Dynasty Waivers of the Future: Week 13

My colleague Josh Fahlsing and I gaze into our crystal footballs each week to find players who may become popular waiver targets in the future so that you can pick them up now for next to nothing.

We've made it to lucky Week 13. For most dynasty leagues, the fantasy playoffs are just a couple of weeks away. For those looking ahead to the playoffs, make sure you've got all your bases covered in case you lose a starter down the stretch, especially if your trade deadline has already passed. No matter how well-off your roster is entering this final playoff push, try to avoid walking under any ladders, breaking mirrors, crossing paths with black cats, or stepping on any sidewalk cracks. There's too much at stake.

Josh, why don't you kick us off with your priority pickup this week?

Dynasty Waiver Priority Pickups

RB Dameon Pierce, Kansas City (28% Rostered)

Josh: It seems like a really long time ago that Pierce put up numbers worthy of a starting fantasy running back. In reality, it was only 2022. As a rookie that year, under a different coaching regime than is currently in place in Houston, Pierce started 13 games, rushing 220 times for 939 yards and 4 touchdowns. He added 165 yards and another touchdown on 30 receptions.

In almost three full seasons since then? A total of 29 games in which he carried the ball 195 times for 735 yards and the same number of touchdowns, with another 103 yards on 15 catches. Injuries, coaching changes, schemes that no longer favored his abilities, and, yes, just plain old underperformance all combined to push Pierce out of favor in Houston. And indeed, it's not a great sign that he couldn't crack the lineup without Joe Mixon. 

But you'll notice it doesn't say Houston next to his name anymore. Pierce is still only 25. He has good size, a proven ability to produce in the NFL, and lands with Obi-Wan Andy Reid. The Chiefs are in the thick of a playoff race and in need of some depth at arguably the most injury-riddled position in professional sports. It isn't hard to see a path for Pierce to contribute here and there for the Chiefs and to rehabilitate his own dynasty value headed into 2026. If you have a free roster spot, he's a player I'd consider stashing as a priority while we see how things play out in Kansas City.

I understand you have two priorities this week, Jeff. Why a split recommendation?

Jeff: One of my priorities is a tough sell for some dynasty managers, myself included, so I wanted to offer a second option as priority pickup.

QB Deshaun Watson, Cleveland (40%)

We wondered how Cleveland would sort through its six quarterbacks once the regular season started. They released Tyler Huntley and traded Kenny Pickett to Las Vegas. After two turnover-riddled starts, Joe Flacco was traded to division rival Cincinnati. Dillon Gabriel took over the starting role until suffering a concussion a week ago, sending Shedeur Sanders into his career start. Cleveland activated Bailey Zappe from the practice squad to be Sanders's backup. 

Waiting in the wings is Watson, the highest paid of all of them, who tore his Achilles tendon in January. Now on the sideline as an on-field mentor to Sanders, Watson may be emerging as a potential starter in 2026. He is under an albatross of a contract, counting $81 million toward the cap next season, but may end up being the Browns' best option. His best years are behind him. Watson last surpassed 1,200 passing yards in a season in 2020, when he led the league with 4,823 passing yards. Nonetheless, he's worth a flier in Superflex formats, as he could be a starting quarterback next season.

WR John Metchie III, NY Jets (46%)

Metchie was one of Josh's deep darts six weeks ago when he was still in Philadelphia. Now a Jet, he finds himself as a top receiving option alongside newly arrived Adonai Mitchell. Metchie played at least 82 percent of offensive snaps in each of the past two games. This week, he was the team leader in routes run, targets, and receptions, and he scored the team's lone touchdown. During postgame remarks, head coach Aaron Glenn praised Metchie's leadership and immediate impact on the team, saying Metchie "is going to be a good player for us, and we have to continue to find ways to get him the ball, but I'm glad we have him."

While it may be hard for some to cheer for Watson's return, there's no denying that Metchie's return is inspirational. He missed his entire rookie season to receive treatments for leukemia. He entered this season with 40 career catches for 412 yards and a touchdown in two full seasons. He has scored a touchdown in each of the last two games. Metchie will be a popular waiver-wire addition this week, so hopefully, managers scooped him up several weeks ago when his name first appeared in this space. 

Dynasty Waiver Deep Darts