Fantasy Football Week 13 Waiver Wire: Crunch Time Additions for Playoff Push
As we enter the final weeks of the fantasy football season, the stakes are higher than ever. Week 13 is a critical time for many owners looking to solidify their playoff position or secure that last playoff spot. Whether you’re in the playoffs or gearing up for the stretch run, the waiver wire can be a key to success in these high-stakes weeks. So, let’s dive into the players you should target this week to help boost your roster for a deep playoff run!
1. Noah Gray (TE – Kansas City Chiefs)
With tight end production being all over the place this season, Noah Gray has quietly been a consistent contributor for the Chiefs. Over the last two weeks, he’s caught four passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns in Week 12, following up a two-touchdown performance in Week 11. That’s four touchdowns in just two games! While Gray is still playing behind Travis Kelce, his role in the offense has increased, and the Chiefs face the Raiders next week, who are ranked dead last (32nd) in defending against tight ends. If you’re in a pinch at tight end, Gray is a solid streaming option with upside.
2. Taysom Hill (TE/QB – New Orleans Saints)
Taysom Hill is back on the radar as a dual-threat tight end/quarterback in fantasy leagues. With both tight end and quarterback eligibility, Hill has proven to be a versatile fantasy asset, especially when healthy. He has seen increased usage in the Saints offense, and with their upcoming schedule, he could be a sneaky play down the stretch. His ability to contribute as a rusher, passer, and receiver gives him an incredibly high ceiling, especially in deep leagues or SuperFlex formats. If he’s still available in your league, Hill should be a priority add for Week 13.
3. Isaiah Pacheco (RB – Kansas City Chiefs)
Pacheco has shown flashes of explosiveness all season, and he could be poised for a larger role in Week 13 and beyond. The Chiefs face the Raiders in a key divisional matchup on Friday, and with Pacheco fully healthy, he could take over the lead back role. Although he missed Week 12, Pacheco has been a steady contributor in Kansas City’s high-powered offense. If he’s available in your league, especially after the bye, go grab him. With his upside in a potent offense, he’s an excellent addition for the playoffs.
4. David Moore (WR – Carolina Panthers)
David Moore is a deep league target that’s been seeing a surprising uptick in production. In Week 12, he caught six of 10 targets for 81 yards and a touchdown against the Chiefs. While Moore has had an inconsistent career, he’s shown he can step up late in the season—this is a trend we saw last year as well. With Adam Thielen’s health a concern, Moore could see more targets, especially in favorable matchups. If you’re in a deeper league or need a dart throw in a flex spot, Moore could be a sneaky pickup.
5. Darnell Mooney (WR – Chicago Bears)
Mooney has been a consistent contributor in the Bears’ passing attack, especially with Justin Fields back at quarterback. He’s a solid wide receiver 3 or flex option for the stretch run, and with the Bears facing defenses that can be attacked through the air, Mooney’s value is on the rise. He’s been a steady target for Fields, and if he’s available, he’s worth adding to help round out your wide receiver corps for the playoff push.
6. Jeremy McNichols (RB – Washington Commanders)
McNichols is someone to watch closely, especially with injuries to key players in the Washington backfield. With Brian Robinson nursing an ankle injury and Antonio Gibson still inconsistent, McNichols has an opportunity to emerge as the next man up. He’s shown some flashes when given the opportunity, with double-digit fantasy points in two games this season, and could be a short-term solution for those in need of running back help. Washington faces the Titans in Week 13, and while the matchup isn’t ideal, McNichols could be a potential contributor if Robinson and Gibson remain limited.
7. Antonio Gibson (RB – Washington Commanders)
Gibson has been a solid contributor in the passing game all season, and his snap share has been trending upward. With Robinson struggling with injuries, Gibson could see more work in Week 13. He had a solid workload in Week 12, with six carries and a couple of receptions. If Robinson’s ankle injury lingers, Gibson could become a more prominent figure in the Washington offense, making him a valuable bench stash or flex option for those in need of running back depth.
8. Bucky Irving (RB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Irving has been steadily climbing up the depth chart in Tampa Bay, and with the Bucs’ favorable schedule through the fantasy playoffs, he’s becoming an intriguing option. He’s not an automatic start just yet, but he’s clearly been getting more touches lately. While Rashad White is still the lead back, Irving’s emergence could make him a solid flex play down the stretch. If you can stash him on your bench and pick the right matchup, Irving could pay dividends in the playoffs.
Honorable Mentions:
- Keenan Allen (WR – Los Angeles Chargers): Keenan Allen is still available in some leagues and should be immediately added if he’s out there. He remains one of the top wide receivers in the league and is a must-start every week.
- Jordan Addison (WR – Minnesota Vikings): Addison continues to be a great play as a No. 2 receiver for the Vikings, especially with Justin Jefferson drawing the top coverage each week. He’s a high-upside play for the fantasy playoffs.
- Christian Watson (WR – Green Bay Packers): After a slow start to the season, Watson is beginning to come on strong in recent weeks. He has a favorable stretch of games ahead and could be a nice flex option if he’s still floating around on your waiver wire.
Final Thoughts:
As we head into the fantasy football playoffs, your waiver wire moves become more critical than ever. The players we’ve highlighted here are all potential difference-makers down the stretch, and many are still widely available in leagues. Whether you’re looking for a streaming option, a bench stash, or a high-upside flex play, there’s plenty of value to be found in Week 13.
Make sure you check your waiver wire early in the week, prioritize your top targets, and don’t be afraid to take some calculated risks. Good luck, and may your playoff journey be successful!
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