Fantasy football waiver wire targets to fortify roster before playoffs arrive

That clock you hear ticking is your fantasy football regular season winding down.

We are about to enter Week 13, which means you have two weeks left before the fantasy playoffs begin.

If you are sitting atop your league standings, these next two weeks will decide where you are seeded in the playoffs.

If you are on the bubble, these next two weeks are critical.

Your waiver wire work needs to be on point, whether you are fortifying your roster or in desperation mode looking for a spot starter.

Dylan Sampson’s late-season upside

If the running back position is where you are lacking, check out Browns rookie Dylan Sampson.

Chances are, he’s available.

According to data from ESPN and Yahoo, he’s rostered in fewer than 10 percent of their leagues.

His 66-yard catch-and-run touchdown might give him some notoriety, but with Quinshon Judkins present, people may shy away and deem his production a fluke.

We certainly aren’t expecting another long touchdown each week, but his work in the passing game is paramount to the success of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

We know Sanders can chuck the ball downfield, but the Browns are likely to have him focus on what made him successful back in college — the short-passing game.

Not only does it move the chains, but it also helps establish confidence.

Sampson is a strong pass-blocker.

He will be on the field for the hurry-up offense and two-minute drill, and more often than not, the Browns will be playing from behind.

Sanders will check it down throughout the game, and that provides strong value for Sampson, especially in full-point PPR scoring formats.

Jayden Higgins emerging in Houston

If your need is at wide receiver, then turn your attention to Jayden Higgins of the Houston Texans.

His snap count continues to rise and he’s now seen 23 targets over his past three games.

CJ Stroud is coming back, and while Nico Collins commands his attention the most, he also commands the attention of the top cornerbacks.

There’s a reason Higgins has three touchdowns over his past five games.

Colby Parkinson’s tight end value

And should you find yourself in need of a tight end, look no further than Colby Parkinson of the Rams.

With Tyler Higbee on IR, Parkinson has taken over the lead job and is seeing a strong snap-share.

He’s seeing strong targets behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams and has found the end zone in each of his past three games.

Best of all, he has longevity.

The Rams take on Carolina, Arizona, Detroit and Seattle, four teams that rank near the bottom in tight end coverage.

Stay focused as the fantasy playoffs approach

With the regular season winding down, how much attention you give your team this week could make all the difference between winning a championship and searching your local newsstand for a fantasy baseball magazine.

Don’t let the holidays distract you.

Be vigilant all week long.

The only turkey you want to see this week is on the Thanksgiving table, not in the mirror.