Week 13 Waiver Wire Watch for Defense/Special Teams
Hey there! It’s Thanksgiving week, and we’re diving into Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season. For many fantasy football managers, this is crucial since the playoffs are approaching fast. It’s that time to tidy up your roster; you don’t want to wait until it’s too late.
Let’s discuss some defensive and special teams (D/ST) units that might be worth picking up from the waiver wire as we head into Week 13. Just a heads up, we’re focusing on defense teams available in about 50% of leagues. With all teams active this week, you won’t have to worry about default losses, which is great. There are actually three games lined up for Thanksgiving and one on Black Friday, so double-check your lineup to ensure you’re set. You don’t want to find out on Sunday that a unit already played.
Los Angeles Rams D/ST (45.9%)
The Rams are currently shining as one of the top teams in the NFL, showcased by their convincing 34-7 victory over the Buccaneers on Sunday night. Their defense really complemented the robust offense, racking up 18 fantasy points with ten passes defended, four sacks, and two interceptions—one even returned for a touchdown by cornerback Koby Durant.
This season, the Rams have the second-best fantasy defense, averaging 9.4 points per game, sitting just behind the Texans. They go up against a Panthers offense that has been unpredictable this year, which could lead to another tough matchup for an NFC South playoff contender.
Week 13 matchups: @ Carolina Panthers, 1 PM ET.
Arizona Cardinals D/ST (18.8%)
The Cardinals faced a tough loss to the Jaguars, falling 27-24 in overtime. However, the defense stepped up with a solid performance, notching three interceptions and four total turnovers. If you chose to play their defense this past week, you reaped the benefits with 17 fantasy points, marking their third double-digit outing of the season.
This week, they’re set to visit the Buccaneers, a team that’s been in turmoil since Baker Mayfield got hurt. His situation remains uncertain, which could mean the Cardinals face off against veteran Teddy Bridgewater instead. Fantasy managers should keep this on their radar.
Week 13 matchups: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 PM ET.
Los Angeles Chargers D/ST (24.7%)
Now that the Chargers have wrapped up their bye week, they’re ready to take on the Raiders this Sunday. The Raiders have struggled, not eclipsing 16 points in four of their last five games. Following the recent decision to move on from offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, it’s hard to say how they’ll respond. For fantasy managers, targeting defenses against Vegas seems like a solid strategy going forward.
Week 13 matchups: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 PM ET.
