Week 13 Waiver Wire – NFL Fantasy Football – 2025

DFS Army’s Gthom breaks down this week’s top waiver wire targets. These players are typically available in about 50 percent of ESPN leagues. This article is geared toward traditional 12-team leagues, but managers should always check their own waiver wire for potentially better options.

Follow Gthom on the cesspool they call X: @GarettThomas.

QUARTERBACKS

 

Jacoby Brissett (ARI) – 47% Rostered

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it — Brissett is averaging 43.5 passing attempts over his last six games, and fantasy managers can go right back to him in Week 13. Since becoming the starter, he is averaging 21.4 fantasy points per game, which ranks as the 3rd-highest average in that span.

Brissett will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next. The Bucs just gave up 22.9 fantasy points to Matthew Stafford (LAR) during Week 12’s edition of Sunday Night Football. This continues a season-long trend of the Bucs giving up 19.4 fantasy points per game to signal callers, which ranks 5th-most. The 49.5 over-under also points to a high-scoring affair, further cementing Brissett as the stream of the week. He should be rostered rest of season as well.

Trevor Lawrence (JAX) – 29% Rostered

T-Law never feels like a fun fantasy quarterback to play, but he has to be considered by managers against the Titans. Tennessee is very middle of the road against fantasy quarterbacks this season, allowing 17.3 points per game. It should be easy for Lawrence to do what he wants under center.

Further appeal around Lawrence in this matchup is that his team is projected to be touchdown favorites, which makes sense considering the Titans possess the NFL’s worst record at 1-10. Additionally, Lawrence has a history of playing well against his divisional foe. In six career matchups against Tennessee, he averages 20.3 fantasy points, with huge ceiling games of 33.4 and 32.2.

Lawrence isn’t the best option highlighted in this section, but he could get it done for fantasy managers against a bad football team.

Sam Darnold (SEA) – 47% Rostered

Darnold finished his Week 12 contest with 17.6 fantasy points. His final line was 16 completions on 26 attempts for 244 yards and two touchdowns against a struggling Titans team. Over his last five games, Sam Darnold has averaged only 13.9 fantasy points, despite a 28.2 performance in Week 9 and his Week 12 score aforementioned. This highlights how much Darnold’s production can be matchup dependent.

He and the Seahawks will host the Minnesota Vikings. This season, the Vikings have allowed 15.2 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, the 10th fewest in the NFL. One thing that helps Darnold potentially overcome any matchup is wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba (SEA). His 1,313 receiving yards leads the NFL, and clearly he and Darnold have developed a special bond.

Low-End Streaming Options at Quarterback

1. CJ Stroud (HOU) @ Indianapolis Colts
2. Geno Smith (LV) @ Los Angeles Chargers

 

 

RUNNING BACKS

 

Trey Benson (ARI) – 56% Rostered

Benson had his 21-day window activated and it looks like he will get rolling once again in Week 13. He is expected to be the lead running back once he returns, which was the case after starting running back James Conner (ARI) was injured earlier this season. Bam Knight (ARI) and Emari Demercado (ARI) have been leading the backfield in Benson’s absence.

Even if Benson is not the lead back when he returns, he will still be utilized in the passing game, having 13 receptions for 64 yards in four games this season. He also has 29 carries for 160 rushing yards, giving him an excellent 5.52 yards per carry average.

Benson deserves to be rostered because he will have standalone value regardless of the depth chart. In addition, there is a reasonable chance he retakes the lead role in the backfield, which could make him a weekly top-24 running back for the rest of the season.

Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) – 57% Rostered

He is likely not on your waiver wire any longer, but you should check if you are needy at the running back position. Gainwell is beginning to heat up with back-to-back ceiling performances. He finished with 29.5 PPR points in Week 11 and followed that up with 18.2 PPR points in Week 12.

Gainwell is playing well, but his role has been volatile over the season. With that said, he is stuck in a timeshare with teammate Jaylen Warren. Gainwell has seen solid snap counts over the last three weeks at 52 percent, 63 and 51, respectively.

The fifth-year back is a low-end flex option against the Buffalo Bills’ run-funnel defense. They are allowing 27.0 PPR points to opposing backs, which is the third most in the NFL.

Devin Neal (NO) – 2% Rostered

Neal comes into play after starting running back Alvin Kamara injured himself during the Saints’ Week 12 contest against the Falcons. Neal stepped into the starting role midgame and finished with seven carries for 18 yards and five catches for 43 yards. His 11.1 PPR points would be suitable for a deeper-league flex spot.

The Saints will travel to face the Dolphins next. Miami has struggled to stop fantasy running backs, allowing 25.4 PPR points per game to the position, tied for the fifth-most in the NFL.

Neal is only relevant in fantasy if Kamara misses again. If Kamara plays, Neal should be avoided due to his limited role in the offense.

Devin Singletary (NYG) – 35% Rostered

While his snap count could be better over the last three games, Singletary is getting enough work to function as a low-end flex option. He is coming off back-to-back games with at least 14 carries and 44 rushing yards. In Week 12, he finished with 14 carries for 47 yards while playing 30 percent of the offensive snaps.

Singletary will continue in a platoon role with Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG), but he can deliver if he finds the end zone. Managers should consider Singletary in Week 13 only if necessary. The Giants will travel to face the Patriots, who have the second-toughest run defense against running backs, allowing 16.9 PPR points per game and only three rushing touchdowns all season. Singletary will also be on bye in Week 14, which further limits his near-term fantasy value.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. (WAS) – 9% Rostered

The backfield is shifting in Washington, and that clearly features more Chris Rodriguez. He finished Week 11 with 15 carries for 79 yards and one catch for six yards through the passing game. This was his second game in three weeks with more than 12 carries. He also failed to score against the Dolphins in Week 11, the first time that has happened in two games.

Rodriguez faces an elite-level run defense in the Denver Broncos. They are allowing 18.2 PPR points per game to opposing backs, the fifth lowest clip in the NFL.

While his opportunity is increasing, Rodriguez will still be involved in a running-back-by-committee approach. Teammates Jeremy McNichols and Jacory Croskey-Merritt will continue to mix in, which makes Rodriguez difficult to trust in most leagues. Managers desperate for running-back production can still pick him up in a desperate attempt to get low end flex value.

Raheem Mostert (LV) – 1% Rostered

Starting running back Ashton Jeanty rolled his right ankle during the Saints’ Week 12 game against the Browns. He briefly left the game but returned to finish it. Mostert only becomes relevant if Jeanty is unable to play in Week 13, which appears unlikely.

Managers can add Mostert as insurance knowing that Jeanty will likely suit up. If needed, Mostert would step in as the likely starter and project as a high-end RB3 with upside to finish as an RB2.

Running Backs with Low-End FLEX Potential

1. Trey Benson (ARI) – 56% Rostered
2. Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) – 57% Rostered
3. Devin Singletary (NYG) – 35% Rostered
4. Chris Rodriguez Jr. (WAS) – 7% Rostered
5. Devin Neal (NO) – 2% Rostered**
6. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) – 34% Rostered

** Indicates usage is injury-dependent

Stash Only Running Back Candidates

1. Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) – 30% Rostered
2. Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) – 1% Rostered
3. Dylan Sampson (CLE) – 7% Rostered
4. Raheem Mostert (LV) – 1% Rostered
5. Tyjae Spears (TEN) – 37% Rostered
6. Blake Corum (LAR) – 11% Rostered
7. Brian Robinson Jr. (SF) – 22% Rostered
8. Malik Davis (DAL) – 0% Rostered
9. Ollie Gordon (MIA) – 7% Rostered

 

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

 

Jayden Reed (GB) – 39% Rostered

Reed has returned to practice and playing in a game will be imminent. He is the presumable WR1 for Green Bay once he returns. In 2024, he finished the season with an 11.6 PPR average and ranked 29th among wide receivers. He is a strong late-season addition for managers in need of quality receiver production.

John Metchie III (NYJ) – 1% Rostered

With Garrett Wilson (NYJ) shelved on injured reserve, someone has to catch passes, and Metchie has made the most of his opportunities. In Week 11 he saw his snap count rise to over 80 percent, something he had not reached all season. He finished with three catches for 45 yards and one touchdown. He then followed it up in Week 12 with six catches for 65 yards and one touchdown while playing 86 percent of the offensive snaps.

Metchie is in play again in Week 13. He will take on the Atlanta Falcons, who have such a bad run defense that it often limits production for opposing receivers. The Falcons allow 32.3 PPR points to receivers, which is middle of the pack.

Now that Tyrod Taylor (NYJ) is under center, this passing offense should be more consistent. That consistency will reward receivers like Metchie if they continue getting him the ball. Consider him a flex option who likely needs a touchdown to pay off for stakeholders.

Parker Washington (JAX) – 20% Rostered

Washington continues to impress while Brian Thomas Jr. (JAX) remains injured. Over Washington’s last four games he is averaging 14.3 PPR points, which is the 23rd-best average during that span (prior to Monday Night Football). In Week 12 he finished with more than 17.0 PPR points for the third time in his last four games. His final line against the Cardinals was five catches for 71 yards and one touchdown.

Washington is a plug-and-play WR2 if Thomas continues to miss. It becomes more complicated once Thomas returns, though. The team traded for Jakobi Meyers before the trade deadline, and mixing in Washington and Meyers with Thomas is something no one has seen, creating volatility. There are paths for Washington to be the top receiver on this team going forward, which warrants adding him to your bench.

Play Washington as long as Thomas misses. If Thomas returns, he can still be played, but he becomes much more volatile.

Chimere Dike (TEN) – 12% Rostered

Dike impressed with his five catches for 44 yards and one touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks. It is encouraging because, after back-to-back weeks of 16-plus PPR points across Weeks 7 and 8, Dike largely disappeared in Weeks 9 and 11 (Week 10 was TEN’s bye week). His Week 12 resurgence makes him more appealing now that the Titans offense seems more alive compared with the beginning of the season.

Next on the schedule is the Jacksonville Jaguars. This Jaguars defense just surrendered 10 catches for 118 yards to Michael Wilson (ARI) in Week 12. Jacksonville’s 35.2 PPR points allowed to opposing receivers is the 13th most in the NFL.

On a less optimistic note, Elic Ayomanor (TEN) missed the most recent game with a hamstring injury. If he misses again, Dike will likely have a similar outlook in Week 13. If Ayomanor plays, Dike should probably not be relied upon but can be used in desperate situations.

Jayden Higgins (HOU) – 23% Rostered

Higgins caught four passes for 38 yards and one touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in Week 12, and his starting quarterback might return in Week 13. This makes Higgins a player to watch as the season enters its final stretch.

The rookie has been up and down over the last five weeks. In that span, he ranks as the 28th-best wide receiver overall, averaging 10.7 PPR points, which ranks 40^th (prior to Monday Night Football). If he can find consistency, fantasy managers will appreciate him more. His usage has improved over his last three games, and he was the second-highest utilized receiver in Week 12 in terms of snap participation.

Higgins will face the Indianapolis Colts next, a team that has been friendly to opposing pass catchers. They are allowing 36.7 PPR points to fantasy receivers, the eighth-highest mark in the NFL.

Higgins appears to be a WR3/4 option who could continue solidifying himself as the second-best receiving option in this offense.

Kayshon Boutte (NE) – 35% Rostered

The boom-or-bust tendencies of Boutte dipped into bear territory in Week 12. He finished with two catches for 15 yards. On a positive note, he appears healthy and ready to play. He logged an 80 percent snap participation rate in Week 12, the second-highest of the season.

Between Weeks 6 and 8, Boutte was the WR7 overall, averaging 18.8 PPR points, the 10th-best average in that span. He also scored 26.3 PPR points in a single game during that stretch, highlighting the kind of production he can deliver when healthy.

Boutte has a favorable matchup against the New York Giants, who allow 37.1 PPR points per game to the position. This makes him a solid flex consideration for managers in Week 13.

Christian Watson (GB) – 49% Rostered

It was a modest day for Watson against the Vikings. He finished with five catches for 49 yards on seven targets. His 9.9 PPR points were not impressive, but the Packers really did not need to rely on their offense to get a win against the Vikings.

Week 13 should be better for Watson as he will take on the Detroit Lions, indoors, at Ford Field. Detroit allows 35.6 PPR points to fantasy receivers and just gave up nine catches for 156 yards and one touchdown to Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) last week.

Will the looming return of teammate Jaylen Reed hurt or help Watson? It is very possible that it will help him. Watson is a deep threat, and good receivers like Reed could open the vertical game a little more for players like Watson. It may, however, make Watson even more volatile than he already has been.

Playing the likes of Watson is always a gamble. That gamble is worth the risk against the Lions in Week 13, regardless of whether Reed plays.

Tre Tucker (LV) – 44% Rostered

He has largely been disappointing for anyone trying to find production from him. His Week 12 performance continued that trend when Tucker finished with three catches for 28 yards despite seeing 10 targets.

There may be greener pastures on the horizon, but proceed with caution. After their Week 12 loss to the Browns, the Raiders fired their offensive coordinator. How their offense will look going forward is yet to be seen, but Tucker is the top wide receiver on the team.

Tucker will always be behind Brock Bowers (LV) in the pecking order, but if there is spare fantasy production left over, he could see a late-season push for fantasy managers. He is a dart-throw option at receiver in Week 13 against a very tough Chargers defense. Managers should consider Tucker more of a stash in the near term.

Greg Dortch (ARI) – 6% Rostered

He had six catches for 66 yards and one touchdown in Week 11 and followed that up with six catches for 53 yards and one touchdown in Week 12. Dortch will be in play as long as Marvin Harrison (ARI) continues to miss.

More than likely, Dortch will see his role take a step back once Harrison returns, but he may still see minor production. This offense has thrown the ball, on average, 43.5 times in the six games that Jacoby Brissett (ARI) has started. That leaves enough room for multiple fantasy options to eat, and eat well, though it still carries plenty of volatility.

Their next game will be against the Buccaneers, who are allowing 36.1 PPR points to the position. This is slightly worse than league average. Continue to utilize Dortch in the near term until Harrison suits up again.

Andrei Iosivas (CIN) – 11% Rostered

When Ja’Marr Chase (CIN) missed Week 12, Iosivas stepped in. He played 80 percent of snaps and finished with four catches for 61 yards, generating 10.6 PPR points.

Iosivas is in play for Week 13 once again, but only in play if Tee Higgins (CIN) is unable to suit up. Higgins suffered a concussion and was unable to finish his most recent game against the Patriots. If Higgins misses, Iosivas can be considered a WR3/4 with upside if he can catch a touchdown.

Luther Burden III (CHI) – 8% Rostered

Burden is getting healthier, and his snap count is rising with it. Against the Steelers in Week 12, he played 51 percent of snaps, a season-high for the rookie. He finished with three catches for 46 yards on five targets. Part of the reason Burden has seen his snap share increase is that he is overtaking the WR3 spot for this offense, supplanting Olamide Zaccheaus (CHI). This bodes well for the rookie, as rookie receivers generally start making meaningful pushes at the end of the fantasy season.

Consider Burden more of a stash player, but a breakout could happen—he already put up 19.8 PPR points against the Cowboys in Week 3. This is especially true if DJ Moore (CHI) continues to be an afterthought in the receiver room, as he has been most of the season.

The Bears will take on the Eagles secondary next, and they have been average against opposing receivers allowing 32.7 PPR points per game. Burden is a risky play in any format, but he may pay off as a stashed player.

Tyler Lockett (LV) – 3% Rostered

Between his time with the Titans and Raiders, Lockett played a season-high 76 percent of snaps against the Browns in Week 12. The 11th-year veteran finished his game against Cleveland with four catches for 62 yards on five targets.

Lockett is definitely not someone to get excited about. He is on an offense that has not produced fantasy-relevant wide receivers. With that said, he clearly will be on the field and is likely viewed as the third option in this passing attack.

His next game is against the Chargers, who are suppressing fantasy production to receivers. Their 26.6 PPR points allowed per game is the third lowest in the NFL, making Lockett hard to trust. There is hope, however, as the Raiders just fired their offensive coordinator following their Week 12 loss. It is unclear what things will look like going forward.

Tre Tucker (LV) is still the top wide receiver in terms of snap share, but Lockett outperformed him against a tough Browns team. Tucker has also not been consistently utilized, which leaves a further opening for Lockett to overtake him. Both will always play second-fiddle to Brock Bowers (LV), who is the top pass catcher in Las Vegas.

Lockett should be viewed as a desperate flex option with more value in 14-team leagues and deeper.

 

 

TIGHT ENDS

 

Juwan Johnson (NO) – 50% Rostered

Johnson finished with six catches for 46 yards against the Falcons in Week 12. This extends his streak of double-digit PPR scoring that dates back to Week 7. His average of 13.0 PPR points since Week 7 can feel modest, but it is the eighth-best average during that span (prior to Monday Night Football).

The Saints will travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins next. Miami is one of the worst teams at defending fantasy tight ends, allowing 16.9 PPR points per game, the fourth-highest average in the NFL. The Dolphins have also allowed seven touchdowns to the tight end position this season, tied for the second-most in the NFL.

This may be the last week to grab Johnson off waivers. He is a top-12 tight end play this week and can be considered a top-18 tight end every single week going forward.

Colsten Loveland (CHI) – 35% Rostered

Managers will not complain about Loveland’s four catches for 49 yards and one touchdown against the Steelers. His 14.9 PPR points were the second-highest total of the season. It appears Loveland is improving with each passing week.

The problem with Loveland is his usage. He is not on the field enough to maximize his ceiling. Despite that, he has delivered fantasy value for four consecutive weeks, with his 29.8 PPR points being the highlight of that stretch, a game in which he was the only healthy tight end. Since that performance, he has averaged only 10.4 PPR points, which is closer to his current fantasy value.

Loveland will face a tough Philadelphia defense on the road in Week 13. They allow the second-fewest points to tight ends at 8.2 PPR points per game. He profiles better as a stash candidate but can be considered a top-24 tight end with little-to-no ceiling against the Eagles.

Brenton Strange (JAX) – 11% Rostered

Strange hardly missed a beat after returning from a five-game absence. His five catches for 93 yards was his best fantasy day of the season, finishing with 14.3 PPR points.

While Strange looked good in Week 12, it is hard to predict that production will continue due to the impending return of Brian Thomas Jr. (JAX). How will targets flow once Thomas returns? The answer becomes more complicated, too The Jaguars traded for Jakobi Meyers before the trade deadline, and they also have Parker Washington (JAX), who is playing well. We have not seen all four of these players on the field at the same time, which could leave Strange limited in target volume and fantasy relevance. Despite that risk, Strange should be on rosters, as tight ends are the toughest position to find consistent production in.

He will take on the poor-defending Titans. Despite being a bad defense overall this season, the Titans have been stingy against opposing tight ends, allowing only 11.3 PPR points per game, the eighth-lowest mark in the NFL.

 

 

DEFENSES TO STREAM

• Jaguars D/ST @ Tennessee Titans
• Chargers D/ST vs Las Vegas Raiders
• Dolphins D/ST vs New Orleans Saints
• 49ers D/ST @ Cleveland Browns
• Falcons D/ST @ New York Jets