Waiver Wire Watch: Week 13

Nov 30, 2020

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Strangely, despite most of Week 12 being a success, it feels a bit like the season is hanging on the precipice. The Broncos started a practice squad wide receiver at quarterback due to their entire quarterback room being quarantined for COVID-19, and the Ravens/Steelers game was moved not once, but twice in the span of a few days. And the Ravens STILL won’t field close to a full roster. Hopefully, the league and players take this seriously so we can finish what has been a very strange but fun and challenging fantasy year. Part of that challenge has come in managing the waiver-wire, both with foresight and quick, informed reactionary adds. I try to cover as many bases as possible below, but with games on Monday and Tuesday still to go, be sure to check back later in the week for updates.

Recommendations are based on a PPR-scoring, four-point passing touchdown, 12-team league, with ownership percentages coming from Yahoo. I try to mention when a player is a better streaming play (short-term/one-week starter) versus a long-term addition. Free-agent acquisition budget (FAAB) suggestions are based on a $100 season-long budget. Lastly, the great John Paulsen will edit this article every week and adjust rankings and prices if necessary. Essentially, you’re getting two minds collaborating on this piece instead of one, so lucky you.

Now, with that out of the way, here are some players to target heading into Week 13.

TEAMS ON BYE: Buccaneers, Panthers

TEAMS RETURNING FROM BYE: None

Quarterbacks

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Dolphins
Kirk Cousins, Vikings
Baker Mayfield, Browns
Philip Rivers, Colts

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Dolphins, 20% rostered ($3)

Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with a thumb injury, which brought Fitzmagic back into our lives just before the Christmas season. It’s unclear if Tua will be healthy enough to play next week, which could make Fitzpatrick an excellent streaming option against the lowly Bengals defense. Fitz returned to action without skipping a beat, completing 24-of-39 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns. Update: There are reports of "optimism" within the team that Tua will be able to play in Week 13. We won't know until we see practice reports later this week, but factor that into any acquisition of Fitzmagic.

Kirk Cousins, Vikings, 40% rostered ($3)

Cousins was a terrific streamer against the Panthers, going 35-of-45 for 307 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions, though his final stats were boosted by the fact that the Vikings fell behind. He’ll have a chance to build on this performance next week against the suspect Jacksonville secondary. Mike Glennon helped the Jaguars nearly beat the Browns this week, so the Jags may be able to keep pace with the Vikings. That’s good news for Cousins’ floor, as if the Vikings build a quick/big lead they’ll assuredly lean on the run game.

Baker Mayfield, Browns, 35% rostered ($3)

Mayfield was solid against the Jaguars, finally escaping apocalyptic weather conditions. He threw for 258 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He has a nice matchup next week against a beatable Tennessee defense, but the game script could also force the Browns to have to take to the air as Tennessee can put up points with the best of them. Mayfield is a lower-end streamer as Cleveland relies on the run, but there’s definitely a path to solid fantasy production in Week 13.

Philip Rivers, Colts, 33% rostered ($2)

Rivers didn’t quite live up to his potential but posted solid numbers with 295 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception against the Titans. Rivers has been playing better of late, so hopefully that carries into next week’s matchup with the terrible Texans secondary. Five of the last seven quarterbacks to face the Texans have scored at least 19 fantasy points, and the only two to not hit that mark were Matthew Stafford (injured and missing multiple starters) and Baker Mayfield (in a tsunami). RIvers is more of a floor play at quarterback, but he’s a solid start.

Other streaming options: Derek Carr (@ NYJ), Andy Dalton at Ravens, Mitchell Trubisky vs. Lions, Mike Glennon at Vikings, Sam Darnold (vs. LVR).