Week 13 Priority Waiver Targets

I wanted to include some players for all you home league heros out there! These are some of my favorite players that should be available in most home leagues based on inclusion criteria of being rostered in <50% of ESPN leagues. I will list out the players in my ranked order instead of breaking into tiers for how I prioritize them. If you are in need of a spot start at certain position then feel free to prioritize those players. You may also move QBs and TEs up in priority if you play in a Super Flex or TE Premium league. I will offer FAAB suggestion ranges for each player followed by a list of droppable players. Please note you do not have to drop these players and all suggestions are general as it is impossible to cover all nuances of individual leagues. Feel free to reach out to me on twitter @stephmiller57 or find me in the Deposit Kingdom Discord with any questions, good luck everyone!

All stats and data for this article are pulled from Fantasy Life, PFF, Ben Gretch of Stealing Signals, and ETR defense v position FPOE chart and PROE.

*****Note***** while Zack Moss doesn’t meet criteria to be included in this article he would be the top priority if available after Jonathan Taylor is set to undergo thumb surgery and will miss 2-3 weeks.

Pat Freiermuth (41.9% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 50-100%) saw a 120 yd receiving game with 11 targets good for a 35% team target share and elite 44% TTPR after a minuscule 5% targets coming off injury the week prior. Freiermuth seemingly was the biggest beneficiary of Matt Canada’s departure and now was the offensive focal point where Kenny Pickett peppered Freiermuth in the middle of the field with targets. If Freiermuth was dropped in you league go get him, he is the premier add in all formats.

Roschon Johnson (22.1% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 50-100%) is a top waiver option of the week after he surprisingly lead the bears backfield Monday night over Khalil Herbert who previously operated as the lead back prior to injury and the week prior. Johnson played a massive role with 75% offensive snaps, 44% rush share, 49% of routes, 14% team target share, 100% of long down and distance work and 100% 2 minute snaps. Khalil Herbert was essentially relegated to a change of pace option. I am keeping my ears open for any whisperings that this change was injury related, but for now Johnson is a starting running back that is available on waivers, pick him up if available.

Chuba Hubbard (48.6% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 25-50%) saw a big increase in snaps this week (64%) after a near dead even split (49%) with Miles Sanders the week prior. Hubbard ran a season high 68% routes and saw a season high 21% target share and also saw 8 HVT while Sanders saw none. I want to believe that Hubbard retains the RB1 role as he has performed better than Sanders.

Josh Downs (47.2% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 15-30%) returned to full health after the bye week and normal slot role running 80% of routes and 32% team target share just behind Michael Pittman. The Colts offense had a +6.6% PROE and Downs is a focal point for Minshew who should be added in all formats where available.

Jayden Reed (31.5% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 15-30%) is becoming a consistent and reliable starting WR option at a critical part of the season where many managers have players out on bye weeks or injuries. In week 12 Reed tied Christian Watson for a team high 25% target share and lead the Packers with 497 receiving yards, he also saw 2 carries for 16 yds. Reed is seeing more consistency in his routes and has had at least 4 receptions over the last 3 games and has seen rush work the last 2 games, finishing with at least 15 PPR pts the last 3 games. The Packers WRs have the 5th best schedule for WRs in the fantasy playoffs, if Reed is available in your league he is arguably my favorite WR option and you should bid aggressively to secure this ascending rookie talent.

Keaton Mitchell (33.6% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 10-20%) continues to make his mark averaging at least 6yds per carry over the last 3 games. The rookie is being rewarded and saw another increase in playtime this week, playing on 49% of snaps, more than both Gus Edwards and Justice Hill and is cutting into Edwards early down work with 27% of rush attempts. Mitchell is one of the best options at the position available and should continue to push out Hill.

Curtis Samuel (35.3% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 10-20%) ran 67% of routes, his most since week 6 and saw 12 targets for 27% of team targets share, the most on offense and his highest marks of the season. The Cowboys have a 90.6 PPR pressure grade (2nd best) and forced Sam Howell to get the ball out quick to avoid the sack leading to a plethora of low aDOT targets for Samuel near the line of scrimmage. I expect a similar dynamic next week against the Dolphins 81.4 graded pass rush (4th best) in which Samuel should be heavily targeted again making him a solid week13 bye week fill-in option.

Greg Dortch (0.3% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 5-10%) ran 80% of routes and saw a 20% target share with the return of Zach Pascal, a bullish sign that he has earned a permanent role in the starting offense. Michael Wilson missed again this game so there are questions how the splits will look upon his return. Rondale Moore could be the odd man out as he is running a full complement of routes, but is not earning targets anywhere near Dortch. I am bullish that Dortch could be a viable stash and possible starting option this week if needed, keep an eye on Wilson’s health status.

Royce Freeman (19.3% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-5%) split some rush shares (41%) with Kyren Williams in the first part of the game in week 12 alternating drives. This usage was on par with how Freeman was used with Darrell Henderson and it is possible that we see similar split continue to manage the load on Kyren (who looked fantastic). Freeman is a great add for teams who need some RB production and would be replace Kyren if anything happens to Williams as the Ram cut Darrell Henderson and have shown no interest in giving the rookie Zack Evans any work, however Ronnie Rivers will return soon.

D’Ernest Johnson (0.4% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-5%) has secured the RB2 role behind Travis Etienne and saw a 42 yard catch week 12. The Jaguars are limiting Travis Etienne usage to keep him fresh for playoffs as well making Johnson a usable desperation option with massive contingent upside and is one of my top stashes heading into these final weeks and playoffs.

Rico Dowdle (9.2% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-5%) only played 18% of snaps this game but scored a TD on his only screen pass target. The game was not a huge blowout like previous couple Cowboys games which kept Tony Pollard more involved early. Dowdle continues to be one of my favorite injury contingent stashes for fantasy playoffs.

Jeff Wilson (27.3% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-5%) saw his biggest work load of the season playing 33% of offensive snaps and getting 31% of rush shares. Keep on eye on health reports for rookie Devon Achane as he could return this week, but Wilson looked good and remains a solid stash should Raheem Mostert or Devon Achane miss time.

Latavius Murray (20.1% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-5%) saw more snaps than James Cook (45% to 43%) and ran more routes (40% to 32%) in the brutal week 12 loss to the Eagles, as Cook seemingly continues to be punished for mistakes (he had a big drop early on in this one). Cook is the most explosive RB the Bills with 80.4 PFF run grade (12th highest) while Murray 73.8 ranks 25th, so this “punishment” inevitably does more harm than good. Murray remains a solid RB option and would clearly be a huge beneficiary if anything happened to James Cook.

Juwan Johnson (8.3% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-5%) could end up being a big beneficiary of all the injuries to the Saints offense this week. In week 12 Johnson saw 7 targets he parlayed into 4 catches for 45yds. Johnson has seen the most end zone targets since returning from injury and Derek Carr himself told us to draft Johnson for our fantasy teams.

Demario Douglas (32.1% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-5%) may not be available next week as he left with a concussion if you need a wide receiver for the week 13 bye week, but will remain the lead receiving option for the Patriots the rest of the season and saw a 41% TPPR in week 12.

Khalil Shakir (7.5% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-5%) continues to operate as the WR3 in the Bills offense running 81% of routes in this game but is hard to predict each week as his fantasy viability remains dependent on efficiency, given he has been very efficient. Shakir remains the ultimate boom/bust guy and if you find yourself behind and need an upside shot he might be your answer, but remember the Bills are on bye in week 13.

Justin Watson (2.2% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-3%) saw only one catch that did go for a TD week 12. There are several injuries on the Chiefs offense and with no Kadarius Toney or Jerick McKinnon Watson is viable because he is the last man standing and still a better receiving option than MVS who was the low man on the totem pole week 12.

A.T. Perry (0.6% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-3%) ran 80% of routes and had all the opportunity in the world to step up in this one with Michael Thomas out and Raheed Shaheed leaving with a quad injury at the end of the second quarter but ultimately only saw two targets. Early on Perry gave up on a route that led to a pick 6 so there were talks that the lack of volume was punishment, but the team is out of options likely to be without Michael Thomas, Raheed Shaheed, and Chris Olave in this one.

Jameson Williams (14.8% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-3%) the first round pick I cannot quit continues to entice me, showcasing that big play ability and game breaking 4.36 speed early on in this game with a long crosser to convert on 3rd down. However my enthusiasm was quelled as Williams ultimately only saw two more targets the entire game and fell back from 66% of routes to 62% in this one, still playing a part-time role on an offense that continues to give nobodies like Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond snaps. I want to bet on talent and first round pedigree here and stash to see if Jamo can continue to push these ancillary nobodies out and secure the WR3 role down the stretch.

Elijah Mitchell (17.4% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1%) continues to be the only RB behind CMC getting touches and is playing well in a limited role. Mitchell remains a premier handcuff and should not be left on waiver wire given his elite contingency value.

Kenneth Gainwell (15.5% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1%) frustratingly played over D’Andre Swift in the first half of the game week 12, before taking a back seat in the second half where he did not see another snap until the final drive. Gainwell would sky rocket in value if there was an injury to D’Andre Swift and the Eagles have the best fantasy playoff schedule for RBs in PFF ranks.

Noah Brown (37.1% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-10%) missed his second consecutive game with injury. Prior to the injury Brown had 2 games with over 150+yds. Robert Woods has stepped back into the slot role in Brown’s absence and has not looked explosive, I think Brown could earn more time when he returns and is a viable stash in an explosive offense. Keep on eye out on health reports to see if he plays this week.

Jalin Hyatt (1.7% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-10%) posted his first 100 yd game of his career while running 70% of routes with a 26% target share. Many of Hyatt’s catches were deep downfield as he is clearly Tommy DeVito’s favorite target. Hyatt could continue to break out down the stretch and is worth the add to see if he can maintain this usage.

Rashod Bateman (4.5% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-3%) has not produced, but his route share continues to rise and he ran a season high 81% of routes in week 12 and saw his target share rise back up to 18%. The volume is there, the production feel inevitable at this point, I cannot quit now. Bateman should be a cheap stash given the lack of production up to this point and week 13 bye, but I do want to stash where I have room.

Kenny Pickett (15.7% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-5%) is still not a QB I want to play unless I have to, but it was good to see this offense come alive and put up 400yds of offense after Matt Canada was fired. Pickett looked good here throwing for a season high 278 yds and 91.8 PFF passer rating, second highest on the week. Pickett has a pristine matchup this week against the Cardinals who have a 63.3 graded pass rush (27th) likely to keep Kenny squeaky clean for another big game, he is my favorite streaming option for the week.

Jordan Love (43.7% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-10%) started the Thanksgiving holiday with a bang throwing for 268 yds and 3 TDs in a game where the Packers posted a +12.2% PROE (the highest of week 12) and surprisingly defeated the Lions. Love played his best game earning his highest marks of the season in PFF passing grade with 87.9 PFF passing (3rd best) and 68.8% completion percentage (tying 11th best). Love has finished the last 3 weeks as a QB1 with his last two games over 20 PPR points and has seen an increase over the last 2 games in designed runs;11% in week 11 and 10% week 12; which could help add a some rushing to his floor. Love has a tough matchup this week against Kansas City who is only allowing an average 14 PPR points to the QB position (9th least) and is not my favorite streaming option, but Love has PFFs 7th best schedule for QBs for the rest of the season. I would upgrade Love to a high end QB2 for the rest of the season.

Gardner Minshew (7.3% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-3%) threw for 251 yds and had 1 rushing TD week 12. We saw Gardener Minshew throw the most he has the past 3 weeks finally having WR Josh Downs back to full health. PFF rates the Colts with the best QB rest of the season schedule, making Minshew a solid option down the stretch.

Matthew Stafford (31.1% Rostered ESPN, Suggested FAAB 1-3%) somehow got managers his highest fantasy score of the season with 24 PPR points while simultaneously pissing many off missing 300yd bonuses by 1 yard and throwing 4 TDs, none of which went to stars Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. The next two matchups are very tough for Stafford but he gets the Washington Commanders in week 15 which should be fireworks, hopefully the wide receivers can be healthier by then. The Browns do have several injuries on defense so if you are in a bind Stafford will be an option.

Drops

Joe Burrow, Zach Wilson, Darrell Henderson, Emari Demercado, Dalvin Cook, Miles Sanders, Justice Hill, Tyler Boyd, Rondale Moore, Kadarius Toney, Michael Thomas, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Osborn, Luke Musgrave, Mark Andrews