Fantasy football waiver wire targets after Week 13: Chiefs RB is a breakout candidate

Did we witness Darwin Thompson’s breakout game?

For most you, the fantasy football playoffs have arrived. And if you are reading this article, you’re probably in the playoffs. Congratulations. (If you’re still fighting to win the consolation bracket for pride or for a keeper/dynasty league, best of luck and better luck next year.)

Your roster got you into the playoffs. It never hurts to trust those championship-caliber stars. But it’s always important to build out your bench and depth, even when you’re one of the best teams in your league. A few of these players could be helpful, depending on how many players are in your league.

Here are seven players to target on the waiver wire after Week 13.

7. Gardner Minshew, QB, Jaguars

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ESPN: 10%. Yahoo! 8%.

It’s likely that Minshew is in and Nick Foles is out as Jacksonville’s starting quarterback. And in a half of play on Sunday, Minshew managed just over 10 points in standard leagues. He produces in fantasy, particularly because he runs well. The Chargers defense is tough next week, but Oakland is a solid matchup in Week 15.

6. Zach Pascal, WR, Colts

ESPN: 25%. Yahoo! 17%.

With T.Y. Hilton out in Week 13, Pascal shined against the Titans with seven receptions and 109 yards. He’s a solid possession receiver when he’s in the lineup, but goes missing in action when better receivers are healthy.

5. Jordan Wilkins, RB, Colts

ESPN: 6%. Yahoo! 3%.

I mentioned that he might take the job away from Jonathan Williams. And it seems Wilkins is, at least, the top back in a timeshare in Indianapolis. Wilkins had 13 touches (11 carries, 2 receptions) for 56 yards. Williams had nine touches (8 carries, 1 catch) for 24 yards. Wilkins outplayed Williams, and seems likely to take an increased share in the backfield. The major caveat: Marlon Mack is reportedly eying a Week 14 return.

4. Cole Beasley, WR, Bills

ESPN: 24%. Yahoo! 32%.

He has turned up in recent weeks, and is becoming a viable option in both standard and PPR. In the last two weeks, he has 12 receptions for 186 yards and two touchdowns. It seems the Bills offense is getting better as the season progresses and Beasley is quarterback Josh Allen’s safety valve.

3. Mike Gesicki, TE, Dolphins

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ESPN: 10%. Yahoo! 19%.

As the Dolphins are making a late-season push into competency, Gesicki, a 2018 second-round pick, has six or more targets in the last five games. He has had a touchdown in each of the last two games. Perhaps things are beginning to click for the young tight end, who was a high-profile draft prospect.

2. Darwin Thompson, RB, Chiefs

ESPN: 5%. Yahoo! 5%.

When Darrel Williams suffered an injury in Week 13, the Chiefs began to feed Darwin Thompson (11 carries, 44 yards, 1 touchdown), who was the rookie many thought might be a breakout candidate at the start of the season. Instead, Damien Williams’ struggles and injuries led to emergences from LeSean McCoy and Darrel Williams. Perhaps Thompson has earned himself a bigger role as the season winds down.

1. Bo Scarbrough, RB, Lions

ESPN: 47%. Yahoo! 43%.

He is definitely the lead back in Detroit, and it’s wild to think he couldn’t get a job in the NFL. Scarbrough hasn’t been brilliant, but he’s an Alabama product who has been competent. His touch total has increased every week since he rejoined the Lions. He had 21 carries for 83 yards in Week 13. It may not be much in terms of points, but it’s the volume you want out of FLEX option.

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