Week 12 was entertaining league-wide. The contenders and pretenders continue to be sorted out, while some new teams have popped up in the playoff picture. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Josh Jacobs’ monster game in the Raiders’ overtime win in Seattle. The veteran running back had 303 total yards of offense and two touchdowns. What a performance from a player who had his fifth-year option declined back in the spring.  

The Week 13 waiver wire is nothing special, but with the fantasy football regular season coming to a close, some under-the-radar players can evolve into league winners and emerge out of thin air.

1. Zonovan Knight, RB, Jets

Recommended FAAB to spend: $5-$10

The Jets’ backfield has been a mess since Breece Hall went down with a torn ACL in Week 7. James Robinson was a healthy scratch on Sunday, and Michael Carter exited with an ankle injury. Knight, an undrafted rookie, stepped in and led the way with 14 carries for 69 yards in the rejuvenated Jets’ offense. The former North Carolina State standout has a legitimate shot of leading New York in carries on Sunday against a Minnesota run defense, especially if Carter is ruled out.

2. J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ravens

Recommended FAAB to spend: $10

The Ravens have opened the practice window for Dobbins, who undoubtedly has talent but has never been able to stay on the field. The former second-round pick is currently rostered in 55 percent of ESPN leagues. Pouncing on Dobbins now, if he’s available in your league, is well worth the FAAB. The Ravens get the Browns and Falcons defenses during most fantasy playoffs, who are ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game.

3. Chase Claypool, WR, Bears

Recommended FAAB to spend: $5

The newly acquired Bear is now the premier target for Justin Fields after Darnell Mooney suffered a season-ending ankle injury last week. Claypool has always been a big-play threat but was utilized primarily as Pittsburgh’s slot receiver earlier this year. With Mooney out, who was playing increased slot snaps, Claypool may shift back into his slot role and become Fields’ No. 1 target.

4. Michael Gallup, WR, Cowboys

Recommended FAAB to spend: $10

Gallup’s game logs on the year don’t jump off the page, but he’s a trusted option in an offense that has scored at least four touchdowns in four straight games. Gallup has the privilege of facing the Texans and Jaguars defenses in Weeks 14 and 15, which are both ranked in the bottom half of passing yards allowed per game.

5. DeAndre Carter, WR, Chargers

Recommended FAAB to spend: $5-$10

Carter’s playing time has been a season-long recipient of an injury bug that has ravaged the Chargers’ offensive weapons. Carter had a career-high seven receptions on a career-high 10 targets last Sunday. With Mike Williams battling a nagging high ankle sprain, Carter is a high-upside, fill-in option in an offense that loves to sling it.

6. Hayden Hurst, TE, Bengals

Recommended FAAB to spend: $5 

The TE pool is scarily sparse by this time of the season. Unless you roster Travis Kelce, you don’t feel great – maybe not even good – about your TE position. Hurst, despite some pretty considerable volatility, is TE8 on the year. That shows how thin the position currently is. Ja’Marr Chase is set to return on Sunday after missing four games due to a hip injury. However, Hurst has averaged 4.1 catches per game and 5.8 targets per game in games with Chase and 4.2 and 5.2 without him.

[Photo courtesy of Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports]