Fantasy football: top waiver wire week 13 pickups

Scott Chandler-TE-New England Patriots (2.0%)

Even though Gronk isn’t out for the season, Chandler is the top tight end to target this week since he is in line for a big increase in workload in the coming weeks.  At this point, Gronk is considered “week-to-week,” and the Patriots would be wise to rest him until he’s fully healthy.  NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has said his is “unlikely to miss more than one game” and “may not even miss that.” However, even if Gronk is limited, Chandler will have a chance to step up.

On Sunday, Chandler was targeted 11 times by Tom Brady due to the dearth of options in the New England receiving corps.  He caught five of those passes for 58 yards and a touchdown.  He has three touchdowns so far on the season including two in the last three weeks.

Chandler has upside regardless of Gronk’s status, but has a huge opportunity if Gronk misses any time.  Chandler is a big target over the middle and has played all season in dual-TE sets which the Patriots could rely on while Julian Edelman is sidelined.

This week, Chandler and the Patriots come home to face the Eagles.  While Danny Amendola is expected to return, Chandler should get plenty of passes and looks in the red zone making him a top-eight tight end option if Gronk is out this week.

Next: A rookie RB who may be getting more work