Week 13 Waiver Wire Pickups to Avoid: Rex Grossman and 3 Others

One of the best ways to give yourself a chance every fantasy football season is to continually be aware of the best available players in free agency. In addition, you must also be aware of the players to avoid. Otherwise, you could be making a costly mistake.

That being said, here are four players to avoid no matter how much longer your season lasts.

Rex Grossman: QB, Redskins

In his last two games, Rex Grossman has thrown for an average of just over 300 yards and a total of four TDs to three INTs. His QB rating was over 95 in both games and he had a completion percentage above 65 percent.

So does this mean Grossman is a viable fantasy option? Well, it depends on how much you like taking risks. Grossman has struggled with being consistent for long periods of time throughout his career and he may be an appealing addition if you're in a league that starts two QBs.

But until we see more proof that he's legitimately becoming more consistent, stay away from Rex. You may end up being more disappointed than anything else.

Kyle Orton: QB, Chiefs

Kyle Orton struggled this season in Denver because Tim Tebow was basically breathing down his neck thanks to the fans. Nonetheless, Orton may be getting a fresh start in K.C. but it's a new system that lacks a passing game. Right now, Orton is not the best of pickups.

Surely in due time we have to expect that Orton will become the starter over Tyler Palko because he is the more experienced QB, but that won't make much of a difference in terms of Orton's fantasy value.

Orton had a few good years in the league but struggles significantly if he doesn't have a solid array of targets to bail him out, as he underthrows quite a bit. So even if Orton takes over the helm in K.C., defer from making him a part of your fantasy team.

Marion Barber: RB, Bears

Chicago may be dealing with some injuries at the QB position, but that's no reason to pickup RB Marion Barber. The Bears offense revolves around one player and that's fellow RB Matt Forte.

Barber is strictly used in short-yardage situations as well as to give Forte his rare breather, but other than that he's not used very often. While in Dallas, Barber was a part of a different offensive system that utilized multiple RBs.

But with Mike Martz's system, much like he did with the Rams, the offense circulates through the starting RB. So, barring a catastrophic meltdown from Matt Forte or an injury, stay away from Barber. Although he leads Chicago with five rushing TDs, his lack of yards doesn't make up for it.

Preston Parker: WR, Buccaneers

Tampa Bay's passing offense is really the only thing they've been somewhat able to hang their hat on this season, but they're not explosive enough to win games by throwing the ball alone.

Additionally, the defense has been lacking and despite WR Preston Parker's decent production in comparison to his teammates, it's not enough to warrant a spot in fantasy football. The underachievement of QB Josh Freeman has also been a factor. On the year Parker has compiled 403 receiving yards and scored three TDs.

Even if you're desperately in need of a backup flex or No. 3 WR, Parker is not the guy you want since the Buccaneers struggle to move the ball regardless of the opposing defense.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27