While there will be much feasting and many appetizing choices on the dinner table this week, the waiver wire pickins look pretty slim for fantasy football managers.
However, we can be thankful there are no NFL teams on bye in Week 13, so our fantasy football rosters will be as strong as possible. But that doesn’t mean we still can’t improve them a little more as the playoffs draw ever closer.
As always, be sure to check last week’s suggestions to see if any of those players (including Taysom Hill, Ameer Abdullah, Roschon Johnson and Will Dissly) are still available.
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Fantasy football players to add for Week 13
Due to the wide variance in types of leagues and individual team needs, the players listed here are in the lowest to highest availability rates in Fantrax leagues, which may or not match rates on other platforms. (Suggested bid values based on $100 free agent acquisition budget for the season.)
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RB Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens (39% available)
Let’s start with the basics. If your team is still in playoff contention and you’re relying on a stud running back, you need to have his primary backup to guard against a devastating injury. In addition to Hill’s pass-catching abilities, he showed he can carry the rock as well on Monday night, sprinting for a 51-yard TD run. In the NFL’s best offense, Hill should be rostered in all formats. FAAB bid: $12.
Speaking of pass-catching backs who can handle every-down work, don’t say we didn’t warn you last week. Abdullah proved his case vs. Denver with both Alexander Mattison and Zamir White sidelined. He rushed for 28 yards and caught five passes for 37 yards and a touchdown. One (or both) of those backs could return this week, but Abdullah will still get touches regardless. FAAB bid: $9.
WR Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders (59%)
Another variable in the Raiders offense is a change in starting quarterbacks. Gardner Minshew is out for the rest of the season and either Adrian O’Connell or Desmond Ridder will be under center on Friday vs. the Chiefs. While Jakobi Meyers (10-121) stood out in Week 12, Tucker caught seven passes for 82 yards. The Raiders will likely need to throw a lot, so both could be startable. FAAB bid: $4.
Against the Raiders, Vele played a capable second fiddle behind Courtland Sutton, hauling in six of nine targets for a season-high 80 yards. QB Bo Nix has been very effective throwing the ball all season, and he’ll be taking aim at the Browns secondary on Sunday. Vini, Vele, Vici. FAAB bid: $8.
Cooper Rush has looked like an actual NFL quarterback the past two weeks and the passing game has thrived. However, CeeDee Lamb is still slowed by back and foot injuries, which could be even more problematic with the Cowboys playing on Thanksgiving Day. Also consider WR KaVontae Turpin (84% available), who may be the game’s best kick returner, or TE Luke Schoonmaker (83%) if Jake Ferguson (concussion) isn’t back. FAAB bid: $12 ($5 on Turpin, Schoonmaker).
Like the Ravens’ Hill, Gainwell’s value would get a huge boost if superstar Saquon Barkley should get injured. He scored his first touchdown of the season last week in a blowout win over the Rams. FAAB bid: $6.
TE Noah Gray, Kansas City Chiefs (79%)
Gray has posted back-to-back games with two touchdowns, cementing himself as a valued weapon in QB Patrick Mahomes’ arsenal. Another leaky pass defense is up next in the Raiders, so expect Gray to be just as involved as fellow tight end Travis Kelce. FAAB bid: $10.
WR Calvin Austin, Pittsburgh Steelers (81%)
Similar to the Cowboys’ Turpin, Austin has blazing speed and is also a threat to score on special teams. He outsnapped both Van Jefferson and Mike Williams in Week 12 as he caught three passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. If you’re looking for a potential home run threat (and get points for long touchdowns), Austin can help you capitalize. FAAB bid: $6.
McNichols’ situation this week looks a lot like Abdullah’s in Week 12. Both Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) and Austin Ekeler (concussion) left Sunday’s game early, leaving McNichols as the logical replacement should those injuries linger. He may only be a one-week rental with Washington on bye next week, but he has been effective when given the opportunity. FAAB bid: $5.
WR David Moore, Carolina Panthers (97%)
Veteran wideout Adam Thielen (30%) returned to action last week after an extended absence, but Moore was the one who led the team in receiving (six catches, 81 yards) and caught a TD pass. Carolina could find itself in a shootout with the division rival Buccaneers this week, so Moore should have a good chance to build on his recent success. FAAB bid: $7.
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