After working through a Week 12 with six teams on a bye, we actually get a full slate of games this weekend. With no byes, there is less of a need for streaming pickups in 10-12 team leagues.
So, today, we're going to focus on deeper-league targets. And we'll start at the quarterback position. I have a veteran in here who has thrown 12 touchdowns over his past five games, plus there are two more who can be started in two-QB formats.
While I'm really light on running backs this week, I have a group of receivers to look at, some with big-play upside and others who can give you a solid floor in the lineup. There's also a defense with a secondary that jumps out on the tape.
Let's get ready for Week 13!
Players listed below are deeper-league targets, rostered in less than 50% of ESPN leagues entering this week's waiver period. Although you might notice overlap with Eric Moody's waiver wire column that publishes on Mondays, an important distinction is that the options mentioned in this column are solely for this week's matchups and not based on the players' values for the remainder of the season.
Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (38.3% rostered; at Saints)
Let's stay with Stafford for Sunday's game in New Orleans after he scored 19.22 points against the Eagles defense in Week 12. Stafford has thrown for at least two touchdowns, with 17-plus points, in four of his past five games. Stafford is really driving the ball on film too, and he's getting the ball out (on time) to his top targets Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Stafford fits here as a top streamer this week.
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers (43.7% rostered; at Bengals)
Wilson managed to post 13.8 points in the snow last Thursday night versus the Browns, throwing for 270 yards and a touchdown. And he's logged over 260 yards passing in three of his six starts with the Steelers this season. So, let's take the positive Week 13 matchup against a Bengals defense that ranks in the bottom-10 versus opposing quarterbacks this season. You can start Wilson in two-QB superflex formats, and it should also be a good day for Steelers WR George Pickens. Look for the deep-ball throws in this one.
Drake Maye, New England Patriots (19.2% rostered; vs. Colts)
I'm going to stick with Maye as a streaming option this week against a Colts defense allowing 233.3 passing yards per game (27th in the NFL). Maye has recorded 15-plus points in two of his past four starts, and he gives you a dual-threat element in the lineup. Maye has now logged at least 20 yards rushing in five straight games, and he can be schemed as a runner on designed carries. That works if you need a starter (with some rushing upside) in two-QB superflex formats.
Wide receivers
Devaughn Vele, Denver Broncos (5.3% rostered; vs. Browns)
Managers need to take a strong look at Vele. The 6-foot-5 target is averaging 12.8 PPG over his past three games, catching 14 out of 17 targets for 185 yards and a score. Vele can make plays down the field, using his frame and body control to win, plus he also works the underneath zone as an outlet for QB Bo Nix. And, with the way Nix is throwing the ball right now, Vele has value this week versus the Browns.
DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots (28.6% rostered; vs. Colts)
I've written about Douglas here for a couple of weeks, so why change given the receiving floor he brings to the lineup? Douglas has seen at least five targets in four straight games, with nine-plus points in each. Yes, you aren't looking for touchdowns or explosive plays here given Douglas' route deployment. We know that. But as a deeper-league WR3, Douglas could get you 10-12 points this week versus the Colts.
Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers (35.7% rostered; vs. Buccaneers)
Panthers QB Bryce Young is playing good football right now. The eye level is up. And he's trusting the pocket. So, let's go with Legette against the Tampa Bay secondary. Legette has seen at least six targets in three of his past four games, and he has 15 receptions over that stretch. There's enough volume here for Legette to find his way into some deeper-league lineups, and the jump in play/production from Young gives this Carolina passing game a boost.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, New Orleans Saints (21.3% rostered; vs. Rams)
Over his past two games, Valdes-Scantling has logged 197 yards receiving -- on just five receptions. Yes, we would all like to see more volume here for MVS, but given his role as a vertical target, plus the willingness of QB Derek Carr to cut it loose down the field, there is big-play upside here. Plus, Valdes-Scantling does have a matchup advantage versus the Rams secondary due to his straight-line speed. He's a boom/bust option this week.
Running backs
Gus Edwards, Los Angeles Chargers (48.9% rostered; at Falcons)
With starter J.K. Dobbins down this week (knee), Edwards vaults into the lead role for the Chargers as the early down runner. In his past three games. Edwards has totaled 25 carries for 93 yards, and he did add a goal line touchdown run in the Week 12 loss to the Ravens. While Edwards provides little upside in true passing situations, you are betting on steady volume here and carries in the low red zone. That makes Edwards a flex play this week versus the Falcons.
Jeremy McNichols, Washington Commanders (9.7% rostered; vs. Titans)
With both Brian Robinson, Jr. (ankle) and Austin Ekeler (concussion) questionable for this Sunday's game versus the Titans, McNichols could be a late week streaming option. Back in Week 4, with Ekeler out, McNichols posting 20.4 points against the Cardinals, scoring two touchdowns on nine touches. Let's monitor the reports on the Washington running back room here, as McNichols could see his role elevate in Week 13 against the Titans.
Tight end
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (44.9% rostered; at Jaguars)
Schultz saw just two targets in the Week 12 loss to the Titans, catching both for 20 yards. However, in Weeks 10 and 11, Schultz brought in eight of 11 targets for 99 yards, scoring at least eight points in each game. If you play in a deeper league and need a flier at the position, Schultz is an option versus a Jags defense that ranks in the bottom 10 versus tight ends.
D/ST
Seattle Seahawks (21.6% rostered; at Jets)
The Seahawks jumped out to me here when looking at their perimeter matchups in the secondary versus New York. That's a good group to watch on tape. And they can challenge in coverage. Plus, Seattle has the pressure schemes to create pocket disruption on QB Aaron Rodgers. This Seahawks unit just scored 19 points in the Week 12 win over Arizona, as they registered five sacks and a defensive touchdown. And, with at least one interception in each of their past five games, Seattle can take the ball away.