As we enter Week 13 of the Fantasy Football season, every decision counts in securing a playoff spot or making a late-season push for the championship. The waiver wire is your friend in these final weeks, so let’s take a look at the top pickups that can give you an edge in your fantasy league for the upcoming week.

1. Jaleel McLaughlin (RB – Denver Broncos)

• Ownership: 45% (Yahoo)
• Week 12 Performance: 7 carries for 37 yards, 5 receptions for 60 yards, and 1 touchdown.

Jaleel McLaughlin has stepped up for the Denver Broncos, becoming a more prominent figure in the backfield alongside Javonte Williams. With the Broncos facing a tough schedule down the stretch, McLaughlin could continue to see significant involvement in both the run and pass game, especially in PPR formats. His versatility and ability to make plays in the passing game make him a valuable asset in deeper leagues.

2. Rashid Shaheed (WR – New Orleans Saints)

• Ownership: 35% (Yahoo)
• Week 12 Performance: 5 receptions for 89 yards and 1 touchdown.

Rashid Shaheed is quickly becoming one of Derek Carr’s favorite targets. Shaheed’s downfield speed and playmaking ability have turned him into a viable fantasy asset, especially in deeper leagues or as a flex play. With the Saints’ offense beginning to click in recent weeks, Shaheed could see more targets, making him a high-upside pickup for your playoff run.

3. Tyjae Spears (RB – Tennessee Titans)

• Ownership: 38% (Yahoo)
• Week 12 Performance: 10 carries for 55 yards, 2 receptions for 22 yards.

Tyjae Spears has shown flashes of potential, particularly in relief of Derrick Henry. He’s becoming a more important part of the Titans’ offense and could see an expanded role as the team works to preserve Henry’s workload. Spears is a solid handcuff to Henry and a potential flex option for fantasy managers in need of depth at running back.

4. Michael Mayer (TE – Las Vegas Raiders)

• Ownership: 32% (Yahoo)
• Week 12 Performance: 5 receptions for 75 yards and 1 touchdown.

Mayer has steadily developed into a key part of the Raiders’ passing attack. With the team leaning on their tight end more in recent weeks, Mayer has started to show why he was such a highly touted prospect coming out of college. If you’re in need of a tight end, Mayer offers solid upside and could be a useful starter down the stretch.

5. Elijah Moore (WR – Cleveland Browns)

• Ownership: 47% (Yahoo)
• Week 12 Performance: 7 receptions for 96 yards and 1 touchdown.

Moore had his best game of the season in Week 12 and is beginning to see more consistent involvement in the Browns’ offense. Deshaun Watson’s return to form should help elevate Moore’s value, and with Cleveland’s passing game starting to click, Moore could be a great addition to your roster. He’s a great pickup for teams in need of WR depth or those facing bye weeks.

6. Kyren Williams (RB – Los Angeles Rams)

• Ownership: 55% (Yahoo)
• Week 12 Performance: 17 carries for 82 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 receptions for 21 yards.

Kyren Williams continues to handle the bulk of the Rams’ backfield work, and though the Rams’ offense has had its ups and downs this season, Williams has been a consistent force. With the Rams’ offense expected to lean on him more, especially as they look to close out the season strong, Williams should be rostered in most leagues as a high-end RB2 or low-end RB1.

7. Sam LaPorta (TE – Detroit Lions)

• Ownership: 72% (Yahoo)
• Week 12 Performance: 4 receptions for 61 yards.

If Sam LaPorta is somehow still available in your league, he is a must-add. LaPorta has emerged as one of the top rookie tight ends this season and has been a reliable target for Jared Goff in the Lions’ high-scoring offense. If you’re in need of a TE or looking for depth, LaPorta provides a solid option for the fantasy playoff run.

8. Kendre Miller (RB – New Orleans Saints)

• Ownership: 49% (Yahoo)
• Week 12 Performance: 14 carries for 76 yards, 1 touchdown.

Miller has been the clear second option in the Saints’ backfield, but he is seeing more involvement with each passing week. He offers solid upside as a potential flex play, especially in a Saints’ offense that has shown some promise as of late. Miller could continue to carve out a bigger role, particularly if Alvin Kamara’s workload continues to be managed.

9. Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE – Tennessee Titans)

• Ownership: 39% (Yahoo)
• Week 12 Performance: 4 receptions for 43 yards, 1 touchdown.

Okonkwo has been a red-zone target for the Titans and could continue to see more targets as the season goes on. With tight end being a notoriously volatile position, Okonkwo offers upside and is one of the few players at his position with a relatively high ceiling in a low-volume passing attack. He’s worth adding for teams that need a backup or low-cost option at tight end.

10. Tutu Atwell (WR – Los Angeles Rams)

• Ownership: 42% (Yahoo)
• Week 12 Performance: 4 receptions for 57 yards, 1 touchdown.

Atwell has been a consistent deep threat for the Rams, and while his ceiling is volatile, he has flashed big-play potential. If you’re looking for a high-risk, high-reward flex option, Atwell’s speed and ability to break out for long touchdowns make him a viable option for the fantasy playoffs, especially in PPR leagues.

Conclusion

Week 13 is critical for playoff-bound teams, and finding hidden gems on the waiver wire can be the difference between a championship run and an early exit. Whether you’re looking for a steady flex option, a potential breakout player, or a high-upside handcuff, these picks should give you the depth and flexibility you need to succeed in the final stretch of the season. Keep an eye on these players as you make your last few strategic moves before the playoffs begin!