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Finding a player off of the waiver wire to plug into your starting lineup in week 13 of the fantasy football season is a rarity. Well continuing the unpredictable nature of this year’s fantasy football season, there are several terrific pickups on the wire that you can plug in and get immediate help. The impact may be temporary but at this point that may be all you need to clinch a postseason spot.

Ben Obomanu, Seattle Seahawks – I picked up Obomanu Sunday right before game time. I’d love to brag about my brilliant waiver wire pickup but in my hour of glory I left Obomanu on the bench and watched him rack up 16 points that would have sealed a win for me. Obomanu has a score in three of his last four games and went off on Sunday without mike Williams in the lineup. The value of Obomanu completely hinges on the health of Mike Williams. There are conflicting reports regarding Williams so until he goes back in the lineup I would have Obomanu not only on my bench, but in my lineup if you need a WR2.

Brian Westbrook, San Francisco 49ers – 49ers running back Frank Gore is reportedly done for the season with a hip injury. Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook stepped in this past Monday night and ran like it was 2004. Westbrook got 23 touches and ran for 123 yards and a score. The 49ers are a running team so the 23 touches should be an every game stat for Westbrook. While the 49ers have a tough schedule for running backs down the stretch, I am willing to take my chances on a guy with fresh legs looking for redemption.

Toby Gerhart, Minnesota Vikings – Adrian Peterson’s week to week status is still a question mark and when it comes to ankle injuries, it can be one week or five weeks. You may only get a week out of him but if you need help, you couldn’t ask for more immediate impact from a waiver wire pickup. Note that Gerhart reportedly hurt his shoulder so he could also be on the bench come Sunday so he is far from a lock to play this week. However if you have the room and want to take a shot, Gerhart gets the Bills this weekend who have been shredded weekly by running backs all season.

Tashard Choice, Dallas Cowboys – Marion Barber suffered a left calf strain in the Cowboys Thanksgiving loss. Now Felix Jones will remain the starter, but Choice should see a lot of late game action as part of the Cowboy’s two-back system. Choice will also be the goal line back which could be more valuable than the starter. Choice has excelled in past opportunities to the point where you have to wonder why he isn’t starting or playing a bigger role on the team. Barber is expected to miss two weeks. Choice is could be a nice short term choice if you are desperate for some running back help..

Derrick Mason, Baltimore Ravens – I picked up Mason a few weeks ago and he has been a steady hand. I did drop him in one league for Obomanu but Mason has been a consistent receiver for me in another league. Mason quietly has a touchdown in his last three of four games and double digits in his last four of six games. The Ravens have some very tempting matchups in the next few weeks for wide receivers. With Houston in Week 14 and the Saints a week later, Mason could be a sneaky pickup that could win you some gold this season.

Jonathon Stewart, Carolina Panthers – When I went to my waiver wire Sunday in a panic about MJD’s game time status I was shocked to see Stewart on the waiver wire. I was even more shocked to see him on another wire in a different league. The Panthers have been a mess this season, but Mike Goodson has come in and has gotten their running game back on track. Stewart returned Sunday after missing time with an injury and had one of his most productive games of the season. John Fox prefers veterans so as long as Stewart is at least productive he should be the starter here. You obviously have the same time share issues here as you always have in Carolina. However, in an offense with very little passing productivity starting Stewart even in a time share isn’t necessarily the worst option.

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