Week 13 Waiver Wire Box Score Stat Projections for Top Fantasy Pickups and Sleepers

Week 13 is nearly upon us, and it's one of the best fantasy football weeks of the season.

This year's Thanksgiving slate will serve several marquee matchups, and a full 32-team schedule. That means that many managers will be able to rely on their biggest stars at each position.

Of course, Week 13 will also bring four short-week games—which is not ideal for injured players—and a slew of tough matchups. For some managers, it'll still be worth working the waiver wire this week.

Let's dive into some of the top waiver-wire targets of Week 13 and make a few projections.

Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/Stew Milne

It's been a struggle for Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward this season, but things seem to be improving. Ward has topped 13 fantasy points in two of his last three games and is coming off a 23.9-point performance against a good Seattle Seahawks defense.

Interim Titans coach Mike McCoy hasn't exactly revolutionized the offense since taking over, but he's done a better job of highlighting Tennessee's most trustworthy pass-catchers. Ward, meanwhile, has had two of his best games since the Week 10 bye.

This week, the Titans will host the rival Jacksonville Jaguars, who do not feature a top-tier defense. In fact, only three teams have surrendered more fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks than Jacksonville.

Ward is available in over 90 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

Week 13 Projection: 226 yards, 2 TDs, 38 rushing yards

Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns

Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini

Cleveland Browns rookie Dylan Sampson is a boom-or-bust sleeper option who has underwhelmed for most of the season. He started the year with back-to-back double-digit fantasy performances before Quinshon Judkins took over the backfield, and Sampson largely disappeared.

However, Sampson regained a prominent role in Week 12, as the Browns used him in the receiving game to give rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders an outlet. Sampson finished with two catches on three targets, nine touches and a huge 66-yard catch-and-run score.

Sampson's nine touches and 16.2 fantasy points were both his highest since Week 1. He should get more opportunities as an outlet receiver against a good San Francisco 49ers defense this week—especially with Sanders set to get a second start.

Sampson is rostered in just 11 percent of Yahoo leagues and seven percent of ESPN leagues.

Week 13 Projection: 5 receptions, 76 scrimmage yards

Parker Washington, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Doug Murray

The Jaguars had a vision that involved Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter forming one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the league. Unfortunately, inconsistent play and injuries quickly derailed that plan.

The Jags have, however, found themselves a steady receiver in Parker Washington. He's become one of Trevor Lawrence's favorite targets, and he's been good more often than not in fantasy. Washington has topped 10 fantasy points in four of his last five games.

Washington should have another strong outing this week against the Titans, who have surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. He's, somehow, still available in 60 percent of Yahoo leagues and 80 percent of ESPN leagues.

Week 13 Projection: 4 receptions, 54 yards, 1 TD

Dalton Schultz, TE, Houston Texans

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Surprisingly, Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz is still available in a majority of Yahoo leagues. He's rostered in 57 percent of ESPN leagues but only 47 percent of Yahoo leagues.

It's surprising because Schultz has evolved into one of the more reliable fantasy tight ends over the past two months. He had a dud of a game against the Buffalo Bills last week, but he's also reached 11 fantasy points in five of his last seven games.

Schultz has been productive with both C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills behind center, so managers should trust him in Week 13, regardless of which quarterback starts. Houston is likely to do a fair bit of passing to keep pace with the rival Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts, meanwhile, have surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

Week 13 Projection: 6 receptions, 52 yards

*Fantasy roster and scoring information from FantasyPros.