Over the past few weeks, I’ve highlighted just how many close, nail-biting games we’ve witnessed. This week, however, things were a bit different, with only a handful of games coming down to the wire. But if you’re a fantasy manager, it was a completely wild week. For instance, if you were relying on Commanders QB Jayden Daniels and WR Terry McLaurin, it might have seemed like your hopes were dashed—until suddenly, out of nowhere, McLaurin hauled in an 86-yard touchdown with less than 30 seconds left, turning a disappointing outing into a fantasy bonanza. And then there’s Eagles RB Saquon Barkley—did you need a Sunday night miracle? If so, you got one. Barkley closed his night with nearly 300 total yards, leaving fantasy owners who trusted him feeling like they’d won the lottery. It was truly an unforgettable week, and just what we needed to fuel our fantasy teams as the playoffs draw near. Now it’s time to set those lineups and keep pushing forward with confidence. The postseason is right around the corner, and every point counts!
Starts
QB - Matthew Stafford - Los Angeles Rams (@NO)
Rams QB Matthew Stafford is one of those players who excels in real-life NFL games, leading his team to victories, but his fantasy production often doesn't reflect that success. This is exactly why he's available in nearly 70% of leagues. However, if we take a closer look at Stafford’s performance over the last month, it's clear he's been playing at a high level and is now a valuable fantasy starter. In his last five games, he’s been averaging 281 passing yards per game with an impressive 12 passing touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. Those numbers are hard to ignore, and scream "must-start." If you're looking for a streamer this week, Stafford is your guy, especially with a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Saints, who are allowing the third-most passing yards in the league. With the fantasy playoffs fast approaching, if you need a quarterback to make a push, Stafford could be the difference-maker you’ve been searching for.
RB - Rachaad White - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Car)
We've discussed split backfields before, and it's a situation that often frustrates fantasy managers, as neither running back tends to get enough work to make a real impact. As things currently stand in Tampa Bay, RB Bucky Irving has taken the lead in that backfield, but I still believe teammate Rachaad White deserves a spot in your lineup. While White isn't getting a huge volume of carries (he's had 12 or fewer in all but one game this season), his usage in the passing game remains reliable and consistent. Additionally, over his last five games, White has caught 21 passes for 174 yards with 4 receiving touchdowns. While he hasn't rushed for more than 40 yards in any of those games, he's still managed to score double-digit fantasy points in each one, thanks to his receiving work. This week, the matchup is a perfect storm, as the Buccaneers face off against the Carolina Panthers, who are giving up the most rushing yards in the league. With both backs likely to see a lot of work as Tampa leans on its run game, both are equally viable fantasy options. Make sure to get them in your lineups for Week 13!
WR - Calvin Ridley - Tennessee Titans (@Wsh)
What initially looked like a boom-or-bust season for Titans WR Calvin Ridley has quickly transformed into one of consistent production every week. Even though the Jacksonville Jaguars offense has experienced some ups and downs, Ridley has remained a reliable fantasy contributor. Earlier this year, he went through a tough four-game stretch where he only managed 5 catches for 56 yards, but since then, has found his rhythm. Over his last five games, Ridley has been a target magnet, hauling in 29 receptions on an impressive 44 targets. During this stretch, he has also racked up 451 receiving yards to go with 2 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to produce even in challenging circumstances. With the Jags facing off against the Washington Commanders (who have been porous on defense, just last week allowing Cooper Rush to throw for nearly 300 yards), Ridley is poised to keep his hot streak going. Don't overthink it—ride the wave of consistency and make sure Ridley is in your lineup for Week 13!
TE - Hunter Henry - New England Patriots (Ind)
We've discussed the challenges and potential of split backfields, but what about the intriguing dynamic of dual tight ends? The New England Patriots have certainly embraced this concept, utilizing both Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper in their offense. Over the past few weeks, both have seen consistent involvement, with each one earning 4 or more targets in three consecutive games. While both are involved, Henry is leading the way in terms of target share, making him the primary fantasy asset & must-start option. He’s also racked up 8 or more targets in three of his last four games, proving that he’s a focal point in the passing game. Though he has only found the end zone once so far this year, his consistent yardage and reception totals make him a reliable fantasy asset. Additionally, he has recorded over 40 receiving yards in six of his last seven games, providing a steady floor. With rookie QB Drake Maye continuing to frequently target his tight ends, it's clear that Henry has become a go-to weapon. If you're looking for a solid option this week, make sure Henry is in your lineup.
Defense - Kansas City Chiefs (LV)
After a disappointing performance against the Carolina Panthers, the Kansas City Chiefs' defense is primed for a bounce-back game. Over the past two weeks, they've allowed 27 or more points, which has certainly raised some concerns for those fantasy managers considering starting them. However, if we look at the bigger picture, we realize this defense has been solid all year, allowing 20 or fewer points in seven games. The Chiefs' defense has been one of the more consistent units in the league, and this week they have an excellent opportunity to get back on track, as they’re facing a Raiders offense that has struggled, ranking among the bottom five in total yards and averaging just 18 points per game. For reference, the last time these two met back in Week 8, the Chiefs registered five sacks and limited the Raiders to only 20 points. To that end, it’s safe to expect a similar performance from Kansas City this week, making them a strong start for your lineup.
Sits
QB - Geno Smith - Seattle Seahawks (@NYJ)
As we’ve discussed before, some QBs are fantastic in real life but struggle to translate that into fantasy points, and Seattle's Geno Smith is a prime example. While he consistently racks up passing yards, it’s his lack of touchdowns that limits his fantasy upside every week. Case in point: He’s only had two games this year with two or more touchdowns, which hurts his overall ceiling. Additionally, since the team's bye week, Smith’s performances have been lackluster, with only one touchdown combined in his last two games while also failing to reach 260 passing yards in either contest. With the fantasy playoffs approaching, we can’t afford to rely on those types of mediocre performances. This week, Smith faces the New York Jets, a defense that has been outstanding against the pass, allowing only 175 passing yards per game. Given this matchup, it’s tough to justify starting Smith. Instead, consider picking up a streamer like Rams QB Matthew Stafford mentioned above, who has a much more favorable matchup and has shown more consistency.
RB - James Conner - Arizona Cardinals (@Min)
As the fantasy playoffs loom, it’s critical to rely on players who are currently performing well, and Arizona RB James Conner, unfortunately, isn’t one. While Conner has had an overall solid season, his performance in Week 12 was concerning, as he posted his worst rushing numbers of the year, finishing with just 7 carries for 8 yards. Surprisingly, this marked only his third game under 10 fantasy points, but it’s hard to see him bouncing back as he’s facing a tough matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, who have been stout against the run all season. The Vikings have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs and have given up the fewest rushing yards in the league. Be strategic and avoid starting him in this tough Week 13 game.
WR - Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Seattle Seahawks (@Jets)
Seattle WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been on an incredible tear, and his performance over the past three games has been nothing short of spectacular. In that stretch, he’s racked up 367 yards, three touchdowns, and 27 catches, putting him firmly on the fantasy radar as a top-tier option. However, sometimes when a player is playing this well, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and overlook the potential for a down week. Unfortunately, this week could be one of those times. Smith-Njigba is set to face off against the New York Jets, who have been exceptionally tough on wide receivers. They have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to WRs, and are also giving up the second-fewest passing yards across the league. With this difficult road matchup, it’s wise not to let his recent hot streak deceive you into starting him. Keep him on the bench and look for a better opportunity elsewhere.
TE- Sam LaPorta - Detroit Lions (Chi)
Lions TE Sam LaPorta has been a name to watch at times, but as we approach the crunch weeks of the fantasy football season, he’s a player that should be avoided for a while. Unfortunately, he’s already found himself on the "Sit" list earlier this year and is coming off another lackluster performance. For example, last week he posted just three catches for 19 yards, continuing a trend where he has failed to hit 50 yards in seven of his ten games. To make matters worse, he has surpassed 60 yards only once, highlighting limited upside. Even though Laporta plays on a high-powered offense, there are simply too many mouths to feed, and he often finds himself on the outside looking in. Additionally, with the emergence of WR Jameson Williams, LaPorta's target share has been underwhelming, as he has yet to see more than six targets in a game. With so many other tight ends being more heavily involved in their offenses, it’s hard to justify relying on Laporta when you need points. As a result, it's best to look for more consistent options for Week 13.
Defense - Philadelphia Eagles (@Bal)
As I look over this week's sit list, there's a common theme among many of the players: strong seasons, but tough matchups that could hurt their fantasy production. A prime example is the Eagles' defense, which has been incredibly solid since their Week 5 bye. Over the past seven games, they've allowed 20 or fewer points, and during that stretch have racked up 27 sacks and 12 turnovers. With those kinds of numbers, it’s no surprise that they’ve been a must-start no matter who they're facing. However, this week, they face a much tougher challenge against the Baltimore Ravens, who have been on an offensive tear, averaging a staggering 430 yards and 30 points per game. Given the Ravens' high-powered offense, don’t let Philly's strong performance fool you, as this could be a real challenge for them. To that end, it's wise to look elsewhere for your Defense in Week 13.
As the fantasy football season heats up and the playoffs approach, every lineup decision becomes crucial. This week, we’ve seen a shift in the patterns of close games, with several wild fantasy performances that had managers on the edge of their seats. From dramatic last-minute touchdowns to players breaking out in unexpected ways, it’s clear that consistency is key as we enter crunch time. Fantasy managers who can adapt to matchups and make the right moves will have a distinct advantage in securing those crucial wins. As we continue to push forward, it's essential to stay sharp, trust the trends, and take advantage of favorable matchups to set ourselves up for success. Best of luck to all for a winning Week 13!
