Fantasy Football Week 13 waiver wire pick ups: Top 5 TEs

Oct 20, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) catches a pass for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at LP Field. The 49ers beat the Titans 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports /

Every position and point seems even more significant this week as teams battle it out for playoff position in fantasy football. One position to be sure not to overlook is tight end. Here are the top five widely available options in ESPN leagues (ownership percentages in parentheses).

There are a couple nice pickups, a couple with high risk, and one who has been consistent but not outstanding. Check out these options, and make sure to get the right tight end in your lineup for week 13.

1. Delanie Walker-Tennessee Titans (29.5%)

Walker was targeted often again this week although he did fail to get into the end zone. He converted five of his nine targets for 46 yards. The last three weeks he has a total of 27 targets and should continue to be very involved in Tennessee’s offense coming down the stretch. The Titans have some nice matchups ahead of them with the Colts, Broncos, Jags, and Texans remaining on their schedule. The only tough defense they have left is Arizona who they play week 15.

2. Rob Housler-Arizona Cardinals (2.5%)

Nov 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Rob Housler (84) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cassius Vaughn in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Colts 40-11. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Housler has emerged as a critical part of Arizona’s air attack. He has been over 50 yards in four of his last five games although he’s only put up one touchdown in that time. The Cardinals have a favorable schedule until week 16 when they face Seattle, but by then the Seahawks will probably have the division wrapped up. Based on his usage and schedule, he and Delanie Walker are the two tight ends to look for on the wire.

3. Brandon Pettigrew-Detroit Lions

Pettigrew found the end zone for the second time in the last five games and has caught at least three passes in his last eight games. He doesn’t have the upside of the others on this list (even below him), but his consistency and solid role in a high-volume passing attack makes him worth considering as he and the Lions host the Pack on Thanksgiving.

4. Timothy Wright-Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2.2%)

After some strong weeks earlinier this season, Wright had disappeared for the last couple weeks before a solid showing in Detroit in the Bucs big road win. He was targeted nine times by Mike Glennon catching eight passes for 75 yards this week. Tampa now heads to Carolina who has shut down opposing WR all season but at times has struggled with TE. Wright is a risky play, but he’s shown he can produce when he gets the targets.

5. Ladarius Green-San Diego Chargers (0.3%)

Nov 17, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green (89) hauls in a catch in from of Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) during the first quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Even though he’s definitely behind Antonio Gates on the Chargers depth chart, Green merits consideration coming off a pair of 80+ yards games. He has the big play ability and creates mismatches whenever he’s in the game, so look for the Chargers to continue to use him over the middle as they try to push for the playoffs. In week 13, he plays the Bengals, but after Cincinnati he has solid matchups for the rest of the season.

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