Week 13 is here and the waiver wire is buzzing with opportunity, especially at the quarterback position where depth chart shake-ups are creating ripple effects across entire offenses. PlayCaller's beat reporter signals have been lighting up all week, so let's cut through the noise and identify the players you need to target before your league's waiver deadline hits.
The Falcons' quarterback situation is one of the most intriguing storylines in fantasy right now. Tua Tagovailoa is competing with an injured Michael Penix for Atlanta's starting job, and if Penix's knee keeps him sidelined or limits him, Tua slides into a very favorable situation with Kyle Pitts, a loaded skill position group, and a coaching staff that knows how to move the ball. Tua is a high-upside add in deeper leagues while the competition plays out.
Pitts put up an 88-928-5 line in 2025 and is locked in at $15 million, making him a long-term fantasy asset regardless of who wins the Falcons' QB battle. Both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix have shown the ability to target tight ends consistently, and Pitts remains the most talented weapon on the roster. If he is available in your league, grab him now before the QB situation clarifies and his ownership skyrockets.
Love projects as the Cardinals' featured back with genuine big-play ability as both a runner and pass catcher. Yes, the Arizona backfield is crowded with Tyler Allgeier and James Conner also in the mix, but Love has the highest ceiling of the group. Trey Benson is widely expected to be traded before the season, which would simplify the committee considerably. Love is worth stashing now at low cost in redraft leagues and is a strong dynasty add.
Daniels is working his way back from injury and head coach Dan Quinn specifically highlighted his mental sharpness upon return, which is an encouraging sign. Daniels was one of the most electric dual-threat quarterbacks in fantasy last season, and managers who can afford to be patient could land genuine QB1 upside on the cheap. Monitor his progress closely, but the window to add him at a discount may be closing fast.
McCarthy's grip on the Minnesota starting job is no longer secure after the Vikings signed Kyler Murray to compete for the role. That uncertainty makes McCarthy a sell-high candidate if you already own him, but in two-quarterback leagues he carries enough standalone value to hold. The situation bears close watching as training camp ramps up.
On the flip side of that battle, Murray represents a high-upside dart throw if he wins the starting job in Minnesota. He is a proven fantasy producer when healthy, and landing him in a pass-friendly system with solid receivers would immediately restore his top-12 QB value. Add him in all formats and let the competition play out.
Branch broke out at Georgia with an 81-811-6 receiving line and brings legitimate slot, gadget, and return value to the Falcons' offense. There is off-field risk after a recent misdemeanor arrest, and his role depends on building chemistry with whoever wins Atlanta's QB job. That said, the upside is real for a player you can likely add for free right now. Stash him in deeper leagues and keep an eye on how his role develops through camp.
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