We are still in bye week football meaning you may be without some of your top fantasy football players in Week 13. Some big names you could possibly be without in your fantasy football matchup: Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams. As is the case every year there are injuries as well, meaning the waiver wire could be a major boost.
To help you out here we will put some names of some players to pick up – one per position group. Also we will try to keep the targets under 50% owned meaning they will likely be available in your league. Here are my top skill position players at each position group for you to target ahead of Week 16.
Derek Carr
It has been an injury-riddled season for starting quarterbacks. It started Week 1 with Aaron Rodgers and has continued with stars like Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow getting hurt. Trevor Lawerence could be out in Week 17. Heading into the fantasy football playoffs if you are still riding with the likes of young quarterbacks, you may want to take a flier on veteran Derek Carr.
Carr while most weeks is a bit dink-and-dunk, he has the weapons to make plays after the catch. Carr is coming off of a 319-yard, three touchdown performance last week against the Los Angeles Rams and this week he gets the 28th-ranked pass defense in the Tampa Bay Bucs. Consider taking a shot on the veteran QB in your fantasy title matchup.
Other pickup if available: Taylor Heinecke.
Antonio Gibson
It can be somewhat uninspiring looking at the waiver wire for skilled position players this time of year. However, if Gibson is available, you may want to take a shot on him for a flex start in your fantasy title matchup. Gibson hasn’t had a great season, but injuries could push him to the top of the depth chart for the Washington Commanders with injuries to James Robinson and Chris Rodriguez Jr.
The running back notched his first rushing touchdown of the year vs. the Jets on Christmas Eve. Gibson has 238 rushing yards and a touchdown on the year, but he’s a better option receiving out of the backfield. He has 43 catches for 334 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Other pickup if available: Tyjae Spears.
Tyler Boyd
With Ja’Marr Chase likely out again this week, Boyd is part of the Bengals receiving corps expected to see an uptick in targets. Boyd snagged five passes for 59 yards this week in Pittsburgh for the Bengals. He received seven targets which was one target shy of team leaders Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas with eight apiece. On the season, Boyd has snared 64 passes for 634 yards and a pair of touchdowns. If Chase is out again in Week 17, Boyd is a solid flex option for your fantasy championship game.
Josh Palmer
Palmer has the potential to be a potential difference-maker in your fantasy football title match. The Chargers’ wide receiver seems like a favorite target of backup quarterback Easton Stick. Palmer had five catches for 47 yards on eight targets. This late in the season, it’s hard to find a No. 1 WR on the waiver wire, but in most leagues, Palmer is available and it appears likely Keenan Allen will remain sidelined. Palmer has 32 catches for 537 yards – 16.8 yards per catch – and two touchdowns on the year.
Other pickup if available: Rashid Shaheed.
Tucker Kraft
When looking at the season stats, you might be asking yourself, why pick up Kraft? The rookie tight end has 22 catches for 276 yards and two touchdowns on the year. However, fellow Packers rookie tight end Luke Musgrave has missed the last three games. In those three games, Kraft (in PPR leagues) has scored double figures in all three games with at least four catches in each game. With Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks both likely out this week and Musgrave, Kraft should have another solid game.
These five under the radar pickups on the fantasy waiver wire could win you a fantasy football championship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nationality is Saquon Barkley?
Saquon Barkley is an American. He's known for his role as a dynamic running back in the NFL, playing for the New York Giants. Barkley's nationality often garners interest due to his impressive athletic prowess in American football.
How long does Saquon Barkley have on his contract?
Saquon Barkley is on a one-year contract for the 2023 NFL season. His focus remains on delivering optimal performance, with his personal sentiments towards the team being publicly expressed, suggesting his strong dedication for the upcoming season.
