I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving and NFL Week 13 and that your teams are locked into solid playoff berths. Week 13 worked for me. The two teams that had a realistic chance for a playoff berth won, and although neither is a lock yet, they are both in 6th place in control of their destiny—essentially my playoffs start a week early.

This season has been a real battle to recover from a poor start, but I worked the waiver wire hard and was able to squeeze just enough fantasy points out of it to get those two teams into playoff contention—players like RBs Kimani Vidal (LAC), Bam Knight (Ari), and Michael Carter (Ari); WRs Michael Wilson (Ari) and Andrei Iosivas (Cin); and TEs Brenton Strange (Jax) and Darren Waller (Mia). If they make the playoffs and stay healthy, both teams have real championship potential.

My Week 14 is going to a challenge, with several key players injured and others on bye weeks all against tough opponents. So, as usual, I will be combing through the thin pickings on the waiver wire for any slight edge I can get.

Here’s last week’s “crystal-ball waiver lineup”—a simple gauge of waiver strength by building a lineup from last week’s streamers (1 QB, 1 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 FLEX [RB/WR/TE], 1 K, 1 D/ST):

QB — Tyrod Taylor — 23.0
RB — Bam Knight — 17.8
WR — Darius Slayton — 14.1
WR — Andrei Iosivas — 9.9
TE — Hunter Henry — 24.5
FLEX — Devin Neal (RB) — 9.9
K — Evan McPherson — 24.9
D/ST — Los Angeles Chargers — 10.0
Week 12 Total — 123.1

Previous weeks:

Week 12—176.8
Week 11 — 152.5
Week 10 — 113.6
Week 9 — 102.3
Week 8 — 133.35
Week 7 — 152.15

With no teams on byes last week, I was expecting a higher crystal-ball waiver lineup, but it was pretty average. Even still, it shows there continue to be waiver-wire opportunities if you hunt hard enough and have some good fortune.

Now, on to business…

If you’re familiar with my Streamers for the Desperate series, feel free to skip down to this week’s rankings.

If you’re new, here’s the quick background. These articles are based on the principles I outlined in How To Own Your League's Waiver Wire, and they’re geared toward deep-roster leagues (18–24 spots), where free agents thin out quickly, with extra consideration for dynasty and keeper formats.

Players with an asterisk (*) are available in my toughest 24-man league, where streaming is truly challenging. Rookies and sophomores have an (R) and (S) after their names to indicate they might have longer-term upside potential.

I loosely rank the players, but your roster needs and league type should guide your prioritization. In parentheses after each name, you’ll see the opponent’s rank against that position for the next four weeks — '1st' being the toughest matchup, '32nd' the softest. Then in the blurb, I give each player's four-week stat line, such as (CMP-ATT/YDS-TD-INT) for a quarterback.

If you are playing in more standard formats, such as a Yahoo redraft league, check out ASL’s Fantasy Football Adds - Week 14 by Colton Peters and Injuries & Opportunities - Week 14 by Chris Hexter. 

Finally, a word on philosophy: I put in waiver requests every week for every team, not just to cover immediate needs but to strengthen my roster top-to-bottom. Deep benches build injury resilience and force other managers into weaker options — which opens the door for trades and future draft capital.

Quarterbacks

Ty Johnson, Buf v Cin (32nd, 2nd, 9th, 24th) – Johnson (6/23-0, 10-12/150-1) stayed involved on designed screens and checkdowns, drawing five targets and three catches despite light rushing usage. He remains the top reserve behind James Cook, with packages that get him into space rather than traditional early-down work. A forgiving Bengals run defense this week helps the overall environment, but Johnson’s value still runs through receptions. He’s a deeper-league streamer when you’re targeting targets, not carries.

Chris Rodriguez, Wsh @ Min (5th, 12th, 31st, 17th) – Rodriguez (32/136-2, 1-2/6-0) paced the backfield again and converted from eight yards, while Jeremy McNichols continued to handle most passing downs. The Commanders have given Rodriguez double-digit carries in three of the last four, keeping him in the lead runner seat. A stingy Vikings run defense temper expectations. He profiles as a volume-leaning flex with limited reception upside.

*Samaje Perine, Cin @ Buf (29th, 19th, 18th, 25th) – Perine (14/39-0, 2-2/15-0) returned from an ankle injury to a near-even carry split with Chase Brown, though a late fumble didn’t help his case. With Tahj Brooks sidelined, Perine should continue in a complementary role behind Brown. The Bills have been forgiving on the ground, giving Perine paths via series-based early-down work and short receptions. He’s a deeper-league streamer tied to game flow and ball security.

Jordan Mason, Min v Wsh (30th, 21st, 31st, 1st) – Mason (24/159-1, 2-2/7-0) took over after Aaron Jones left with a shoulder issue and ripped 47 yards on six carries in relief. Earlier spot starts this season showed he can handle a lead share with goal-line work when called upon. If Jones sits or is limited, Mason projects for early downs and red-zone carries against the Commanders. If Jones practices in full, Mason slides back to change-of-pace duty.

*Emari Demercado, Ari v LAR (4th, 11th, 26th, 32nd) – Demercado (9/72-0, 5-7/52-0) missed last week with a high-ankle sprain and hasn’t logged a full practice since the injury. The Cardinals opened Trey Benson’s return window and have Bam Knight and Michael Carter available, so the rotation could be crowded even if Demercado suits up. If active, he’d likely be managed with passing-down and limited early-down snaps. Until there’s clear practice progress, he’s more stash than start.

Michael Carter, Ari v LAR (4th, 11th, 26th, 32nd) – Carter (15/55-0, 13-16/99-0) handled 10 touches with five receptions while Bam Knight led in carries. His role centers on third-down/long-down usage with occasional designed swings and flats. If Demercado and/or Trey Benson return, Carter’s volume likely dips. In PPR formats he’s viable when the Cardinals stay in pass situations.

Jaleel McLaughlin, Den @ LV (20th, 10th, 5th, 6th) – McLaughlin (12/43-1, 2-2/1-0) logged his highest snap count of the season but still trailed RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie. The Broncos used him as a change-of-pace option with a handful of carries and one target. If this two-game usage stickiness holds, he offers bench streamer utility through a few designed touches. If the rotation tightens, he reverts to insurance behind Harvey.

Blake Corum, LAR @ Ari (25th, 1st, 7th, 26th) – Corum (35/171-1, 1-2/-5-0) set a season high with 81 rushing yards and punched in a short touchdown while Kyren Williams briefly checked his ankle. The Rams had already been increasing Corum’s workload, and this gives them cover to keep him involved for early-down series. Expect Williams to remain the lead, with Corum pushing for 6–10 carries and short-yardage chances. He’s a touchdown-dependent flex in deeper leagues.

*Jaret Patterson, LAC v Phi (24th, 6th, 21st, 11th) – Patterson (12/55-1, 0-0/0-0) was active as the No. 2 behind Kimani Vidal with Omarion Hampton still out, closing the game with a late drive capped by a two-yard score. The Chargers have leaned on Vidal for volume while giving Patterson spot series and short-yardage work. If Hampton remains sidelined, Patterson should keep a modest early-down slice with goal-line paths. If Hampton returns, Patterson’s role shrinks to depth.

Keaton Mitchell, Bal v Pit (8th, 32nd, 2nd, 10th) – Mitchell (14/91-1, 5-7/44-0) functions as the speed complement behind Derrick Henry, with designed touches that can flip the field. If Justice Hill remains limited, Mitchell’s change-of-pace role holds; if Hill returns to full strength, snaps likely tighten. A stingy Steelers run defense compresses efficiency this week, keeping him big-play dependent. He’s a volatile bench start best used only if your team is desperate.

Dontayvion Wicks, GB v Chi (25th, 6th, 25th, 23rd) – Wicks (13-21/173-2, 1/6-0) broke out on Thanksgiving with 94 yards and two touchdowns. He benefited from extra routes with Jayden Reed (shoulder/foot, IR) and Savion Williams (foot) unavailable and Matthew Golden (wrist) limited, then earned trust on third- and fourth-down looks—including a game-sealing 16-yard conversion late. The Packers featured him on slants, quick outs, and mixed in intermediate digs and crossers 10–20 yards downfield. If the target share holds as the room gets healthier, he remains a viable streamer against the Bears.

*Devaughn Vele (S), NO @ TB (22nd, 7th, 11th, 26th) – Vele (12-18/145-1, 0/0-0) followed his elevation to the Saints’ WR2 role with 8-93-1, finishing second on the team in targets behind Juwan Johnson and ahead of Chris Olave. Vele’s routes are concentrated in the short and intermediate areas, where timing throws keep him involved. Efficiency has been strong the last two weeks, and the snap share is stable. He profiles as a viable streamer while the Saints lean on quick game.

Greg Dortch, Ari v LAR (23rd, 17th, 4th, 18th) – Dortch (14-17/133-2, 4/-3-1) saw only two targets with Marvin Harrison Jr. back in Week 13, but Harrison left in the fourth quarter with a heel injury and is now questionable. Coach Jonathan Gannon said the issue resembles Max Melton’s recent heel injury and Harrison will be evaluated this week. If Harrison sits or is limited, Dortch should reclaim Jacoby Brissett’s short-area outlet role with a near-every-down route share; if Harrison plays a full load with Michael Wilson active, Dortch remains a depth streamer.

Pat Bryant (R), Den @ LV (29th, 13th, 20th, 15th) – Bryant (9-15/167-0, 0/0-0) set a career high with seven targets and logged 49 snaps, settling in as the Broncos’ No. 3 behind Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin. Bryant is earning trust on timing concepts and flashed vertical ability before the bye. With the Raiders offering a soft matchup, his expanding role puts him on the deep-league radar. He’s a reasonable streamer if the Broncos throws 30-plus times again.

John Metchie, NYJ v Mia (8th, 20th, 12th, 17th) – Metchie (14-19/132-2, 2/-9-0) set a season high with eight targets last week, continuing to operate as the Jets’ primary receiver while Garrett Wilson remains on injured reserve. John Metchie’s work has come on quick hitters and crossers, giving him steady involvement even when yards after catch are limited. Touchdowns in two of the last three keep him relevant despite modest per-target production. Volume should remain steady with the current depth chart.

*Treylon Burks, Wsh @ Min (1st, 28th, 16th, 32nd) – Burks (4-7/63-1, 0/0-0) returned from injury and made a highlight one-handed score while playing 66% of snaps. Burks still sits behind Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel, which caps weekly targets. The Vikings present a stingy assignment, so you’re leaning on red-zone usage or a deep shot. He’s a touchdown-dependent streamer for deeper formats.

Chris Godwin, TB v NO (12th, 19th, 7th, 8th) – Godwin (5-9/87-0, 0/0-0) posted a season-high 78 yards in Week 13 as his snap count climbed and he shed the injury designation. Godwin’s role expanded back to boundary and intermediate work after a ramp-up the prior week. Assuming the workload continues to rise, he moves back into weekly flex consideration. The Buccaneers should keep him involved on digs and outs as his form returns.

Tight Ends

*Colby Parkinson, LAR @ Ari (24th, 9th, 28th, 2nd) – Parkinson (14/16-123-3) posted 4-27-0 on five targets, extending his run of multi-catch games while his touchdown streak snapped. With Tyler Higbee on IR he remains the Rams’ lead tight end, though routes still rotate with Davis Allen and Terrance Ferguson. The role supplies steady involvement, but volume can be modest week to week, keeping him a touchdown-dependent TE2.

Gunnar Helm (R), Ten @ Cle (13th, 23rd, 7th, 16th) – Helm (16/19-103-0) delivered 6-23-0 on seven targets and has led the Titans in looks in back-to-back weeks. Even with Elic Ayomanor back, Cam Ward continues to lean on Helm in short areas, while snaps remain close with Chigoziem Okonkwo. The usage trend supports low-end TE2 streaming despite limited yards after the catch.

Cade Otton, TB v NO (16th, 2nd, 21st, 30th) – Otton (17/26-140-0) logged 4-21-0 on seven targets after a 2-9 line the prior week and continues to play heavy snaps. His usage is primarily short-area, which keeps the floor intact regardless of quarterback health. He remains a volume-driven TE2 who needs sustained red-zone work to break through.

Chigoziem Okonkwo, Ten @ Cle (13th, 23rd, 7th, 16th) – Okonkwo (10/12-125-0) went 4-29-0 on five targets and has at least three receptions in three straight since the bye. He’s been out-targeted by Gunnar Helm lately but still plays a significant snap share and works the intermediate routes. Efficiency is fine; ceiling hinges on a red-zone conversion.

Isaiah Likely, Bal v Pit (27th, 32nd, 25th, 12th) – Likely (10/16-137-0) just delivered his best game of the season with 5-95-0, including a 43-yard catch-and-run before a goal-line fumble. Routes and targets spiked in that contest, and this week brings a soft opponent for tight ends. He’s a momentum play with athletic upside and streaming appeal.

Darren Waller, Mia @ NYJ (14th, 27th, 32nd, 15th) – Waller (2/3-47-0) returned from IR and immediately led the Dolphins in yardage on a low-volume passing day. He should remain a featured option alongside Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, and De’Von Achane, though conditioning and snap ramp-up are still factors after the layoff. He’s a viable TE2 streamer with room to grow as the routes expand.

Cole Kmet, Chi @ GB (12th, 13th, 12th, 23rd) – Kmet (10/11-89-1) produced 3-36-1 on perfect efficiency but has only two multi-catch games in his last seven. Caleb Williams’ recent low-volume outings keep targets capped, leaving Kmet reliant on timely red-zone usage. He remains a low-end TE2 streamer.

Evan Engram, Den @ LV (3rd, 12th, 31st, 7th) – Engram (12/19-124-0) posted 6-79-0, boosted by a 41-yard grab in overtime, and was one of just two active Broncos tight ends with Adam Trautman. The role has been steady, but weekly production has lagged most of the season. A stingy opponent for tight ends this week lowers the margin for error, keeping him in deep-league TE2 territory.

*Darnell Washington, Pit @ Bal (8th, 30th, 9th, 13th) – Washington (9/12-149-0) posted 2-45-0 on four targets and actually led the Steelers in receiving yards during a rough offensive day. He’s earned at least four targets in three of his last five while sharing time with Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. The rotational usage keeps weekly volume fragile, but the recent involvement sustains TE2 viability.

Kickers

Jake Moody, Wsh @ Min (31st, 25th, 24th, 16th)

Evan McPherson, Cin @ Buf (8th, 32nd, 15th, 15th)

Riley Patterson, Mia @ NYJ (30th, 26th, 20th, 17th)

Ka'imi Fairbairn, Hou @ KC (9th, 29th, 23rd, 11th)

Will Reichard (S), Min v Wsh (28th, 16th, 25th, 7th)

Defense / Special Teams

Tennessee Titans @ Cle (29th, 10th, 3rd, 28th)

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Bal (21st, 20th, 3rd, 29th)

Miami Dolphins @ NYJ (25th, 12th, 17th, 15th)

New York Jets v Mia (20th, 17th, 28th, 18th)

Indianapolis Colts @ Jax (16th, 14th, 10th, 16th)