Fantasy Football Sleepers 2013: Top Bargain Players Likely on Waiver Wire

It is easy to forget that the initial fantasy draft is not the only serious way to add talent to a fantasy football roster.

Trades are another option, but combing and unearthing quality talent along the waiver wire is a way to find production and depth without giving up anything huge in return.

Owners who excel at the waiver-wire process have a huge leg up on the competition. This is especially true after the initial fantasy draft because plenty of talent slips to the waiver wire, especially in 10- or 12-team standard leagues.

Below are three players who should be on most waiver wires and tout unbelievable upside this season.

Note: All fantasy rankings courtesy of FantasyPros.com.

Denarius Moore, WR, Raiders

Player Ranking: 49th WR, 121st overall 

Denarius Moore is a safe candidate to hit the waiver wire after initial drafts thanks to the black hole that is the Oakland quarterback situation.

Matt Flynn continues to have a gimpy arm, and Terrelle Pryor is a run-first quarterback, so no matter how the position plays out, it is a lose-lose for fantasy owners. 

That said, Moore is a sneaky-good waiver-wire pickup. Regardless of his quarterback situation, Moore is a No. 1 receiver, and he caught 51 passes for 741 yards and seven touchdowns last year.

Flynn and Pryor are no Carson Palmer (last time that will ever be typed), but Moore will be productive for a waiver-wire option as the only player able to get open and make plays on a horrific squad.

Add in the fact he's entering his third year still developing and Moore should be a top target on the wire.

Nate Washington, WR, Tennessee Titans

Player Ranking: 72nd WR, 198 overall

Believe it or not, Nate Washington is still a starting wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans despite a tumultuous offseason. The preseason saw him lined up as the No. 2 receiver second only to Kenny Britt.

Last year Washington mustered 46 receptions for 746 yards and four scores.

Washington has always been one of quarterback Jake Locker's favorite targets. According to Walter Football's Preseason Targets analysis, Washington received the most targets from Locker this preseason. 

For a No. 2 receiver only behind Britt, who has missed 19 games in the past three years, Washington sure does have a low ranking in the world of fantasy football.

Smart owners will use that to their advantage and make Washington a priority as soon as waivers open up.

Julius Thomas, TE, Broncos

Player Ranking: 24th TE, 195th overall

Who? 

Julius Thomas may be third on the Denver Broncos' depth chart at tight end behind Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen, but he is seeing his stock rise as he emerges as one of Peyton Manning's favorite targets.

Thomas is entering his third year in the league out of Portland State, has only been active in eight total games and has one reception to his stat sheet.

That may sound like a fantasy situation to avoid, but Thomas was second only to Demaryius Thomas as the most targeted receiver on his team this preseason.

There is plenty of upside to be had with Thomas, who stands at 6'5" and 255 pounds and possesses freak athleticism that should be useful in the red zone.

Fantasy owners who select Thomas off the waiver wire will leave others scratching their heads, but scooping up a player like Thomas who could play a major role in a Peyton Manning-led offense is nothing but a win when looking for value on the waiver wire.

Follow B/R's Chris Roling on Twitter for more news and analysis @Chris_Roling