As if it was not bad enough for my Packers to lose Jayden Reed (earlier this season), Tucker Kraft (for the season), and Josh Jacobs (missed Week 12), now the fantasy powers-to-be have, once again, tested my mettle by dropping a Baker Mayfield shoulder injury. We are now two weeks from most, if not all, fantasy playoffs, so the Baker injury could be a major issue for those pushing for those final playoff spots.
While looking into your waiver wire for Week 13, do not forget the Panthers, 49ers, Giants, and Patriots will wrap up the final group of byes in Week 14. Make sure you cover your roster for that last set of teams to be off. Remember, this holiday week brings three Thursday and one Friday game.
Do not forget the @Razzball NFL team of writers will be hosting our Sunday Morning Start/Sit podcast every week starting three hours before kickoff all the way up to the official start of the early games. Sky – @SkyGuasco, Derek – @Derek_Favret, Jeff @Jefferson__21, Dave @crewswe128 and me/Matt – @stiles08, will be answering all your questions to help you win your weekly matchups. Come for the analysis and stay for the laughs!
Be sure to check out Razzball Football’s updated rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF
Be sure to check out the latest tools on Razzball.com: Slot vs. Wide PPG Allowed | WR Slot vs. Wide| DEF Targets Allowed | Home vs. Away | Wins vs. Losses | TD Tool | DEF Zone vs. Gap Rushing | RB Zone vs. Gap Rushing |
Want more data-driven stats and tools to help you win your fantasy league? Check out the Razzball Fantasy Football premium subscriptions for $0.00 upfront with our 3-day free trial!
WAIVERS:
ADD OF THE WEEK = Kenneth Gainwell – 54% rostered makes the top of the list this week for a couple reasons. (1) He is in a run first offense that just saw its starting QB go down with an injured wrist. (2) It’s the AFC North so anything can happen with the weather. (3) Running backs are at more premium than Wide Receivers. (4) Gainwell was an absolute beast in Week 12.
QB: The name here is clearly Jacoby Brissett – 61% rostered for the Cardinals. This guy is creating quite a QB controversy in the desert with his recent play. Since becoming the starter in Week 6, he has eclipsed the 250 passing yard mark in each game while also throwing two TDs per game except Week 12 where he tallied only one TD. His fantasy points have been 21+ in each week. I do not see him throwing less with the lack of a true running game.
RB: Emmanuel Wilson – 66% rostered carried the load for the Packers with Josh Jacobs unable to go on Sunday. He notched 120+ scrimmage yards with two TDs to finish Sunday as the overall RB2. The only reason he is not atop my list this week is because I feel Jacobs will return in Week 13.
Honorable Mention/Cheaper Options:
Trey Benson – 64% rostered participated, in a limited practice capacity, in Week 12 which is a good sign heading into Week 13. The Cardinals need a viable running game to compliment the passing attack led by Jacoby Brissett if, for no other reason, than to keep defenses honest.
Kareem Hunt – 71% rostered just logged 30 carries in a must-win game for the Chiefs. There is no competition in this backfield, so if Hunt is available in your league, jump at the opportunity to add and play him.
Devin Neal – 3% rostered will see most snaps and carries for the Saints with Alvin Kamara dealing with an ankle injury. Kamara’s current return timeline is Week 14, so Neal might be able to help for the next two weeks if you are struggling at RB.
Troy Franklin – WR – 59% rostered saw nine targets in Week 11 and should continue to receive volume after the bye week. I have him listed here as a player to watch just in case another owner drops him for coverage during the bye week.
Honorable Mention/Cheaper Options:
Jayden Higgins / Christian Kirk – both under 50% rostered have been top targets for Davis Mills as he fills in for CJ Stoud. Both reeled in a touchdown on Thursday Night Football and will look to continue receiving targets with a suspect running game for the Texans.
Chimere Dike / Van Jefferson – both under 50% rostered play for a bad Titans offense but even bad offenses put up some fantasy points. If you need some help at WR, there are few options, so at least consider these two moving forward.
Alec Pierce – 49% rostered is clearly being slept on in over half of leagues. He should be snatched up in all formats and probably started as a WR3 or FLEX, especially in PPR formats, coming off his bye week. He has outperformed all Colts WRs not named Michael Pittman and is ascending each week.
Christian Watson – 32% rostered appears to be a shiny new toy for Jordan Love. Ride the wave where it takes you with this Packers offense. With the injuries rising, we need to glom on to any viable options and Watson seems to be a good bet to continue to produce.
TE: Juwan Johnson – 47% rostered out up four straight double-digit performances prior to his Week 11. I expect more of the same coming out of the bye as he looks to have a good connection with the rookie QB, Tyler Shough, and does not have a ton of competition for targets outside of Chris Olave.
You must love what you see with Cade Otton – 42% rostered. Against a tough New England defense, Otton put up 9-82-0 as Baker looked for him early and often in the middle of the field in Week 11. Otton may not have as much value with Teddy Bridgewater over Baker Mayfield. Keep an eye on the Bucs QB1 leading up to the turkey day games.
There is no better time to get hot, so work your waiver wire and make the playoffs. You need two more wins and are probably in the playoffs. Once you are in the dance, anything can happen. Keep working to win this thing! There is no need to rush to drop any specific player. Start by looking at your roster to determine if you have an obvious drop candidate. If you do, then move over to your waiver wire. Do not make a move just to make a move.
Follow me @stiles08 on X and send questions comments at the bottom of this article. Make sure you jump around the Razzball site for all your fantasy football needs. We have a ton of free content to include our Slot Versus Wide tool additional articles from our crack team of writers.
-Stiles-
