Week 12 is officially in the books and that means it’s time for Week 13 Waiver Wire Rankings, of course! This week represents the final week of the regular fantasy football season for many of you, with playoffs starting in Week 14. If it is coming down to this week for you, then this is the most important waiver week. Swing for the fences, this is your last shot at the post-season! For those that clinched a playoff spot, I mention some of the upcoming favorable playoff matchups for available players. Now is the time to be looking forward if you have bench spots to burn. Fill them with high upside/good matchup players who can bring it home for you in Weeks 14-16.

As usual, I only rank players that are under 60% owned and if it’s close, I mention the percentage. I want you to at least have a shot at these guys, so mentioning any highly owned players just doesn’t make sense. Let’s get to it! But first, some news and notes from Week 12.

Probably the most disappointing, but not surprising injury is Greg Olsen‘s re-aggravation of his broken foot. Olsen left the game after recording just one catch for 10 yards. He did not return, leaving risky fantasy owners crying in their nachos. Me included. We knew the risks, but this doesn’t make this any less hard to take. His X-rays came back negative, so he didn’t rebreak it, but his status for Week 13 is in question.

Matthew Stafford injured his ankle in the second half of Detroit’s Thanksgiving bout with Minnesota but continued to play. With ten days until he faces Baltimore, he most likely plays in Week 13 but owners need to take into account the difficult matchup and that his ankle won’t be at 100%. Mike Williams of the LA Chargers suffered a bone bruise on his knee and is considered day-to-day. After missing the first five weeks of the season with a back injury, Williams’ snap count and involvement saw an uptick recently. His struggle to stay healthy makes rostering him ill-advised at this point.

Oakland receiver Michael Crabtree and Denver cornerback Aqib Talib exchanged blows in an apparent grudge match carried over from last season. For a quick history, Talib and Crabtree scuffled in 2016 and Talib grabbed Crabtree’s gold chain and ripped it off his neck. It didn’t take long for this to bubble over into the 2017 tilt and both were ejected. News out on Monday stated that NFL suspended both players for two additional games, but both are appealing the decision.

Derek Carr lost his other main target in Amari Cooper, after suffering a concussion on a hard hit (not illegal). Makes you wonder how Jared Cook walked away with one reception for one yard…but that’s beside the point. Cooper also sprained his ankle in addition to the concussion, so his Week 13 status is shaky at best. If both Crabtree and Cooper miss Week 13, look for Seth Roberts, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Johnny Holton (in addition to Jared Cook) to get increased looks.

Doug Martin left Sunday’s bout with Atlanta and entered the concussion protocol. Running for his best YPC since Week 6 (4.7), Martin gained 33 yards on seven carries before exiting with the injury. Jacquizz Rogers took over for early downs (8 carries for 31 yards), but Peyton Barber received the red zone carries. He hit pay dirt twice with just five total carries, which makes for an interesting waiver wire situation.Damien Williams dislocated his shoulder against the Patriots on Sunday and could miss additional time past Week 13. With the RBBC no more, fantasy owners gain clarity regarding the Miami backfield perhaps a week too late. Many owners dropped Kenyan Drake, but that 56% that held on past the Week 11 dud, are now rewarded with a starting RB.

New Orleans Saints TE Coby Fleener entered the concussion protocol as well after a helmet-to-helmet hit in the fourth quarter. He’s joined by Colts’ Center Ryan Kelly. The Jags will make Jacoby Brissett’s life hell this coming Sunday if Kelly misses time, as there just isn’t a replacement that can come close to his abilities.

Desmond Trufant, Atlanta Falcons cornerback also suffered a concussion after colliding with his own player on a tackle. If Trufant misses Week 13, Case Keenum and the Vikings benefit. Marquise Goodwin of SF left the game against Seattle with a foot injury, though there haven’t been many updates regarding this injury. Already thin at WR, the 49ers would lean on Trent Taylor and Aldrick Robinson versus Chicago in Week 13.

Denver QB Paxton Lynch exited Sunday’s game with an ankle injury and Trevor Siemian entered to finish out the game. The Broncos already confirmed that Siemian will start this Sunday under center. And the merry-go-round continues. CJ Beathard also went down with an injury (knee) on Sunday, giving Jimmy Garoppolo a few minutes to showcase himself and perhaps win a start in Week 13.

Lamar Miller gave all his fantasy owners a scare on Monday night, staying down on the sidelines after being tackled out of bounds. He later returned to the game but did not do much in the second half. It just goes to show you valuable handcuffs can be at this stage of the game and Alfred Blue would be next in line should Miller’s injury turn into anything significant.

Finally, Darren McFadden was let go by the Cowboys this week, solidifying the Cowboys intentions to use Alfred Morris and Rod Smith moving forward.

Week 13 Waiver Wire Rankings

Color Coding

Green = Top Waiver Option

Orange = Streaming Target

Blue = Bench Stash

Purple = Deep League Stash

Quarterback

Case Keenum at Atlanta Falcons Jameis Winston at Green Bay Jimmy Garoppolo at Chicago Brett Hundley vs Tampa Bay Blake Bortles vs Indianapolis Tyrod Taylor vs New England Joe Flacco vs Detroit

Though the Minnesota Vikings “won’t commit” to Case Keenum past Week 13, he’s hard to ignore. Keenum finished as a top-four fantasy QB three out of his last four bouts and led the Vikings on a seven-game winning streak. His low floor displayed in Weeks 2, 4, and 7, as well as Teddy Bridgewater waiting in the wings, contributes to his 46% fantasy ownership, no doubt. If you look back to when Teddy B started practicing (October 18th), it marks the upswing in Keenum’s performance. At every turn, Case performed surprisingly well in the face of this pressure to do well or lose his starting job. Which, in turn, makes it difficult for the coaching staff to yank him.

News reiterates that Minnesota is “tempted” to play Bridgewater, but Keenum held them off even coming out of their Week 9 bye against a rolling Washington offense (Week 10) and an overall tough Rams team (Week 11). He threw for eight TDs total and at least 280+ passing yards per game since Week 8, in addition to throwing zero INT the last two weeks. Keenum draws a matchup with Atlanta in Week 13. They represent the middle-of-the-pack regarding fantasy points to QBs, but showed their vulnerability on the ground recently. They allowed three rushing TDs by the QB (Cam, Dak, Wilson) in Weeks 9-11 and Keenum just scored a rushing TD in Week 12 against DET. If he can exploit this and use his red-hot weapons, Keenum is a solid streamer in Week 13.

It’s hard to know what to expect from Jameis Winston if he returns this week from an AC joint (shoulder) sprain that he reaggravated in Week 9. However, Ian Rapoport reported that Winston receives an MRI Monday (11/17/17) and “feels great and looks great”. He and the Bucs draw a Green Bay defense that allowed 351 yards and four TDs to Big Ben in Week 12. Now, I don’t expect this level of production, but it’s realistic to expect 200+ passing yards and 1-2 TDs.

C.J. Beathard left the game with an apparent knee injury late in Sunday’s clash with the Seahawks. Not wasting an opportunity to showcase his skills, Jimmy Garoppolo completed both of his pass attempts for 18 yards and a touchdown. News states that Beathard escaped ligament damage to his knee, but sitting last in the NFC West, it makes sense for San Fran to see what they have in Garoppolo before season’s end. The 49ers face a tough Chicago defense that Carson Wentz just demoralized in Week 12. Though it won’t be a cake walk, Chicago gave up six TDs to the last three QBs who faced them.

Brett Hundley surprised me, and I’m sure many of you, in their tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Sunday Night Football. He completed 17 passes for 245 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The Steelers snuck out a win, but the two TD underdogs sure gave them a run for their money at home. Hundley’s Week 13 streaming potential in Week 13 lies solely in the matchup, not because of this outlier performance. Don’t let recency bias lead you to unrealistic expectations.

Green Bay draws a Tampa Bay defense that Julio Jones, Matt Ryan, and Tevin Coleman completely shredded in Week 12. Hundley is no Matt Ryan. However, except for two outliers (Cam in Week 8 and Cutler in Week 11), Tampa Bay allowed 250+ passing yards and at least one TD to the quarterback every game. This one should have a decent floor for streaming if Hundley protects the ball. He’s swung to the extremes in this area, allowing three INTs in two separate games but only allowing one INT the rest of his starts (four games).

Running Back

Jamaal Williams (58% owned) Kenyan Drake (56% owned) Rex Burkhead Mike Davis Devontae Booker Danny Woodhead Jacquizz Rogers (if Martin out) Austin Ekeler Marlon Mack Matt Forte Rod Smith JD McKissic Charcandrick West Alfred Blue Corey Clement Elijah McGuire TJ Yeldon Peyton Barber James Conner Matt Breida Andre Ellington Charles Sims Gio Bernard Tarik Cohen DeAndre Washington Wayne Gallman

Jamaal Williams doesn’t need more explanation than I’ve already provided in week’s past. However, if you for some reason needed a bit of a push, he ran for 66 yards and a TD on 21 carries and caught four passes for 69 yards and a TD in Week 12. Williams looked better and more efficient (3.1 vs 17.3 YPC) through the air, but either way, he rewarded fantasy owners handsomely. If Williams ran on the Steelers like that, Tampa Bay shouldn’t be much of an issue, just ask Tevin Coleman. The only caveat is that now if you haven’t cashed in, Ty Montgomery could muddy the waters with a possible return from his nagging rib injury.

Though we never like clarity in a RBBC due to injury, here it is. Damien Williams suffered a dislocated shoulder and Kenyan Drake takes over as the lead back for Miami in Week 13. Drake accumulated 47 all-purpose-yard and a receiving TD against New England in Week 12. Miami draws a difficult matchup against Denver in Week 13, but they aren’t the defense (or offense) they used to be. Drake usage makes him easier to trust despite game script, as he is involved on the ground and the air.

The only depth behind him is Senorise Perry, who played a whopping 0% of snaps this season. Since Week 9, Denver allowed five rushing TDs and three passing TDs to opposing RBs. Marshawn Lynch ran for 67 yards and one TD, adding three receptions for 44 yards against Denver in Week 12. We finally get to see the explosive Drake get his full opportunity.

I went to bat for Rex Burkhead in my previous articles and took the hit in Week 11 as he sat in the doghouse for fumbling. Many feared that Bill Belichick’s punishment would last into Week 13, but it paid off for those that took a chance on my must-add RB waiver. Burkhead’s snap count and involvement rebounded, tying with Dion Lewis for 42% of the snaps (highest among RBs) on Sunday vs Miami. He rushed 13 times for 50 yards and a TD and snagged two passes for three yards and another TD in Week 12.

Burkhead currently receives 21.4% of red zone carries inside the five-yard line and out-snapped James White every week since Week 8. Most notably, Mike Gillislee was a healthy scratch the last three weeks, taking away him as a threat to steal carries. Though Dion Lewis out-touched Burkhead by one (16 to 15) and outperformed him (15 carries for 112 yards), Rex snagged the TDs. Though Kareem Hunt and Kansas City struggled against Buffalo in Week 12, the Patriots should be able to handle this up-and-down defense and get Burkhead more looks in the red zone. From Week 8 forward, Buffalo defense gave up 10 rushing TDs and one receiving TD to running backs.

For the second week in a row, Devontae Booker out-snapped (46% to 33%) and out-touched (8 to 5) CJ Anderson. Denver played from behind most of the game, giving Booker the edge due to game script. However, Anderson received zero touches the entire second half of Sunday’s bout with Oakland. The entire offense struggled under Paxton Lynch who left the third quarter with an ankle injury. Denver draws a weak Miami defense in Week 13 that just gave up two TDs to Rex Burkhead and 100+ yards to Dion Lewis. Hard to say exactly what this Denver offense needs, but Trevor Siemian may be the best option they have currently.

The running back situation in Baltimore is a little more complicated than I anticipated. Buck Allen still seems to be involved, even though passing down asset Danny Woodhead is now healthy. In Monday Night Football against the Texans, Woodhead received four carries for 22 yards and four passes for another 23. Alex Collins and Buck Allen saw the red zone carries and both scored a touchdown. Allen received fewer touches(6 vs 8) and played fewer snaps (15 vs 22) than Woodhead which is somewhat promising, but this is looking more like a timeshare between Buck and Woodhead. He’s still getting touches and his role appears to be expanding from Week 11; however, if he doesn’t have TD upside, that’s an issue. This could be Baltimore’s way of slowly increasing Woodhead’s role and we know they need depth behind him in case of injury. But getting neither red zone look on a team that isn’t high scoring is a definite concern.

Let’s be honest. Doug Martin wasn’t doing fantasy owners any favors since his first two weeks back from suspension. In an ironic turn of events, Martin actually looked better in Week 12, gaining 33 yards on seven carries before sustaining a concussion in the first half. Jacquizz Rodgers and Peyton Barber took over in Martin’s absence. Though Rodgers out-snapped (37% to 15%) and out-touched Barber, Peyton vultured both goal-line carries and converted for two touchdowns. Barber ran just seven yards on his five carries, while Rodgers ran for 31 yards on eight carries and added one catch for six yards.

The Bucs face Green Bay in Week 13, who Le’Veon Bell just torched for 183 all-purpose yards in Week 12. Moreover, Alex Collins earned 71 yards and a TD against them in Week 11. I expect Jacquizz to get the starting nod here, with Barber sprinkled in, and Charles Sims getting his usual 3-4 touches per game. During Martin’s suspension weeks 2-4, Rodgers performed solidly finishing Week 2 with 67 yards and a TD and Week 4 with 108 all-purpose yards. We don’t know how much time (if any) Martin misses, so this is why other RBs are higher in my rankings.

Rod Smith out snapped Alfred Morris every week since Zeke began his suspension. Smith rushed for 41 yards and a TD in Week 12 on nine carries, the same amount as Morris (nine carries for 36 yards). The struggling Dallas offense limits the upside for the running game, but if they involved Smith more in the passing game, his role could increase in future weeks. They draw soft matchups against Washington, NY Giants, and Oakland the next three games.

Lastly, I want to comment on the Seattle Seahawks Mike Davis and JD McKissic. Coach Pete Carroll announced that they expect Davis (groin) to return in Week 13 against Philly. This is just coach-speak at this point, but Mike Davis represents a potential stash due to potential usage/role during fantasy playoffs. For those looking to win this week, Davis or McKissic isn’t your ticket. Philly allowed just three rushing TDs this season (not one since Week 4) and four through the air (last one in Week 8).

However, the Seahawks face the Jags, Rams, and Cowboys in the next three weeks, all who fall in the bottom 12 of rush defense DVOA (statistic by Football Outsiders, click here for explanation). Davis appears to be the best bet as far as waiver claims, due to Eddie Lacy and Thomas Rawls falling on their faces and leaving the door open. If Seattle planned to involved McKissic more, we have to believe that would’ve been the case in Week 12 against San Fran, but instead, his snap count went down from Week 11 (74% to 45%). He’s a stash in PPR leagues due to upcoming matchups, but Seattle seems more invested in Davis when he returns.

Wide Receiver

Cooper Kupp (59% owned) Josh Doctson Corey Coleman Dede Westbrook Zay Jones Corey Davis Dontrelle Inman Jermaine Kearse Marquise Goodwin Randall Cobb Josh Gordon Martavis Bryant Kenny Golladay Mike Wallace Nelson Agholor Allen Hurns Danny Amendola Roger Lewis Bruce Ellington Albert Wilson Seth Roberts (if Cooper/Crabtree miss any time) Tyler Lockett Eric Decker Terrance Williams Cole Beasley Adam Humphries Phillip Dorsett Aldrick Robinson Tavarres King

There really aren’t many reasons why the top couple of guys on this list aren’t owned and, honestly, I’m sick of singing their praises. So, let’s not continue to beat the drum. On to a guy I’m excited about and finally saw meaningful usage the past two weeks: Dede Westbrook. Targeted a whopping 10 times in Week 12, Westbrook caught six for 41 yards versus Arizona. Patrick Peterson shutting down Marquise Lee (caught one pass on two targets) helped with diverting targets to Westbrook, Keelan Cole, and Marcedes Lewis.

With Allen Hurns‘ return still looming, Westbrooks’ big-play ability should continue to be utilized in weeks to come while others’ involvement would most likely diminish (Keelan Cole). The Jags take on the Colts at home in Week 13 who gave up a TD in three out of four of their last games to the wide receiver position. Indianapolis showed an ability to shut down some WR1 receivers (e.g. Antonio Brown) which bodes well for Westbrook’s usage. Back in Week 7, the Colts allowed the Jags WRs to catch 12 passes for a total of 237 receiving yards. Jacksonville also draws HOU and SF in fantasy playoff Weeks 15-16. Va Vooooom.

It’s easy to overlook the WR1 of the Chicago Bears, but not in Week 13 when they face the 49ers. Dontrelle Inman saw 22 targets over the last three games, catching four against Philly in Week 12 for 64 yards. San Francisco gave up the 7th most passing yards and the 9th most receiving TDs (20) so far this season. He’s definitely more of a Week 13 streamer option, but it’s not a bad thing to have a WR1 stashed on your bench moving forward if needed.

Jermaine Kearse burst back onto the fantasy radar in Week 12 with 11 targets, seven receptions for 105 yard and one TD. This is by far his best game of the season and next week Kearse and fellow weapons Robby Anderson and ASJ face a stumbling Kansas City team. Week 13 represents their best matchup over the next several weeks, so tee him up while you can if you need a plug and play for the win.

Relegated to WR3 behind Davante Adams and Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb consistently receives 4-6 targets per week. I mentioned him here as a streaming option for those in desperate need of some points in Week 13. Green Bay faces a porous Tampa Bay defense that just gave up four TDs and 592 receiving yards to WRs over the last two games. Brett Hundley targets Jordy on shorter routes lately, while Cobb and Adams both see targets more downfield, allowing for some big plays. Much like the broken coverage that allowed Cobb to score on Pittsburgh in Week 12. I’m not saying you can count on another TD this week, but odds are better with him than some if Hundley keeps it together.

Ok ok. I’m finally going to weigh in on Flash Gordon. Set to return to NFL action after three years out of the league, Josh Gordon trains are pulling out of the stations with full heads of steam. I support two ways of using Gordon, one for those who have clinched playoff spots and one for those who have not. For those needing this week’s win, snatch Gordon and play him if you’re ready for a very low floor but possible high ceiling. All I want for you is informed consent. To me, there are players listed (obviously in order) that I would rather have, but I get it. Not many players can shoot out of a cannon like we’ve seen Gordon do (three years ago….and on drugs and alcohol apparently).

The path I’m more supportive of regarding Flash is to stash him for a week and evaluate usage and all the unknown variables that surround this situation. The Browns draw the LA Chargers in Week 13, who hasn’t given up a receiving TD in two weeks and generally defend WRs well. If all systems are a go, then fire him up in Week 14 against Green Bay. PS. Cleveland faces Baltimore and then Chicago in the weeks following, so your boy doesn’t get a soft return except for the Packers.

Kenny Golladay‘s snap count increased from 22% in Week 10 to 75% in Week 12 and out snapped TJ Jones (28%). He snagged two passes for 61 yards against Minnesota and faces another tough secondary (Baltimore) this week. Stash Golladay and his talent, looking toward a juicy Tampa Bay matchup in Week 14. He caught two passes for 50+ yards in his last three games. Especially if an injury occurs to either Marvin Jones or Golden Tate, Golladay is primed for an increased role.

Tight End

Hunter Henry (67% owned) vs Cleveland Austin Seferian-Jenkins (58% owned) vs Kansas City Charles Clay vs New England Ben Watson vs Detroit Julius Thomas vs Denver Marcedes Lewis vs Indianapolis Adam Shaheen vs San Fran Eric Ebron at Baltimore Tyler Kroft vs Pittsburgh Austin Traylor at Miami CJ Fiedorowicz at Tennessee Ricky Seals-Jones vs LA Rams OJ Howard at Green Bay Jesse James at Cincinnati George Kittle at Chicago

I know it isn’t the best match-up this week for Austin Sefarian-Jenkins versus Kansas City (only given up one TD to tight ends this season), but you’ll be pressed to find an available TE that receives the same target share. The Jets throw to ASJ more than any other player in the red zone (30% of red zone target share) and he receives the third most (18%) overall targets. This is only slightly behind Robby Anderson (21%) and Jermaine Kearse (20%). After breaking the hearts of his owners this week with two barely-missed TD receptions, ASJ looks to bounce back against a struggling KC team.

Charles Clay caught four receptions for 60 yards against Kansas City in Week 12, playing 66% of the snaps. Both receivers Zay Jones and Deonte Thompson out-snapped him, but he increased his snap count from last week. In weeks 1-4, Clay played 80-90% of snaps, so there’s hope that his involvement continues to rebound. Kelvin Benjamin could return from his knee injury this week, but Clay should stay a top target for Tyrod Taylor. Week 13 opponents NE represent a more difficult match-up, Clay draws cake ones in Week 14 (IND) and Week 15 (MIA) making him a TE worth nabbing this week.

One of the better streaming matchups this week goes to Ben Watson versus Detroit. The Lions gave up 63 yards and two touchdowns to Kyle Rudolph in Week 12 and 41 yards and a TD to Adam Shaheen in Week 11. After receiving 10 targets in Week 9, Watson disappointed owners in Week 11 gaining only 33 yards on one catch. He should rebound for those streaming in this match-up. Side note to those already in the fantasy playoffs, Ben draws CLE in Week 15 and IND in Week 16 (most championships).

Very quietly, Julius Thomas gathered 23 targets over his last four games. He is the #6 TE in targets over the past three weeks. Thomas receives the 2nd most red zone targets for Miami (almost 20%) behind only Jarvis Landry (31%). He hit pay dirt in both Weeks 9 and 10 and is looking to end a two-week drought in Week 13 against Denver. Denver gives up the 2nd most fantasy points to the position, believe it or not. Opposing TEs scored seven total touchdowns against the Broncos so far this season, with two of those coming in the last three weeks. If you’re worried about Jay Cutler’s likely return, don’t be. Thomas actually scored his two TDs in Weeks 9 and 10 with Cutler under center.

Dion Sims involvement knocks his streaming upside down a bit in Week 13, but Adam Shaheen draws a very favorable matchup versus a 49ers defense that gave up a TD to a tight end in each of their last five games. The snap counts for the Bears tight ends concern me a bit, with both Dion Sims and Daniel Brown playing more snaps than Shaheen in Week 12. However, he played 75% of snaps in Week 11 and used that opportunity to catch four for 41 yards and a TD. One of the Bears TEs should snag a TD against San Fran and my money is on Shaheen.

I guess I have to acknowledge Arizona and Ricky Seals-Jones. He established chemistry with Blaine Gabbert to the tune of 176 yards and three TDs on seven catches the last two weeks. Jermaine Gresham out snapped Seals-Jones by a significant margin in Week 12 (71% to 24%); however, Ricky’s snaps increased from 15% last week while Gresham’s decreased from 83%. The Cardinals faces a tough match-up against the Rams in Week 13, so I’m not confident this performance continues but felt like it needed to be mentioned. Arizona’s TE matchups soften through fantasy playoffs though (TEN, WAS, and the amazing NYG in fantasy finals week). Food for thought.

OJ Howard out snapped Cameron Brate the last four weeks and received four targets in both Weeks 11 and 12, hitting pay dirt once. This week he faces Green Bay at home, which isn’t ideal. They are much better at defending TE than other receivers. Again, beggars can’t be choosers. However, he gains a much easier matchup against DET next week, so he’s one to keep your eye on if you’re hurting at the position and made playoffs.

DST

LA Chargers vs Cleveland Chicago Bears vs San Fran Washington at Dallas Tennesee vs Houston New Orleans vs Carolina Kansas City at NY Jets Detroit at Baltimore Tampa Bay at Green Bay

I hope you’ve enjoyed the Week 13 Waiver Wire Rankings and I hope the past several weeks helped you make your fantasy playoffs! For those of you needing this week’s win to clinch a playoff berth, get on those waivers!! As always check out The Fantasy Authority for great weekly content and my waiver rankings every Tuesday! You can follow me on Twitter @FF_Female920 !