NFL Waiver Wire: Week 13 Deep Dive

We've reached the playoffs in FFPC and potentially some home/keeper leagues. Every decision feels magnified at this point, and we'll do our best to highlight some under-the-radar options who should still be available across different league formats. As usual, there isn't repetition from the traditional waiver wire column, so take a look at that article for some additional options. 

Quarterback

Teddy Bridgewater at Chiefs (19 percent ESPN)

It's a tough week to stream a quarterback, so Bridgewater may be the best option. The Chiefs defense has improved lately, so this isn't a slam dunk matchup. On the other hand, Bridgewater will have to take to the air plenty in this pivotal AFC West matchup.

Tyrod Taylor vs. Colts (23 percent ESPN)

Taylor took advantage of a positive matchup against the Jets. That won't repeat against Indy, though he's posted a solid floor of production thanks to his rushing ability.

Jimmy Garoppolo at Seahawks (15 percent ESPN)

Garoppolo continues to move the ball efficiently, though the 49ers also continue to limit his volume. That slightly lowers his appeal, particularly in a matchup where the team should be able to dictate tempo.

Trevor Lawrence at Rams (23 percent ESPN)

Speaking of rushing floor, Lawrence topped 30 yards on the ground in two of his last three games. He's also failed to throw for multiple TDs since Week 1, but refer back to this being a position devoid of decent streaming options.

Mac Jones at Bills (21 percent ESPN)

Jones surpassed 30 pass attempts last week for the first time in his last four contests. He's heading into a dreadful matchup, but it could be one where he'd regularly need to air it out. Now may not be the time to add Jones, as the Patriots follow this up with a bye.

Running Back

Tevin Coleman vs. Eagles (28 percent ESPN)

Coleman operated as the top back in the Jets' committee, accounting for 44 percent of the carries leading to 18 total touches and 70 yards. His upside is limited due to a lackluster offense, but Michael Carter will be sidelined for at least two more weeks.

Sony Michel vs. Jaguars (26 percent ESPN)

Darrell Henderson didn't participate in practice Wednesday due to a thigh injury. While he'll have a few more chances to prepare for Sunday, the Rams are likely to limit his workload even if he takes the field. That should give Michel a chance for extended run and his third double-digit carry total of the season.

Dontrell Hilliard – BYE (34 percent ESPN)

D'Onta Foreman – BYE (39 percent ESPN)

Both Foreman and Hilliard maintained significant roles in last week and topped 100 yards. Foreman should maintain the traditional role on the ground, while Hilliard has been the change-of-pace back and receiver out of the backfield. Jeremy McNichols may return in Week 14, which could complicate Hilliard's role, but he should still be worth a speculative pickup.

Rex Burkhead vs. Colts (13 percent ESPN)

David Johnson vaulted in coverage and Burkhead was likely picked up in the deepest and most competitive leagues having racked up 30 carries across his last two outings. Although that has only resulted in 67 yards on the ground, his workload makes him a viable addition.  

Ameer Abdullah – BYE (one percent ESPN)

Christian McCaffrey has been ruled out for the season, which leaves Chuba Hubbard in a prime position to produce. However, he was featured in the traditional waiver wire column  this week and already boasts a skyrocketing roster rate. Abdullah is a deeper name to consider despite the low likelihood he turns into a workhorse back, as he's drawn at least four targets in four of the team's last five appearances.  

DeeJay Dallas vs. 49ers (three percent ESPN)

Alex Collins has been ineffective as the Seahawks' primary back and was benched for an extended time after fumbling against Washington Monday night. Seattle needs to look for a way to jumpstart their offense, and giving Dallas more work out of the backfield could be an option. That may come primarily as a pass catcher, so he's more likely to be useful in PPR leagues.  

Kene Nwangwu at Lions (one percent ESPN)

Nwangwu has only recorded two carries this year, but he's showcased his explosiveness with two kick returns for touchdowns. While Dalvin Cook is sidelined, Nwangwu figures to be the primary backup to Alexander Mattison.

Jermar Jefferson vs. Vikings (zero percent ESPN)

Godwin Igwebuike vs. Vikings (zero percent ESPN)

D'Andre Swift could be in line for a multi-week absence, which may realistically end his season. Jamaal Williams will take over as the lead back, but both Jefferson and Igwebuike are both worthy speculative adds for future weeks. Given their low roster rate, it could be worth seeing how usage out of the Lions backfield is divided this weekend before prioritizing one as a pickup in leagues where it would be expected they remain available.

Ty Johnson vs. Eagles (24 percent ESPN)

Austin Walter vs. Eagles (zero percent ESPN)

Johnson and Walter combined to sub in for Coleman out of the Jets backfield. Johnson was on the field more, but Walter received more touches last week. So long as Michael Carter remains out, one of this duo should have the chance to emerge. Given Johnson's involvement in the offense for much of the season, I'd have a slight preference speculating on him.

JaMycal Hasty at Seahawks (zero percent ESPN)

Jeff Wilson at Seahawks (27 percent ESPN)

Elijah Mitchell is clearly the top back in San Francisco, though the potential allocation of touches behind him remains unclear. Hasty has been absent for the 49ers' last three games, but returned to limited practice Wednesday. Prior to going down with the injury, he picked up at least four targets in three of his last four contests. Meanwhile, Wilson is getting dropped after logging only two carries last week, but has operated as the workhorse when Mitchell was sidelined.

Jaret Patterson at Raiders (one percent ESPN)

Patterson has been a worthwhile stash based on the potential absence of Antonio Gibson. But now that J.D. McKissic is in concussion protocol, Patterson could have a different path to relevance in the Washington offense. He's not a great starting option immediately, but worth an add in deeper leagues.

Wide Receiver

A.J. Green at Bears (31 percent ESPN)

The likely return of DeAndre Hopkins will spoil some of Green's usage. Even so, he's consistently been the team's second receiver and should maintain that role moving forward. This may not be the highest upside spot for Green given the likely game context.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling – BYE (11 percent ESPN)

The Packers are heading into their bye week, making the possibility of adding MVS slightly less appealing. However, he's seen a combined 19 targets across his last two games and could play a key role in the offense to close the campaign.

Russell Gage vs. Buccaneers (21 percent ESPN)

Gage has seen a target share of 26 and 25 percent the last two outings. The Falcons should have to pass plenty against the Bucs, so look for him to continue to see plenty of targets.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine – BYE (four percent ESPN)

Westbrook-Ikhine operated as the Titans' top receiver in the absence of both A.J. Brown and Julio Jones last week. Ryan Tannehill likes to spread the ball around and Jones could return after the bye, so that would take away from some of Westbrook-Ikhine's appeal.

Jamison Crowder vs. Eagles (27 percent ESPN)

Crowder has struggled for large stretches of the season with Zach Wilson under center. But Corey Davis and Keelan Cole could both be sidelined this weekend, so more targets could be headed Crowder's way.

T.Y. Hilton at Texans (20 percent ESPN)

Hilton has seen a decreasing share in air yards and a corresponding decreased aDOT in recent weeks. That's not a recipe for fantasy success, but he's maintained a double-digit target share while consistently remaining on the field.

Rondale Moore at Bears (21 percent ESPN)

The Cardinals' offense getting healthier is going to hurt Moore, though he's essentially a glorified running back in the absence of Chase Edmonds. In two of his last three weeks, Moore registered a negative aDOT, so he should maintain some role as long as Edmonds remains sidelined. 

Laquon Treadwell at Rams (zero percent ESPN)

The idea of Treadwell becoming fantasy relevant after all those years is laughable, though Cordarrelle Patterson has emerged as a potential league-winner, so anything is possible. Treadwell also has to overcome the subpar Jaguars' offense, but he saw eight targets on Sunday and has quietly become more involved in recent weeks. He's best as a watchlist or stash option in exceptionally deep leagues for now. 

Damiere Byrd vs. Cardinals (zero percent ESPN)

Chicago's wide receiver corps is beat up with both Allen Robinson and Marquise Goodwin sidelined for Wednesday's practice. Byrd became the primary beneficiary on Thanksgiving against the Lions, and the Bears should have to pass plenty to keep pace with the Arizona offense. If either Robinson or Goodwin returns to practice, Byrd will likely revert to fantasy irrelevance.

Tight End

Foster Moreau vs. Washington (12 percent ESPN)

Darren Waller is likely to miss this weekend. In the one game where he was absent this season, Moreau posted a 6-60-1 line.

Gerald Everett vs. 49ers (four percent ESPN)

Pete Carroll stressed that Everett needed to remain a key figure in the Seahawks' offense prior to their matchup against Washington. He delivered five receptions while also tallying his first TD since Week 1. Given that success, Everett should remain a decent streaming option and also faces future matchups against Houston and Detroit.

Evan Engram at Dolphins (30 percent ESPN)

Engram has recorded at least three receptions in seven of his nine contests this year. That hasn't resulted in massive production, but it provides him a strong floor at a position that is lacking. 

Jimmy Graham vs. Cardinals (zero percent ESPN)

Graham is a deep-league target, quietly posting multiple receptions in consecutive games. More importantly, he's seen four targets within the 20 and two targets inside the 10 since Week 9.