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Week 13 Waiver Wire Pickups: Strange Heating Back Up
Waiver wire decisions start to carry real playoff weight in Week 13. This is the week to be aggressive on impact upgrades, not just injury band-aids. Brenton Strange headlines a group of priority adds who can tighten soft spots in your lineup and give you starter-level production for the stretch run.
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Contents
- Priority Target
- Immediate Help
- Deep-League Plays
- Upside Stashes
- Injuries to Watch
- Top RB Handcuffs
- Top Streaming Defense
- Top Streaming Kicker
- Drop Candidates
Priority Target of the Week
Brenton Strange, TE Jacksonville Jaguars
Brenton Strange
TE12 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 15-20%
What Changed?
After missing five games with a hip injury, Strange returned to Jacksonville’s lineup and made an immediate impact. He led the Jaguars in catches (5) and receiving yards (93).
Strange posted a 71% route rate and looked fully healthy. He had gains of 30 and 24 yards in the game, and his 12.0-yard aDOT nearly doubled his season average of 6.6.
QB Trevor Lawrence had his best fantasy outing since Week 5, which was the last game Strange played. That’s probably not a coincidence. Lawrence averages 10.2 yards per attempt when targeting Strange and 6.2 YPA when targeting any other Jaguar.
What’s the Outlook?
Strange’s snap share and route rate were in line with his season averages. He has averaged 5.6 targets and 4.8 receptions per game in his five full outings.
His first game back was a great sign that Strange will be a focal point of Jacksonville’s offense, and the remaining schedule is favorable.
Jacksonville’s strength of schedule for Weeks 13-17 is the seventh-easiest for TEs:
- Week 13 at Tennessee
- Week 14 vs. Indianapolis
- Week 15 vs. New York Jets
- Week 16 at Denver
- Week 17 at Indianapolis
Treat Strange as a borderline TE1 with weekly top-10 upside.
Devin Neal, RB, New Orleans Saints
Blind Bid Recommendation: 10-15%
What Changed?
Alvin Kamara suffered a sprained MCL in Week 12.
A similar injury cost Kamara four games in 2021. We’re still waiting for results from an MRI, but it appears Kamara is set to miss multiple games.
That sets up Neal to have a big role for the Saints. After Kamara exited Week 12’s loss, Neal played 57 of the Saints’ final 66 snaps (86.3%).
What’s the Outlook?
Neal was the only RB other than Kamara to receive an opportunity against the Falcons. His seven carries only went for 18 yards, but he did reel in five of seven targets for 43 yards.
Audric Estime was a healthy scratch in that game and was the only other RB on the Saints’ roster. We expect Estime to be active for this week’s game against the Dolphins, but Neal is the top bet to lead the backfield in snaps and targets.
However, Taysom Hill remains a factor. Hill led New Orleans in carries last week. He’s also a better bet on the field in short-yardage situations. Hill’s potential to lead the Saints in carries and steal goal-line reps keeps Neal’s upside in check.
New Orleans plays the league’s ninth-easiest remaining schedule for RBs. That begins with a Week 13 matchup with a Miami defense that has improved, not allowing an RB TD in three straight.
Neal’s potential to lead the New Orleans backfield in snaps and targets puts him on the RB3/flex radar for as long as Kamara is sidelined.
Need Help Now?
Chris Rodríguez, RB, Washington Commanders
Chris Rodriguez
RB38 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 15-20%
What Changed?
We mentioned Rodriguez as a stash last week. He’s still plenty available, though, coming off Washington’s Week 12 bye.
Rodriguez set season-high marks last time out in carries (15), carry share (47%), and rushing yards (79). That was not a one-game anomaly. Rodriguez’s role has grown since Week 8, while Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s snap share has declined:
| PLAYER | WEEK 8 | WEEK 9 | WEEK 10 | WEEK 11 |
| Chris Rodriguez | 4% | 35% | 39% | 45% |
| Jacory Croskey-Merritt | 58% | 47% | 43% | 27% |
What’s the Outlook?
A little rough in Week 13. Rodriguez faces a Denver defense that allows the fourth-fewest fantasy points to RBs.
We'll see, at least, whether his role remains good ahead of a Minnesota matchup that's a little friendlier. Really, though, the hope is that we can count on Rodriguez's usage ahead of a high-upside Week 15 visit to the Giants.
Beware, however, for the possibility that Washington shifts some work back to Croskey-Merritt coming out of the bye.
Kayshon Boutte, WR, New England Patriots
Kayshon Boutte
WR54 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 8-10%
What Changed?
Boutte missed two games with a hamstring injury.
In Week 12, he re-inherited his role, leading New England’s receiving corps in route rate (85%) and ranking second in snap share (81%).
Boutte only received two targets against the Bengals, but his route participation was encouraging.
Before the Week 9 injury, Boutte averaged 74.3 receiving yards, 18.8 PPR points, and scored 4 TDs in New England’s previous three games.
What’s the Outlook?
Boutte will be in WR4/flex territory in Week 13 against a Giants’ defense that has ceded the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing WRs in 2025.
The Patriots have a bye in Week 14, and end the season with three neutral-to-positive matchups versus the Bills, Ravens, and Jets.
Jayden Higgins, WR, Houston Texans
Jayden Higgins
WR42 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 8-10%
What Changed?
Higgins drew a season-high nine targets against the Bills and scored his third TD in the last five games. He was in on 59% of Houston’s snaps, the third consecutive week in which the rookie WR has ranked second in snap share amongst Texans WRs.
Higgins’ 68% route rate in Week 12 was his second-highest of the season. His 32% target share marked the highest single-game rate for any Houston WR not named Nico Collins.
Meanwhile, Xavier Hutchinson’s route rate has declined in five straight games, bottoming out at 39% in Week 12. Houston’s No. 2 WR role firmly belongs to Higgins.
What’s the Outlook?
The Texans should have C.J. Stroud back under center in Week 13. Davis Mills has held up well in relief, but Stroud has outperformed him across categories.
In Week 13, Higgins will have flex appeal against an Indianapolis defense that has surrendered the 10th-most fantasy points to WRs.
A Week 14 matchup with the Chiefs has proved negative for WR scoring. But weeks 15 and 16 present neutral spots against Arizona and Las Vegas. We’ll see whether Higgins is getting usable target shares as those games approach.
Luther Burden, WR, Chicago Bears
Luther Burden III
WR46 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 6-8%
What Changed?
Burden played ahead of Olamide Zaccheaus as Chicago’s No. 3 WR for the second straight week. Burden’s 16% target share over that span ranks third on the team.
The rookie has now caught three balls in three straight games.
What’s the Outlook?
Since Week 8, Burden went from 1 target to back-to-back games with 5, while Zaccheaus has dropped from 7 targets to just 1 in the same stretch.
Burden just played a season-high 52% snap share and has seen his route participation nearly double in Chicago’s last two games. That’s encouraging growth, just in time for the fantasy playoffs.
Chicago has a challenging remaining schedule, including a Week 13 trip to Philadelphia. They also face the Packers twice and the Browns in Week 15. But Burden’s increased involvement in a Bears’ offense that ranks 12th in passing and 8th in scoring makes him a good WR4/flex option to add.
Deep-League Plays
Chimere Dike, WR, Tennessee Titans
Chimere Dike
WR41 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 5-8%
What Changed?
Elic Ayomanor missed Week 12 with a hamstring injury. Dike filled in as Tennessee’s No. 1 WR and led the Titans’ WR corps in targets (7), catches (5), and yards (44).
Dike also scored a pair of TDs, including a 90-yard punt return and a 1-yard reception in the fourth quarter.
Since Week 8, Dike ranks third amongst the team’s skill position players with a 71% snaps share. He also ranks third in Tennessee’s WR corps in route rate (74%) and second in target share (17%).
What’s the Outlook?
Dike’s fantasy output has been erratic. His three games of 15+ PPR points among the past five sandwiched scores of just 1.5 and 3.4.
But Ayomanor’s hamstring injury and Calvin Ridley being out for the season present a path to weekly upside.
The Titans play the league’s fourth-most difficult remaining schedule for WRs. Combine that with the volatility of Dike’s role and his offense, and he’s merely a deep flex.
Andrei Iosivas, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Andrei Iosivas
WR38 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 4-6%
What Changed?
Tee Higgins will miss Week 13 with a concussion. That’ll keep Iosivas in the No. 2 WR role -- behind a returning Ja’Marr Chase -- against the Ravens.
Iosivas played 85% of Cincinnati’s snaps and posted a 90% route rate with Chase out in Week 12. His 35 routes and seven targets led the Bengals in a game Higgins left early.
What’s the Outlook?
Iosivas obviously isn’t a good bet to lead in targets again with Chase back. But he should see similar playing time.
The Ravens have tightened up their coverage, but remain a neutral matchup for WR scoring. And the Bengals expect to get QB Joe Burrow back for the game. That can’t be bad news for Bengals pass catchers after Joe Flacco completed just 54.5% of his passes over the past two weeks.
View Iosivas as a WR4/flex option in deeper leagues for Week 13. After that, his value will hinge on Higgins' health.
John Metchie, WR, New York Jets
John Metchie
WR56 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What Changed?
Metchie made his second consecutive start and led the Jets in routes (31), catches (6), and receiving yards (65), and he scored a TD for the second straight week.
He ran a route on 91% of Jets dropbacks and drew a strong 27% target share.
What’s the Outlook?
Metchie leads Jets’ skill position players in snap share (88%) over the past two weeks, after seeing limited action in his first game with the team.
In his first game with Tyrod Taylor under center, Metchie's aforementioned route rate and target share were his best showings of the season. The Jets have averaged 49.3 more passing yards per game in Taylor’s two starts.
In Week 13, Metchie will be a WR4/flex option against an Atlanta defense that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to WRs over their last 5 games, including a league-worst 8 TDs allowed to the position.
Greg Dortch, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Greg Dortch
WR37 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What Changed?
Marvin Harrison Jr.(appendicitis) missed his second straight game. With Harrison sidelined, Dortch has been much more involved in Arizona’s offense.
| WEEKS | SNAP SHARE | ROUTE RATE | TARGET SHARE |
| 1-9 | 28% | 32% | 6% |
| 11-12 | 65% | 67% | 15% |
Harrison is tentatively expected back for Week 13. We’ll update his status as news develops.
What’s the Outlook?
Good, if Harrison misses another game. Dortch has caught 12 of 15 targets for 119 yards and 2 TDs in the two games Harrison has missed.
Even if Harrison returns, Dortch should remain decently involved as the No. 3 WR in an offense that has ranked among the league’s most pass-heavy since QB Jacoby Brissett stepped in.
A Week 13 matchup with Tampa Bay helps the passing upside. The Bucs arrive as the fifth-friendliest defense to WR scoring. The Rams and Texans present tougher passing matchups on the other side of that.
Mike Gesicki, TE, Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Gesicki
TE11 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 4-8%
What Changed?
Gesicki returned from a Week 6 pectoral injury to post 4 catches for 35 yards vs. New England in Week 12. He handled a decent 67% route rate and drew a solid 18% target share, albeit in a game Ja’Marr Chase missed and Tee Higgins (concussion) left early.
What’s the Outlook?
Chase will return for Thursday's matchup with the Ravens, but the Bengals will miss Higgins. His absence removes a 19% target share.
Week 13 also coincides with the likely return of Joe Burrow (toe).
On the other side, versatile Ravens defender Kyle Hamilton was listed as DNP on Monday’s estimated practice report. HC John Harbaugh said Hamilton dodged a major injury but would only say that he “has a chance” to play on Thanksgiving.
His absence would enhance the matchup for Gesicki, who’s at least in play as a deep-league spot starter.
Upside Stashes
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa
QB24 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 4-6%
What Changed?
Since losing to the Browns in Week 7, the Dolphins have won three of four by allowing Tua Tagovailoa to push the ball downfield. Three of Tagoavailo’s top-4 yards-per-attempt showings have come since Week 8.
And that has come from a depleted group of pass-catchers that could be reinforced as soon as Week 13.
Miami opened the 21-day window for TE Darren Waller to return to practice. In three games before suffering a pectoral injury, Waller caught 4 TD passes from Tagovailoa.
What’s the Outlook?
Miami hosts New Orleans in Week 13, which is a neutral-to-below-average matchup for the Dolphins' signal-caller. However, starting in Week 14, Tagovailoa gets the easiest schedule in the league for a QB:
- Week 14 at New York Jets
- Week 15 at Pittsburgh
- Week 16 vs. Cincinnati
- Week 17 vs. Tampa Bay
All four of Miami’s games from Weeks 14-17 come against teams that currently rank in the bottom-11 in terms of allowing fantasy points to QBs.
In Week 14, Tagovailoa will be on the streaming radar as he faces a Jets’ defense that has yet to record an INT this season and has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to QBs.
That makes Tagovailoa a proactive streaming target for fantasy managers who start Drake Maye, Jaxson Dart, or Brock Purdy.
Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns
Dylan Sampson
RB51 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What Changed?
Quinshon Judkins made multiple trips to the blue medical tent in Cleveland’s Week 12 win over the Raiders, and Sampson led the backfield in his absence.
The rookie played seven of Cleveland’s 11 snaps in the fourth quarter. For the game, Sampson played 35% of the Browns’ snaps and took 27% of the team’s carries, easily outpacing Jerome Ford’s 17% snap share and 4% rush share.
Sampson also took a check-down pass for 66 yards, securing Shedeur Sanders’ first NFL TD.
Judkins finished the game and should be ready for Week 13, but we’ll watch for any relevant updates on his health.
What’s the Outlook?
Judkins has commanded 76% of Cleveland’s backfield carries since debuting in Week 2. There isn’t a lot of opportunity behind him, but Sampson is the clear handcuff.
Since Week 8, Sampson has led the backfield with a 31% route rate and 9% target share. He’d beat Judkins on receiving upside if the starter were to miss any time.
Raheem Mostert, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Raheem Mostert
RB65 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What Changed?
Ashton Jeanty injured his left ankle late in the Raiders’ Week 12 loss to the Browns.
Mostert was the only other RB to play in that game, but he made little impact against Cleveland’s stout run defense.
If Jeanty were to miss time, Mostert would likely lead a committee that includes Zamir White and Dylan Laube.
What’s the Outlook?
On Monday, Pete Carroll said that he didn’t think Jeanty’s injury was serious. We’ll keep an eye on Jeanty’s practice status throughout the week.
For now, keep Mostert in mind as a deep stash. The upside would be limited even if Jeanty’s out, but the veteran could at least provide a desperation play.
Darren Waller, TE, Miami Dolphins
Darren Waller
TE104 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What Changed?
The Dolphins opened Waller’s 21-day practice window to return from IR. Waller has been out since Week 6 with a pectoral injury.
In his three games, Waller played 51% of Miami’s snaps and 14% of targets.
What’s the Outlook?
Miami’s gotten very little out of its TE group since Waller got injured.
Once he’s cleared, Waller should return to mid-range TE2 status with plus TD potential. In his three full games, Waller had a 63% route rate, 14% target share, and scored 4 TDs. His weekly finishes as TE2, TE5, and TE18 show his value as a late-season roster addition.
Miami’s upcoming schedule also looks inviting. The Dolphins play the second-easiest remaining schedule for TEs. After the Saints and Jets, the fantasy playoff slate includes the Steelers, Bengals, and Buccaneers.
Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints
Taysom Hill
TE38 on
Blind Bid Recommendation: 3-5%
What Changed?
Alvin Kamara sprained an MCL in Sunday’s loss to the Falcons. Hill got two carries before Kamara left the game (in the first quarter), but that injury likely factored into Hill finishing with a season-high 10 rushing attempts. He also attempted two passes and ran five pass routes.
We’ll update Kamara’s status as we learn more, but early indications point to him missing at least one game.
What’s the Outlook?
Hill managed just 17 yards on his 10 carries (1.7 per rush). But that level of usage will make him interesting where playable as a TE going forward.
Hill’s particularly likely to gain short-yardage opportunities, albeit for an offense that ranks second-worst in scoring.
He’s not a must-add for any format, but Hill makes sense for TE-desperate fantasy rosters.
Injuries to Watch
- Alvin Kamara (knee)
- Ashton Jeanty (ankle)
- Baker Mayfield (shoulder)
- J.J. McCarthy (concussion)
- Michael Mayer (ankle)
RB Handcuff Top 10
| RANK | PLAYER | TEAM | LAST WEEK |
| 1 | Kenneth Gainwell | Steelers | 3 |
| 2 | Kyle Monangai | Bears | 4 |
| 3 | Zach Charbonnet | Seahawks | 1 |
| 4 | Emanuel Wilson | Packers | - |
| 5 | Blake Corum | Rams | 2 |
| 6 | Tyler Allgeier | Falcons | 6 |
| 7 | Devin Neal | Saints | - |
| 8 | Rachaad White | Buccaneers | 5 |
| 9 | Jordan Mason | Vikings | 9 |
| 10 | Bhayshul Tuten | Jaguars | 8 |
Top Streaming Defense
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Chargers come off their Week 12 bye with an ideal matchup. They host a Raiders offense that ranks 30th in yards, 30th in offensive EPA (-77.8), and tied for last in scoring (15 points per game).
Las Vegas fired OC Chip Kelly after another stagnant outing. The Raiders produced just 268 yards in Sunday’s loss to Cleveland and now face a Los Angeles defense that ranks fifth in total yards allowed (286.1 per game). The Chargers also sit eighth in passing DVOA (-3.8%) and have 29 sacks.
It’s a brutal setup for the Raiders. Their offense ranks 30th in passing DVOA (-26.1%), their line has allowed the second-most sacks (41), and they’re tied for second-most INTs (13). Turning things around under a new play-caller seems unlikely.
A rested Chargers defense should feast.
TIP
Check our Week 13 DST streamers for more insight.
Top Streaming Kickers
- Zane Gonzalez, Falcons
- Jason Myers, Seahawks
- Evan McPherson, Bengals
TIP
Our Week 13 PK rankings have more streaming options and are continuously updated throughout the week.
Drop Candidates
Rashid Shaheed, Seahawks
Shaheed owns 3 catches for 30 yards over the past three weeks and ranks just third among Seattle WRs in routes. The former Saint was always a long shot to provide real fantasy value after coming over in a mid-season trade.
Olamide Zaccheaus, Bears
Zaccheaus played behind Luther Burden for the second straight game Sunday. The rookie topped him in route rate (61% to 24%) and targets (5-1).
Luke Musgrave, Packers
Musgrave looked like an interesting fantasy fill-in for the injured Tucker Kraft. Instead, Musgrave has just a 55% route rate and a 10% target share over the past three weeks. A low-volume passing game hurts, but don’t expect a major turnaround for the young TE.
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