Week 13 Waiver Wire: Top 6 Pickups for Final Stretch

While the waiver wire may be a little thin for Week 13, we've dug and dug to find you the top players that can still make a difference in most leagues.

With most fantasy seasons only a week or two away from the start of the playoffs, the importance of finding that last missing piece to your team is more crucial than ever.

Here are the top six pickups off the Week 13 waiver wire for the final stretch of the fantasy season.

6. Chaz Schilens: Wide Receiver, Oakland Raiders

The reason that Chaz Schilens lands on the waiver wire pickup list is due to the massive amount of injuries that the Oakland Radiers' receiving corps has faced this year.

With players like Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford inactive, and Darrius Heyward-Bey playing at far less than 100 percent, Schilens is getting more opportunities in Oakland's offense.

On Sunday, Schilens recorded four receptions for 58 yards. While those numbers are nowhere near worthy enough to start, it was easily his best performance of the season.

As a receiver with good hands and great height, expect Schilens to get some looks in the red zone as he gets more comfortable filling in for injured players.

5. Brad Smith: Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills

Heading into Sunday's game against the New York Jets, Brad Smith had eight receptions for 78 yards on the season.

However, against his former team, Smith had his best game of the year, notching four receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. Now, some may say that Smith made this game personal against his former team, but the greater reality is that with the loss of Fred Jackson, the Buffalo Bills need all the weapons they can get.

That's where Smith and his vast versatility come into play. His ability to makes plays is going to be crucial as Buffalo attempts to turn their season around.

While he definitely isn't starting fantasy receiver material, Smith could become a decent flex option in the next few weeks.

4. Rex Grossman: Quarterback, Washington Redskins

While I've had difficulty gauging the Washington Redskins' quarterback situation all year long, one thing that has remained constant is that whoever is throwing the ball for Washington throws fairly often.

Now, I'm a little concerned that Rex Grossman didn't have a great game against the Seattle Seahawks, but I still like the fact that he threw the ball over 30 times on Sunday. That type of opportunity is almost guaranteed to put up some nice fantasy numbers.

The only way I can see picking Grossman up off the waiver wire turning into a bad situation is if Washington decides to go back to John Beck. However, this late in the season, I just can't see that happening.

Grossman has toyed with fantasy owners' hearts for so long that there is guaranteed to be some resentment towards him. Put it on a shelf, and pick him up for the final playoff push. It will all work out in the end.

3. T.J. Yates: Quarterback, Houston Texans

Really, this spot goes to whoever is playing quarterback for the Houston Texans. As of 3:30 on Sunday afternoon, that spot belonged to T.J. Yates.

When Matt Leinart went down with an injury in the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Yates was forced to step in. While he didn't have outstanding numbers (70 passing yards), this is still a high-powered Houston offense where a quarterback will put up some good fantasy numbers.

If Yates gets the stats from here on out, there is no doubt that he will be asked to simply be a game manager. However, when you look at what Leinart was able to do in the first half (57 yards and a touchdown), you see that even a game manager for the Texans will put up quality fantasy points.

Whoever starts for Houston in the weeks to come is definitely worth picking up on your fantasy roster.

2. Roy Helu: Running Back, Washington Redskins

It appears as if Roy Helu is back out of the doghouse for the Washington Redskins.

After back-to-back poor performances from Helu, he put together a solid game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. He had 23 rushes for 108 yards, seven receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown.

Whenever you find a running back whose team is using him as a receiver as well, it's a good sign for fantasy football. Helu has proven capable of putting up huge numbers, but the problem is that his role on the Redskins goes from hot to cold so quickly.

If you are in desperate need of a running back, or you are looking for a solid flex option down the stretch, look no further than Mr. Helu.

1. Greg Little: Wide Receiver, Cleveland Browns

Last week, Greg Little was a player that I recommended to pick up off the waiver wire.

This week, Little continued to play extremely well, recording five receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown. Now, those aren't overly impressive numbers, but Little has absolutely asserted himself as Colt McCoy's top target, and these two are beginning to really gel together.

The Cleveland Browns are starting to play much better as a team, and in the weeks to come, they could be a tough team to beat. Much of their improvement has come on the offensive side of the football, where Little is becoming better and better with each week.

If he is available in your league, pick him up. Even if you need to put him on your bench for a week, don't be surprised if he is putting up great numbers come fantasy playoff time.