There are just two weeks left in the regular season of most fantasy leagues, setting up some critical games in Weeks 13 and 14 as fantasy managers jockey for playoff position. The NFL schedule makers did fantasy managers no favors by giving us a six-team bye-pocalypse in Week 13, with the Ravens, Bills, Bears, Raiders, Vikings and Giants all idle.
Perhaps you have some lineup holes to patch for a must-win game. If so, here’s hoping you have some FAAB money left. Waiver budgets are dwindling at this late date in the season, so you might have to make some contingency claims in case you can’t afford your top targets.
There aren’t a lot of running backs who can provide immediate help this week. In fact, I would refer to this week’s RB list as “grimy.” But there are a lot of interesting wide receivers who are widely available, and there are some decent short-term options at quarterback and tight end.
As always, our list of waiver targets is limited to players who are available in more than 50% of Yahoo leagues. That leaves out some players who might be available in smaller or less competitive leagues, including Jordan Love (52% rostered), Isaiah Likely (52%) and Brandin Cooks (56%).
Let’s go shopping.
Grade: D
Rostership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues. Recommended FAAB bids are based on a $100 budget.
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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Week 13
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RUNNING BACKS
Written by Bo McBrayer
Zack Moss (IND): 49% rostered
- Next Opponents: @TEN, @CIN, PIT
- True value: $17
- Desperate need: $27
- Budget-minded: $8
- Analysis: Colts RB Jonathan Taylor is having thumb surgery and is expected to miss 1-2 games, making Moss a priority addition in leagues where he’s available (particularly for Taylor investors). Moss has enjoyed a renaissance season, thriving in roles ranging from workhorse to backup. With Taylor on injured reserve to start the year and then eased back into action in Week 5, Moss was an early-season monster, averaging 111.3 rushing yards, 18.0 receiving yards and a touchdown per week over a four-game stretch from Week 2 to Week 5. Moss warrants a robust bid for RB-needy teams that could use a heavy-duty running back for the last few games of fantasy football’s regular season.
Ty Chandler (MIN): 48% rostered
- Next Opponents: BYE, @LV, @CIN
- True value: $13
- Desperate need: $21
- Budget-minded: $6
- Analysis: Though the Vikings are headed into a bye week, consider it a BUY week on Chandler. The desperate manager might drop him to waivers in leagues where he is currently unavailable. Chandler has looked stellar, especially compared to incumbent starter Alexander Mattison, who has coughed up the football a lot this season and doesn’t have the same juice as the younger Chandler.
Roschon Johnson (CHI): 22% rostered
- Next Opponents: BYE, DET, @CLE
- True value: $8
- Desperate need: $15
- Budget-minded: $4
Analysis: Be careful about adding Johnson this week. Not only are the Bears entering their bye in Week 13, but Johnson also draws tough matchups against Detroit and Cleveland in Weeks 14-15. Naturally, we are still hoping for a second-half boost in workload for the Texas rookie. The concern is that Chicago might not have that in their plans.
Jeff Wilson (MIA): 17% rostered
- Next Opponents: @WAS, TEN, NYJ
- True value: $8
- Desperate need: $15
- Budget-minded: $4
Analysis: RB depth is paper thin across the league, and that certainly is reflected on our fantasy teams. As long as there is uncertainty with De’Von Achane‘s knee, Wilson will be an important piece in Miami’s backfield. He earned 14 touches, including three receptions, in Week 12, finishing with 73 yards from scrimmage against the Jets. As explosive as the Dolphins have been on offense, you can certainly justify rostering Miami’s No. 3 running back.
Ezekiel Elliott (NE): 40% rostered
- Next Opponents: LAC, @PIT, KC
- True value: $5
- Desperate need: $9
- Budget-minded: $2
Analysis: As desolate as New England’s fantasy production has been, Zeke has still earned enough of an opportunity to be rostered in your league. Rhamondre Stevenson is starting to roll, but don’t overlook the former Cowboy’s contribution to the backfield. Elliott is a flex starter in deeper leagues.
Stash Candidates:
Rico Dowdle‘s workload has progressed as I expected it to, and a fantasy manager with waning RB depth could conceivably plug him into the starting lineup. At the very least, Dowdle remains a premium handcuff behind Tony Pollard.
Kenneth Gainwell has kept a game-flow-dependent role for most of 2023 and has already vultured some of those sweet D’Andre Swift scoring opportunities. Although not a true handcuff stash, Gainwell would stand to gain value if Swift were to go down.
Mitchell finally saw a little bit of playing time to spell Christian McCaffrey in Week 12, with 7-39-0 rushing against the Seahawks. Mitchell is still nowhere near startable and only carries handcuff value.
Tyjae Spears took a nasty shot in Tennessee’s Week 12 win over the Panthers that left him shaken up, but he was able to continue. Spears only garnered three touches, so we’re still just holding on in case of a Derrick Henry injury.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Written by Derek Brown
Jayden Reed (GB): 47% rostered
- Next Opponents: KC, @NYG, TB
- True value: $7
- Desperate need: $11
- Budget-minded: $4
Analysis: Reed has earned snap shares of 69% or higher in each of the last two weeks – a feat he had not previously accomplished. Last week, he handled a 25% target share while scoring his second touchdown in his last three games. Reed’s stock is on the rise, as he is also getting involved on the ground. Reed now has at least 16 rushing yards in three of his last four games while also scoring a rushing touchdown in Week 11. After he faces Kansas City this week, his next few matchups look amazing, as the Giants and Buccaneers have allowed the second-most and fifth-most receiving yards to slot receivers this season (per Fantasy Points Data).
Demario Douglas (NE): 36% rostered
- Next Opponents: LAC, @PIT, KC
- True value: $6
- Desperate need: $10
- Budget-minded: $4
Analysis: Douglas continues to operate as the Patriots’ WR1. Before discussing his Week 13 outlook, I have to mention that he left Week 12 with a head injury, so monitor his practice reports this week, because his availability isn’t written in stone. Douglas now has four consecutive games with at least seven targets, including nine-target outings in each of his last two games. He’s still searching for his first touchdown of the season, but if Douglas continues to see this type of volume weekly, the touchdowns are coming. Douglas’ next two matchups should allow him to continue providing strong flex/WR3 value. The Chargers and Steelers have allowed the third-most and fourth-most receiving yards to slot receivers this season, respectively (per Fantasy Points Data).
Curtis Samuel (WAS): 28% rostered
- Next Opponents: MIA, BYE, @LAR
- True value: $4
- Desperate need: $7
- Budget-minded: $2
Analysis: Samuel smashed last week with a 27.3% target share, 100 receiving yards and 3.13 yards per route run. He made Jourdan Lewis look silly all day. Prior to Week 12, Samuel had already displayed the ability to pop off with a big week in the right matchup, with three top-24 finishes already on his 2023 resume (WR12, WR14, WR23). Samuel could have another strong game in Week 13 against Miami. The Dolphins’ outside corners are the strength of their secondary, but they have been vulnerable to slot receivers. Miami is tied for the sixth-most receiving touchdowns allowed to slot receivers (per Fantasy Points Data).
Noah Brown (HOU): 45% rostered
- Next Opponents: DEN, @NYJ, @TEN
- True value: $2
- Desperate need: $4
- Budget-minded: $1
Analysis: Brown has now missed two consecutive games with a knee injury. He didn’t practice at all last week, so I doubt he is back in Week 13, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve a roster spot. In Weeks 8-10, Brown had a 17.1% target share, a 23.4% air-yard share, 4.55 yards per route run and a 16.7% first-read share, as he averaged 127.3 receiving yards per game over that stretch. With Brown producing this season when called upon, and with Robert Woods looking over the hill, Brown may kick Woods to the curb and become the team’s starting slot receiver upon his return. C.J. Stroud continues to play amazingly well. Investing in this passing offense is a no-brainer.
A.T. Perry (NO): 3% rostered
- Next Opponents: DET, CAR, NYG
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: The Saints’ WR room has been decimated. Michael Thomas is on IR. Chris Olave left Week 12 with a concussion, so his Week 13 availability is questionable at best. Rashid Shaheed left Week 12’s game due to a quad injury. Perry could be starting in two-WR sets in Week 13 with Lynn Bowden at his side. This inserts Perry into the flex conversation immediately for Week 13 against a Lions secondary that, since Week 6, has allowed the fifth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.
Khalil Shakir (BUF): 18% rostered
- Next Opponents: BYE, @KC, DAL
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Shakir has flashed both a ceiling and a decent floor since assuming a starting role in the Buffalo offense. Over the last five games, he has eclipsed 92 receiving yards twice while also posting two games with at least three receptions and 47 receiving yards. If you toss a touchdown on top of either of those floor games, Shakir is staring down a WR2/3 finish for the week. Shakir is the “healthy Noah Brown” in that he offers readily available waiver wire access to one of the best passing offenses in the NFL. Picking up Shakir now is also a calculated move for the future. In Week 15, the Bills face off against the Cowboys, who slot receiver Curtis Samuel just destroyed on Thanksgiving. Dallas has allowed the eighth-most PPR points per target to slot receivers this season (per Fantasy Points Data). Play chess while your league mates play checkers.
Jalin Hyatt (NYG): 3% rostered
- Next Opponents: BYE, GB, @NO
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Hyatt popped off in Week 12 with a team-leading 24% target share and 109 receiving yards while playing 65% of the snaps. That was Hyatt’s third-highest snap share of the season and the third time he has eclipsed 75 receiving yards in a game. The bottom can fall out again for Hyatt in any week, but he has displayed a high ceiling if you are desperate for a flex play. There are worse flex-type dice rolls to take.
Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL): 49% rostered
- Next Opponents: BYE, LAR, @JAX
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Beckham’s hot streak ended in Week 12. He drew a 15.6% target share, producing 34 scoreless receiving yards. That’s a far cry from the 116 receiving yards he posted in Week 11. It’s also not close to the two games prior, where he posted at least 40 receiving yards and a score in each game. Beckham still deserves roster consideration, as he is tied to one of the best quarterbacks in football in a passing offense that is still searching to fill the Grand Canyon-sized hole left by Mark Andrews‘ injury. Beckham likely never develops into a weekly WR3 we can count on, but he can still have spike-week games in the right matchups.
Stash Candidates:
If Palmer is available in your league, STASH HIM NOW! The Chargers’ offense has been sputtering, as Justin Herbert has hyper-targeted Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler weekly, with no one else capable of stepping up and producing. As soon as Palmer is back in the lineup, he’ll resume kicking out WR2/3-worthy state lines. Grab him now.
QUARTERBACKS
Written by Bo McBrayer
Derek Carr (NO): 44% rostered
- Next Opponents: DET, CAR, NYG
- True value: $4
- Desperate need: $7
- Budget-minded: $2
Analysis: It’s dome sweet dome for the Saints over the next three weeks. Carr passed for 300 yards in Atlanta on Sunday but failed to find the end zone. This has been a recurring trend with him and is rightfully alarming for his fantasy outlook. Detroit’s struggling pass defense provides Carr with a promising matchup, but the health of Carr’s pass catchers is a concern. Chris Olave sustained a concussion in Week 12, and Rashid Shaheed left with a quad injury.
Gardner Minshew: 16% rostered
- Next Opponents: @TEN, @CIN, PIT
- True value: $4
- Desperate need: $7
- Budget-minded: $2
Analysis: Minshew is averaging 14.6 fantasy points over his seven starts. That’s not an exciting number, but to be fair, Minshew has faced a difficult schedule since taking over for the injured Anthony Richardson. Four of Minshew’s seven starts have been against teams that rank top 10 in DVOA vs. the pass. He hasn’t faced a team ranked worse than No. 21 in DVOA against the pass all season, but that changes this week when he goes against the Titans, who rank No. 28. Minshew is very much in play this week as a streaming option, and you could also use him in Week 14 in a playable matchup against the Bengals.
Kenny Pickett (PIT): 16% rostered
- Next Opponents: ARI, NE, @IND
- True value: $3
- Desperate need: $5
- Budget-minded: $1
Analysis: Freed from the playcalling of Matt Canada, who was fired as Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator last week, Pickett looked like a different quarterback in Sunday’s 16-10 win over the Bengals, completing 24-of-33 passes for 278 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. The Steelers averaged an impressive 6.2 yards per play vs. Cincinnati. No, we’re not engraving Pickett’s Hall of Fame bust yet, but it was an encouraging performance from a QB who’s struggled for most of the season. The fact that it came immediately after Canada’s ouster gives us plausible hope that Pickett can be a useful streamer down the stretch. He gets a friendly matchup this week against a Cardinals defense that entered Week 12 having allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game (18.6) to quarterbacks.
Will Levis (TEN): 25% rostered
- Next Opponents: IND, @MIA, HOU
- True value: $3
- Desperate need: $5
- Budget-minded: $1
Analysis: Levis might be the streaming option with the most upside over the next three weeks. He has looked incredibly rough since his four-touchdown debut, but the rookie has faced some tough defenses during that stretch. I expect the training wheels to come off as the rookie acclimatizes to NFL speed. His penchant for big plays is comforting for those of us who might run him out there with our fantasy playoff hopes on the line.
Matthew Stafford (LAR): 48% rostered
- Next Opponents: CLE, @BAL, WAS
- True value: $2
- Desperate need: $4
- Budget-minded: $1
Analysis: On one hand, Stafford is fresh off a four-touchdown game against Arizona, which is why he was featured in last week’s article. On the other hand, the Rams now face two of the best defenses in the NFL. Tread lightly, especially if Cooper Kupp misses a lot of practice with his ankle injury. Stafford is having an up and down season, so pegging his production will be difficult.
Jake Browning (CIN): 8% rostered
- Next Opponents: @JAX, IND, MIN
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: For what it’s worth, Browning did crack double digits in fantasy points in the last two games versus two of the toughest defenses on QBs. He spreads the ball around, much to the dismay of those who need him to flood the ball to Ja’Marr Chase, but Browning has displayed good poise in Joe Burrow‘s stead. The most decorated high school QB in history has the chops to put up points the next three games. It will be even more promising once the Bengals get Tee Higgins back on the field.
Stash Candidates: N/A
- Stream, don’t stash! Only grab a QB off waivers with the intention of plugging him right into the starting lineup. Save those precious bench spots for depth at skill positions.
TIGHT ENDS
Written by Derek Brown
Pat Freiermuth (PIT): 48% rostered
- Next Opponents: ARI, NE, @IND
- True value: $6
- Desperate need: $9
- Budget-minded: $4
Analysis: OH MY LORD! Well, that didn’t take long, did it? Freed from the shackles of Matt Canada, the Steelers’ offense looked reborn, with 421 total yards and 6.2 yards per play against the Bengals on Sunday. To add some context to the yards-per-play mark from a season-long perspective, that would be the third-highest mark in the league behind only the Dolphins and 49ers. Freiermuth finished Week 12 with a 33.3% target share, nine receptions and 120 receiving yards. Even if we cut those numbers in half, that’s TE1-worthy usage every week. If Freiermuth is available, grab him now. A new day has dawned in Pittsburgh.
Juwan Johnson (NO): 9% rostered
- Next Opponents: DET, CAR, NYG
- True value: $2
- Desperate need: $6
- Budget-minded: $1
Analysis: The New Orleans WR depth chart was decimated in Week 12. Chris Olave left the game with a concussion, while Rashid Shaheed sustained a quad injury. Johnson was a beneficiary, soaking up an 18.4% target share and producing 45 receiving yards. Johnson is a plug-and-play option at tight end this week. He could be the second option in the target pecking order behind Alvin Kamara against a Detroit Lions defense that has allowed the fifth-most receiving touchdowns per game to tight ends.
Tucker Kraft (GB): 1% rostered
- Next Opponents: KC, @NYG, TB
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Kraft assumed the starting role last week with Luke Musgrave out with a lacerated kidney and had an 82% route run rate and a 6.3% target share (per Fantasy Points Data). Those numbers aren’t amazing, but Kraft did spike a touchdown to save his day. Kraft is an uber-talented and athletic tight end in the mold of Musgrave, whose primary role in the offense is as a receiver. Kraft is worth stashing even if you are set at tight end. We could easily see his role grow weekly as long as Musgrave is sidelined.
Tyler Conklin (NYJ): 16% rostered
- Next Opponents: ATL, HOU, @MIA
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Conklin makes this list as a matchup-based streaming option only. Conklin has at least four grabs and 33 receiving yards in three of his last four games. Add a touchdown to any of those stat lines, and we’re talking about a TE1 for the week. I have zero faith in the Jets’ offense or the arm of Tim Boyle, but the matchup is right for Conklin in Week 13. Atlanta has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.
Stash Candidates: None
DEFENSES
Jacksonville Jaguars: 33% rostered
- Next Opponents: CIN, @CLE, BAL
- True value: $2
- Desperate need: $4
- Budget-minded: $1
Analysis: If you need a defense to get you through the final two weeks of fantasy football’s regular season, the Jaguars are an attractive option. Jacksonville will face the QB-challenged Cincinnati and Cleveland offenses the next two weeks. The Bengals could scrape up only 10 points against the Steelers on Sunday, with backup QB Jake Browning completing 19-of-26 passes for 227 yards with one touchdown, one interception and four sacks. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who started for the Browns in Week 12, didn’t throw any interceptions or take any sacks, but he completed 14-of-29 passes for 134 yards before being knocked out of the game on a vicious hit. P.J. Walker finished for Denver and was sacked four times in the process. The Jaguars’ defense entered Week 12 tied for 13th in fantasy points per game at 8.0. The Jags sacked C.J. Stroud four times on Sunday and entered Week 12th ranked 11th in pressure rate.
Atlanta Falcons: 10% rostered
- Next Opponents: @NYJ, TB, @CAR
- True value: $2
- Desperate need: $4
- Budget-minded: $1
Analysis: Can I interest you in a defense that faces third-string Jets QB Tim Boyle this week? Ah, I thought so. Boyle’s Week 12 start against the Dolphins was predictably disastrous, with the veteran journeyman completing 27-of-38 passes for 179 yards, with one touchdown, two interceptions (one of which was returned for a TD) and seven sacks. Never mind that the Atlanta defense went into Week 12 tied for 26th in fantasy points per game (5.0). Boyle will make the Falcons’ defense look good.
Los Angeles Chargers: 15% rostered
- Next Opponents: @NE, DEN, @LV
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $3
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: The Chargers went into Week 12 ranked seventh in sacks with 34. The loss of edge rusher Joey Bosa to a foot injury is a severe blow, but the Chargers are still a viable Week 13 streaming option against a wayward Patriots offense that’s cycling through mediocre quarterbacks. Mac Jones was benched late in New England’s Week 11 game and benched again in Week 12 after completing 12-of-21 passes for 89 yards and throwing two interceptions in a 10-7 loss to the Giants. Second-year QB Bailey Zappe relieved Jones and wasn’t much of an improvement, completing 9-of-14 passes for 54 yards and an interception.
Los Angeles Rams: 7% rostered
- Next Opponents: CLE, @BAL, WSH
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $3
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: The Rams’ defense entered Week 12 tied for last with the Panthers in fantasy scoring, but the Rams’ D played well in a 37-14 win over the Cardinals in Week 12, and it gets a scrumptious Week 13 matchup against the Browns. Cleveland QBs Dorian Thompson-Robinson and P.J. Walker combined to complete 20-of-42 passes for 190 yards against the Broncos on Sunday with one touchdown, no interceptions and four sacks. Cleveland averaged just 3.8 yards per play against Denver. It’s not clear which quarterback will start against the Rams, as Thompson-Robinson left in the second half after taking a hard shot from a Denver pass rusher, but it doesn’t matter much. This is an offense to target with your team defense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 30% rostered
- Next Opponents: CAR, @ATL, @GB
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $3
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: The Buccaneers get a Week 13 date with the Panthers, who haven’t scored more than 15 points in a game since Week 5. Carolina entered Week 12 having allowed 11.2 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, fourth-most in the league behind only the Jets, Giants and Commanders. The Panthers’ rookie quarterback, Bryce Young, has thrown eight interceptions and taken 40 sacks in 10 starts. The Buccaneers went into Week 12 ranked a respectable 12th in defensive DVOA.
Indianapolis Colts: 13% rostered
- Next Opponents: @TEN, @CIN, PIT
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: In its last three games, the Indianapolis defense has recorded 15 sacks, five interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. It helped that those games were against the offensively challenged Panthers, Patriots and Buccaneers, but the Colts get another nice matchup this week against the Titans and rookie QB Will Levis. Tennessee scored 28 points in Levis’ first start, but the Titans have scores 17 or fewer points in each of their last four games.
Stash Candidates:
- New Orleans Saints
It’s rare for us to recommend stashing a defense, but if you have a roster spot to spare, it might be worth tucking the New Orleans defense away. You wouldn’t want to play the Saints against the Lions this week (despite Lions QB Jared Goff‘s recent struggles), but the Saints get appealing matchups in Weeks 14-15 against the Panthers and Giants. The New Orleans defense entered Week 12 tied for ninth in fantasy points per game at 8.1.
KICKERS
Brandon McManus (JAX): 47% rostered
- Next Opponents: CIN, @CLE, BAL
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Since the beginning of October, the Jaguars have scored 20 or more points in 7-of-8 games, and they’ve topped 30 points three times during that stretch. McManus entered Week 12 ranked fifth among kickers in fantasy scoring. He’s kicked three or more field goals in six of Jacksonville’s 11 games. McManus gets a Week 12 matchup against the Bengals, who entered Week 12th having allowed the 12th-most fantasy points per game to kickers.
Matt Gay (IND): 21% rostered
- Next Opponents: @TEN, @CIN, PIT
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: If you have enough faith in Colts head coach Shane Steichen and the Indianapolis offense, you can ride Gay all the way through the fantasy playoffs. Gay’s next five matchups are against the Titans, Bengals, Steelers, Falcons and Raiders, who, entering Week 12, all ranked top 15 in most fantasy points allowed to kickers. Gay went into Week 12 averaging 9.6 fantasy points per game, sixth among kickers.
Jake Moody (SF): 35% rostered
- Next Opponents: @PHI, SEA, @ARI
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: The 49ers’ explosive offense gives Moody a high weekly floor. San Francisco has produced 92 points over its last three games, and Moody has kicked five field goals and 11 extra points over that stretch. Moody is a better play for the long term than for this week. He has a Week 13 matchup against the Eagles, who were allowing just 6.0 fantasy points per game to kickers entering Week 12.
Will Lutz (DEN): 11% rostered
- Next Opponents: @HOU, @LAC, @DET
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: Lutz has been on a tear, with 11 field goals over his last three games. The Broncos’ offense has seemingly found its footing, reducing concerns about the team’s offensive struggles short-circuiting Lutz’s scoring potential. Lutz gets weatherproof Week 13 matchup against the Texans in Houston.
Chris Boswell (PIT): 16% rostered
- Next Opponents: ARI, NE, @IND
- True value: $1
- Desperate need: $2
- Budget-minded: $0
Analysis: With an attractive home matchup against the Cardinals, Boswell is a nice streaming option this week. Over their last nine games, the Cardinals have given up an average of 28.2 points per game. Boswell is 21-of-22 on field goals and 15-of-15 on extra points this season. We can feel a little more confident in Boswell’s scoring potential after the Steelers produced 421 yards of offense in their first game since the firing of much-maligned offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
Stash Candidates: None.
FOOL’S GOLD
After not scoring a touchdown in the first 11 weeks of the season, Tyler Higbee rang the bell twice on Sunday. But Higbee had only 29 receiving yards on five receptions, and since Week 5, he’s averaged just 19.4 receiving yards per game. With WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua hogging targets for the Rams, Higbee will disappear from the offense all too frequently.
Samaje Perine had 7-55-1 rushing and 1-11-0 receiving against the browns on Sunday, and he had 7-60-0 receiving against the Vikings in Week 11. Perine seems to have recaptured the No. 2 spot on Denver’s RB depth chart, leapfrogging rookie Jaleel McLaughlin. But Perine had a puny 26.9% snap share in Week 12, as Javonte Williams continues to dominate snaps and touches for the Broncos. Perine isn’t a great handcuff either, because if Javonte were to go down, Broncos head coach Sean McVay would probably use a mixture of Perine and McLaughlin.
Justin Watson has scored a touchdown in each of his last two games for the Chiefs. His 3-yard touchdown against the Raiders in Week 12 was his only catch of the day, however. Watson had 5-53-1 on 11 targets against the Eagles the previous week, but Watson hasn’t seen more than five targets in any other game this season, and his weekly snap shares routinely hover between 40% and 65%.
DROP RECOMMENDATIONS
Droppable:
The Jets made Allen Lazard a healthy inactive in Week 12, and their passing game has taken up residency on skid row. Dump Lazard if you’re holding him.
It was unclear as of this writing whether Justin Jefferson would return for the Vikings’ Monday-night game against the Bears. Minnesota has a Week 13 bye, and Jefferson will assuredly be back by Week 14, at which point Osborn goes back to being the No. 3 receiver and at best No. 4 in the target pecking order behind Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison.
The Saints placed Michael Thomas on IR with a knee injury last Tuesday. He hasn’t done enough for you to consider holding him until he’s eligible to return in Week 16.
Droppable with a chance of regret:
Amari Cooper has 6-50-0 on 14 targets over the last two weeks with Dorian Thompson-Robinson starting at quarterback in place of Deshaun Watson, who’s out for the season. Cooper is a wonderful receiver, but the Browns’ QB woes make him a much riskier lineup option than he would normally be, and now he’s dealing with a rib injury that could potentially keep him out of Week 13. Cooper’s matchups against the Rams and Jaguars the next two weeks are neutral at best, and he would be unusable in Week 17 because of a matchup with the Jets. It’s tough to drop a player this good, but it’s hard to see a silver lining here.
Hunter Henry hasn’t produced 40 receiving yards in a game since Week 4, and he’s scored only one touchdown since Week 2. The Patriots’ passing attack is a dysfunctional mess. Henry could randomly find the end zone in any given week, but there are better TE options widely available on waivers.
Don’t drop yet:
Godwin has one touchdown and one 100-yard game this season. He doesn’t have any great matchups left on his fantasy schedule, with his next five games against the Panthers, Falcons, Packers, Jaguars and Saints. But Godwin is WR37 in fantasy scoring, averaging a respectable 11.6 PPR points per game. We want better than “respectable” from a receiver as accomplished as Godwin, but his reasonably sturdy floor is reason enough not to spite-drop him.
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