Waivering: Week 13

Tue Nov 29 9:51am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Snell could be the starter Week 13


For the first time in a few weeks, a few injuries have opened the door for some players to start for their teams. And many of these players are available on waivers. So the waiver wire could be a busy place this week with a lot of FAAB being thrown around. None of these backups getting a chance to play are sure things, but you never know at this time of the year. There are players every season that emerge late for fantasy teams and help win championships. Maybe some of those players make this list this week. 

QUARTERBACK

Mike White, Jets. White made quite the splash in his season debut as the starter for the Jets. He threw for 315 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover against the Bears. He will keep starting for the Jets and could have some value to fantasy teams as a spot starter in the right matchup. White has some good weapons to work with in the Jets passing game and is available in nearly all formats (92 percent). 

Mac Jones, Patriots. Jones might have enjoyed his best game as a pro on Thanksgiving, going 28-of-39 for 382 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. He scored 27.1 fantasy points, topping 20 fantasy points for the second time this season. He is playing what more confident and could help fantasy teams the rest of the way. He is available in 78 percent of leagues. 

Jordan Love, Packers. Aaron Rodgers is banged up and could miss time, especially with the Packers struggling and falling out of playoff contention. Love came on last week and looked great in his limited work. If he gets to start, he has some potential in this offense. Love is more than capable of posting a big fantasy games. He is worth owning in all two-quarterback leagues and might be worth grabbing in standard formats as a streaming option. 

RUNNING BACK 

Darrell Henderson, Jaguars. Henderson did not play for the Jaguars after getting signed before the Week 12 game. He might get thrown into the mix going forward, though, after Travis Etienne was injured. His injury isn’t considered serious, but nothing is certain, especially after he missed all of last year. If Etienne had to miss any time, Henderson might be the most logical back to start on the roster, but won’t be handed anything. He is available in 38 percent of leagues. 

JaMycal Hasty, Jaguars. Hasty was the No. 1 back for the Jaguars most of Week 12 and scored 20.5 fantasy points in that role. He had a season-high 12 carries for 28 yards. He did more damage as a receiver, catching five passes for 67 yards and a touchdown. He might end up splitting work with Darrell Henderson if Etienne misses time, but could get first shot at the work. He is worth grabbing in most formats, especially if you are an Etienne owner. Hasty is available in 91 percent of leagues.  

Zonovan Knight, Jets. Knight was a big surprise last week, getting his first action of the season. He ended up leading the backfield much of the game after Michael Carter was banged up. Knight ran 14 times for 69 yards and caught three passes for 34 yards. He had 103 total yards, showing his potential as a three-down back. Knight is a good speculative add for fantasy owners going forward. He might have earned more time going forward after this showing. He is available in 99 percent of leagues on our site. 

Ty Johnson, Jets. Johnson got his most work of the year after Michael Carter went down with an injury last week. He played well, rushing five times for 62 yards and a touchdown. He also had a catch for 16 yards. Johnson and Knight could end up splitting the work at running back if Carter misses any time. Johnson will have some flex appeal in that role. He is available in 99 percent of leagues. 

Benny Snell, Steelers. Najee Harris suffered an abdominal injury in Week 12 and could be iffy going forward. This opens the door for Snell to start for the Steelers. He ran pretty well last week in an expanded role, rushing 12 times for 62 yards and a touchdown. He has gotten little work this year as he has been third n the depth chart much of the year, but the next few weeks could be his chance to shine. Snell should be a hot pickup on waivers this week. Anthony McFarland could also be in the mix, so he is another Steelers back to consider adding this week. 

RECEIVER

Treylon Burks, Titans. Burks continues to ascend for the Titans, catching four passes for 70 yards in Week 12. And he scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery in the end zone, giving him 17-plus fantasy points two straight games. He still is not owned in all formats, but should. He is out there in 26 percent of leagues.  

Zay Jones, Jaguars. Jones has been an underrated fantasy player all season. He had a monster game last week, finishing with 11 receptions for 145 yards. This was his second double-digit reception game of the season. He has 19 receptions his last two games and double-digit targets three of five. He has a clear top role in an ascending Jaguars passing attack. Jones remains available in 50 percent of leagues. 

Isaiah McKenzie, Bills. McKenzie topped 20 fantasy points last week for the second time this season. He is never a sure thing in this offense but certainly has the potential for the big game. He has at least four catches four games. He might be hit or miss but is worth a look in deeper formats or as a bench player. This game in Week 12 might get him going for the rest of the season. McKenzie is available in 61 percent of leagues. 

Olamide Zaccheaus, Falcons. Zacccheaus hit double-digit fantasy points for the third time last week. He had season highs in both receptions (five) and yards (91). The Falcons passing game is very hard to trust, but the loss of Kyle Pitts could lead to a few more targets for Zaccheaus. He is available in 93 percent of leagues. 

Elijah Moore, Jets. Moore didn’t get much work last week but made the most of his chances. He had two catches for 64 yards and a touchdown, scoring his first touchdown of the season. Mike White gave the Jets passing game some much needed life, so Moore could end up helping fantasy teams some the rest of the way. He certainly has the talent to do so, making him a good speculative pickup. Moore is available in 67 percent of leagues. 

Nico Collins, Texans. Collins has at least five receptions three straight games. He has double-digit fantasy points two of those games. He is getting the volume in the Texans passing game. There were high hopes for Collins before the season, but he got off to a slow start. Things are looking much better for him right now. Collins is available in 59 percent of leagues. 

TIGHT END

Hunter Henry, Patriots. Henry scored his second touchdown of the season last week. He had three receptions for 63 yards. He has 50 or more yards three of six gams. With the Patriots passing game starting to get better, Henry could be a lot more consistent down the stretch. If you are looking for a tight end, Henry might be worth a shot. He is available in 67 percent of leagues. 

Jordan Akins, Texans. Akins is starting to become a little fantasy relevant. He has double-digit fantasy points two of three games. He led the Texans in receiving his last game, catching five passes for 61 yards.

Jelani Woods, Colts. Woods had his best game as a pro in Week 12, finishing with eight receptions for 98 yards on nine targets. Woods could finally be a consistent option at tight end for the Colts. This has been a rotating position for the Colts, but Woods showed his upside last week. He could be a big factor down the stretch. He is available in 97 percent of leagues. 

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

Player Notes
Rashaad Penny Apr 17 11:10pm CT
Rashaad Penny

The Seattle Seahawks reportedly visited with unrestricted free-agent running back Rashaad Penny on Wednesday. Seattle is pretty familiar with Penny after taking him with the 27th overall pick in the 2018 draft out of San Diego State. The 28-year-old flashed moments of brilliance in the first five seasons with the Seahawks but just was never able to stay healthy enough to stay on the field for long stretches. Penny averaged 5.7 yards per carry with 1,918 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 337 carries in Seattle while also catching 27 passes for 222 yards and another score. He had his smallest role yet with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, carrying the ball 11 times for 33 yards in three regular-season games. A move back to Seattle would have Penny serving as backfield depth behind Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.

From RotoBaller

Trevon Wesco Apr 17 11:10pm CT
Trevon Wesco

The Cleveland Browns reportedly visited with Tennessee Titans undrafted free-agent tight end Trevon Wesco on Wednesday. Wesco was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round (121st overall) in 2019 out of West Virginia. The 28-year-old spent the first three years of his NFL career in New York before single-year stints with the Chicago Bears and Titans in each of the last two seasons. He has just nine receptions on 17 targets for 134 yards and no touchdowns in 69 games (23 starts) in his five-year NFL career. Wesco has made a career out of being a blocking-first tight, so he won't even be close to the fantasy radar if he lands in Cleveland as depth in the TE room behind David Njoku and alongside names like Jordan Akins, Giovanni Ricci and Zaire Mitchell-Paden.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Apr 17 7:00pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) plans to sign a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers according to his agent. Dobbins appeared in just one game in 2023 before he tore his Achilles and missed the remainder of the campaign. The veteran runner will be reunited with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who called plays for the Baltimore Ravens during a portion of Dobbins' stint there. Signs indicate that new head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to operate a run-heavy offensive approach with the Chargers, which would be good news for Dobbins, provided he's healthy. Consider this a good landing spot for Dobbins, who will look to prove his health in hopes of landing a long-term deal next offseason.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slay Apr 17 3:50pm CT
Darius Slay

The Philadelphia Eagles concluded pre-draft visits with Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold and Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean this week. Philly is clearly interested in adding defensive back talent to its defense after allowing 252.7 passing yards per game last year (second-worst). The organization holds the No. 22 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is right in the range where Arnold and DeJean could be selected. Arnold, a 2023 first-team All-American, racked up 20 pass deflections and six interceptions over the last two seasons. DeJean totaled 13 pass deflections and seven interceptions in his final two collegiate campaigns, and he averaged 13.1 yards per punt return. Both players are considered top cornerback prospects in this cycle, so Philadelphia would make a great landing spot for either one as James Bradberry (30 years old) and Darius Slay (33 years old) have likely seen their best days in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Apr 17 3:40pm CT
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has not yet reported to voluntary offseason workouts this week, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. The 27-year-old is seeking a contract extension after posting 50 receptions for 770 yards and four touchdowns last season. He led the team in receiving yards last year, and he has done so in four of the last five campaigns. He's due to make $6.2 million in 2024. Although Slayton is far from a fantasy football superstar, he's been productive at times -- making this a situation worth monitoring. He should be a top wideout target in New York's offense once again, though they might take a wideout in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and second-year receiver Jalin Hyatt could take on a larger role.

From RotoBaller

Cam Brown Apr 17 3:30pm CT
Cam Brown

Free-agent linebacker Cam Brown is signing with the Miami Dolphins, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. Brown spent the last four seasons with the New York Giants after being selected by the organization in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Penn State. In his first 60 NFL games, the 26-year-old accumulated 35 tackles (24 solo) and two forced fumbles. He posted seven special teams tackles last season, which is where he will likely contribute for the Fins in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Apr 17 1:50pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday. McMillan was a three-year starter in college and is projected to be a Day 2 selection in the upcoming NFL draft next week. The 22-year-old ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis in February and also has good size at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds. In his career with the Huskies, McMillan had 164 receptions for 2,143 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 38 games played. Even though Cincy still has Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins around, they are expected to take a receiver in this year's draft. They have three Day 3 picks, including two third-round picks at Nos. 80 and 97.

From RotoBaller

Christian Wilkins Apr 17 1:30pm CT
Christian Wilkins

The Miami Dolphins will exercise the fifth-year option for linebacker Jaelan Phillips (Achilles), according to general manager Chris Grier. The former 18th overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft, Phillips has been an integral piece for the Dolphins defense since he entered the league three years ago. He set a Dolphins rookie record with 8.5 sacks in 2021 and had seven sacks in 2022 before playing in only eight games in 2023 because of an Achilles tear. Before his injury, he was on pace for a career-high 14 sacks. The Dolphins expect Phillips to make a full recovery for the start of the 2024 campaign. Miami can't afford for Phillips to regress after his injury after losing Christian Wilkins this offseason. If healthy in 2024, Phillips should be on the IDP fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Apr 17 1:20pm CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane has impressed fans after showing up to voluntary offseason workouts this month looking to be in excellent shape physically. Already one of the most impressive offensive rookies in 2023 with the most yards per rush (7.8) with a minimum of 100 attempts, his fantasy stock is soaring heading into his sophomore campaign this fall. Achane stands at only 5-foot-9, 188 pounds, but he packs a punch and is one of the fastest players overall in the NFL already. The only knocks on the 22-year-old are that he missed six games with injury, and that Raheem Mostert, who scored 21 total touchdowns in 2023, is still around. Achane had 103 carries for 800 yards and eight touchdowns in 11 regular-season games (four starts). Even with Mostert around, Achane, when healthy, has some of the most upside of any RB in the league.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Apr 17 1:10pm CT
Bo Nix

The New York Giants visited with Oregon quarterback Bo Nix and South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler this week, according to sources. The Giants continue to do their due diligence on the QB position ahead of this month's NFL draft at all levels of the draft. Nix is a potential first-round pick, but he's not expected to go as early as New York's sixth overall pick. Rattler is seen as a mid-round selection. The G-Men have six picks in this year's draft with one in every round other than the seventh. They continue to say that Daniel Jones (knee), who is coming off a torn ACL, is their starter when healthy, but they are wisely planning to have better depth behind him in 2024 and beyond if he gets hurt again or disappoints this fall.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Apr 17 1:10pm CT
Brock Bowers

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers is visiting with the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday. Bowers also has visited with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets this week, so he's making the rounds with interested club's with the NFL draft coming late next week. Even after missing his pro-day workout with a minor hamstring injury, the 21-year-old is projected to be a top-15 pick in this first round next week after dominating as a pass-catching tight end in college with the Bulldogs. Bowers had 2,538 receiving yards and 31 total touchdowns in three seasons, even after missing a big chunk of 2023 due to an ankle injury. It's probably unlikely the Bolts would take Bowers fifth overall, but if he did end up in LA, we could easily see him being fantasy relevant in Year 1 after the team lost pass-catchers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in the offseason.

From RotoBaller

Deuce Vaughn Apr 17 12:13pm CT
Deuce Vaughn

Dynasty | The Cowboys have signed free agent running back Royce Freeman. Dynasty Analysis: The well-traveled Freeman joins Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis and Snoop Conner in a makeshift backfield for the Cowboys at the moment. While the signing is a little intriguing on paper since Freeman has proven to be capable before, it seems highly likely Dallas takes a running back in the upcoming NFL Draft. At this point, he simply needs to be added to dynasty watch lists in case the Cowboys really do punt on the position and employ some kind of committee with this group,

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Royce Freeman Apr 16 8:10pm CT
Royce Freeman

The Dallas Cowboys signed free-agent running back Royce Freeman to an undisclosed one-year deal on Tuesday, according to a source. The former third-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2018 out of Oregon spent last year with the Los Angeles Rams and had 77 carries for 319 yards and two rushing touchdowns in 14 regular-season games (zero starts) while adding a 13-yard catch on two targets. Even with Tony Pollard departing via Tennessee in free agency this offseason, it might be tough for Freeman to make a huge impact in Dallas' backfield in 2024 alongside the likes of Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis. The Cowboys could also add more competition at the position via the upcoming draft. At best, Freeman could be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex option in fantasy in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Apr 16 7:10pm CT
Nick Chubb

While Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) has been working hard in the weight room, there's no timetable yet for his return in 2024. "I don't know that we'll go past today and this week at least that's the way I'm looking at it," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "I can promise you he's working very hard early in the morning. He's here, he's attacking his rehab. That's the best way I can put it. When he's ready, he'll be ready." The 28-year-old suffered a gruesome season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of last year. While he'll be sticking around with the team in 2024, it's unclear if he'll be ready by training camp this summer or if the Browns will be forced to ease him into the fold in the opening portion of the 2024 campaign. Because of the uncertainty around how Chubb will bounce back, it will make him an extremely risky RB1 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Trent Taylor Apr 16 7:10pm CT
Trent Taylor

The San Francisco 49ers signed free-agent wide receiver Trent Taylor to an undisclosed one-year deal on Tuesday. It will be a reunion between the two sides after the Niners selected Taylor in the fifth round (177th overall) in 2017 out of Louisiana Tech. The 29-year-old pass-catcher spent the first three years of his NFL career in the Bay Area before two years with the Cincinnati Bengals. He went catchless on two targets in 17 games (zero starts) for the Chicago Bears in 2023. Taylor is most likely to pitch in on special teams for the 49ers after Ray-Ray McCloud left in free agency this offseason. In his six NFL seasons, Taylor has 87 receptions on 137 targets for 834 yards and three touchdowns, with most of the production coming in his first two seasons with the 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Apr 16 3:50pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence missed just one game last season, but he dealt with multiple injuries to his lower and upper body that could have affected his play in 2023. In a media availability on Tuesday, the former No. 1 overall pick said he did not feel 100% healthy until March. "When March hit, I felt really good, like lifting and doing everything like totally normal," Lawrence said. "But until March, I'd say that's when I started to feel like 100%, do stuff that I normally do." The 24-year-old threw for 4,016 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, and the Jaguars lost a Week 18 game against the struggling Tennessee Titans that would have sent them to the playoffs. Ultimately, it was a disappointing season for Lawrence and the Jaguars alike, but a healthy Lawrence could yield better results in 2024. The team has uncertainty at the wide receiver position after the departure of Calvin Ridley, but they are likely to add weapons in the upcoming NFL Draft. Lawrence figures to have a low-end QB1 upside, though he's likely to produce mid-range QB2 numbers in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Rashard Higgins Apr 16 3:40pm CT
Rashard Higgins

Veteran wide receiver Rashard Higgins and linebacker Christian Kirksey are signing one-day contracts with the Cleveland Browns to retire with the organization, the team announced on Tuesday. Higgins was selected by Cleveland in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft and racked up 137 receptions for 1,890 yards and 12 touchdowns in 82 games from 2016 to 2021. He spent the 2022 season with the Carolina Panthers but did not log a snap. Kirkey was a 2014 third-round pick by the Browns and played for the team until 2019 before brief stints with the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills. Overall, he secured 779 tackles, 16.5 sacks, seven interceptions, and 34 passes defended in 114 career games.

From RotoBaller

Nyheim Hines Apr 16 3:40pm CT
Nyheim Hines

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he is "not sure" when running back Nyheim Hines (knee) will practice with the team for the first time. The 27-year-old is rehabbing from a torn ACL that he suffered off the field last offseason as a member of the Buffalo Bills. Despite that, the Browns signed him to a one-year, $1.15 million deal after free agency began. Since being traded to the Bills in the middle of the 2022 campaign, Hines has rushed for negative three yards and caught five passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Cleveland has Nick Chubb (knee), D'Onta Foreman, and Jerome Ford on the roster. That said, it'd be surprising if Hines has a role in the offense this season, but he could be a factor in the kick return game if he can work his way back from the unfortunate injury.

From RotoBaller

Matt Ryan Apr 16 3:20pm CT
Matt Ryan

The Atlanta Falcons secured quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason on a four-year, $180 million deal, setting them up to have above-average quarterback play for the first time since Matt Ryan parted ways with the organization. However, the team is not done adding to the quarterback room. "We're definitely gonna add a quarterback," Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said. "We're not going to into the season with two arms." The team has Cousins and Taylor Heinicke on the roster, but most teams carry between three and five quarterbacks in the offseason. It's unlikely that Atlanta will consider a first-round quarterback in this year's class, but they could begin to take fliers on signal-callers as soon as Round 2 begins. Cousins will turn 36 years old before the start of the 2024 season, so throwing a dart on players like Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix would make sense if they fall to the second round. On Day 3 of the draft, Spencer Rattler, Michael Pratt, and Joe Milton III are potential project options to consider. Although any quarterback Atlanta adds can be safely ignored in single-quarterback formats, they might be worth rostering in deep superflex and two-QB setups considering Cousins' age and the major Achilles injury he is coming off of.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Apr 16 3:13pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Dynasty | Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle is having his fifth-year option exercised. Dynasty Analysis: Waddle has strung together three straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his career, so this is hardly a surprise. While his 72/1,014/4 year was a bit of a disappointment in 2023, Waddle has still shown a lot of ability and could be a player who excels later in his career when Tyreek Hill moves on. While not in the elite level of receivers, Waddle still makes for a solid WR2 target in dynasty leagues and this move ensures we'll have at least two more seasons of him in Miami.

From Dynasty League Fantasy