Fantasy football playoffs begin in many leagues in Week 13, so this might be your last chance to make improvements for a championship run.
There are two teams on a bye this week (Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns), which means it might not be a bad idea to examine who’s available and make needed adds.
Here are the best waiver-wire pickups at every position.
Quarterback: Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
Tannehill threw for 285 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions in a win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The Dolphins are 7-4 and in the thick of the playoff race, and they’ll need Tannehill to be effective to end their postseason drought.
Other quarterbacks to pursue: Colin Kaepernick (SF), Josh McCown (CLE)
Running Back: Tim Hightower, New Orleans
Hightower doesn’t produce a ton of fantasy points as a rusher, but he’s one of the better receiving running backs in the league. He’s tallied 50 or more receiving yards in back-to-back games, including a long touchdown catch in Week 12. Hightower is a solid flex play in PPR leagues going forward.
Other running backs to pursue: Matt Asiata (MIN), James White (NE), Kenneth Dixon (PHI)
Wide Receiver: Malcolm Mitchell, New England Patriots
It’s time to take Mitchell seriously from a fantasy perspective. After scoring his first career touchdown in Week 11, the rookie wideout found the end zone twice in the Patriots’ win over the New York Jets on Sunday. One of those touchdowns came in the fourth quarter, too. Mitchell is worth an add as a WR3, especially with tight end Rob Gronkowski injured.
Other wide receivers to target: Rishard Matthews (TEN), Kenny Britt (LAR), Anquan Boldin (DET), Dontrelle Inman (SD)
Tight End: Lance Kendricks, Los Angeles Rams
Kendricks has caught four or more passes in five of his last six games, making him a quality pickup in PPR leagues. He also scored a touchdown on Sunday. Kendricks also has a favorable matchup in Week 12 against a Patriots defense that hasn’t looked good over the last few weeks, particularly in pass coverage.
Other tight ends to pursue: Jared Cook (GB), Vance McDonald (SF)
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images