Hello! Welcome to Week 13 of Waiver Wire Watch!
Thanksgiving week has finally arrived, and here we are, right in the thick of the 2025 NFL season. This also means we’re just a few weeks away from the playoff kick-off for most fantasy football leagues, which is pretty crucial for any manager. There’s still a game tonight with the Panthers and 49ers, but hey, it’s never too soon to start shoring up your roster for next week’s playoff push.
Take a look at some players you might want to grab off the waiver wire before Week 13. Just a reminder that we classify “exempt additions” as players who are in up to 60% of leagues. All teams are playing this week, so you won’t have to worry about losing by default. Remember, there are three games on Thanksgiving this Thursday and one on Black Friday, so set your lineup wisely. You wouldn’t want to be surprised on Sunday, finding out someone has already played and scored.
Sam Darnold, QB, Seattle Seahawks (42.3%)
Darnold bounced back in Sunday’s 30-24 victory against the Titans, erasing a rough four-interception outing the previous week against the Rams. He recorded 244 passing yards and threw two touchdowns, resulting in 17.7 fantasy points. That’s beneficial when you’ve got Jackson Smith-Njigba breaking franchise records in his first season.
Currently, he’s sitting in the top five for passing yards this year, making him the only top-14 fantasy QB still available on waivers. If your roster is looking solid but has some uncertainty at quarterback as the season winds down, Darnold could be the piece you need as you head into the playoffs.
Week 13 matchups: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 4:05 p.m. ET
Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans (8.9%)
Ward was on the losing end of the Seahawks-Titans matchup but had a standout performance. He ended the game with 256 passing yards, along with one passing and one rushing touchdown, racking up 23.9 fantasy points, making him the No. 2 fantasy QB of the week.
Despite a challenging rookie season on a struggling team, Ward has recently shown flashes of his potential. The Titans lost three consecutive games by just one point, and Ward’s performance against the Seahawks marked his second consecutive game with a completion rate of at least 65%. If you’re in need of QB depth later in the season, he might be worth a look.
Week 13 matchups: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET
Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs (50.8%)
Hunt has stepped up in place of Isaiah Pacheco lately, particularly in the tight 23-20 overtime win over the Colts. He carried the ball 30 times for 104 yards and a touchdown and also contributed in the passing game.
This marks his fourth straight game with a touchdown, bringing his season total to six rushing scores. Even if Pacheco returns from injury, it’s likely the Chiefs will keep Hunt as a key part of their offense.
Week 13 matchups: @ Dallas Cowboys, 4:30 p.m. ET (Thursday afternoon)
Kyle Monangai, RB, Chicago Bears (58.6%)
The Bears secured a 31-28 win over the Steelers, and Monangai played a crucial role in that. The rookie from Rutgers rushed for 48 yards on 12 carries and scored a critical touchdown in the fourth quarter, contributing to Chicago’s success for the third consecutive game.
Monangai has effectively backed up D’Andre Swift this season, and he has shown positive performance metrics as one of the rare running backs making an impact. If you’re a Swift owner or just need some RB depth, now might be the last chance to grab Monangai off waivers.
Week 13 matchups: @ Philadelphia Eagles, 3 p.m. ET (Friday afternoon)
John Metchie III, WR, New York Jets (1.0%)
The Jets are having a tough season, and their latest setback was a 23-10 loss to the Ravens. However, newcomer John Metchie III took the opportunity to shine, catching 6 of 7 passes for 65 yards and scoring the team’s only touchdown in that game. Although he didn’t see much action with the Eagles, he’s already made an impact with the Jets since joining them at the trade deadline.
As he’ll be a restricted free agent next season, he has additional motivation to perform well in these closing weeks. He’s effectively stepped into the WR1 role for the Jets until Garrett Wilson returns from IR, so he could very well be a hidden gem off the waiver wire.
Week 13 matchups: vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET.
Kimea Dike, WR, Tennessee Titans (15.0%)
In the Titans’ close 30-24 loss to the Seahawks, Dike also had a notable performance. His stats included five receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown, along with an impressive punt return for a touchdown—his second such score this month. Just like Ward, the rookie has shown that he can be a valuable playmaker for Tennessee and may be worth considering for deeper leagues.
Week 13 matchups: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET
Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears (44.5%)
Loveland has emerged as a reliable option for the Bears during their mid-to-late-season surge, as seen in the 31-28 win over the Steelers. He caught four of five targets for 49 yards and scored a key touchdown that equated the game at halftime. Having had at least four receptions in six straight games, he has outperformed teammate Cole Kmet as Chicago’s primary pass-catching tight end.
Loveland is among the top five tight ends, and Caleb Williams often looks his way for significant plays. He’s another rookie on the rise who could make a substantial difference as we approach the fantasy playoffs.
Week 13 matchups: @ Philadelphia Eagles, 3 p.m. ET (Friday afternoon)
Theo Johnson, TE, New York Giants (52.7%)
Johnson has been one of the few positive aspects for the Giants, who are no longer in playoff contention, and he stepped it up Sunday with three catches for 77 yards in a 34-27 loss to the Lions. Whether it’s Russell Wilson, Jackson Dart, or Jameis Winston under center, this Penn State second-year player has proven to be a reliable asset, ranking as a top-10 fantasy tight end for the fourth time this year.
With his roster availability just above 50%, his time as a waiver wire option is limited. If you want him, now’s the time.
Week 13 matchups: @ New England Patriots, 8:15 p.m. ET (Monday night)
