Jayden Higgins and the Best Week 13 Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Pickups

The 2025 fantasy football regular season is drawing to a close with Week 13 now on the horizon. There are only two weeks left before the playoffs start in most leagues, meaning it's time to scour the waiver wire and wring every remaining drop of talent from it.

Whether you are cruising towards a top seed and first-round bye or need to win out to even have a shot at making the postseason, it's crucial to make the most of your waiver claims at this point in the campaign.

While there aren't going to be many surprise breakout stars at this juncture of the NFL season, there are still some startable players lurking in free agency who can aid desperate squads in a pinch. There are also plenty of high-upside backups who are an injury away from stepping into much bigger roles.

It's critically important for managers overseeing even the most stacked teams to identify these handcuffs and have them waiting in the wings as an insurance option.

Rather than waste a valuable bench spot on a low-ceiling starter who hasn't sniffed your starting lineup, you should instead consider turning over the bottom of your roster and adding a handcuff with league-winning potential.

These types of moves can pay dividends in the weeks ahead, especially if one of your key players goes down with an injury that will keep them out during the fantasy playoffs.

Keep that in mind as you review the top waiver targets of Week 13.

Suggestions are available in approximately half or more of all Yahoo! Sports leagues. Fantasy points and rankings courtesy of FantasyPros' PPR data. Suggested free-agent acquisition budget (FAAB) bids are based on a $100 dollar starting budget.

Quarterback

AP Photo/John Amis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward

Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans (7 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $1-2

After a rough start to his NFL career, Ward may be on the cusp of success. The Titans quarterback completed 28-of-42 throws for 256 yards and a touchdown while avoiding turnovers and adding another 37 yards and a score on six totes during a breakout Week 12 performance.

Although it still resulted in a loss, his big day looks even more impressive when you consider it came against the Seahawks, a team that has rated among the league's best defenses this season.

He may not be an optimal fantasy choice yet, but Ward is still a viable streaming candidate on the heels of that 23.9-point game. The rookie has an outside chance to secure another top-five finish when he goes up against a soft Jags passing defense that has allowed 240 yards per game and 22 total passing touchdowns in 2025.

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (49 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $1-2

Lawrence has been as inconsistent as they come this season, finishing inside the top 12 at his position five times and outside of it on six occasions, but still has the potential to slot in as a starting option for managers with nowhere else to turn.

The Jacksonville signal-caller just had one of his better games, securing a QB7 result with a 20.1-point effort against the Cardinals. He tallied 256 yards and three touchdowns on just 18 completions, but also had three interceptions and a fumble in the contest. 

Lawrence's rushing skills—he's tallied three touchdowns over the last four contests while averaging six totes per game in that span—have buoyed what would otherwise be some rough showings.

There's still hope he can evolve into a decent fantasy starter if he can continue to rack up passing touchdowns while producing on his scrambles and cutting back some of the turnovers.

Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns (6 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $0-1

The hype surrounding Sanders has only grown after he helped the Browns earn just their third victory of 2025 while snapping a 13-game road losing streak in the process.

Although he wasn't elite against the Raiders, the rookie did complete 11-of-20 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown to earn a top-20 fantasy finish.

After the game, Sanders reminded everyone he's had just a single week to prepare with the first-team offense and he should only get better with more experience. Given the momentum from Cleveland's big win and another set of practice reps with the ones, he may even show out against the Niners in Week 13.

Even though he seems to have usurped Dillon Gabriel on the depth chart, managers in all but the deepest leagues and 2QB/superflex formats will want to avoid deploying Sanders until he has at least one top-12 finish under his belt.

Don't be afraid to add him to the end of your bench, though, as he's still an intriguing stash candidate who could pay dividends down the stretch.

Running Back

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders (16 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $4-7

Rodriguez has emerged as the lead back for the Commanders and cemented that status by racking up 85 yards on 16 touches in his last outing.

Despite the promising showing, the back remains available in a vast majority of leagues (Washington's Week 12 bye and a tough Week 13 matchup against the Broncos help explain some of his low rostership percentage) and should be a priority waiver target for any team lacking at the RB spot.

While Rodriguez will continue competing against Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols for touches, he's been the most productive of Washington's backfield trio over the last three games.

Given he's amassed 160 yards and two scores on 33 totes in that span, he should retain his place at the top of the pecking order going forward.

If you can't afford to lose and have a massive hole at the RB position, don't hesitate to overpay for Rodriguez and slot him in as a starter. You won't find a free-agent RB with a higher floor this week.

Devin Neal, New Orleans Saints (3 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $3-5

The Saints turned their backfield over to Neal following Alvin Kamara's knee injury on Sunday.

With the longtime Saints star exiting in the first half of Week 12's tilt against the Falcons, Neal stepped up to the fill void—tallying 61 yards on 12 touches.

Neal was promoted to the RB2 job last month after it was revealed Kendre Miller would miss the remainder of the 2025 campaign with a torn ACL.

While Neal had only seen limited usage prior to Sunday, the rookie sixth-rounder has the talent to be a lead back and displayed a quick rapport with quarterback Tyler Shough (the pair linked up for five catches on seven targets for 43 yards).

The severity of Kamara's injury remains to be seen, making Neal a speculative pickup leading up to New Orleans' upcoming showdown against the Dolphins. If the starter can't give it a go in Week 13, he will be locked in as a high-end flex, low-end RB2 play.

Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers (26 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $0-1

Considering the dearth of RBs with standalone value widely available on waivers ahead of Week 13, managers should give credence to picking up at least one high-value handcuff with an eye towards the impending fantasy playoffs.

As the clear-cut RB2 behind an injury-prone superstar in a prolific offense, Robinson sticks out as one of the league's best handcuffs. He only has minor flex appeal at this point (although he did finish as the RB20/21 in Weeks 9-10), but Christian McCaffrey's understudy could be a weekly RB1 play if the starter misses any time.

Considering the 29-year-old McCaffrey hasn't played a full season since 2022, sat out 13 games last year with injury and has been handling a massive amount of volume this season, Robinson should be stashed as a potential league-winning lottery ticket.

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams (17 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $0-1

Corum is another back who doesn't provide much standalone value outside of the deepest formats, but still deserves to be added to rosters for his potential to emerge as a top-10 fantasy weapon.

Head coach Sean McVay has long preferred to utilize a lead back rather than a platoon approach and is currently leaning heavily on Kyren Williams to shoulder L.A.'s rushing load. Corum is the next man up and would instantly assume a massive number of touches should the starter get sidelined.

Add this high-upside backup if you can afford the roster spot, as he would be a potential all-in FAAB target if Williams were to land on the IR at any point in the next month.

Wide Receiver

AP Photo/Stew Milne

Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins

Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans (22 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $7-10

Higgins has emerged as an instrumental part of Houston's passing attack over the past five weeks, an impressive stretch that continued Sunday with a 13.8-point performance.

With the breakout rookie scoring 9.5 points or more in four of the past five contests and averaging almost eight targets per game over the last three, he's cemented himself as a serviceable fantasy asset.

If Higgins can keep this hot streak rolling when C.J. Stroud returns—potentially as early as the Texans' upcoming Week 13 bout against the Colts—then managers will have found a stable starting WR3 who they can ride out the regular season with and trust during the playoffs.

Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (48 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $5-8

After exploding for 20.6 points and a WR7 finish last week, Watson continued to work as Green Bay's top wideout in Week 12. Although he wasn't nearly as prolific of a point producer during a blowout win over the Vikings, he did generate 49 yards while posting season highs in catches (five) and targets (seven).

Expect Watson to put up a more impressive line in Week 13 when the Packers take on the Lions in a Thanksgiving Day rivalry battle that projects to involve plenty of scoring.

John Metchie III, New York Jets (1 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $3-5

Metchie is quickly becoming a focal point for Gang Green's passing attack. After posting a 3/45/1 line that made him an intriguing waiver-wire pickup heading into Week 12, the talented but oft-unavailable receiver broke out on Sunday with six catches for 65 yards and a second consecutive touchdown.

Metchie now has back-to-back top-20 finishes for the first time in his career and should only continue to trend upward with New York desperately needing playmaking help during Garrett Wilson's absence.

Chimere Dike, Tennessee Titans (14 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $2-4

Dike capitalized on an opportunity to ball out in Week 12 while fellow rookie Elic Ayomanor was sidelined with a hamstring issue.

The Florida product seized the moment by reeling in five of his seven looks for 44 yards and a score. He also took a punt return 90 yards to the house, bringing his fantasy tally for the day to an impressive 21.4 points.

While Dike can't be counted on to chip in a special teams TD on a weekly basis, he's now posted three WR16 finishes or better in the last five games and has considerable upside as one of the few playmakers left in Tennessee's improving offense.

Dike is a textbook boom-or-bust pick—he finished outside the top 50 in back-to-back contests before his latest gem—but managers who are desperate for a win and need WR help against a favored foe may want to take the risk.

Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars (40 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $1-2

Washington is a critical component of Jacksonville's offense with Travis Hunter done for the season and Brian Thomas Jr. still out with a lingering ankle issue. He's finished as the WR17 or better in three of the last four weeks, including on Sunday when he scored 18.1 points on 5/71/1 line.

While Washington's value could diminish if the recently acquired Jakobi Meyers starts assuming a larger role and Thomas finally gets back on the field, for now he has a hot hand that managers shouldn't hesitate to ride.

Don't utilize early waiver priority or spend a ton of FAAB dollars to get him, but don't shy away from starting him in Week 13—especially with a beatable Titans defense on tap.

Greg Dortch, Arizona Cardinals (9 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $1-2

Dortch has been a strong fill-in for Marvin Harrison Jr. over the last two weeks. The veteran backup has posted back-to-back top-15 finishes while the star wideout recovers from appendicitis surgery.

Although his role won't remain as prominent for long, he's caught at least six passes, went over 50 yards and scored in back-to-back contests. Those marks make him worth a start any time Harrison can't go.

Andrei Iosivas, Cincinnati Bengals (20 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $0-1

With Ja'Marr Chase out, Iosivas stepped up and finished as Cincinnati's top wideout in Week 12. The veteran hauled in four catches for a team-high 61 yards in a narrow loss to the Patriots.

While Chase will return in Week 13 after serving a one-game suspension, Iosivas could still operate as a No. 2 WR due to Tee Higgins' concussion.

If Higgins is unable to clear the protocol in time for a Thanksgiving clash with the rival Ravens, managers would be able to comfortably deploy Iosivas from the WR3 or flex spots.

Tyler Lockett, Las Vegas Raiders (2 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $0-1

Lockett is back on the fantasy radar following his release from the Titans. The veteran wideout's established rapport with Geno Smith has helped him earn 14 looks over the last three games, targets he's converted into 12 receptions for 139 yards.

While Lockett is still looking for his first touchdown since Week 9 of last season, his status as a safety net for Smith is affording him enough volume to be worthy of a bench spot and desperation flex status in deeper PPR formats.

Tight End

AP Photo/Samantha Chow

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange

Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars (13 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $3-5

Strange was a sleeper candidate heading into the season, but his sophomore campaign has been derailed by a hip injury that kept him out of the lineup for over a month. He came back with a bang on Sunday, catching all five of his targets for a team-high 93 receiving yards.

His 14.3 points and TE4 finish represent his best marks of the season but aren't likely to stand out as outliers by the end of the campaign. Jacksonville's offense has struggled without a competent pass-catching TE in recent weeks, and the coaching staff appeared to put a priority on getting Strange involved upon his return.

Expect similar usage and production over the final weeks of the fantasy season, making Strange a perfect late-year pickup for managers who have been streaming underwhelming options at the position.

Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (47 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $2-4

It's puzzling to see Schultz still sitting on waivers in more than half of all fantasy leagues. He's been one of the most consistent tight ends in football since Houston came out of its bye, ranking as the TE5 between Weeks 7-11.

Even after an ugly performance on Thursday Night Football (Schultz only caught one of his four targets for eight yards against a stingy Buffalo defense on a short week with a backup quarterback under center), he still rates as the TE7 over the past six games and should be a priority pickup for managers lacking a stable TE1.

Expect Schultz to return to form when the Texans take on the Colts—and their defense that has allowed the fifth-most points to TEs this season—in a key AFC South battle this weekend.

Coleston Loveland, Chicago Bears (43 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $1-3

After a slow start to his rookie year, Loveland received a major confidence boost when he exploded for 29.8 points and finished as the TE2 back in Week 9.

The first-round pick hasn't had that type of performance since, but he did notch his second top-five finish of the past month with a 14.9-point game on Sunday.

Now he's playing more snaps than veteran TE Cole Kmet and earning a respectable target share, Loveland can be considered a low-floor, high-ceiling streaming option.

D/ST

AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen

Jacksonville Jaguars (42 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $1-3

Targeting Cam Ward is a rock-solid strategy when it comes to choosing a D/ST to start. The No. 1 overall pick has had a rocky rookie campaign and currently leads the league with 45 sacks taken—a large reason why the Titans allow the most fantasy points to opposing defenses this year.

Ward has been turnover-prone as well and is a strong bet to add to the 12 he's given up across his first 11 starts when he takes on the Jags this coming Sunday.

Although Jacksonville failed to secure any takeaways versus Arizona last week, this D/ST has created a solid 18 turnovers on the year and should get back on track in Week 13 with Ward's help.

As juicy as this matchup is, avoid overpaying for the Jags defense. They won't be startable in Week 14 when the Colts—who rank No. 32 in points allowed to D/ST—come to town. Jacksonville has an overall undesirable fantasy playoff schedule as well, effectively limiting the unit to short-term rental status.

Atlanta Falcons (49 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $1-3

The Falcons D/ST feasted against a lowly Saints offense in Week 12, tallying 16 points in a blowout victory against a divisional rival. The unit allowed just 10 points while recording five sacks—the fourth consecutive week they've amassed at least five sacks—and a pair of takeaways.

Expect more big things with the Jets on the docket in Week 13. Gang Green's offense hasn't gone over 14 points in two weeks and looks broken, opening the door for Atlanta to continue piling up D/ST points.

Miami Dolphins (2 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $0-1

The Dolphins haven't been a worthwhile D/ST for much of the 2025 campaign, but they are heating up in recent weeks and could carry managers to the fantasy playoffs. The team is coming out of a much-needed bye with momentum, having won two consecutive contests while scoring at least nine D/ST points in each of those games.

Although Miami isn't going to get a ton of sacks, this group has recorded four takeaways in its last two contests and limited each of its past two opponents to just 13 points.

With the downtrodden Saints and Jets representing Miami's next two foes, it's not unreasonable to expect this defense to put up double-digit point totals in consecutive weeks.

New Orleans Saints (7 Percent Rostered)

Suggested FAAB Bid: $0-1

If you are fortunate enough to have locked up a playoff spot and have the bench space to add a second defense, make it a priority to scoop up New Orleans' D/ST early.   

While you could conceivably start the Saints against the Dolphins on Sunday (although Miami's offense has shown signs of life in recent weeks) and maybe even against the Bucs in Week 14 (especially if Baker Mayfield winds up missing time with a wrist injury he picked up on Sunday night), this waiver claim is centered around New Orleans' dreamlike fantasy playoff schedule.

With the Panthers, Jets and Titans respectively scheduled between Weeks 15-17, the Saints have the the luxury of facing three consecutive foes that each rank in the top 10 for points allowed to opposing D/ST units.