Week 13 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Time to Make Your Move
Week 13 is here and the fantasy football playoff push is on. With no NFL teams on bye this week, every roster spot matters. The waiver wire is your last big chance to fix weak spots, secure depth, and lock in upside for the fantasy playoffs.
Why Week 13 Waivers Matter
- Playoff positioning is on the line – You are either fighting to get in or battling for a top seed.
- No byes – Every bench spot can be used on high upside stashes and matchup plays instead of bye week fillers.
- Injuries and role changes – Late season usage shifts can turn backups into league winners.
- Schedule focus – You are not just adding for Week 13, you are adding for Weeks 14 to 17.
Week 13 Waiver Wire Strategy
- Prioritize players with clear paths to volume over pure “handcuffs” that still need two injuries to matter.
- Look at fantasy playoff schedules – Favor players with friendly matchups in Weeks 15 to 17.
- Use bench spots aggressively – Cut low ceiling veterans to take shots on breakout candidates.
- Know your league format – PPR, half PPR, and standard all value different profiles.
Quarterback Waiver Wire Targets
Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals
Brissett has settled in with Arizona and is delivering solid fantasy numbers on the back of efficient passing and some rushing. In Week 13 he draws a defense that has struggled to contain quarterbacks through the air. He is a strong streaming option for managers who have been playing the matchup game at QB.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
In many competitive leagues Tua is already rostered, but he can still be available in shallower formats. He offers weekly top 10 upside when his passing volume spikes, and the remaining schedule is favorable enough to make him a priority add if he is still out there.
Running Back Waiver Wire Targets
Devin Neal, New Orleans Saints
With Alvin Kamara dealing with a knee issue, Devin Neal has started to see more work. He is especially interesting in PPR leagues thanks to his pass catching skill set. If his snap share continues to rise, Neal has a realistic path to mid range RB2 production for the stretch run.
Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders
Rodriguez is forcing his way into a larger role with efficient runs and strong short yardage work. He profiles as a high value bench piece who could become a weekly starter if injuries or game scripts tilt in his favor. In deeper leagues, he should already be rostered. In 10 or 12 team formats he is a priority stash.
Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Targets
Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos
Franklin is an ideal late season upside play. His usage and targets are trending in the right direction, and his big play ability gives him a weekly path to spike weeks. He fits best as a WR3 or flex in leagues that reward big plays and yardage.
Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons
Mooney is seeing a growing target share in Atlanta and has carved out a consistent role. While his ceiling is not elite, he offers a usable floor for managers who need a stable WR3 or flex with occasional splash play upside.
Tight End Waiver Wire Targets
Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars
Tight end is thin, so any player with a real role and red zone usage deserves attention. Strange has produced since returning from injury and is involved in the passing game. He is a viable streamer who can sneak into low end TE1 territory if the volume holds.
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
Johnson remains a reliable target in the Saints offense, especially in scoring areas of the field. He is not likely to lead your team in receptions, but he can help cover bye weeks and injuries at the position with touchdown upside.
Defense and Special Teams Waiver Targets
Atlanta Falcons D/ST
The Falcons defense has improved and now has a favorable Week 13 matchup. They have been better at generating pressure and turnovers, which gives them a solid fantasy profile against weaker offenses.
San Francisco 49ers D/ST
If the 49ers defense is somehow on your wire, they should be a top claim. The unit is loaded with playmakers at all three levels and can turn even average matchups into fantasy winning weeks.
Who to Drop for Your Week 13 Waiver Adds
When making waiver claims, you will need to clear space. Consider dropping players who:
- Have lost their role or are stuck in a committee with limited upside.
- Are name value only, but have not produced all season.
- Have brutal matchups through the fantasy playoffs.
- Are backup quarterbacks or tight ends you never start.
Ask yourself a simple question for every borderline player on your roster: “Can this player realistically crack my starting lineup in the next two to three weeks?” If the answer is no, they are a drop candidate for a higher upside waiver pickup.
Final Thoughts for Week 13 Waivers
Week 13 is a pivot point in fantasy football. Active managers gain a huge edge here by attacking the waiver wire with purpose. Prioritize players with defined roles, clear upside, and strong late season schedules. Whether you are chasing a playoff spot or tuning up a contender, the right Week 13 waiver moves can swing your season.












