Fantasy: Waiver Wire - Week 13
Each week, theScore's fantasy editors will run down the top waiver-wire pickups with a focus on the coming week and the rest of the season.
Quarterback
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets
Recommended FAAB allocation in 12-team leagues: 15 percent
The definition of a high floor/low ceiling player, Fitzpatrick has played only one full game this year where he threw fewer than two touchdowns. Some soft defenses are on the schedule in the next few weeks, so he could continue that pace.
Tyrod Taylor, Bills
FAAB: 10 percent
If Taylor was dropped in your league after a few sub-par performances and an injury scare, don't be afraid scoop him up. Sammy Watkins alone could be enough to make Taylor a viable starter.
Brock Osweiler, Broncos
FAAB: 10 percent
Osweiler hasn't been lights out, but he's been more than good enough to leave Peyton Manning relegated to the bench. With the Broncos offensive weapons, Osweiler is a threat to throw multiple touchdowns every week.
Running Back
David Johnson, Cardinals
FAAB: 100 percent
Johnson is expected to take on workhorse duties for the Cardinals with starter Chris Johnson sidelined indefinitely with a fractured tibia, and Andre Ellington dealing with turf toe. David Johnson hasn't played much as a rookie, but only because the Cardinals are so deep. The third-round pick is raw, but ultra-talented. He could be this year's C.J. Anderson - the player who emerges in December to carry owners to the championship. Spend whatever you have left on him.
Andre Ellington, Cardinals
FAAB: 30 percent
It's not out of the question Ellington will be able to play through his toe injury and make Johnson nothing more than a handcuff. If you don't have the FAAB money to acquire Johnson, take a shot on Ellington and cross your fingers.
Shaun Draughn, 49ers
FAAB: 30 percent
Draughn isn't an especially good player, but he's a lock to see a much larger workload than most of the runners on this list. He's a safe player for owners looking to plug a hole rather than go fishing for upside.
Spencer Ware, Chiefs
FAAB: 20 percent
It sounds like Charcandrick West will return this week, but Ware has shown he deserves to be part of the mix when West is back. With Ware's size, he could be Andy Reid's preferred goal-line option.
Ameer Abdullah, Lions
FAAB: 15 percent
The resurgent Lions are in too deep a hole to get back into the playoff race, so the most productive thing they can do now is focus on the future. That means a heavy dose of Abdullah, which we started to see when the rookie handled twice as many carries as any other Lions tailback on Thanksgiving. Abdullah's first season has had more lows than highs, but he has the chance to finish very strong.
Jay Ajayi, Dolphins
FAAB: 10 percent
Lamar Miller rushed for two yards Sunday. With their playoff hopes quickly dying, it's possible the Dolphins will turn their rushing attack over to the rookie Ajayi to see what he can do.
Theo Riddick, Lions
FAAB: 5 percent
Don't overlook what the Lions' other small, shifty tailback is doing - especially in PPR leagues. Riddick has at least five catches for 60 yards in back-to-back games, and is sprinkling in a little added value as a rusher.
Wide Receiver
Kendall Wright, Titans
FAAB: 15 percent
The Titans have a severe lack of playmakers in their offense. Wright could see double-digit targets most weeks once he returns to full health.
Devin Funchess, Panthers
FAAB: 15 percent
Funchess had a quiet Thanksgiving, but is growing into a significant role in the Panthers' offense. He's a big-bodied target who has a chance to score four or more touchdowns in December.
Doug Baldwin, Seahawks
FAAB: 5 percent
Don't overpay for Baldwin on the heels of his Week 12 explosion. He has a game or two every year where he puts up big fantasy stats, then typically goes back to being a fantasy non-factor the next week.
Dontrelle Inman, Chargers
FAAB: 5 percent
Inman was targeted a season-high nine times in Week 12, turning them into 65 yards and a touchdown. With Philip Rivers playing as well as he is, Inman could continue to have WR3/FLEX value.
Rashad Greene, Jaguars
FAAB: 2 percent
Allen Hurns caught seven touchdowns opposite Allen Robinson, but is expected to miss time with a concussion. Greene will take over Hurns' role, but is a long shot to match Hurns' production.
Tight End
Scott Chandler, Patriots
FAAB: 10 percent
Rob Gronkowski is expected to miss at least a few weeks. Chandler isn't a special talent, but Tom Brady is rapidly running out of players to throw to. Chandler could have low-end TE1 fantasy value by sheer volume.