NFL Week 13 Waiver Wire Suggestions
Happy Thanksgiving week. We have Thursday and Friday football games this week, so things are moving fast.
Thursday
- Packers at Lions
- Chiefs at Cowboys
- Bengals at Ravens
Friday
- Bears at Eagles
The following are my waiver wire pickups for week 13.
Broncos at Commanders
Troy Franklin has quietly become one of the most reliable waiver wire adds of the second half. The second-year receiver has carved out a legitimate role alongside Courtland Sutton, posting a 20%-plus target share over the past seven weeks, actually edging out Sutton during that stretch. His chemistry with former Oregon teammate Bo Nix continues to blossom, as evidenced by his 22-259-4 line over the last five games.
The Broncos are rested off a bye week, but Franklin’s Week 11 performance against the Chiefs showcased his big-play ability, hauling in 4 catches for 84 yards, including a crucial 32-yard reception that set up the game-winning field goal. He ranked as WR12 in expected fantasy points per game, signaling legitimate target volume.
The matchup against Washington on Sunday Night Football is appetizing. The Commanders have been vulnerable through the air, and primetime games tend to feature pass-heavy scripts. Franklin’s connection with Nix makes him a high-upside WR3/flex play with legitimate WR2 ceiling in favorable game scripts. Add him now before he’s universally rostered.
Cardinals at Buccaneers
If you’re streaming quarterbacks, Jacoby Brissett deserves serious consideration. The veteran has been named Arizona’s starter for the remainder of the season with Kyler Murray on IR, and he’s been performing at a level that demands fantasy attention.
Brissett set an NFL record in Week 11, completing 47 of 57 passes for 452 yards with two touchdowns against the 49ers. While that game was a loss, the volume was extraordinary. In three starts, the Cardinals are averaging 25.7 points per game with Brissett under center, a significant jump from their output with Murray.
Week 13 brings a mouth-watering matchup against Tampa Bay, which currently ranks in the bottom third of the league in yards allowed to opposing quarterbacks. Brissett has proven he can move the ball efficiently, averaging nearly 300 passing yards per start with a favorable 4:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio in his wins.
With weapons like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride at his disposal, Brissett offers a safe floor with sneaky upside. He’s a top-12 streaming option this week.
Bears at Eagles
Kyle Monangai is the definition of a late-round gem paying dividends. The seventh-round pick out of Rutgers has emerged as a legitimate fantasy contributor, and his breakout Week 9 performance against Cincinnati, 176 rushing yards on 26 carries with 198 total yards, announced his arrival. Monangai brings a physical, downhill running style that Ben Johnson’s offense has embraced. He’s averaging 4.7 yards per carry on 87 attempts with three touchdowns, outproducing nearly every running back drafted ahead of him. The Bears’ ground game has found its footing, averaging 183.5 rushing yards over their last two contests.
The Black Friday matchup against Philadelphia is challenging; the Eagles boast a stout run defense, but Monangai’s role is secure. With D’Andre Swift nursing injuries throughout the season, Monangai has consistently seen double-digit touches. Even in tough matchups, his touchdown upside and guaranteed volume make him a viable RB3/flex option.
If he’s somehow still available in your league, prioritize this add. Monangai has standalone value regardless of Swift’s status.
Packers at Lions
Christian Watson is finally healthy and flashing the explosive potential that made him a second-round pick. After tearing his ACL last season, Watson returned in Week 8 and has immediately reclaimed a significant role in Green Bay’s passing attack.
The numbers since his return are encouraging: 12 catches for 234 yards and two touchdowns on 17 targets across four games. What makes Watson especially intriguing is Green Bay’s receiver room situation. Jayden Reed remains on IR, while Romeo Doubs and Matthew Golden have battled injuries. Watson has become Jordan Love’s primary deep threat by default, and the opportunity should persist.
The Week 13 matchup against Detroit in a divisional showdown is projected to be a high-scoring affair. Watson’s boom-or-bust profile makes him a perfect flex dart throw in this spot. His speed and red-zone presence give him weekly touchdown equity.
Saints at Dolphins
Not often do we suggest you pick up someone from the Saints; however, things have changed. Devin Neal might be the most important waiver wire add of the week. Alvin Kamara left Week 12’s game against the Falcons with a knee injury (MCL sprain), potentially thrusting the rookie sixth-rounder into the starting role.
Neal showed what he can do when given the opportunity, tallying 61 yards from scrimmage on 14 touches against Atlanta. He’s been operating as the Saints’ clear No. 2 option with Kendre Miller on IR, and now he could be looking at a featured role.
The matchup against Miami is favorable for running backs. The Dolphins have struggled defensively all season, and Neal’s patient running style and receiving ability make him a three-down option. He caught 5 of 7 targets against the Falcons, demonstrating the pass-catching chops that made him a value pick in April.
Monitor Kamara’s status closely, but even if Kamara plays in a limited capacity, Neal should see increased work. He’s a must-add in all formats, the type of speculative pickup that wins fantasy championships if Kamara misses extended time.
Bengals at Ravens
Andrei Iosivas finds himself in a fascinating Week 13 situation. Ja’Marr Chase has been suspended one game for spitting at Jalen Ramsey, and Tee Higgins remains in concussion protocol. That could elevate Iosivas from WR3 afterthought to primary target in Cincinnati’s pass-heavy offense. The third-year receiver has shown steady production when given opportunity, posting a 23-317-1 line on 42 targets through 11 games. His Week 12 performance against New England (4 catches, 61 yards on 7 targets) demonstrated his ability to produce with volume.
The Thanksgiving matchup against Baltimore is tricky; the Ravens have a quality secondary, but necessity breeds opportunity. With Joe Flacco potentially back at quarterback and the Bengals’ two primary receivers potentially sidelined, Iosivas could see 8-12 targets.
Iosivas won’t win your week in normal circumstances, but this is far from normal. He’s a high-upside play specifically for Week 13, with WR2 potential if both Chase and Higgins are out. Add him for the holiday weekend dart throw.
Bears at Eagles
Colston Loveland is ascending at the perfect time for fantasy playoffs. The 10th overall pick has found his rhythm, posting at least 40 receiving yards in four consecutive games with three touchdowns during that stretch. His Week 9 breakout, 6 catches, 118 yards, 2 TDs, including a game-winning 58-yarder, signaled his arrival as a legitimate fantasy asset.
Loveland’s role is stabilizing despite Cole Kmet’s presence. He’s maintained a 51.9% route share since Week 10 with an 11.8% target share, and Caleb Williams clearly trusts him in crucial moments. The rookie has become a red-zone weapon, with all three of his touchdowns coming inside the 20. The Black Friday matchup against Philadelphia presents challenges —the Eagles do have a quality defense— but Loveland’s target floor provides safety. He’s averaged 4-5 targets weekly over his last three games, converting them efficiently.
If you’re streaming tight ends or need an upgrade, Loveland offers weekly TE1 upside with a stable floor. He’s the TE5 in PPR points per game since Week 9. Add and start with confidence.
Patriots vs. Giants
Kayshon Boutte has emerged as a legitimate fantasy contributor in New England’s surprising offense. The third-year receiver has compiled a 25-446-5 line on 33 targets through 10 games, showcasing big-play ability that Drake Maye has learned to exploit.
Boutte’s connection with Maye has been electric. His two-touchdown performance against the Saints in Week 6 (93 yards) demonstrated his ceiling, and he’s maintained consistent involvement since. His 18.74 yards per reception ranks among the league’s best, indicating he’s being used as a vertical threat.
The Monday Night matchup against the Giants is extremely favorable. New York’s secondary has been vulnerable all season, and the Patriots’ passing game should find success. Boutte logged an 80% snap share in Week 12, confirming his role is secure after a brief hamstring issue.
With Maye playing MVP-caliber football and the Patriots riding a hot streak, Boutte offers upside that belies his rostership percentage. He’s a solid WR3 with WR2 upside in plus matchups, and this week qualifies.
Falcons at Jets
Darnell Mooney’s stock is rising at precisely the right moment. With Drake London sidelined due to a PCL sprain (considered week-to-week), Mooney steps into the WR1 role for Atlanta’s passing attack.
Mooney capitalized immediately, posting his best fantasy performance of the season in Week 12 against the Saints, 3 catches for 74 yards and a 49-yard touchdown. Over Atlanta’s last two games with London active, Mooney was already averaging 7.5 targets per game, suggesting increased involvement regardless of London’s status.
The matchup against the Jets has intrigue. New York has benched Justin Fields for Tyrod Taylor, which could affect the game script and tempo. The Jets’ secondary has talent but has been inconsistent, and Mooney’s speed creates problems for any cornerback.
Mooney’s injury history (hamstring, collarbone, ribs) is concerning, but when healthy, he’s shown 1,000-yard season capability. As the clear top option until London returns, he offers WR2 production with WR1 upside. He’s a must-start if you roster him.
Bears at Eagles
Oddly enough, most of the players I’m suggesting you pick up on the Waiver Wire week 13, are in the Thursday or Friday games. Here’s another: Luther Burden III is generating buzz at the perfect time. The second-round pick out of Missouri has steadily climbed Chicago’s depth chart, and his Week 10 performance (3 catches, 51 yards on a season-high 52% snap share) suggests the coaching staff is ready to expand his role.
Burden brings electric playmaking ability; his 65-yard flea-flicker touchdown against Dallas in Week 3 (101 yards total) showcased his big-play potential. He’s recorded 13 catches for 171 yards and a touchdown through seven games, but the underlying metrics suggest more is coming. The Black Friday matchup against Philadelphia is challenging, but Burden’s versatility creates mismatches for Ben Johnson. He can align anywhere on the field, and with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze nursing minor injuries throughout the season, Burden’s opportunity could expand further.
He’s a stash candidate with upside for the fantasy playoffs. If you have roster space, add Burden now before his breakout performance makes him universally owned.
Texans at Colts
Jayden Higgins is the Texans’ most intriguing waiver wire target. The rookie has emerged as Houston’s clear third option, running more snaps than any other Texans wideout since Week 8 and posting 7+ targets in three of his last four games.
Higgins’ Week 12 performance against Buffalo (4 catches, 38 yards, touchdown on 9 targets) tied Andre Johnson for the second-most receiving touchdowns by a rookie in franchise history. His size (6’4″) and catch radius have made him a favorite target for Davis Mills. The matchup against Indianapolis is appealing. The Colts’ secondary has been exploitable, and with C.J. Stroud still in concussion protocol, Mills has leaned heavily on Higgins’ reliability. His 27 receptions for 294 yards and 4 touchdowns through 11 games represent steady production.
Higgins offers a safe floor with touchdown upside, the type of player who won’t lose your week but could win it. He’s a viable WR3/flex option in 12-team leagues and deeper.
Colts vs. Texans
Alec Pierce burned us in our prop bets last week, but he is enjoying a career-best season and remains widely available. The fourth-year receiver has posted a 28-585-1 line through eight games, averaging 73.1 yards per game with 10 catches of 20+ yards, both career highs.
Pierce’s chemistry with Daniel Jones has been a revelation. His Week 9 performance against Pittsburgh (6 catches, 115 yards on 13 targets) showcased his ability to handle volume, while his Week 10 touchdown against Atlanta (4 catches, 84 yards) demonstrated his playmaking ability.
The matchup against Houston is intriguing. The Texans’ defense has been elite (allowing fewest points per game at 14.7), but they’ve faced easier competition. Pierce’s speed and route-running should test Houston’s secondary. What makes Pierce appealing is his consistency. He’s posted at least 69 receiving yards in four consecutive games, providing a reliable floor with weekly touchdown equity. In a crowded Colts passing attack featuring Tyler Warren and Michael Pittman Jr., Pierce has carved out a defined role.
