Week 13 of the NFL season provides plenty of reasons to celebrate.

First, what’s better than football on Thanksgiving? Add to the mix that the playoffs either have arrived or are just a week away in most fantasy football leagues, and it is a joyous time to be a football fan.

Did I mention that bye weeks are over, too? With all 32 teams in action every week the rest of the way, it’s down to the nitty gritty.

With that said, let’s jump right into the moves that will be made this week on the fantasy football waiver wire.

Running Back

I was tentative on whether or not to add Oakland’s Latavius Murray or not last week. After waiting too long to mention Murray in this column a week ago, I still picked up Murray late in the week, and he did not disappoint. On just four carries, Murray broke loose for 112 yards and two touchdowns before suffering a concussion.

Though his status for this week is uncertain, Murray is a must-add player for fantasy owners looking for depth as they make playoff runs. Murray is miles ahead of Darren McFadden and should see plenty of action as the season winds down. Monitor his status leading up to this week’s game against St. Louis before thinking about plugging him into your lineup, though.

Indianapolis’ Daniel Herron was mentioned last week as a possible replacement for the injured Ahmad Bradshaw. Herron also didn’t disappoint behind Trent Richardson on the depth chart. He went for 65 yards on 12 carries and added 31 yards on five receptions. Herron’s receiving ability will make him a must-own player for points per reception fantasy leagues. Richardson may get the goal-line work, but expect Herron’s role to increase going forward.

Days after being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers, LeGarrette Blount made his return to New England one to remember. Blount carried the ball 12 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns, as last week’s breakout star Jonas Gray sat on the bench after showing up late to a meeting last week. Expect Gray to get back into the mix this week, but Blount should continue to be a touchdown threat for the Patriots going forward. I don’t like what Blount means for Gray’s value, but those desperate for some depth or a running back who can find the endzone should consider Blount.

One more running back worth a look in PPR leagues is Pierre Thomas, who returned to the Saints’ lineup Monday night. Thomas won’t threaten to cut into Mark Ingram’s carries, but his value as a receiver is apparent, as he caught six passes for 37 yards to just 19 rushing yards on five carries. Those in PPR leagues should stash Thomas, and owners of Ingram should consider it, too, provided Ingram is just an injury away from Thomas being the workhorse again in New Orleans.

Wide Receiver

The door pretty much has shut to land any of the breakout rookie wide receivers this year. However, one guy still is widely available: Jarvis Landry of the Miami Dolphins.

Ryan Tannehill and company put on a show in Denver last Sunday, and Landry now has become established in the Dolphins’ offense. He has at least five catches in each of the last four weeks to go with four touchdowns in that span. It is tough to count on anything in the NFL, but it now looks like you can count on five catches and 50 yards or so out of Landry, and he is a solid play this week against the New York Jets.

Defense/Special Teams

Many fantasy players cycle defenses in and out of their lineups as frequently as some kickers. The best play this week is the St. Louis Rams’ defense against the Oakland Raiders. Also, consider the New York Giants’ defense against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Carolina Panthers’ defense against the Minnesota Vikings.

Survivor Pool

A tough week of matchups makes picking a survivor pool winner a tough task this week. Those who haven’t already used the Colts should consider them the safest pick to beat the Washington Redskins. It also may be the only week of the year worth picking the Rams, who will host the now one-win Oakland Raiders.

Playoff Advice

As the playoffs begin in many leagues this week or next, the best thing to remember is to “Dance with who brought ya.” You don’t want to lose a playoff matchup because you get too cute trying to start a guy with a good matchup. Don’t bench a star player in favor of a middle- or bottom-tier guy because of a matchup. Go with your big guns, and go out blazing.

John Livingston is a sports writer at The Durango Herald and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. He can be reached at jlivingston@durangoherald.com or on Twitter @jlivi2.