Waiver Wire Targets Week 13 2017

By Armando Marsal
Armando Marsal
Injuries remain a big factor for fantasy owners and the best way to go about it is to make the waiver wire a priority. Even if you are not dealing with injuries or need immediate help, it is always good to be proactive and adding depth to your roster as you head into the playoffs is a good idea. If you are still hanging onto a player who has not produced up to your expectations and there are players on the waiver wire available who are producing, now might be the time to part ways with that player on your bench who is collecting dust, for a player who you would be able to plug in and play if needed. The waiver wire may be thin in your leagues, but for the most part there is usually a player or two that can add value to your roster. With that said, let’s take a look at some of this week’s top waiver wire targets.

Quarterback


Jimmy Garoppolo – 49ers:

C.J. Beathard is dealing with multiple injuries, so the 49ers could turn to Garoppolo in Week 13. The 49ers face off against the Bears this week which is not the greatest matchup for him, but they also face Tennessee and Houston in Week 14 and 15, which are two very good matchups for Garoppolo as both of those defenses have been generous to quarterbacks. We should know who the starter is by Wednesday, but by the time the news comes it out, you might be too late on Garoppolo. Therefore I would prefer taking a shot on him as he could be strong streaming play in the next couple of weeks if he is named the starter and help those in need of a quarterback down the stretch.

Others to consider: Josh McCown – Jets

Running Back


Kenyan Drake – Dolphins:

Damien Williams suffered a dislocated shoulder and could miss some time, which automatically bumps Drake into the starting role and possibly the every down back for the Dolphins. He was already splitting the workload with Williams and displayed his big play ability multiple times, so we know he can be efficient. Drake is owned in 60 percent of ESPN leagues, which means that he is still available in plenty of leagues and that should not be the case at this time.

Jacquizz Rodgers - Buccaneers: Doug Martin suffered a concussion in Week 12 and it was Rodgers who came in to fill in for him. Peyton Barber did receive some carried and the goal line rushes, scoring two touchdowns, but Rodgers played in 35 percent of the snaps compared to Barber’s 14 percent. Charles Sims is also a factor, but he will likely continue to work as the pass catching back out of the backfield. Rodgers should see the bulk of the carries should Martin miss any time and work as the early down back, making him the top waiver wire pick out of this backfield.

Others to consider: Devontae Booker – Broncos, Jamaal Williams – Packers, Austin Ekeler – Chargers

Wide Receiver


Josh Doctson – Redskins:

I wrote about Doctson last week and I will do it once more this week. He continues to display his big play ability and Kirk Cousins has an eye for Doctson in the red zone, increasing his touchdown upside. In addition, he appears to have solid role on this offense. Doctson has scored three touchdowns in his last seven games and has topped 10 fantasy points (PPR formats) in back-to-back weeks. He is someone that could be serviceable down the stretch if you are in need of a receiver, while also offering upside.

Cooper Kupp – Rams:

Kupp was peppered with 11 targets in Week 12 and could continue to see a decent amount of targets in the foreseeable future with Robert Woods sidelined. Kupp leads the Rams in targets, is second on the team with 46 receptions and 597 receiving yards, and is tied for third with three receiving touchdowns. He could be a viable weekly option for fantasy in PPR formats moving forward while Woods is sideline.

Others to consider: Zay Jones – Bills, Josh Gordon – Browns, Jermaine Kearse – Jets

Tight End


Charles Clay – Bills:

Clay has not produced like we saw him produce earlier this season, but he has four targets in back-to-back games, catching seven of those passes for 87 yards, and also played in more snaps this past week. He is working his way back to full speed and the Bills have a soft schedule remaining when it comes to opposing defenses versus tight ends, so Clay could be in for some productive games in the upcoming weeks.

Others to consider: Ricky Seals-Jones – Cardinals


For any questions, feel free to reach out to me on the Twitter machine @Armando_Marsal. Best of luck to all.