who rank bottom-10 in passing yards allowed - seems like the ideal opportunity for things to finally pan out. 

TIGHT END 

Jordan Reed vs. Bills (24 percent) – Reed is operating as San Francisco's clear pass-catching tight end, but was only able to haul in two of his six targets for 18 yards against the Rams. Opportunity is king though, especially when looking at streaming tight ends. George Kittle (foot) sounds like he could make a late-season return, but for now Reed can be considered a reliable streaming option.  

Trey Burton vs. Texans (19 percent) – Indianapolis is committed to using all of Burton, Mo Alie-Cox and Jack Doyle as long as the trio is healthy, but it's Burton who appears to have earned Philip Rivers' trust in the passing game. He's received 11 targets over the last two weeks, while Doyle and Alie-Cox have only combined for eight. Maybe Michael Pittman will take over eventually, but for now the tight end position is Indianapolis' go-to passing option in the red zone. 

Kyle Rudolph vs. Jaguars (15 percent) – Rudolph has worked as Minnesota's clear top tight end with Irv Smith (back/groin) out Week 12, and he just enjoyed his best game of the season with seven catches for 68 yards. When Smith was out Week 10, Rudolph had four catches for 63 yards. Big Irv missed practice again to begin the week, apparently priming Rudolph for at least one more start. 

Jacob Hollister vs. Giants (2 percent) – Hollister drew every one of Russell Wilson's five targets to the tight end position during Monday's win over the Eagles, even though Will Dissly (4 percent) played more snaps. With Greg Olsen (foot) on IR, it looks like Hollister will serve as the pass-catcher while Dissly is relegated to blocking duties. 

Anthony Firkser vs. Browns (1 percent) – Firkser will be an intriguing option if Jonnu Smith (knee) - who missed practice Wednesday - can't play. He hasn't had a single game with 40 or more yards since blowing up for 113 yards and a score Week 6. But if Firkser gets the start at tight end, he would at least be a high-upside streaming option - albeit one with a low floor.