Week 13 Waiver Wire Pickups: Best Fantasy Sleepers to Target After Box Score Review
All 32 NFL teams will be in action in Week 13, though fantasy managers may still need to find some late-week waiver wire additions. While there are no byes this week, injuries and difficult matchups may leave some managers without ideal lineups.
Some managers may have also forgotten to adjust lineups ahead of Thursday's three-game slate. Here's a reminder that the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs will play on Friday.
While it can be difficult to find viable fantasy options on the waiver wire this late in the week, we've identified some top targets based on matchups and recent production. All picks and analysis are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.
Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots
New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye has one of the most underwhelming supporting casts in the NFL. However, Maye continues to impress with his ability to make big plays happen.
The main reason to consider Maye this week is his scrambling ability. He's rushed for at least 24 yards in each of his past five games and has topped 40 yards twice this season. This should help give him a manageable fantasy floor against the Indianapolis Colts.
Maye has topped 200 yards passing and found the end zone in each of his last two games. The Colts, meanwhile, have allowed the 13th-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Managers should expect numbers similar to those Maye produced against the Los Angeles Rams (282 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 27 rushing yards) a couple of weeks ago.
The rookie is still available in roughly 80 percent of ESPN leagues and in over 80 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Jeremy McNichols, RB, Washington Commanders
Managers usually can't find a clear starter at running back on the wire this late in the week. However, Jeremy McNichols of the Washington Commanders may end up starting against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Running backs Austin Ekeler (concussion) and Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) both suffered injuries in Week 12. If neither can go, McNichols would be in line to start and see a high volume of backfield work against Tennessee.
It should be noted that Robinson did practice on a limited basis this week and is hoping to play in Week 13.
"If all goes well, yes, I will play Sunday," Robinson said, per Bryan Manning of Commanders Wire.
However, it's worth taking a flier on McNichols just in case. He's still available in over 90 percent of ESPN and Yahoo leagues. Tennessee, which has allowed the 13th-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs, isn't an ideal matchup. However, a heavy workload should allow McNichols to shine if he does indeed get the start.
Xavier Legette, WR, Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have provided a fantasy wasteland for much of the season, aside from running back Chub Hubbard. With quarterback Bryce Young finally starting to play well, however, Panthers receivers again have value.
Rookie wideout Xavier Legette has held a solid fantasy floor in recent weeks. In his last four games, he's seen no fewer than three receptions and no less than 33 receiving yards. He also found the end zone twice during that stretch.
Against a good Chiefs defense in Week 12, Legette caught four passes for 56 yards. This week, he'll go against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.
The Buccaneers have an explosive offense, so Young and the Panthers may find themselves engaged in a track meet. Managers should expect a high number of targets for Legette, who is still available in over 60 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.
Devaughn Vele, WR, Denver Broncos
Young isn't the only young quarterback who has shown improvement over the past month. Denver Broncos rookie Bo Nix has been on a tear and has thrust himself into the Rookie of the Year conversation.
Nix's surge has been great for the value of rookie receiver Devaughn Vele. The Utah product has become a prominent part of the passing attack with 18 targets over his last three games. He caught six of nine targets for 80 yards in Week 12 and has topped 10 fantasy points in each of his last three outings.
On Monday night, the Broncos will host the Cleveland Browns, who have been very susceptible to the pass. Cleveland has allowed the fifth most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season.
Vele is still available in over 90 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.
*Fantasy roster and scoring information via FantasyPros.