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Week 13 Deeper Waiver Wire Sleepers: Standard Leagues

What's up RotoBallers. Welcome to my deeper standard league sleepers column for Week 13 of the NFL season. In this weekly article we are going to take a look at some deeper waiver wire options for standard leagues, who could help out your team in this upcoming week.

For reference's sake, we are looking at standard scoring leagues and will be using ownership percentage data from Fleaflicker. In order to qualify as a deep sleeper, a player must be 20% owned or less.

Let's get to the picks!

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

Editor's Note: Once you're done here, be sure to read about even more Week 13 waiver wire recommendations, for all fantasy-relevant positions. Just click on any link: ALL - RB - WR - TE - QB - DEF - FAAB - CUTS

 

Quarterback

Jared Goff (LA) @ New England Patriots

(Ownership: 17%)

Goff played well in his second career start, completing 20-of-32 passes and connecting for three touchdowns against the Saints in Week 12. While we likely just saw his ceiling, at least for his rookie year, Goff has a chance to turn in another useful fantasy performance in Week 13 against the Patriots. New England's pass defense has struggled this season, ranking 27th in DVOA according to Football Outsiders (before Week 12's action).

An explosive Patriots offense should ensure that the Rams have to pass early and often to keep up on the scoreboard, and Goff should benefit from that. Goff can be used as a QB2 in deeper leagues if you are desperate, and as a solid second signal caller in two-quarterback leagues.

 

Running Back

Rex Burkhead (CIN) vs. Philadelphia Eagles

(Ownership: 4%)

Burkhead was surprisingly involved for the Bengals in Week 12, playing on 51% of the offensive snaps and garnering seven touches. While he didn't do a ton yardage-wise, he basically played the Giovani Bernard role in the offense while Jeremy Hill maintained his normal first and second down role. Many fantasy owners were expecting Hill to take on the bell cow role for the Bengals, but it doesn't appear that is going to be the case. While Burkhead shapes up as a better PPR option, he can be used as a deep sleeper in standard leagues, as well. The Eagles present a reasonably tough matchup for the Bengals on the ground, which means Cincinnati may have to lean on Burkhead in the passing game to move the ball.

 

Wide Receiver

Malcolm Mitchell (NE) vs. Los Angeles Rams

(Ownership: 11%)

Mitchell, a rookie, has carved out a nice role in the Patriots' offense over the past two weeks. In Week 11, Mitchell caught four passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. He followed that up with five catches for 42 yards and two touchdowns against the Jets in Week 12. While his low snap percentage (47%) with Chris Hogan back in Week 12 means he could be a risky play going forward, he plays for one of the top offenses in the league and has emerged as a solid touchdown threat and a deep sleeper. He could be in for another solid workload if Rob Gronkowski's back injury keeps him out of action this weekend. The Rams have a decent pass defense, but they are fresh off of allowing the Saints to rack up five touchdown passes, and things won't get any easier against the Pats in Week 13.

 

Tight End

Vance McDonald (SF) @ Chicago Bears

(Ownership: 20%)

McDonald has quietly turned in a solid stretch for the 49ers, seeing six or more targets in five straight games. He has turned all of those targets into 15 catches for 264 yards and two touchdowns as one of San Francisco's more reliable options in the passing game. McDonald could be in for another solid showing in Week 13, when he takes on a Chicago Bears defense that has been weak against tight ends this season. Before Week 12's action, the Bears' pass defense ranked 23rd in the league in DVOA against tight ends, according to Football Outsiders. McDonald is a great deep-league option if you need a tight end this weekend.

 

Defense/Special Teams

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB) @ San Diego Chargers

(Ownership: 12%)

The Buccaneers turned in one of the more surprising defensive performances of Week 12, holding the Seahawks to a single field goal (Seattle finished with five points thanks to a safety). Tampa Bay has been playing stout defense over the past three weeks, allowing just 32 total points. They have also added 10 sacks, five interceptions and four fumble recoveries over that span. The Chargers represent a favorable matchup for fantasy defenses. San Diego is allowing 2.5 sacks per game, and Phillip Rivers has thrown 12 interceptions on the year. While San Diego is likely to score some points this weekend, the turnover and sack potential is worth chasing if you need to stream a defense in deeper leagues.


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

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Unlikely to Play Thursday
Jeremy Lauzon

Remains Out Thursday
Mark Stone

Misses Third Consecutive Game
EDM

Kris Knoblauch Fired as Oilers Head Coach
Micah Parsons

Expected to Miss the Early Part of the Season
Colby Parkinson

a Clear Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Entering 2026
Omarion Hampton

Poised for Year 2 Breakout in Los Angeles
Blake Corum

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Jaxson Dart

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David Montgomery

Dynasty Stock Rising Following Move to Houston
Chris Godwin Jr.

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Malik Willis

Not Set Up for Immediate Success in Miami
Terrance Ferguson

has Promising Receiving Skills in Crowded TE Room in L.A.
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T.J. Watt

Steelers Ready to Move on From T.J. Watt?
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Must Make Gains as Pass-Catcher to Take the Next Step
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
Kaytron Allen

Could Kaytron Allen Take on a Big Role Right Away?
Demond Claiborne

Has Long-Term Appeal in Minnesota
Byron Buxton

Scratched on Thursday With Hip Soreness
Cal Raleigh

Heading to Injured List With Oblique Strain
Adam Randall

to Contribute as a Pass-Catcher Right Away?
Francisco Alvarez

has Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss Eight Weeks
Nicholas Singleton

Could Contribute Right Away
Bryce Lance

a Perfect Fit in New Orleans?
Mike Washington Jr.

Can Mike Washington Jr. Force a Backfield Split in Vegas?
Paul Reed

Makes Big Impact Off the Bench Wednesday
Adonai Mitchell

Unlikely to be Phased Out of Jets Offense
Daniss Jenkins

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Cade Cunningham

Tallies 39 Points in Losing Effort
Tony Pollard

an Affordable Add for Contending Dynasty Managers
Max Strus

Notches 20 Points With Six Triples
Evan Mobley

Close to Triple-Double Wednesday
Mason Taylor

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Jarrett Allen

Records Double-Double in Game 5 Win
James Harden

Leads the Way for Cavaliers in Game 5 Victory
Quinn Hughes

Finishes Postseason With 15 Points
Matt Boldy

Posts Two Assists in Season-Ending Loss
Scott Wedgewood

Perfect in Relief Effort
Martin Necas

Records Another Multi-Point Game
Brett Kulak

Sends Avalanche Into Conference Finals
Brayden McNabb

Suspended for One Game
Cal Raleigh

Exits With Apparent Side Injury on Wednesday Night
Juan Soto

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Juan Soto's Ankle
Jacob Misiorowski

Pulled Early With Possible Leg Injury
Juan Soto

Exits Wednesday's Game Early with Ankle Injury
Kevin Huerter

is Cleared to Return for Game 5
Caris LeVert

is Available for Game 5 on Wednesday
Duncan Robinson

is Out for Game 5
Keegan Murray

Undergoes Ankle Procedure
Josh Giddey

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Pete Fairbanks

Returns From Injured List
Christian Yelich

Out With Back Tightness on Wednesday Night
Nathan MacKinnon

Chasing History Wednesday
Ryan Poehling

Won't Be an Option for Game 6
Sam Malinski

Set to Miss Second Straight Game
Artturi Lehkonen

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Matthew Schaefer

Wins Calder Trophy
TOR

Maple Leafs Fire Head Coach Craig Berube
Robby Snelling

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Sprain
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Mets Place Francisco Alvarez on Injured List With Torn Meniscus
Max Fried

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NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
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Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
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Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Ayo Dosunmu

Has Busy Night in Game 5
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Jaden McDaniels

Notches 17 Points in Game 5 Loss
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Julius Randle

Posts a Double-Double in Losing Effort
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Anthony Edwards

Held to 20 Points in Game 5 Loss
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Keldon Johnson

Comes Alive in Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Stephon Castle

Makes All-Around Impact in Game 5
Victor Wembanyama

Leads Spurs to Big Win in Game 5
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Mason McTavish

Delivers Two Assists Tuesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Pots Two Goals in Vital Game 5 Win
Josh Doan

Records Two Assists in Game 4 Victory
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Game on Tuesday with Apparent Ankle Injury
Philadelphia 76ers

76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Jacob Wilson

A's Place Jacob Wilson on Injured List With Shoulder Subluxation
Christian Yelich

Brewers Reinstate Christian Yelich From Injured List
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
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Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
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Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

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Shane Van Gisbergen

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Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF