Waiver Wire Week 13

For most leagues, week 13 is the final week before the playoffs begin, which means it’s time to make some room on the bench for those guys who could win you a championship. However, if you’re just trying to get into the playoffs, we’ve got some guys on this list for you too.

QB

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Colin Kaepernick

Most of the time, quarterbacks are thrown on this list as streamers, but Kaepernick may very well be a guy you can start for the rest of the season. Over his last four games he’s averaged two passing touchdowns with over 50 rushing yards. His last game against the Dolphins involved more read option plays, which will make Kap even more valuable if they continue to use the option.

Ryan Fitzpatrick

He’s probably the best streamer available in your league as he gets the Colts defense, which gives up plenty of yards and touchdowns. Of course, Fitzpatrick will need to have the starting QB job for the Jets by Monday night. Bryce Petty could potentially be named the new starter since the playoffs are out of reach and it could be smart to see what they’ve got in the young QB.

Alex Smith

There is very little upside when using Alex Smith, as he hasn’t thrown for three or more touchdowns in a game this season. But he gets a good matchup against the Falcons and is worth streaming consideration if you need it.

RB

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Kenneth Dixon

His snap count has been progressing in the right direction, and this past week, he played more snaps than Terrance West. The Baltimore offense is nothing to be excited over as a whole, but the rookie has upside if he continues to get the majority of the workload.

Alfred Morris

No, nothing is wrong with Ezekiel Elliot, but if something were to happen, Morris is immediately a starting fantasy running back with that offensive line. If you own Zeke, this is an ideal move to make in order to ensure that you will have a strong running back with the playoffs approaching.

Adrian Peterson

The Vikings playoff chances are still alive, so rushing back Peterson is not out of the realm of possibility. Especially since Peterson was spotted running in practice on Tuesday. It’s still a long shot he comes back, but if you can afford the bench spot, it’s a good player to gamble on. If A.D. returns, he could be looking at weeks 15 and 16 when he takes on the Colts and Packers.

WR

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Tyreek Hill

Hill is involved in just about every facet of the Chiefs offense, and he proved that on Sunday by scoring a receiving, rushing, and returning touchdown. He’s been on the waiver radar for weeks now, and it’s time to buy into the guy because 38% ownership is far too low.

Malcolm Mitchell/Chris Hogan

His work has been limited, but Mitchell could be on his way to seeing a bump in usage with how he’s performed in his last two games. He’s caught three touchdowns, and the team is going to need players to step up if Gronkowski is going to miss more time. On the other hand, Chris Hogan saw more snaps than Mitchell in his return, and has an equal, if not, better opportunity to be the second wide receiver opposite of Julian Edelman.

Taylor Gabriel

It’s hard to trust a guy whose touchdowns have come on big plays (including two screen pass touchdowns in his last game). We can’t possibly expect that every week, but he’s somehow been consistently finding the end zone. While Mohamed Sanu might have more targets over the last four weeks, Gabriel has outscored him along with everyone else on the offense. He’s going to be a popular add, but you shouldn’t overpay for him.

TE

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Vernon Davis

Jordan Reed is questionable to play with a shoulder injury. The injury has the potential to keep him out for more than one game, and the veteran Davis has done an admirable job filling in for Reed. In weeks 7 and 8 when Reed was out, Davis caught six passes for 79 yards and 5 for 93, respectively.

C.J. Fiedorowicz

This is the fifth straight week that Fiedorowicz makes the list, and I still don’t know how to spell his name without looking it up. The reason he hasn’t been added in the majority of leagues is because he doesn’t find the end zone on a consistent basis. But what he does do consistently is get targets – and with targets occasionally comes with touchdown catches. You would be hard pressed to find a tight end on your waiver wire who gets seven looks a game.

Vance McDonald

With the offense in San Francisco improving, McDonald has seen an increase in targets. He saw eight last week and six in each of the four previous games. His opponent in week 13 is a weakened Bears team.

DEF

Green Bay vs. Houston

San Diego vs. Tampa Bay

Dallas at Minnesota