Expert deeper league fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 13

Expert deeper league fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 13

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Week 13 Fantasy Football Streaming Options

After navigating a Week 12 with six teams on a bye, we’re back to a full slate of games this weekend, starting with three exciting matchups on Thanksgiving Day. All 32 NFL teams will take the field in Week 13, but with no byes, the need for streaming pickups in 10-12 team leagues is less pressing.

In this column, we’ll focus on deeper-league targets, starting with the quarterback position. I’ve identified a veteran quarterback who has thrown an impressive 12 touchdowns over his past five games, as well as two other QBs who can be started in two-QB formats.

Moving on to running backs, the options are limited this week, but I’ve highlighted a few players who could see an expanded role due to injuries to their teammates. Meanwhile, I’ve found some intriguing wide receivers with big-play upside and others who can provide a solid floor in the lineup. There’s also an emerging tight end and a defense with a talented secondary that caught my attention on tape.

Quarterbacks

  • Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (32.5% rostered; at Saints): Stafford is a top streaming option this week after throwing for 19.22 points against the Eagles defense in Week 12. He’s thrown for at least two touchdowns and 17-plus points in four of his past five games, showing his ability to drive the ball down the field. Stafford’s chemistry with top targets Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp is evident, and he’s consistently delivering the ball to them on time. Expect Stafford to excel against a Saints defense that’s struggled against opposing quarterbacks this season.

  • Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers (49.9% rostered; at Bengals): Wilson managed to post 13.8 points in the snowy conditions against the Browns last Thursday night, throwing for 270 yards and a touchdown. He’s logged over 260 yards passing in three of his six starts with the Steelers this season, and his matchup against the Bengals defense, which ranks in the bottom-10 against opposing quarterbacks, is too good to pass up. Wilson is a solid start in two-QB superflex formats, and his connection with WR George Pickens could lead to some deep-ball opportunities.

  • Drake Maye, New England Patriots (21.7% rostered; vs. Colts): Maye is a worthy streaming option this week against a Colts defense that’s allowing 233.3 passing yards per game. He’s recorded 15-plus points in two of his past four starts and offers a dual-threat element to your lineup. Maye has logged at least 20 yards rushing in five consecutive games and can be schemed as a runner on designed carries. This works well in two-QB superflex formats, where you need a starter with some rushing upside.

Wide Receivers

  • Devaughn Vele, Denver Broncos (1.7% rostered; vs. Browns): Vele is a strong addition to your lineup this week, averaging 12.8 PPG over his past three games. The 6-foot-5 target has caught 14 of 17 targets for 185 yards and a score, showcasing his ability to make plays down the field and work the underneath zone as an outlet for QB Bo Nix. With Nix playing well, Vele’s value increases, making him a good option against the Browns.

  • DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots (29.2% rostered; vs. Colts): Douglas has seen at least five targets in four consecutive games, with nine-plus points in each. While he may not be the most explosive option, Douglas brings a solid receiving floor to the lineup, making him a reliable choice as a deeper-league WR3. Expect him to contribute 10-12 points this week against the Colts.

  • Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers (36.3% rostered; vs. Buccaneers): With Panthers QB Bryce Young playing well and trusting the pocket, Legette is an attractive option this week. He’s seen at least six targets in three of his past four games and has 15 receptions over that stretch. Legette’s volume and the improved play of Young make him a worthy choice for deeper-league lineups.

  • Marquez Valdes-Scantling, New Orleans Saints (15.5% rostered; vs. Rams): Valdes-Scantling has logged 197 yards receiving over his past two games, albeit on just five receptions. While his volume may be limited, his role as a vertical target and QB Derek Carr’s willingness to throw deep give him big-play upside. Valdes-Scantling’s speed is a matchup advantage against the Rams secondary, making him a boom/bust option this week.

Running Backs

  • Jeremy McNichols, Washington Commanders (1.2% rostered; vs. Titans): McNichols could see an expanded role this week if Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) and Austin Ekeler (concussion) are unable to play. He’s had limited usage this season, but in Week 4 against the Cardinals, when Ekeler was out, McNichols produced 74 total yards and two touchdowns on nine touches. Keep an eye on the injury reports, as McNichols could be a smart streaming add.

  • Ameer Abdullah, Las Vegas Raiders (19.3% rostered; at Chiefs): With Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quad) out, Abdullah took on the lead role in the Raiders backfield last week. He finished with 65 total yards on 14 touches and caught a touchdown for the second consecutive game. While the matchup against the Chiefs defense isn’t ideal, Abdullah’s volume as an underneath target in the passing game makes him a consideration.

  • Gus Edwards, Los Angeles Chargers (23.5% rostered; at Falcons): Edwards could find himself in the lead role if J.K. Dobbins can’t go due to a knee injury. Edwards struggled to find running room against the Ravens, averaging just 1.2 YPC, but he did score a late touchdown on a goal-line carry. He could add volume to your lineup in a much better matchup against the Falcons this Sunday.

Tight End

  • Noah Gray, Kansas City Chiefs (1.8% rostered; vs. Raiders): Gray has recorded 18-plus points in back-to-back games, with two TD catches in each. The Chiefs’ usage of two-TE personnel creates a role for Gray alongside Travis Kelce. With a matchup against a Raiders defense that’s struggled against tight ends, Gray is a deeper-league option.

D/ST

  • Seattle Seahawks (10.3% rostered; at Jets): The Seahawks’ secondary is a talented unit that can challenge in coverage and create pocket disruption on QB Aaron Rodgers. They’ve scored at least one interception in each of their past five games and can take the ball away. The Seahawks just scored 19 points in their Week 12 win over Arizona, registering five sacks and a defensive touchdown. They’re a solid choice this week.

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