Alright, it’s Thanksgiving week, starting with Week 13. Your gut is telling you to focus on turkey, travel, and trying to avoid that one uncle’s political takes. But let me tell you, the fantasy football playoffs are looming, and this is no time to get complacent. Your league isn’t won at the draft; it’s won with savvy moves on the waiver wire, especially in crunch time. This is where champions are made.
The good news? No teams are on a bye. The bad news? The injury report is starting to look like a novel. We’re sweating injuries to key players like Tee Higgins, Alvin Kamara, and Baker Mayfield. Every injury creates an opportunity, a vacuum waiting to be filled by the next man up. Your job is to be the GM who spots that opportunity before anyone else.
The fantasy playoffs are right around the corner. If you’ve been hoarding that FAB budget, now might be the time to unleash it. Let’s dig into the players who can push your team over the top and into championship glory.
Quarterbacks: Who’s Firing in the Clutch?
The quarterback position is a minefield of injuries right now. But pressure makes diamonds, and there are some gems to be found on the wire.
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
Let’s be real, Tua has been a rollercoaster. He’s put up fewer than 15 fantasy points in three straight games, which is enough to give any manager heartburn. But take a deep breath and look at his upcoming schedule: Saints, Jets, Steelers, Bengals, and Buccaneers. That’s a runway fit for a takeoff. If you have the bench space, stashing Tua could be the high-upside move that wins you a title. He’s a calculated risk, but one with the potential for a massive payoff.
Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans
Talk about stepping up. Ward just dropped his best game of the season, torching the Seahawks for 25.9 fantasy points. He threw for a touchdown, ran for another, and—most importantly—didn’t turn the ball over. Now he gets a juicy matchup against a Jacksonville defense that’s been generous to opposing quarterbacks. It’s a bit of a gamble, sure, but in fantasy football, sometimes you have to trust the hot hand. Ward has the momentum and the matchup to reward bold managers.
Running Backs: Finding Gold in the Trenches
An injury to a starting running back is the single biggest opportunity in fantasy football. This week, we have a potential lottery ticket waiting to be cashed.
Devin Neal, RB, New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara is dealing with a knee injury, and if he sits, Devin Neal becomes the most important waiver claim of the week. When Kamara went down against Atlanta, Neal immediately stepped in, catching five passes and handling seven carries. That’s the kind of usage we dream of. The Saints’ upcoming schedule is a fantasy goldmine, with matchups against the Dolphins, Buccaneers, and Panthers. If Kamara misses time, Neal isn’t just a flex play; he’s a potential RB1. Don’t be shy with your FAB on this one.
Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Washington Commanders
Sometimes the writing is on the wall. Before Washington’s bye week, it became clear that Rodriguez is their guy. He handled 15 carries against the Dolphins and looked like a true workhorse. While he doesn’t offer a ton in the passing game, his volume on the ground gives him a solid floor. In an offense looking for an identity, Rodriguez is carving out a significant role. He’s a dependable flex option who could be a season-saver for teams desperate for running back help.
Wide Receivers: The Playmakers for Week 13
A receiver getting an opportunity due to injury or suspension can be a league-winner. These are the guys ready to step into the spotlight.
Andrei Iosivas, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Opportunity knocks. With Ja’Marr Chase suspended (but back this week) and Tee Higgins now sidelined with a concussion, Iosivas is stepping into a massive role. The best part? Joe Burrow is back under center. Against the Patriots, Iosivas saw seven targets and looked comfortable. Now, he faces a Ravens defense that can be beaten through the air. He has the talent and, more importantly, the targets to be a reliable WR3 with serious upside.
Greg Dortch, WR, Arizona Cardinals
With Marvin Harrison Jr. out, Greg Dortch has been electric. In two games, he has 12 catches, 119 yards, and two touchdowns. That’s not a fluke; that’s a player seizing his moment. He’s become a go-to target, and until Harrison returns, Dortch is a legitimate starting option, especially in PPR leagues. He’s earned a spot on your roster and possibly in your starting lineup. This is along with Michael Wilson, who is likely not on waiver wires after two great games.
