Who will be the surprise running backs that lead teams to fantasy football glory in 2022? There's at least one every season, and after injuries to Travis Etienne, Michael Carter, Najee Harris, Christian McCaffrey, and Elijah Mitchell last week, it just might be JaMycal Hasty, Zonovan Knight, Benny Snell, or Jordan Mason this year. All will be among the top Week 13 fantasy waiver pickups and free agent adds, but late-season breakouts aren't just confined to running back. Wide receivers like Jameson Williams and Van Jefferson could also be difference-makers, and both are worth targeting as free agents after waivers clear around 4-5 a.m. ET on Wednesday mornings in Yahoo and ESPN leagues.
Our full free agent list features more potential late-season stars, including Treylon Burks, Zay Jones, and DeAndre Carter. If you have a solid group of high-ceiling starters but need a one-week fill-in, you might be more interested in our Week 13 streamer recommendations, which are grouped by position at the end of this list.
You'll likely need to burn a high waiver claim if you want Hasty, Knight, Snell, or Mason (and possibly Jaylen Warren), but come Sunday, you might be left with nothing more than some 10-touch committee guys you don't even want to start in your flex. Of course, you might also get one of this year's "out-of-nowhere league winners" alluded to above. Ultimately, if you need a back, it's worth paying up for these guys on the chance they start, but it's a risky proposition no matter how you look at it.
WEEK 13 FANTASY: Full waiver list | FAAB planner
You'll also likely need to use a waiver claim to get Jameson Williams and Jones, but you shouldn't use your high-priority claims on them unless you're really hurting at WR. That goes for the rest of the streamers, too. There are multiple worthwhile options at QB, WR, TE, and D/ST, so unless you're really desperate or already have low priority, you should battle it out for one of those players in free agency.
WEEK 13 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Top fantasy football waiver wire pickups for Week 13
Unless otherwise noted, only players owned in fewer than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues are considered.
Benny Snell Jr., RB, Steelers. Snell operated as Pittsburgh's primary running back after Najee Harris (abdomen) exited at halftime in Week 12. He responded with 62 yards and a TD on 12 carries, looking every bit as effective as Harris. It's tough to truly gauge Snell's value right now, as he would be third on the depth chart if Harris and Jaylen Warren (hamstring) are active in Week 13 against Atlanta. Anthony McFarland Jr. (eight touches, 41 total yards) would also be involved. Given the uncertainty surrounding Harris and Warren, Snell is worth an add on the chance he starts in a favorable matchup against the Falcons, but it's tough to recommend using a high waiver claim until we get updates on the statuses of Harris and Warren. The same goes for Warren, who would be the priority add if he's cleared to play but Harris remains out.
Jordan Mason, RB, 49ers. With Elijah Mitchell (knee) out for the rest of the regular season and Christian McCaffrey (knee) considered "day to day," Mason could wind up starting in Week 13. Even if McCaffrey is active, Mason is in line to see around 10 touches and could have flex value in a neutral matchup against Miami. At the very least, Mason is worth stashing as a must-own handcuff behind an injury-prone starter in a high-powered run offense.
WEEK 13 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Jameson Williams, WR, Lions. Williams (knee) was designated to return from the IR last Monday, so Detroit has 21 days to activate him or he'll officially miss the rest of the season. He has an outside shot at returning in Week 13 against the Jaguars, but even if he doesn't, another favorable matchup awaits in Week 14 (Vikings). After a tough one against the Jets, he'll get two more above-average matchups against the Panthers and Bears to close out the fantasy season. Grab him now, as the explosive rookie could be a major factor down the stretch.
WEEK 13 FANTASY: Full waiver list | FAAB planner
Van Jefferson, WR, Rams. Jefferson took another positive step in Week 12, catching three-of-seven targets for 29 yards and his second touchdown in the past three games. It helped that Allen Robinson (ankle) was out and L.A. was playing from behind all game, but the latter could continue to be a trend for the Rams. Jefferson's ceiling is only so high without Matthew Stafford (neck), but he's still worth having around in deep leagues. He can work as a low-end flex next week against Seattle.
Quez Watkins, WR, Eagles. After catching three-of-five targets for 35 yards and a score in Week 12, Watkins has now posted at least 11.1 PPR points in three straight games. He's clearly developing a solid floor, and in a Week 13 matchup against a Titans' defense that entered Week 12 allowing the third-most FPPG to WRs, Watkins has a high ceiling, too.
For additional waiver/free agent suggestions, including top pickups JaMycal Hasty, Zonovan Knight, Zay Jones, and more, check out our full Week 13 list.
