Early Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 13 (2020 Fantasy Football)

Welcome in, folks! We’ve made it through the bulk of Week 12 action, and it’s that most wonderful time of the evening once again. Sunday night gives fantasy owners time to reflect on the week’s triumphs or losses and take stock of their roster heading into the new week. It’s a time for reflection and a time to assess potential waiver wire options. Each week, I’ll be highlighting a handful of low-rostered options you should consider when making waiver wire claims. Each player’s upcoming three-game schedule will be noted, including strength of matchup. This is particularly helpful if you need a streaming option or a temporary replacement to get you through the tough times.

We’ve got another uninspiring group of pickups this week, but sometimes you’ve got to dig a little deeper. After all, this is do-or-die time. We’re approaching the final week of the fantasy regular season for most leagues, so what have you got to lose?

Best of luck in all of your leagues moving forward! If you’ve got any questions about the week’s waiver wire options or anything fantasy football, hit me up on Twitter @ZaktheMonster.

Note: Most players are rostered in 30% or less of Yahoo leagues

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Running Back

Devontae Booker (LV): 8% rostered

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Josh Jacobs left the Raiders’ Week 12 loss in the third quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. If he’s not able to go next week, Booker will be a strong play against the Jets’ weak defense. Booker has proven effective when given work, as he provided a 24/149/3 combined rushing line across Weeks 9-10. He’s a priority add ahead of Week 13.

Ito Smith (ATL): 1% rostered

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With Todd Gurley (knee) on the shelf in this one, Smith split work with Brian Hill and went 12/65/1 on the ground and 4/10 on five targets in the receiving game. He ended the game with three more touches than Hill, and Smith is worth an add ahead of Week 13. He’d be a risky flex against the Saints if Gurley is out again.

DeAndre Washington (MIA): 1% rostered

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Washington surprisingly out-touched Matt Breida 15-10 in this one, outgaining him 60-53 in the process. Breida got the start but was mostly benched after fumbling in the second half. If Myles Gaskin or Salvon Ahmed return in Week 13, Washington will likely lose much of his fantasy value, so this is more of a deep-league add.

Frank Gore (NYJ): 25% rostered

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With Lamical Perine on IR, Gore logged 18 carries and three receptions, and he’ll likely continue to see a hefty workload as the top option in the Jets’ backfield. His upcoming schedule in Weeks 13 and 14 is great for running backs, and though the upside is limited, volume alone gives Gore a solid floor.

Jordan Wilkins (IND): 17% rostered

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With Jonathan Taylor on the reserve/COVID list, Wilkins and Nyheim Hines split work against Tennessee, though Hines led the way by a margin of 18-9. Still, Wilkins was involved (totaling 57 yards), and it’s worth noting that if Taylor is forced to miss time moving forward, the former could be a flex play thanks to a beautiful upcoming schedule.

Tight End

Kyle Rudolph (MIN): 14% rostered

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Rudolph tied for the team lead in receptions Sunday, going 7/68 on eight looks and staying involved throughout the game. With Adam Thielen on the reserve/COVID list and Irv Smith dealing with back and groin injuries, Rudy took full advantage of the increased opportunities. He’s got a juicy matchup with Jacksonville in Week 13 and should be snagged off the waiver wire where available.

Quarterback

Philip Rivers (IND): 33% rostered

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Across his last three games, Papa Rivers has averaged 297 passing yards and two touchdowns to provide some quality fantasy lines for managers. None of his next three matchups are scary, and he’s worth adding if you need help at the position.

Wide Receiver

Breshad Perriman (NYJ): 12% rostered

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Across his last three games, Perriman has gone 11/234/3 on 19 targets and has emerged as a legitimate receiving threat for the Jets. There’s boom-or-bust potential in spades with Perriman, but he can be flexed in a pinch and gets two favorable matchups in Las Vegas and Seattle in Weeks 13 and 14.

D/ST

Las Vegas Raiders: 9% rostered

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After getting rocked 43-6 in an embarrassing Week 12 loss, the Raiders will look to bounce back and take out their frustrations on… the New York Jets. Gang Green’s offense has been pitiful all season, and despite Las Vegas’ lackluster defense, this unit is worth a look in this quality matchup.

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Zachary Hanshew is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Zachary, check out his archive and follow him @zakthemonster.