With two weeks left in most leagues, many of us are looking for a strong finish. All three of my teams won last week, thanks in large part to waiver pickups RBs Bam Knight (Ari), Michael Carter (Ari) and Tyrone Trace (RB, NYG), and WRs Michael Wilson (Ari) and Andrei Iosivas (Cin). But at 6th place, 8th place and 9th place, none of them are a lock for the playoffs.

To fill up the holiday week with NFL games, the league scheduled a full slate, so there are no bye weeks. That means there will be less demand on the waiver wire and more opportunity. Several previously injured players are also starting to get healthy.

It should be easier than usual to grab higher-value players. Don’t sit out waivers just because you have all your roster spots filled. Of all weeks, this is the week to take advantage—not just for your needs this week, but to plan ahead for Week 14 and all your matchup challenges through the playoffs.

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 — Jameis Winston — 36.9
RB — Emanuel Wilson — 26.5
WR — Michael Wilson — 21.8
WR — Greg Dortch — 16.8
TE — Hunter Henry — 24.5
FLEX — Kenneth Gainwell (RB) — 18.2
K — Zane Gonzalez — 16.1
D/ST — Green Bay Packers — 16.0
Week 12 Total — 176.8

Previous weeks:

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

There was some amazing opportunity on the waiver wire last week if you could have known in advance who to pick.

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 13 by Colton Peters and Injuries & Opportunities - Week 13 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

Kenneth Gainwell, Pit v Buf (12th, 29th, 13th, 3rd) – Gainwell (52/247-1, 9-10/96-0) turned 16 touches into 122 yards, adding six catches while Jaylen Warren played through an ankle issue. Pittsburgh featured him on designed routes and quick throws, and he mixed in on early downs rather than only passing-downs back. Warren should remain the traditional lead, but Gainwell’s target volume and efficiency keep him in streamer range. If Warren is limited in practice, Gainwell’s floor rises.

Aaron Jones, Min @ Sea (10th, 27th, 26th, 31st) – Jones (43/236-1, 11-18/69-0) logged 12 touches and has at least three receptions in three straight, holding a steady role alongside Jordan Mason. He’s been efficient on the ground since returning and remains involved in the Vikings shotgun looks and checkdowns. Expect another near-even split, with Jones handling a mix of early downs and passing snaps. He profiles as a flex with receiving usage propping up his floor.

Devin Neal (R), NO @ Mia (24th, 22nd, 25th, 19th) – Neal (14/51-0, 9-11/53-0) stepped in after Alvin Kamara exited in the first half and finished with 14 touches, doing most of his damage as a receiver. With Kendre Miller on IR, the Saints leaned on the rookie for outlet targets while trailing. If Kamara sits, Neal projects for passing-down work with a path to some early-down snaps, putting him in streamer range against the Dolphins. If Kamara returns to his regular role, Neal reverts to a complementary receiving option.

Bam Knight, Ari @ TB (22nd, 3rd, 11th, 29th) – Knight (34/91-2, 11-15/66-0) came out of Week 12 with a short touchdown and four catches, then appeared to tend to a lower-leg issue late. With Emari Demercado (ankle) and Trey Benson (knee) monitored week-to-week and Michael Carter mixing in, this remains a committee that tilts based on availability. Head coach Jonathan Gannon has leaned on the hot hand, so Knight’s practice participation and early-week health will be the tell. If he’s full-go, pencil him in for the first crack at early downs with some checkdown work.

*Jaleel McLaughlin, Den @ Wsh (27th, 18th, 9th, 6th) – McLaughlin (6/19-1, 1-1/-5-0) resurfaced with a Week 12 role after three quiet games, converting a red-zone carry and seeing late-game work. The Broncos have rotated depth backs this season, so the key question is whether that usage holds or reverts to spot snaps. If the Week 12 rotation sticks, he offers change-of-pace value with a narrow path through designed touches. If it doesn’t, he falls back to a contingency bench hold.

*Emari Demercado, Ari @ TB (22nd, 3rd, 11th, 29th) – Demercado (23/151-0, 6-8/51-0) missed Week 12 with a high-ankle sprain while Arizona opened Trey Benson’s practice window. If cleared, Demercado would likely mix in on early downs and screens with Bam Knight and Michael Carter still active. His value hinges on practice progress for both himself and Benson; without clear upgrades, he remains a watch-list streamer tied to passing-down packages. Keep an eye on mid-week reports for clarity on rotation and availability.

Andrei Iosivas, Cin @ Bal (24th, 15th, 24th, 6th) – Iosivas (12-18/147-1, 2/9-0) led the Bengals in receiving yards in Week 12 and continues to earn downfield chances. The pecking order could reset with Ja’Marr Chase back and a possible Joe Burrow return, but the staff has trusted Iosivas as the third option when needed. His catch-and-run work plus occasional schemed carries help keep him involved. If Tee Higgins remains in the concussion protocol, Iosivas should hold the No. 2 role again.

*Greg Dortch, Ari @ TB (23rd, 17th, 4th, 18th) – Dortch (12-15/119-2, 5/6-1) has stacked back-to-back productive games, adding another six catches and a score in Week 12. He’s operating as Jacoby Brissett’s underneath outlet while the Cardinals funnel volume to auxiliary pieces. The role remains tightly linked to the depth chart. If Marvin Harrison Jr. remains out, Dortch’s route share and short-area volume should stay elevated.

Isaiah Hodgins, NYG @ NE (19th, Bye, 30th, 3rd) – Hodgins (7-12/99-1, 0/0-0) has seen six targets in two straight since rejoining the Giants and scored from 12 yards out in Week 12. Familiarity with Mike Kafka’s system shows in his perimeter timing routes, and he’s settled into three-wide sets alongside Wan’Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton. The usage is modest but steady for a plug-in option. If Slayton is limited at any point, Hodgins’ target share can rise.

*John Metchie, NYJ v Atl (18th, 6th, 20th, 14th) – Metchie (10-11/113-2, 1/-7-0) has touchdown grabs in two straight and handled seven targets in Week 12. With Garrett Wilson on injured reserve, the Jets are leaning on Metchie as the primary wideout, and he’s responded with efficient work in the short and intermediate areas. Volume should remain stable while the room is thin. If Wilson remains out, Metchie profiles as the top Jets receiver again.

Chimere Dike (R), Ten v Jax (20th, 8th, 26th, 7th) – Dike (8-13/63-1, 0/0-0) found the end zone on offense and stepped into an expanded role with the Titans injuries at receiver. With Calvin Ridley done for the year, the Titans need perimeter reps, and Dike has earned them. Efficiency has been up-and-down, but the path to targets is clear while the depth chart adjusts.

Demario Douglas, NE v NYG (27th, Bye, 15th, 24th) – Douglas (10-12/207-1, 3/9-0) played only 12 of 71 snaps and saw one target in Week 12, sitting behind Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins. His skill set fits the slot, but route share volatility makes him a risky start. Even against a soft Giants pass defense, he’s a speculative streamer unless usage rebounds.

Mack Hollins, NE v NYG (27th, Bye, 15th, 24th) – Hollins (14-23/209-0, 0/0-0) led Patriots wideouts in snaps last week but managed just two grabs on six targets as tight ends soaked up volume. He remains Drake Maye’s perimeter complement, with occasional downfield shots. The matchup is favorable, but his weekly line hinges on target distribution. If Kayshon Boutte is limited, Hollins’ chances for 6–8 targets improve.

Luther Burden (R), Chi @ Phi (16th, 9th, 8th, 9th) – Burden (9-13/124-1, 1/15-0) logged five targets and continues to work as the Bears’ WR3 behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. The talent pops on limited chances, but the Bears target tree runs through Moore, Odunze and the tight ends. He’s a deep-league play tied to game script or an injury ahead of him.

Malik Washington (S), Mia v NO (14th, 11th, 32nd, 10th) – Washington (12-16/135-2, 4/17-0) has multiple catches in eight of his last nine and posted 42 yards before the bye. The Dolphins use him as an extension of the run game with motion touch-passes and quick screens to create yards after the catch. The yardage ceiling has been modest, but red-zone usage and designed touches keep him in streamer range.

Darius Slayton, NYG @ NE (19th, Bye, 30th, 3rd) – Slayton (10-13/174-0, 0/0-0) returned from a hamstring issue last week and caught one pass while Wan’Dale Robinson dominated targets. He still projects as a perimeter starter, but week-to-week volume fluctuates in this offense. Consider him a boom-bust option tied to a couple of vertical connections.

Christian Kirk, Hou @ Ind (25th, 7th, 13th, 28th) – Kirk (11-21/148-1, 0/0-0) finally logged his first touchdown of 2025 and led the Texans in catches in Week 12. With C.J. Stroud on track to return, Houston’s passing rhythm should stabilize, which suits Kirk’s intermediate role. He’s back on the streaming radar as usage ticks up.

Pat Bryant (R), Den @ Wsh (30th, 28th, 9th, 20th) – Bryant (8-11/145-0, 0/0-0) posted a career day before Denver’s bye and has been carving out the WR3 role behind Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin. He’s earning trust on timing routes and showed vertical ability with a 48-yard grab in Week 11. Against a soft Commanders pass defense, he’s a viable deep-league streamer.

Tight Ends

Brenton Strange, Jax @ Ten (8th, 27th, 14th, 13th) – Strange (5/5-93-0) returned from IR and immediately led the Jaguars in receiving, confirming he kept the starting role through the layoff. Before the injury he was operating as a steady chain mover, and Sunday’s usage matched that profile with clean efficiency. With Travis Hunter out and Brian Thomas Jr. banged up, target consolidation favors Strange remaining involved as a startable TE streamer.

*Colby Parkinson, LAR @ Car (23rd, 26th, 12th, 30th) – Parkinson (12/13-106-3) extended his touchdown streak to three and caught all four of his Week 12 targets. The Rams still rotate with Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, and Terrance Ferguson, so routes can swing week to week. His recent red-zone role is real, but the underlying volume is thin, making him a touchdown-dependent TE2.

Gunnar Helm (R), Ten v Jax (31st, 15th, 20th, 9th) – Helm (11/13-95-0) set career highs with 6-51-0 and tied for the team lead in targets, emerging as Cam Ward’s frequent outlet while Calvin Ridley and Elic Ayomanor recover. He shares snaps with Chigoziem Okonkwo, but recent usage tilts toward Helm in short areas. A soft matchup for tight ends this week raises his odds of converting volume into a usable line.

Chigoziem Okonkwo, Ten v Jax (31st, 15th, 20th, 9th) – Okonkwo (8/9-106-0) logged 3-40-0 after clearing his foot issue and remains involved on intermediate concepts. He’s still splitting work with Gunnar Helm, which caps total routes, but his efficiency has held with multiple catches in three of four. A soft opponent for tight ends this week helps, though he remains score-dependent for a ceiling.

*Mike Gesicki, Cin @ Bal (7th, 1st, 7th, 29th) – Gesicki (4/6-35-0) returned from IR to lead Bengals tight ends in targets while the receiving corps remains in flux. His route share should stay viable with Noah Fant, Tanner Hudson, and Drew Sample rotating behind him, but overall volume is modest. A stiff matchup for tight ends this week narrows the path to payoff, keeping him a volatile TE2/3.

Kickers

Zane Gonzalez, Atl @ NYJ (32nd, 3rd, 16th, 31st)

Evan McPherson, Cin @ Bal (28th, 10th, 28th, 15th)

Will Lutz, Den v Wsh (30th, 22nd, 12th, 2nd)

Riley Patterson, Mia v NO (24th, 32nd, 27th, 25th)

Cam Little, Jax @ Ten (23rd, 9th, 32nd, 19th)

Defense / Special Teams

Los Angeles Chargers v LV (31st, 10th, 4th, 8th)

Pittsburgh Steelers v Buf (13th, 19th, 22nd, 4th)

Houston Texans @ Ind (3rd, 5th, 25th, 21st)

Miami Dolphins v NO (27th, 26th, 9th, 29th)

Tennessee Titans v Jax (17th, 30th, 12th, 4th)