Early NFL Week 13 Waiver Wire Targets: Minnesota Vikings RB Alexander Mattison, Tennessee Titans RB Dontrell Hilliard

As we maneuver through the 2021 NFL season and approach the fantasy football playoffs, remember to remain vigilant — teams that get complacent end up suffering over time. Hawking those waiver wires is key.

When waivers roll around later this week, it’s important to stay ahead of the game and keep track of players from the big slate of games Sunday afternoon. Here are two players to keep high on your priority list when waivers are processed this Wednesday.

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RB ALEXANDER MATTISON, MINNESOTA VIKINGS

ESPN Rostership: 33.6%
Yahoo Rostership: 50%
Suggested FAB: 25%

Unfortunately, the top-flight NFL running backs are getting injured in droves this season. Dalvin Cook was among the victims this week, as he injured his shoulder after running into a defender. He was carted off the field, most likely to stabilize the shoulder and prevent any further damage. Cook was writhing in pain almost immediately, so it seems likely that he'll spend at least a few weeks on the sideline.

Mattison didn’t do much in Cook’s stead this week, but the Minnesota Vikings were already down to the San Francisco 49ers at that point and were forced into a passing game script. To close the game, Mattison collected four rushing attempts and three targets for 14 scrimmage yards. But he was hardly the cause of the stalled offense at that point.

Alexander Mattison RB1 pic.twitter.com/wWiOAk3TPf

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Cook has already missed two games this season, and Mattison stepped into his role seamlessly. In Week 3, the backup rushed a whopping 26 times for 112 yards, then added six receptions on eight targets for an additional 59 receiving yards. And in Week 5, he toted the rock 25 times for 113 yards while also catching all seven of his targets for 40 yards and a receiving touchdown. These outings netted him two top-seven weeks among running backs.