Week 13 Waiver Wire Watch for Tight Ends
Thanksgiving week is here, and we’re approaching the critical stage of the 2025 NFL season. In fact, the fantasy football playoffs are just around the corner, so it’s a good time to reassess your roster. You really don’t want to be caught unprepared.
Here’s a quick rundown of tight ends you might want to pick up off the waiver wire before Week 13. As a reminder, players available in 60% or more of leagues are considered exempt additions. With all teams active this week, there’s no need to fret about automatic losses. Plus, there are three games on Thanksgiving and one on Black Friday, so be extra cautious when you’re setting your lineup. You wouldn’t want to find out that one of your friends already played someone you were eyeing.
Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears (44.6%)
The Bears have hit a stride mid-to-late season, and Loveland has become a key player on the offense, as shown in a recent 31-28 win over the Steelers. He caught four of five targets for 49 yards and scored a touchdown in the second quarter to level the score at halftime. He’s had at least four receptions in six games at Michigan, easily taking over as Chicago’s go-to tight end.
Loveland ranks among the top five tight ends. That’s partly because Caleb Williams often looks to him for big gains. As a rookie, he might just be the difference-maker you need as the fantasy playoffs approach.
Week 13 matchups: @ Philadelphia Eagles, 3pm ET (Friday afternoon)
Colby Parkinson, TE, Los Angeles Rams (0.6%)
Parkinson contributed to the Rams’ convincing 34-7 victory over the Buccaneers last Sunday, catching four passes for 41 yards and scoring a touchdown to give his team the lead. This was his third straight week in which he scored, establishing himself as a vital part of a Rams team that appears to be among the best in the league heading into the final stretch of the season.
Despite that, he’s still flying under the radar in fantasy leagues, with ownership below 1%. As I mentioned last week, if you need a reliable option for the red zone, he’s available on waivers just waiting for a pickup.
Week 13 matchups: @ Carolina Panthers, 1pm ET.
Brenton Strange, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars (18.7%)
Strange returned from IR last week and made an impact right away, catching all five targets for a career-high 93 yards in a 27-24 overtime win against the Cardinals. He started the season well but faced a setback with a hip injury back in Week 5, which kept him out for over a month.
The Jaguars have been performing strongly and currently lead the AFC South, just one game ahead of the Colts. Strange’s resurgence could be crucial for their playoff aspirations, especially with a matchup against the struggling Titans this Sunday.
Week 13 matchups: @ Tennessee Titans, 1pm ET.
Theo Johnson, TE, New York Giants (52.5%)
Johnson has stood out in an otherwise disappointing season for the Giants, getting even better recently with three receptions for 77 yards in a 34-27 loss to the Lions. It seems that regardless of which quarterback is under center—be it Russell Wilson, Jackson Dart, or Jameis Winston—he’s a dependable target. This marks the fourth time he has finished as a top-10 fantasy tight end this year.
With his ownership just over 50%, now might be your last chance to grab him via waivers. Don’t miss out.
Week 13 matchups: @ New England Patriots, 8:15pm ET (Monday night)
