Fantasy Football Week 13 waiver wire pickups: Top 5 QBs

Nov 24, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (4) throws a 10-yard touchdown pass to Kendall Wright (13) with 10 seconds left against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Titans defeated the Raiders 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

With most leagues entering the final week before the playoffs or the first round, it’s no time to neglect your fantasy team. Congratulations if you’re still in the hunt or playing already in the playoffs this week. If you’ve made it this far and are still searching for a QB to play this week, here are the five best widely available options on most leagues waiver wires (ESPN ownership percentages in parentheses).

1. Carson Palmer-Arizona Cardinals (10.2%)

Nov 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer throws a pass in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

For the second week in a row, Palmer heads our QB Pickup list as he continues to play well in head coach Bruce Arians pass-heavy scheme. The last four weeks, Palmer has eight touchdowns-exactly two per game, and he has also contribute 733 yards in the last two weeks with a pair of big-time performances against the Jaguars and Colts. While those are definitely favorable matchups, he has a few more next up on the slate as Arizona faces the Eagles, Rams, and Titans the next three weeks.

2. Ryan Fitzpatrick-Tennessee Titans (3.8%)

On his 31st birthday, Fitzpatrick had his highest yardage total of the season throwing for 320 yards against Oakland while throwing a pair of touchdowns including the late, game-winner. He added 26 yards rushing and has totaled six touchdowns (1 rushing, 5 passing) since taking over for the injured Jake Locker. He’ll start again this week against the Colts who have been shredded lately on defense making him a solid QB2 option and even an emergency QB1 if you have no other options.

3. Mike Glennon-Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5.8%)

Nov 24, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

In his 269 pass attempts this season, the Bucs rookie QB has thrown 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions and has been impressive the lst three weeks as the Bucs have taken three in a row. He threw for 247 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Detroit in week 12, and in week 13 he’ll face the tough Panthers D making him a low-end QB2 option.

4. Matt Flynn-Green Bay Packers (0.7%)

Flynn has made his way back to the Packers after a long journey and will play the team he had his career-best game against on Thanksgiving. Flynn looks like he’ll get the start against the Lions with Aaron Rodgers still a week away. He’s a one-week only option, but he did throw for over 400 yards against the Lions two seasons ago. He’s a long-shot worth taking if you’re scrambling for a second QB but should be avoided in single QB formats.

5. Josh McCown-Chicago Bears (6.6%)

McCown had 352 yards against the Rams on Sunday in a losing effort throwing two touchdowns and an interception. He’ll get another start this week for the ailing Jay Cutler and has a decent matchup against the Vikings in Minnesota. McCown doesn’t have a high ceiling, but will probably be a top-20 scoring QB this week making him a low-end QB2 with a little less upside than Flynn.

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