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RotoBaller staff's fantasy football Week 13 waiver wire pickups for 2025. Expert advice for waiver wire RB, WR, TE, QB targets from Phil, Dan, Craig and Alex.
Thanksgiving football is right around the corner, and although there are no teams on a bye in Week 13, grinding the waiver wire for potential streamers and stashes is always key. Whether you're a top championship contender, a fringe playoff team, or are just playing for pride at this point, keep an eye out for the top waiver wire options!
Pivoting when your players are injured, underperforming, or on a bye is always the name of the game in fantasy football, and we're here to guide your waiver-wire decisions. In this article, we won't cover some of the top chalk options, such as Trey Benson, Devin Neal, Chimere Dike, and Colston Loveland. Instead, we'll focus on some players deeper in the waiver wire rankings who can be more reasonably acquired.
Our RotoBaller experts Phil Clark, Alex Ciulla, Craig Rondinone, and Dan Fornek are here to help you identify the top RB, WR, TE, and QB targets ahead of Week 13.
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Running Backs Waiver Wire Week 13
Selections By Phil Clark
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Gainwell has performed effectively as the RB2 in Pittsburgh’s backfield while securing a role as the direct backup to Jaylen Warren. Gainwell’s placement on the Steelers’ depth chart has also positioned him to seize an extensive workload during any absence by Warren. Gainwell has also demonstrated his ability to thrive if that scenario develops.
Gainwell operated with a career-best 77.4% snap share in Week 4 when Warren was forced to the sideline (knee). Gainwell also established career highs in multiple categories, accumulated 25 touches/134 total yards, and soared to RB3 in scoring (31.4 points). Gainwell also secured a 63.1% snap share after Warren sustained an ankle injury in Week 11, while assembling 105 total yards on 16 touches, and rising to RB5 in scoring (29.5 points).
FIRST DOWN KG 💪
📺 #PITvsCHI on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/Ss7BSsrNBt
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 23, 2025
Warren resurfaced in Week 12, but that did not prevent Gainwell from delivering a highly productive outing. Gainwell led the Steelers' backfield in snap share (52%) and rushing yards (92) while assembling his second-highest yardage total of the season. He also paced Pittsburgh backs in routes run (18), targets (six), and receiving yards (30). Gainwell should be rostered in all leagues, as he can currently function as an RB3/flex in your lineups and can provide RB1 production during any additional absence by Warren.
Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears
Monangai was a mainstay in this column from Weeks 1-9. This was a byproduct of his placement directly below D'Andre Swift on Chicago’s depth chart and his prospects of flourishing as the Bears’ temporary RB1 if Swift was forced to the sideline.
That scenario occurred when Swift was inactive in Week 9 (groin). Monangai secured a season-high 73.8% share, stockpiled 176 rushing yards, and soared to RB3 in scoring (22.8 points). Swift reclaimed his lead-back role in Week 10, which led to a steady decline in Monangai’s rostership percentage. That has re-launched Monangai among this week’s recommended options due to his viability as a handcuff, and the favorable numbers that he generated in Week 12.
Monangai led Chicago's backfield with a 56% snap share and secured team highs in attempts (12) and rushing yards (48). Swift operated with a 43% share, carried eight times, and generated 15 rushing yards. Monangai also registered five carries inside the red zone and produced his fourth touchdown of the season. He has now accrued 17 red zone attempts since Week 9. Monangai also remains primed to provide borderline RB1 production during any additional absence by Swift. That supplies the rationale for adding him in leagues where he remains available.
Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The rationale for pursuing Tucker from your waiver wire has been expanding throughout Bucky Irving’s lingering absence. Tucker has infused a level of explosion into the Buccaneers’ backfield that should be difficult for the coaching staff to dismiss after Irving has resurfaced.
That has supplied the rationale for including Tucker in this week’s recommendations, even though a 36% rise in his rostership percentage within the past seven days has dropped his availability below 40%.
Tucker has emerged as a back who should be rostered regardless of Irving’s health, following Tucker’s statistical eruption in Week 11. He was entrusted with a season-high 44.3% snap share and garnered a season-best 21 touches. He also stockpiled 140 total yards, generated three touchdowns, and soared to RB2 in scoring (34.0 points).
Tucker also secured a 37.1% snap share, carried 12 times, and generated 42 rushing yards in Week 12, when Irving remained inactive. Irving’s eventual return will impact the workloads allocated to Tucker and Rachaad White.
Wide Receivers Waiver Wire Week 13
Selections By Alex Ciulla
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers
Despite being without running back Josh Jacobs (knee), Jordan Love and the Packers easily put away a struggling division-rival Vikings' squad 23-6. The absence of their star running back didn't deter the team from leaning on the ground game. Even with the lack of passing production, Christian Watson still enjoyed a productive showing.
Watson led the team in yards (49), targets (seven), and receptions (five) on Sunday, and was the only Green Bay receiver to tally more than two catches. Moreover, he played more snaps than running mate Romeo Doubs again, marking the third game in which that instance has occurred. The fourth-year pro has also been the team's leading receiver in two of his last three outings.
I've seen enough from Watson over the previous few weeks to feel comfortable starting him, although it's worth noting that through the air isn't Green Bay's preferred mode of transport. He'll have a higher ceiling in more competitive matchups and is worthy of WR3/flex consideration with big-play upside.
John Metchie III, New York Jets
Tyrod Taylor was solid for the Jets in their first game post-Justin Fields era, and did all he could to give the offense a fighting chance in their 23-10 defeat at the hands of the Ravens. New York had a bit of rhythm in this one, attempting more downfield passes. For one game, at least, there was some fantasy intrigue, with John Metchie being the primary benefactor.
The former Houston Texan didn't garner his first look until well into the second quarter, though he'd snag four balls in that frame, ending with team-highs in catches (six) and targets (seven). He also notched his second straight game with a touchdown, churning out 65 yards -- most of which after the catch.
For the time being, Metchie is poised to lead New York's WR corps alongside new teammate Adonai Mitchell. Metchie typically works a bit closer to the line of scrimmage, giving him a slightly safer floor. Who knows, maybe this passing game becomes moderately more interesting down the stretch.
Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars
Another week, another Parker Washington recommendation. The third-year pro was at it again on Sunday afternoon, ripping off 71 yards on five grabs (seven targets) -- including another slick TD snag -- as Jacksonville staved off the Cardinals in overtime to improve to 7-4.
Washington has been a reliable outlet for quarterback Trevor Lawrence amid injuries to the Jags' WR room. Even with Jakobi Meyers recording the highest snap share of his tenure with the franchise (84%), it was only enough to tie Washington at 52 snaps apiece, retaining the latter's string of five straight games leading the room in plays.
With all that in mind, the 23-year-old drops a bit in the rankings ahead of this week's waivers, with Brian Thomas Jr. expected to be back for next Sunday's road bout against the Tennessee Titans. We've yet to see all of Washington, Thomas Jr., and Meyers on the field at once, and Jacksonville is a top-12 team in rush percentage (44.86%).
Tight Ends Waiver Wire Week 13
Selections By Craig Rondinone
Theo Johnson, New York Giants
Say what you want about Jameis Winston. He may have had an underwhelming NFL career, considering he is a former first pick overall. He may turn the ball over way too much to be a starting signal caller for anybody, but the man can throw the ball when given time in the pocket and still has a rifle for an arm. It has not mattered to Theo Johnson if Winston, Russell Wilson, or Jaxson Dart has been under center for his Giants this season. Johnson has been able to consistently catch passes with all three throwing to him.
DAYUM what a throw and catch from Winston to Theo Johnson #NYG pic.twitter.com/LySGmYF74W
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) November 23, 2025
Johnson had a career-high 77 yards against Detroit this past weekend and has racked up 18 receptions for 215 yards and a TD over the past month. Sign him up for the final few weeks of your fantasy season. You will not be disappointed in his production.
Oronde Gadsden, Los Angeles Chargers
I like sweet potato casserole on Turkey Day. Put some marshmallows and brown sugar on my mashed sweet potatoes and watch me go to work like T.J. Watt on a rookie offensive tackle! You know what else I like? Using skill-position players in fantasy leagues when they are scheduled to play against the lost Las Vegas Raiders, who just made Shedeur Sanders look like an NFL quarterback on Sunday.
Gadsden was a fantasy darling a month ago when he was the top tight end choice on waiver wires, but he might have been dropped after getting banged up and only providing five catches for 54 yards over the past two games before having a Week 12 bye. Pick him back up this week against Vegas. He should be 100 percent healthy and ready to play like he did when he ravaged secondaries for 377 receiving yards and two touchdowns during a four-game stretch in the middle of the campaign.
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
Juwan Johnson will not be a fantasy turkey during this Thanksgiving week. His fantasy value has been elevated by – Tyler Shough? You heard right. Johnson has 23 catches for 301 yards and two touchdowns over his most recent five-game span, and Shough has been his battery mate for most of those games.
Johnson is New Orleans’ second-best pass catcher behind WR1 Chris Olave, which is proven by the fact that he has been targeted 38 times over his last six games. Marques Colston and Joe Horn are not going to show up in the receiver room this Sunday, so Johnson should be well on his way to another great game this week and the weeks down the stretch when fantasy leagues are won.
Quarterbacks Waiver Wire Week 13
Selections By Dan Fornek
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence is frustratingly inconsistent for fantasy football, but he is emerging from his toughest stretch of the season and into a softer schedule for fantasy. Since the Week 8 bye, Jacksonville has faced off against the Raiders, Texans, Chargers, and Cardinals. Three of those teams are among the 10 toughest matchups for fantasy quarterbacks. Lawrence scored at least 15.0 fantasy points in three of four games while throwing for five touchdowns and six interceptions.
However, what really stood out (and gave him a floor for fantasy) was his increased ability as a rusher. Lawrence has four straight games with at least five rushing attempts. He’s hit at least 20 rushing yards in three of those four games with three total rushing touchdowns. Lawrence has matchups against the Titans, Colts, and Jets over the next three weeks. Only the Jets would qualify as a below-average opponent, but it is still a three-game stretch where Lawrence can regain fantasy relevance.
Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans
Week 12 was the first time that Ward looked like he could have some juice for fantasy football this season. Ward completed 28 of 42 passes for 256 yards and a touchdown while adding six carries for 37 yards and a touchdown. He had a season-high 23.9 fantasy points as well. It was especially impressive considering the tough match against the Seattle Seahawks.
AIR CAM! @Cameron7Ward goes 🆙 for his first NFL rushing TD
📺: #SEAvsTEN on @NFLonFOX & NFL+ pic.twitter.com/oRQmfVaI87
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) November 23, 2025
Ward has now thrown for at least 250 yards and a touchdown in three of his last five games. He also has a three-game streak without an interception after throwing at least one per game in Weeks 3 to 8. Ward also has back-to-back games with 30+ rushing yards, which have helped him post his two highest scoring weeks in his two games since the team’s Week 10 bye.
The rookie quarterback has streaming upside in two of his next three matchups. Ward gets games against the Jaguars (Week 13) and 49ers (Week 15). Unfortunately, he will not have much upside in Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns. Still, if Ward can maintain his newfound rushing ability, he will be a usable quarterback down the stretch for fantasy managers.
Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Week 12 was Kirk Cousins’ best game of the season (low bar, I know). Cousins completed 16 of 23 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in a 24-10 win over the Saints. His 16.4 fantasy points weren’t great, but it was also more than anybody expected with Drake London (knee) sidelined with an injury.
There is no guarantee that London will be back in Week 13, but that may not matter much with a matchup against the New York Jets on the horizon. New York had a solid week against the Ravens’ struggling pass game in Week 12, but it has still given up at least 27 points in three straight games before that. Cousins may not be what he once was, but he showed in Week 12 that he has the capability to take advantage of poor defenses against the Saints.
Who Should I Pickup Tool
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Popular Player Comparison Searches - Who To Pickup
Below are some popular searches and comparisons from our Who To Pickup tool for 2025 for Kenneth Gainwell, Kyle Monangai, Sean Tucker, Parker Washington, Christian Watson, John Metchie III, Juwan Johnson, Oronde Gadsden, Theo Johnson:
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