Footballguys Fantasy Football Show (Nov 25, 2025)

Episode: Waiver Wire Pickups You Need Before Week 13 || Fantasy Football 2025
Hosts: Alfredo Brown, Dave Kluge

Overview

This episode focuses on crucial waiver wire pickups for Week 13 of the fantasy football season, with an eye toward both short-term impact and league-winning playoff stashes. Alfredo and Dave break down their consensus top 11 pickups, tiered by position, offer candid assessments on player upside, and throw in their trademark banter and anecdotes. The analysis is practical for competitive managers looking to optimize rosters during the high-stakes run-up to the playoffs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Banter [00:00–01:15]

• Fun, light discussion about old vs. new iPhones, setting a relaxed and humorous tone before diving into fantasy content.

Week 13 Waiver Wire Philosophy & Recap [01:15–02:21]

• “This isn’t the prettiest week for waivers, but there are a couple of guys up at the top that could not only become instant starters…but also give you value through the fantasy playoffs.”
  —Alfredo [01:15]
• Brief recap on last week’s Emmanuel Wilson advice and fantasy lessons learned.

Tier 1: Top Running Back Pickups

1. Devin Neal (Saints, RB)

• Available in ~90% of leagues
• “[Devin Neal] could realistically see 18–25 touches a week between now and the end of the season.” —Dave [04:13]
• Heavy workload likely if Kamara remains sidelined (projected return Week 17 per Footballguys’ Adam Hutchison). Playoff-friendly schedule (MIA, TB, CAR, NYG, TEN).
• Not necessarily a talented prospect, but “opportunity is the driving factor here.”
• Action: Blow the rest of your FAB (60–80%) if you need an RB and to keep him from opponents.
• Concern: Taysom Hill vulturing touchdowns, and potential for Saints’ offense to spread carries if Neal falters.

2. Chris Rodriguez (Commanders, RB)

• Available in 71% of leagues
• Role slightly more game-script-dependent than Neal, with risk of losing passing-down work.
• “If you have two flexes, whatever, RB2, wherever it is, these are the guys you want to have on your roster.” —Alfredo [08:00]
• Three TDs in last three games; coming off bye; no remaining bye weeks.
• Potential for RB2 upside if offense improves with Jaden Daniels possibly returning.

Tier 2: Wide Receiver Targets

3. Luther Burden (Bears, WR)

• Available in 80% of leagues
• Rapidly increasing usage, now clearly third in route-run hierarchy behind Moore and Odunze.
• “If there’s that injury ahead of him, he has all the makings of [a] potential league winner.” —Dave [12:41]
• Highly efficient (even after adjusting for one big play). Top speculative stash—move on from borderline WRs like Trey Tucker or Jerry Jeudy for him.

4. Jaden Reed (Packers, WR)

• Available in 59% of leagues
• Out for Week 13 (injury) but projects as big-play boost for fantasy playoffs. Packers’ passing game wide open.
• “When Jaden Reed is in these games, he is extremely important to the Packers offense and what they do.” —Alfredo [10:08]
• IR stash if able.

5. Jaden Higgins (Texans, WR)

• Available in 76% of leagues
• Three of last five games with 7+ targets; chemistry with Davis Mills in Stroud’s absence is question mark.
• “When these rookies start showing signs of life, it’s foolish to ignore it.” —Dave [15:12]
• Consider as a matchup-flex with upside if opportunity remains when Stroud returns.

Tier 3: Tight Ends and Deep WR Fliers

6. Brenton Strange (Jaguars, TE)

• 5 catches/93 yards last week with Brian Thomas out.
• Immediate “Ingram role” TE with Trevor Lawrence, likely outproducing lower-upside TEs.
• “I saw enough last week...I'd cut [other TEs] if Brenton Strange is available to add him.” —Dave [18:53]

7. Darren Waller (Dolphins, TE)

• Returning from injury, formerly 4 TDs in 3 games to start the season.
• “I kind of just want to go for the ceiling play…he was a top 6 tight end in two of his three starts.” —Alfredo [21:19]
• Favorable playoff schedule, but production is volatile and TD-dependent.

8. John Metchie (Jets, WR)

• 9/110/2 on 10 targets last week; Tyrod Taylor’s favorite target.
• “John Metchie could be a top 20 receiver going forward.” —Dave [26:46]
• Under-the-radar volume play; more appealing if Garrett Wilson remains out and Tyrod starts.

9. Adonai Mitchell (Jets, WR)

• High target volume, poor catch rate (downfield role).
• “Here’s two catches on 14 targets and you’re gonna like it.” —Alfredo [22:54]
• Deep league upside based on target share but volatile.

Tier 4: Priority Handcuff/Conditional Pickups

10. Greg Dortch (Cardinals, WR)

• Plug and play if Marvin Harrison Jr. is out.
• 12/119/2 on 15 targets while MHJ out; Jacoby Brissette has unlocked this passing attack more than Kyler Murray.
• Projection murky—MHJ and/or Kyler could return anytime; keep an eye on news.

11. Chimere Dike (Titans, WR)

• High-upside athleticism, getting opportunity due to WR injuries.
• “Still kind of a raw player…boomer-bust wide receiver 5.” —Dave [32:51]

12. Taysom Hill (Saints, TE)

• Eligible at tight end but getting RB touches (10 carries last week).
• Ultimate wild card: “When he has his two rushing touchdowns for 11 yards, it’s fun…and when he doesn’t, you’re saying, what did I do here?” —Dave [34:09]
• Could get more carries if Saints’ RB room thins further.

Honorable Mentions & Stash Suggestions [37:39]

• Running back stashes: Raheem Mostert, Jalil McLaughlin (“always an injury away” backs)
• Deep WR: Michael Wilson (Cards), Christian Kirk (Texans) as possible speculative adds

Notable Quotes & Fun Segments

• On FAB Spending:
  “If you’ve been sitting on your fab, drop it on Devin Neal. Even if you don’t need a running back…you just don’t want your league mates getting Devin Neal.” —Dave [04:18]
• On Luther Burden’s emergence:
  “I’m fully buying in…he has been hyper efficient with his opportunities.” —Dave [12:13]
• On John Metchie’s journey:
  “The man battled leukemia and came back from it…he was the Robin to Devonta Smith’s Batman.” —Dave [23:47]
• On Taysom Hill:
  “The season’s not officially here until we’re in double digit weeks and we’re talking about Taysom Hill as a guy you need to pick up and start…Welcome, everybody!” —Dave [33:30]
• On rookie draft regrets:
  “If you ever want to ruin your day, just go back and look at some rookie draft picks.” —Dave [36:33]

Timeline of Important Segments

• [01:15] Waiver philosophy and impact of late-season adds
• [02:21] Consensus top RBs: Neal & Rodriguez breakdown
• [09:35] Wide receiver tier discussion (Burden/Reed/Higgins)
• [16:45] Tight end targets: Brenton Strange & Darren Waller
• [22:33] Deep Jets WRs: Metchie & Mitchell
• [27:23] Final WR/TE “bullet” tier: Dortch, Dike, Hill, discussion of Cards/Titans offenses
• [37:39] Quick stashes for RB injuries and closing thoughts

Tone & Style

Conversational, playful, and honest—Alfredo and Dave admit when they’ve missed on players, riff on dynasty draft picks, and don’t hide their biases or fantasy frustrations. They share actionable insight rooted in practical experience and don’t shy away from “hot takes” or unfiltered reactions to NFL and fantasy news.

This summary captures the entire fantasy football substance of the episode, breaking down the top waiver targets by tier and presenting the panel’s reasoning, doubts, and stashing strategies—all interspersed with their signature banter and quotable moments.