One thing really helps us to connect with our friends, family, and internet randos this time of year. In a crazy messed up year, it is good to have a safe harbor, a time where we can all gather together to laugh, cry, and drink. 2020 has been one hell of a year and in spite of all the craziness, we were able to gather in new, different, and safe ways to celebrate one common joy, the fantasy football playoff race! Whether you are freshly eliminated, RIP to my sister’s Saquon Barkley led team, clinging to your last bit of playoff life, much like my home league team, or comfortably clinched your playoff spot, fuck you and your smug ass Dave. Week 13 is just around the corner and the Week 13 waiver wire is going to be critical to setting up your playoff run or helping you claw your way in.
Early Week 13 Waiver Wire Fantasy Football
Cam Akers (RB) – 28.0% of Rosters
The Los Angeles Rams have one of the most brutal running back by committee approaches in the NFL. One week it is Malcolm Brown getting goalline work, the next it is Darrell Henderson looking CMC-esque, and now it is Cam Akers looking like the hard-running back we were promised. The rookie out of Florida State has provided some burst and glimpses of his potential the past few weeks. However, despite a promising one touchdown, nine carry, and 84 yards against a stingy 49ers’ defense, Akers is not quite a guarantee. There has been buzz that Akers may just take over the lead role for the Rams and another performance like Sunday’s would cement that. Scoop him up and stash him in hopes that he emerges as a steady RB2 option before Round 1 of the playoffs.
Gabriel Davis (WR) – 1.0% of Rosters
Is this an excuse for me to talk about the 8-3 Buffalo Bills? Partly. Mostly it is because the waiver wire is looking barren in most leagues and folks are scouring high and low for production. Gabriel Davis has been incredibly hot and cold this season. He has three weeks where he has hit double digits and two weeks where he has posted 0.0 point weeks. Despite this up and down pattern, Davis is a big-bodied receiver who Josh Allen likes to look to when he is in trouble. Allen also looks for him in the red zone, leading to Davis’ four touchdowns on the year. With John Brown out at least two more weeks, Davis will be getting more snaps and targets as the fantasy playoffs begin. He may not have a high degree of reliability but as a boom-bust flex play. Davis should be rostered in deeper leagues.
Frank Gore (RB) – 18.8% of Rosters
The ageless wonder rides again! Frank Gore has been seeing a steady workload and is the kind of player you play if you are looking to score right around 10 points. As the old adage goes, “if you need one yard, Gore will get you three. If you need five yards, he’ll get you three.” That accurately describes his fantasy outlook as well. Since La’Mical Perine has gone down with an injury, Gore has averaged 19 touches per game and 78.5 yards per game to go with one touchdown. Is it sexy? No. Will it hold you over in the flex or help you ride out a banged-up star running back? Yes. Sometimes fantasy is about holding on for dear life. If Gore is still on the Week 13 waiver wire he needs to be added as a flex or low-end RB2 play.
Latavius Murray (RB) – 46.6% of Rosters
After some debate about including Latavius Murray, he has to be included on this list. Sure, he is rostered in 46.6% of leagues, but that means he is available in 54.4% of leagues. Since Taysom Hill has taken over, Murray has been a more effective runner than Kamara. That culminated this week in a 19 carry, two-touchdown, and 124-yard performance. As long as Brees is out, Murray has RB2 value and has a stratospheric ceiling. On the off-chance he is available in your league, go get him as Week 13 waivers run.
Breshad Perriman (WR) – 14.4% of Rosters
Many fantasy football players were worried that the return of Sam Darnold would mean the demise of Breshad Perriman’s resurgence. Rumors of that demise have been greatly exaggerated as Perriman was targeted eight times, caught four, and went for 79 yards against a tough Miami secondary. With upcoming games against the Raiders and Seahawks, Perriman will be looking to feast. He is a roll of the dice kind of player, but you cannot win a championship without taking a few long shots. Perriman should be in your flex slot for the next two weeks and remain in consideration beyond that.
Denzel Mims (WR) – 4.8% of Rosters
Speaking of the dysfunctional New Jersey Jets, rookie Denzel Mims has been an absolute target monster. He is coming off his third straight week of at least seven targets and 60+ yards. Sure, his catch rate is not anything to write home about. However, any big receiver who is going to get targeted at least eight times per game should be rostered. Mims has been a solid option for whoever the Jets’ quarterback has been. He also benefits from a soft schedule the next two weeks. The Raiders and Seahawks are among the most generous secondaries when it comes to passing yardage so even Sam Darnold can make things happen. Mims is a flex play for the next two weeks and should be in flex consideration for the rest of the season.
Trey Burton (TE) – 6.0% of Rosters
Each week folks are flocking to the waiver wire in hopes of finding a tight end. The Week 13 waiver wire is no different. Trey Burton may not be the sexiest of names, but there are not true game-breakers available at the tight end position right now. Your best bet is to scoop someone up and hope for a touchdown. Since returning from injury, Burton has three receiving touchdowns. Burton also has five targets in five of his nine games since returning from injury. Additionally, he has also rushed for two touchdowns as the Colts trust him to make plays around the goal line. His snap share dwindled in Week 11, but he rebounded with a solid performance in Week 12. Burton is a solid option each week tight end and has a relatively generous schedule coming up.
Jalen Hurts (QB) – 1.2% of Rosters
It is Week 13. There is no time to play it safe. Many leagues are in the last week or two of the regular season and it is do or die time. Jalen Hurts may be taking over for Carson Wentz as the Eagles battle for a playoff spot. Wentz may be QB15 as far as fantasy goes, but he has thrown an interception or fumbled in every game this season. He has 14 touchdowns to 14 interceptions and is completing an anemic 58.4% of his passes. Like it or not, the Eagles drafted Hurts in the second round for a reason. Hurts showcased elite-level accuracy and ability to win in college at Alabama and Oklahoma. Additionally, he had no issue with gaining yards and scoring with his legs either. The Eagles are in the playoff hunt. With a mobile game-changer like Hurts, your fantasy team could win it all. Adding Hurts is the kind of championship-winning Week 13 waiver wire move you have to make to win.
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