🖥 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE THANKS
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Beating the Waiver Wire - Speculative Adds for Week 13

It's Wednesday morning. You dropped a player last night expecting to make some moves on the waiver wire, only to wake up and find out you weren't able to get anyone you put a claim in for. What now?

If you've got an open roster spot, its always a good idea to plan ahead for the future. There are plenty of players in the NFL ripe for a breakout game that will fly up the waiver wire in the following week. This column is here to help you anticipate who that's going to be, and stay a week ahead of your competition.

I'll be giving you a couple players who may be worth grabbing before their stock rises. Here are some players that will help you beat the waiver wire ahead of Week 13, in case they emerge this week.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Waiver Wire Stashes and Fliers for Week 13

The list is going to be thinning as we move towards the end of the season and roster spots begin to become more and more valuable. Many players today will be more speculative adds then guys who may blow up in Week 12. With three teams having already played, the list is a bit shorter than usual.

 

Paxton Lynch (QB, DEN) - 3% owned

The Broncos will look like a new team this week with a new offensive coordinator and a new quarterback. Paxton Lynch hasn't proven much in his short career, but I have a feeling the infusion of new blood will give the Broncos offense some much needed life. Lynch has a solid stable of running backs and receivers at his disposal, and a favorable schedule for the rest of the season.

Mike Davis (RB, SEA) - 2% owned

The Seattle backfield has been in this column numerous times this year, so take Mike Davis with a grain of salt. Davis surprisingly got the start last week for the Seahawks, but left his first game of the year with an injury and is not likely to play in Week 12. Davis could get the start in Week 13. I'm not sure if I'm ready to trust a Seattle running back at this point, but Davis will get the volume to break out if he manages to find himself back in the starting lineup this year.

Josh Reynolds (WR, LAR) - 0% owned

The Rams have relied on the trio of Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp in the passing game this season. With Woods going down with an injury, Watkins and Kupp will likely get a higher usage, but I don't think the Rams will stop going with three wide receiver sets. Fourth round draft pick Josh Reynolds has a chance to take over the third spot. At 6'3, Reynolds is a prototype wide receiver who could make an impact in the red zone and has a chance to break out in Sean McVay's high powered offense.

Charles Clay (TE, BUF) - 32% owned

Clay hasn't found much success since returning to the field and many owners cut him loose when Nathan Peterman was announced as the new quarterback. With the disastrous Peterman experiment coming to an end, Clay's value is back on the rise with Tyrod Taylor in the lineup. Clay is really the only player on the offense that Taylor has proven chemistry with besides LeSean McCoy. I'd bet on him becoming a low-end TE1 by playoff time.

Aaron Rodgers (QB, GB) - 57% owned

You can read what I said about Rodgers last week as most of it is still relevant. If you've been streaming quarterbacks and Rodgers is available, he may be the difference maker down the line if he returns in Week 15. His ownership went up 20% since last week and this may be the last time you'll be able to sign him.

Josh Gordon (WR, CLE) - 47% owned

Like Rodgers, this will be the last week you'll have a chance to pick up Gordon if he is still available. The 26 year old receiver is set to play in his first NFL game since Week 15 of the 2014 season. Hue Jackson said Gordon coming back is "like Christmas." I have no doubts the Browns will start Gordon when he walks back onto the field in Week 13. He could be a league winner. If he is still on the wire in your league, I'd say he is a must-own.

 

Handcuff Lottery

As we saw with Semaje Perine last week, one injury can change the course of a fantasy season. Here are a few top tier handcuff guys that would become the top waiver add should their starter suffer an injury:

 

James Conner (RB, PIT) - 3% owned

The premiere handcuff. DeAngelo Williams proved that the Steelers running game could be a powerhouse for any running back. The Steelers took Conner in the third round this year, so they have high hopes for him when his number is called upon. He'll be in the RB1 discussion if something happens to Bell.

TJ Yeldon (RB, JAX) - 16% owned

Yeldon has proven that he could be a great fantasy option with Fournette out. Fournette owners should own Yeldon over Chirs Ivory should they need a handcuff.

Lance Dunbar (RB, LAR) - 1% owned

Dunbar could find some standalone value in deep PPR leagues due to his pass catching ability if the Rams use him more. In the event of a Gurley injury, Tavon Austin would find some new life as well.

Matt Breida (RB, SF) - 6% owned

Breida is coming off a performance 55 yards and a touchdown, so he already has standalone value in deeper leagues. He'll be an immediate RB2 if Hyde goes down.

 

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Joel Kiviranta

Hurt in Thursday's Win
Lars Eller

Departs Early Versus Blue Jackets
Viktor Arvidsson

Makes Early Exit Against Jets
Bo Horvat

Suffers Lower-Body Injury in Thursday's Win
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Sustains Lower-Body Injury
Roope Hintz

Exits Loss With Injury
Logan Cooley

to Miss at Least Eight Weeks
Mike Evans

Wastes No Time Making a Big Impact in Return
Bijan Robinson

Dismantles Buccaneers Defense in Week 15 Upset
Kirk Cousins

Tosses Three Touchdowns in Primetime Victory
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Explodes for Best Outing of Career on TNF
Mike Conley

Unavailable Friday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Downgraded to Out Thursday
Anthony Edwards

Iffy to Face Warriors
Davante Adams

Remains Absent From Practice Thursday
Kris Murray

Makes Third Start of the Campaign Thursday
Gary Trent Jr.

Replaces Jericho Sims in Starting Unit Thursday
Jarrett Allen

to Remain Sidelined Friday
AJ Green

Misses Second Consecutive Game
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Officially Active on Thursday Night
Jordan Poole

Cleared for Action Thursday
Ja Morant

Listed as Questionable for Friday's Tilt
Mike Evans

Officially Active on Thursday Night
Miles McBride

to be Re-Evaluated in One Week
Robert Williams III

Yang Hansen Out Thursday
Lauri Markkanen

Available Friday Night
LaMelo Ball

Sidelined for Friday
Tyrese Maxey

Dealing With Illness But Expected to Play Friday
Nique Clifford

to Start Thursday
Kristaps Porzingis

Out of Action Versus Pistons Friday
Joel Embiid

Probable Ahead of Friday's Matchup With Pacers
Ryan Leonard

to Miss 3-4 Weeks
Mats Zuccarello

Lands on Injured Reserve
Timo Meier

Takes Leave of Absence
Draymond Green

Ruled Out for Friday Versus Timberwolves
Thatcher Demko

Back in Canucks Crease Thursday
Josh Norris

Out on Thursday
Boone Jenner

Rejoins Blue Jackets Lineup Thursday
Stephen Curry

Off Injury Report for Friday's Matchup With Minnesota
Victor Hedman

Placed on Injured Reserve
Charlie McAvoy

Set to Return Thursday
Philip Rivers

Colts Prepping Philip Rivers to Start in Week 15?
John Konchar

Will Undergo Thumb Surgery
Zach Edey

Out at Least Four Weeks
CFB

Bryce Underwood Could Leave Michigan Without Buyout
Mike Evans

Expected to Play Thursday, But Only on Key Downs?
Fernando Tatis Jr.

Padres Not Considering Trading Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tarik Skubal

Tigers Engaged in "Serious Talks" Around Trading Tarik Skubal at the Winter Meetings
Josh Jacobs

Calling Himself Day-to-Day
CFB

Chris Brazzell II Declaring for NFL Draft
CeeDee Lamb

on Track to Play on Sunday Night
CFB

Fernando Mendoza Named AP College Football Player of the Year
Raisel Iglesias

to Remain the Braves Closer
Robert Suarez

Agrees on Three-Year Deal With Braves
T.J. Watt

Could Miss Monday's Game With a Lung Issue
Trey Hendrickson

Moved to Injured Reserve
Josh Jacobs

Likely to Miss a Second Straight Practice
De'Von Achane

to Start the Week as Limited in Practice
CFB

Sherrone Moore Remains in Police Custody
CFB

Joe Klanderman Joining Baylor Coaching Staff
Alex DeBrincat

Extends Scoring Streak With Three-Point Effort
Dylan Guenther

Lights the Lamp Twice Wednesday
CFB

Kentucky Hiring Jay Bateman as Next Defensive Coordinator
Sam Bennett

Tallies Three Points Against Mammoth
Vince Dunn

Caps Off Three-Point Performance With Overtime Winner
Spencer Knight

Stops Rangers From Scoring Wednesday
Simon Edvinsson

Makes Early Exit Wednesday
Si Woo Kim

Closes 2025 With Strong Finish Among Putting Woes
Akshay Bhatia

Looks to Rebound in 2026 After Down Year Off the Tee
Brian Harman

2025 Season a Step Back Despite Spring Win
Sam Burns

' Elite Putting Headlines a Solid 2025 Season
Sepp Straka

Ends Stellar 2025 Campaign on a High Note
Robert MacIntyre

Closes Out a Steady 2025 Campaign
CFB

Chip Kelly Interviews for Georgia Tech Offensive Coordinator Job
CFB

Louisville Receiver Chris Bell has a Torn ACL
Davante Adams

in Good Spot for Week 15 Despite Hamstring Soreness
Min Woo Lee

Breaks Through to Win in Texas This Year
PGA

Alex Noren Wins Twice on European Tour This Year
Wyndham Clark

has Up-and-Down 2025 Golf Season
CFB

Michigan Fires Head Coach Sherrone Moore
Corey Conners

Comes Close to Winning Again in Very Good 2025
Justin Rose

Turns Back the Clock in 2025
Mike Evans

Officially Questionable for Thursday Night Game
Geno Smith

Unlikely to Play in Week 15
CFB

Jim Knowles Expected to be Hired as Tennessee's Defensive Coordinator
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

"Good to Go" for Week 15
Harris English

Enjoys Solid Finish at Hero World Challenge
CeeDee Lamb

has "One or Two" Things Left to the Clear Concussion Protocol
Jayden Daniels

Commanders Not Shutting Down Jayden Daniels for the Year
CFB

Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles Not Being Retained at Penn State
CFB

Indiana's Stephen Daley Done for Season After Post-Game Injury
Pete Alonso

Orioles Finalizing Five-Year Deal
Kyle Finnegan

Tigers, Kyle Finnegan Agree on Two-Year Deal
Bo Bichette

Red Sox Out on Bo Bichette For Now
Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Extend Manager Rob Thomson Through 2027 Season
Michael King

the Mets' Top Rotation Target?
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Could Move Back to Leadoff Spot
CFB

Florida, Wisconsin Among Suitors for QB Transfer Kenny Minchey
CFB

Bryan Harsin, Justin Wilcox Candidates for Washington State Head Coach Job?
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Agrees to Deal With the Dodgers
Kyle Schwarber

Returning to Phillies on Five-Year Deal
CFB

Ole Miss Hiring John David Baker as Offensive Coordinator
CFB

Ty Howle the Top Target for Virginia Tech Offensive Coordinator Job
Shohei Ohtani

to be Used More as Traditional Starting Pitcher Next Year
Yordan Alvarez

to Become Full-Time DH in 2026?
Mason Miller

Padres Plan to Keep Mason Miller in the Bullpen
Ranger Suárez

Orioles Interested in Signing Ranger Suarez
Anthony Volpe

Yankees Don't Expect Anthony Volpe to be Ready in April
Gerrit Cole

Targeting a Return in May/June
CFB

Heisman Trophy Finalists Announced on Monday
CFB

Anthony Hill Jr. Declaring for 2026 NFL Draft
CFB

Ryan Walters a Candidate for Tennessee Defensive Coordinator Job?
Rory McIlroy

Ends 2025 as the Year's Most Unburdened Player
Aaron Rai

Needs to Figure Out Putting Woes This Offseason
Jordan Spieth

Plays Better on Paper in 2025 Than Results Show
PGA

Chris Gotterup Needs to Find Better Touch and Consistency This Offseason
Hideki Matsuyama

Ends 2025 Season With a Bookend Victory
CFB

Tennessee Fires Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks
Scottie Scheffler

Comes Up Just Shy of Hero World Challenge Victory
Merab Dvalishvili

Drops A Decision At UFC 323
Petr Yan

Reclaims Bantamweight Title
Alexandre Pantoja

Era Ends With Gruesome Injury
Joshua Van

Becomes Second-Youngest UFC Champion
Brandon Moreno

Suffers His First TKO Loss
Brandon Moreno

Tatsuro Taira Becomes First Fighter To Finish Brandon Moreno
Henry Cejudo

Payton Talbott Retires Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo

Retires After UFC 323 Loss
Jan Blachowicz

Bogdan Guskov Vs. Jan Blachowicz Ends In A Majority Draw
Jan Blachowicz

And Bogdan Guskov Fight To Majority Draw
CFB

Texas RB CJ Baxter Entering Transfer Portal
San Francisco Giants

Jeff Kent Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
Ketel Marte

Red Sox Interested in Trading for Ketel Marte
Kyle Schwarber

Pirates Make Four-Year Offer to Kyle Schwarber

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP