The Trade Deadline has come and gone - now the Waiver Wire will be your only savior! The problem with that is - there's not a lot on here to save you. Good luck finding your golden ticket! Here's who's still out there:
QUARTERBACKS
Jake Browning Cincinatti Bengals vs Jacksonville Browning had the best week (outside of Tommy DeVito - who's on a Bye for Week 13) of all the FA QB's in the league, so I'm giving him the nod again here against the Jaguars. Slim pickings, here.
Desmond Ridder Atlanta Falcons vs New York (A) I don't think Ridder deserves this spot as the second favorite QB off the wire, but Dorian Thompson-Robinson has not protected the football at all. And Tim Boyle, despite going 27/39, had 179yds and 1TD in exchange for 2 INTs. Ridder is 92yds from throwing for 2k Yds, the big asterisk - he has 14 turnovers (8INTs, 6 Fumbles Lost). I wouldn't be surprised if he adds two more this week.
RUNNINGBACKS
Jeff Wilson Miami Dolphins vs Washington All of the notable RBs have been scooped off waivers already - so we're into the "grab your handcuff" territory in Week 13's report. Jeff Wilson is a proven RB, and was once the RB1 in Miami and San Fran. His touch-count is up substantially from his first few games of the season (11 carries, 3 catches vs 5 carries, 2 catches and 2 carries, 3 catches), but that could be getting him back up-to-speed. If Mostert or Achane go down with an injury, Wilson will fill that gap without issue - and this offense will continue to roll.
D'Ernest Johnson Jacksonville Jaguars vs Cincinatti D'Ertnest has emerged as the RB2 in Jacksonville, overtaking the rookie Tank Bigsby on the depth chart. Last week, he saw 7 carries and 1 catch for 42yds while Etienne was on the sideline for a few plays. Two years ago, Johnson took on RB1 responsibilities for Cleveland when Chubb and Hunt were dealing with injuries. He's proven to be a strong bruising-type running back - which could be good for goal-to-go situations... something the Jaguars have struggled with this year.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Justin Watson Kansas City Chiefs vs Green Bay Kansas City needs to sort out their passing game. It seems like Patrick Mahomes is constantly throwing from outside the pocket - but I can't find any stats to back that claim up (or to refute it). Still - the passing game for KC consists of Travis Kelce, dump off's to Pacheco, or 13 drops to his WR group. Rashee Rice is the only one who seems to have finally found his rhythm after last week, but Watson can to step into the WR2 role uninteruppted. Their game against GB could be his opportunity - the Packers secondary is banged up, and should give favorable matchups for Mahomes.
Greg Dortch Arizona Cardinals vs Pittsburgh Dortch had a good connection with Kyler Murray last year - and he's rekindling that fire while he's in the lineup. Once Michael Wilson returns to the lineup, Dortch's value and usage will decline again, but you should take advantage of it while you can. His last two games compiles a line of 9 catches on 17 targets for 103yds and a TD - not world-burning numbers, but sustainable. The best ability is availability - and Dortch has a lot of that right now.
TIGHT ENDS
Gerald Everett Los Angeles Chargers vs New England The Chargers defense is bad, but so is New England's offense. Everett is TD dependent for big week's, but he's battling Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler for touches in the redzone. Tread carefully with Everett - he has a high ceiling, and a low floor.
Tanner Hudson Cincinatti Bengals vs Jacksonville Hudson was not a name you expected to see on depth charts in August, let alone starting in Week 13. He's overtaken Irv Smith and Drew Sample for TE1 in Cincy, and he's getting lots of looks. 18 catches on 21 targets in the last four weeks for 145yds - he's not changing the game, but he's logging points. Sometimes, that's all you need from your TE - anything is better than a goose-egg.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Indianapolis Colts vs Tennessee Chicago's offense looked halfway decent against the Lions - and their Defense came away with 3 INT's. Not typical for the Bears on all fronts - maybe that's because it was Detroit. This will be a test for the Vikings - if Chicago comes out with the same fire they did against the Lions.
Hard Pass vs Bye Week I'm not picking a second team to claim off waivers. The only other possibility would be Tennessee, who gave up 622yds of offense to Indy last time these two teams met (Week 5). Or you could pick Green Bay vs Kansas City! Lastly, the only other claim available - Arizona vs Pittsburgh. If you're that desparate - take a swing! But don't be surprised if someone ends up in the negatives.
KICKERS
Chris Boswell Pittsburgh Steelers vs Arizona Boswell went3/3 on FGs last week, and 1/1 on XPs. If Pittsburgh's offense has actually figured itself out, Boswell is a no-brainer. He's currently 16th in scoring for kickers, and that was with a bad offense. If that doesn't convince you, you could look to...
Chase McLaughlin Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Tampa has favorable matchups all-through the AJFFL Post-season. He can expect to get a LOT of usage over the next five weeks - Baker knows how to move the ball. So Chase will either be kicking FGs, or XPs - either way... points are points.
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