Week 13: Waiver Wire Sleepers

Many following the NFL have their attention focused on the fantasy football playoffs that are on the horizon. It is no secret that waiver-wire picks could be your way into the postseason. Here are five to check out for week 13.

Kyle Orton, Kansas City

Tyler Palko threw three interceptions in a 13-9 loss at home to Pittsburgh, and while it was an admirable effort, a review of this game would point out that Palko just isn’t a good NFL starting quarterback by any standards. The Chiefs picked up Orton off waivers last week and you should see him in the lineup this weekend against Chicago, where Orton spent the beginning of his career. Honestly, he can’t be any worse than Palko, who has seven turnovers in two games.

T.J. Yates, Houston

NCAA football fans will remember Yates from his time at North Carolina, where he put up great numbers, and now he is being thrown into the fire as Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart are both gone for the season. Yates has plenty of support with a splendid running game and of course, he has Andre Johnson to throw to. He’ll have a tough game to step into this week as the Texans host Atlanta, and at least the Texans have a nice lead in the AFC South.

Brandon LaFell, Carolina

Lafell is beginning to find his stride with the Panthers and he is taking advantage of Legedu Naanee’s Achilles injury as Carolina look for a receiver to take some of the pressure off Steve Smith. The Panthers are facing a bad Tampa Bay defense this week and this could be LaFell’s chance to cement his spot on the depth chart ahead of Naanee for a young Carolina team (Edmonton Oilers fans can appreciate Carolina’s youth).

Marion Barber, Chicago

Barber had a solid game in Oakland, and with Caleb Hanie under center, the Bears are probably going to run the ball heavily against Kansas City’s porous defense. Even though the Bears have Matt Forte, they would love to use Barber a little more and keep Forte fresh for the playoffs (providing they make it there first). Barber is a nice change from Forte and he can really wear down a defense.

Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati

Gresham may be hard to find on your wire as he may be gone already, but this week’s matchup in Pittsburgh looks tantalizing as the Steelers may be without Troy Polamalu, who is suffering from concussion-like symptoms. When the safety isn’t in the lineup, the Steelers don’t take as many chances and that could open up the middle of the field for Gresham as Pittsburgh will be focused on stopping A.J. Green, so take a look for Gresham while going through the NFL schedule.

Want more updates? Follow us on Facebook or Twitter