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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!




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Won't Be an Option for Game 6
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Set to Miss Second Straight Game
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Unlikely to Play Wednesday
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Wins Calder Trophy
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Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Sprain
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Poised to Reach a New Level of Production in 2026?
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Facing Increased Target Competition in New Orleans Entering 2026
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Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Tampa Bay
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Mets Place Francisco Alvarez on Injured List With Torn Meniscus
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Dealing With Left Elbow Posterior Soreness
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NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
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Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
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Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
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Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
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the Tight End of the Future in Philadelphia?
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Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
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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
Germie Bernard

Already in a Tough Spot to Hold Dynasty Value
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
Denzel Boston

a Smart Bet to Meet or Exceed Value in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
Hideki Matsuyama

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Nicolai Hojgaard

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Held to 20 Points in Game 5 Loss
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Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
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Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
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Dynasty Value Tethered to His Underwhelming Usage
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Makes All-Around Impact in Game 5
Kenyon Sadiq

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Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Game on Tuesday with Apparent Ankle Injury
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76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
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Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Dylan Harper

Cleared for Action Tuesday
De'Aaron Fox

Available for Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Caris LeVert

Remains on Injury Report With Heel Issue
Duncan Robinson

Listed as Questionable for Game 5
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Brandon Clarke Dies at Age 29
Charlie McAvoy

Slapped With Six-Game Suspension
Jonas Brodin

Unavailable for Game 5 Against Avalanche
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Remain Out Wednesday
Sam Malinski

Day-to-Day With Upper-Body Injury
Jacob Wilson

A's Place Jacob Wilson on Injured List With Shoulder Subluxation
Artturi Lehkonen

Considered Day-to-Day
Charlie Coyle

Lands Six-Year Extension
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

to Start Game 4 Against Canadiens
Drew Helleson

Unavailable for Game 5
Radko Gudas

Still Out Tuesday
Christian Yelich

Brewers Reinstate Christian Yelich From Injured List
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Admits He Wasn't Close to Returning Before Season Ended
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Ajay Mitchell

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Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

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Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
Cade Cunningham

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Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
James Harden

Records 40th Postseason Double-Double
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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
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Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Henry Bolte

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

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Sean Strickland

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Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
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Wins Back-To-Back Fights
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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
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Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
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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

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Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
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Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
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Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
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Luis Castillo

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Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
Bryce Miller

is Set to Return on Wednesday
Jeff Hoffman

Could Return to Closer Role
Taj Bradley

Hits the Injured List With Pectoral Inflammation
Kyle Bradish

has Nice Bounce-Back Performance With 10 K's
Casey Mize

Throws Bullpen on Friday, Return Not Imminent
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Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
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Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
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Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
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Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
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Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
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Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF