Joe Serpico shares his top fantasy football waiver-wire pickups heading into Week 13.
Chris Rodriguez, RB, Washington Commanders: The Commanders had a Week 12 bye, but Rodriguez had more touches and snaps of any Washington running back in Week 11. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols will still get work, but Rodriguez is the player to own in this backfield. He is still available in more than 80 percent of fantasy leagues, and anyone in need of a running back should make an investment in Rodriguez.
Devin Neal, RB, New Orleans Saints: Alvin Kamara suffered a knee injury and Neal stepped in. He was inefficient on the ground, rushing for just 18 yards on seven carries. The five receptions for 43 yards are more promising. We need more clarity on the severity of Kamara’s injury, but Neal is the next in line with Kendre Miller already out for the season.
Jaylen Higgins, WR, Houston Texans: Houston has finally figured out the WR2 spot. Higgins has seen at least seven targets in four of his last five games, including nine targets in the win against Buffalo on Thursday night. Nico Collins is still the top dog, but Higgins is getting enough looks to be rostered.
Chimere Dike, WR, Tennessee Titans: The rookie has taken advantage of limited opportunities to make plays. Dike led the team in targets with Calvin Ridley and Elic Ayomanor out of action and also contributed with a special teams touchdown. He’s a deep league stash for receiver needy teams.
Brenton Strange, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars: Strange has missed most of the season due to injury but led Jacksonville with 93 receiving yards in his first game back. Trevor Lawrence is always looking his way when healthy, and the Titans’ suspect defense is up next. Strange is a high-end TE2 with upside the rest of the season.
Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints: Let’s face it. If you do not own Trey McBride, you are struggling at tight end. Hill had 10 rushing attempts and also threw two passes in Week 12. Yes, he only finished with 17 total yards, but he was heavily involved near the goal line. This is a flyer, but Hill has always been one of the better boom-or-bust players when Kamara is out.
Top Handcuffs (Rostered in less than 50 percent of leagues)
Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams
Brian Robinson Jr., San Francisco 49ers
Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers
Tank Bigsby, Philadelphia Eagles
Ollie Gordon II, Miami Dolphins
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns