Fantasy football Week 13: Start and sit

Here’s a look back at Week 12’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 12 RECAP

Browns 24, Steelers 19: While the efficiency still wasn’t there last Thursday night, Nick Chubb is getting enough volume to maintain RB2/flex upside on a weekly basis, depending on the matchup. Chubb’s 3.0 yards per carry is significantly lower than his career average (5.1), but his three touchdowns in five games since returning from injury and almost 15 carries per game shows he’s still capable of being a viable fantasy asset.

Vikings 30, Bears 27 (OT): Caleb Williams is the overall QB8 since Chicago fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron after Week 10. In the three games before Waldron was let go, Williams completed only 50.5% of his passes for 468 yards and no TDs with 67 rushing yards on 15 carries. He’s completed 70.5% of his passes the last two weeks for 571 yards and two TDs with 103 rushing yards on 15 carries. Something may have clicked for the No. 1 overall pick. He’s played more free with Thomas Brown calling the plays.

Lions 24, Colts 6: Both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery scored rushing TDs for the ninth time this season, which is tied for third all-time for a pair of teammates.

Dolphins 34, Patriots 15: Tua Tagovailoa is the overall QB9 since being activated off injured reserve in Week 8. Tagovailoa has completed 76.5% of his passes for 1,277 yards and 11 TD passes against only one interception in the last five games.

Buccaneers 30, Giants 7: Mike Evans had five receptions for 68 yards in his first game in a month. Evans needs 597 yards in Tampa Bay’s final six games to reach 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th straight time in his career, or every single year he’s been in the NFL.

Cowboys 34, Commanders 26: It appears Jerry Jones has no intention to find out if trading a fourth-round pick for Trey Lance was a good investment or not. Jones has planted his flag with Cooper Rush, and Mike McCarthy is letting him sling it. He’s completed 56 passes out of 87 attempts for 601 yards and three TDs against one interception in the last two games and Dallas doesn’t face another decent pass defense until Week 17 in Philly.

Chiefs 30, Panthers 27: The fact Kareem Hunt’s 87 total yards, three receptions and no TDs ended up disappointing most of those who started him in Week 12 is indicative of how terrible Carolina has been against opposing running backs.

Titans 32, Texans 27: According to NFL Research, Will Levis is the first quarterback since the 1970 merger to have a 105-plus passer rating in a three-game span in which he was sacked at least 20 times.

Broncos 29, Raiders 19: Bo Nix and Dak Prescott are the only rookie QBs since 1970 to have eight-plus TD passes and no interceptions in a three-game span.

Packers 38, 49ers 10: Josh Jacobs was the first player to have three-plus rushing TDs against San Francisco since the Falcons’ Devonta Freeman in 2016 with Kyle Shanahan calling plays for Atlanta.

Seahawks 16, Cardinals 6: Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s 367 receiving yards the last three games are the second-most by a Seattle player in any three-game span, trailing only Steve Largent, who had 393 from Week 13 to Week 15 in 1984.

Eagles 37, Rams 20: Saquon Barkley’s 255 rushing yards against L.A. is the ninth-best single-game mark in NFL history. Barkley now leads the league with 1,392 rushing yards, which is a new career high. His previous high was 1,312 in 2022.

Ravens 30, Chargers 23: It doesn’t sound like J.K. Dobbins suffered another season-ending injury on Monday night against Baltimore, but even if it’s a mild MCL sprain or meniscus issue, I can’t imagine someone with Dobbins’ extensive injury history won’t at least miss a few games. Gus Edwards only had 11 yards on nine carries after Dobbins left, but he did end up with a touchdown on the Bolts’ final drive. If Dobbins does miss time, Edwards would be a volume-based RB2 until he returns.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Here’s my best bets for Week 13:

LAS VEGAS AT KANSAS CITY

Obvious starters: Brock Bowers (LV), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC).

Who to start: Despite missing a few games, Jakobi Meyers (LV) is the overall WR38 in standard formats (WR28 in PPR) through 12 weeks with 28 receptions (39 targets) for 306 yards and a TD in the last four games. DeAndre Hopkins (KC) is the overall WR12 in standard formats (WR11 in PPR) since Week 9. The Chiefs D/ST are at home against an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: I’m fading Alexander Mattison (LV), Zamir White (LV) and Ameer Abdullah (LV) — regardless of who is active — against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. Tre Tucker (LV) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in six of the last seven games. It remains to be seen how the Chiefs will divide their backfield’s workload with both Isiah Pacheco (KC) and Kareem Hunt (KC) active, so only use them this week if you don’t have any other options. Xavier Worthy (KC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only nine receptions in the last four games.

Sleeper: Noah Gray (KC) has two TD receptions in back-to-back games, and is a viable streaming option this week against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends this season.

L.A. CHARGERS AT ATLANTA

Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL).

Who to start: Ladd McConkey (LAC) is the overall WR8 in standard formats (WR9 in PPR) since Week 8 with 25 receptions (30 targets) for 433 yards and two TDs in the last five games. Justin Herbert (LAC) faces a defense that has allowed 18 TD passes in its last seven games. Quentin Johnston (LAC) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers (assuming he can catch the football). Will Dissly (LAC) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (knee). Kirk Cousins (ATL) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed opposing QBs to complete 65.3% of their passes for 708 yards, seven TD passes and no interceptions in the last three games.

Who to sit: J.K. Dobbins (LAC) is doubtful to play with a knee injury he suffered on Monday night against his former team the Ravens. I’m fading the Chargers D/ST on a short week on the road against a rested offense. Joshua Palmer (LAC) has three-or-fewer receptions in nine of his 10 games this season. I’m fading Darnell Mooney (ATL) and his ailing hamstring/Achilles until we see him make it through an entire game unscathed. Kyle Pitts (ATL) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only six receptions (10 targets) for 75 yards in the last three games. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) remains TD-dependent against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Ray-Ray McCloud (ATL) only has flex appeal if Mooney is inactive.

Sleeper: Gus Edwards (LAC) is a volume-based RB2 with Dobbins likely out.

PITTSBURGH AT CINCINNATI

Obvious starters: George Pickens (PIT), Joe Burrow (CIN), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN), Chase Brown (CIN).

Who to start: Najee Harris (PIT) maintains his RB2/flex upside with at least 16 touches in every game this season. Jaylen Warren (PIT) maintains flex appeal with at least 11 touches, multiple receptions and 59 total yards in five straight games. Russell Wilson (PIT) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Who to sit: I’m fading a good Steelers D/ST on the road against Burrow. Mike Williams (PIT) has one target in three games with the Steelers. I’m fading Mike Gesicki (CIN) with Higgins active.

Sleeper: Pat Freiermuth (PIT) faces a defense that has allowed seven TD receptions to tight ends in the last seven games, including one in three straight.

ARIZONA AT MINNESOTA

Obvious starters: Kyler Murray (ARI), Trey McBride (ARI), Justin Jefferson (MIN), Aaron Jones (MIN).

Who to start: Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Vikings D/ST are the only defense in fantasy averaging double-digit points through 12 weeks. T.J. Hockenson (MIN) is the overall TE11 in standard formats (TE9 in PPR) since making his 2024 debut in Week 9.

Who to sit: I’m fading James Conner (ARI) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Trey Benson (ARI) only has flex appeal in lopsided affairs, and this game should be competitive. Michael Wilson (ARI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in five of the last six games. Jordan Addison (MIN) faces a defense that has only allowed one TD to wide receivers in the last five games. Sam Darnold (MIN) faces a defense that has only allowed two TD passes to quarterbacks in the last five games. Cam Akers (MIN) remains TD-dependent with only four touches for 25 yards against the Bears last week.

Sleeper: Only the Texans are averaging more fantasy points than the Cardinals D/ST since Week 9.

INDIANAPOLIS AT NEW ENGLAND

Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND).

Who to start: Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) has WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed nine TD receptions to wide receivers in the last seven games. Anthony Richardson (IND) faces a defense that has allowed 16 TD passes in the last seven games. Alec Pierce (IND) would have flex appeal if he’s active (foot). The Colts D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Drake Maye (NE) deserves streaming consideration as the overall QB11 since he became the Patriots’ starting quarterback in Week 6. Hunter Henry (NE) is the overall TE14 in standard formats (TE10 in PPR) since Week 6 and faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends. DeMario Douglas (NE) has flex appeal in PPR formats as the overall WR28 since Week 3.

Who to sit: Josh Downs (IND) is currently week-to-week with a shoulder injury he suffered against the Lions last week. Antonio Gibson (NE) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 6. The volume doesn’t support utilizing Kayshon Boutte (NE), Kendrick Bourne (NE) or Ja’Lynn Polk (NE).

Sleeper: Adonai Mitchell (IND) would have flex appeal if both Downs and Pierce are out.

SEATTLE AT N.Y. JETS

Obvious starters: Kenneth Walker (SEA), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), Garrett Wilson (NYJ).

Who to start: D.K. Metcalf (SEA) remains an obvious starter despite the difficult matchup if he’s active (shoulder). The Seahawks D/ST deserve streaming consideration as the seventh-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 7. Breece Hall (NYJ) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee). Davante Adams (NYJ) was the overall WR31 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) in his first five games with the Jets before their bye last week. The Jets D/ST deserve streaming consideration at home against an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Tyler Lockett (SEA) hasn’t seen more than four targets in a game since Week 7. Geno Smith (SEA) only has four TD passes against six interceptions in the last four games. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) remains TD-dependent and hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 3. Noah Fant (SEA) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in his return from injury. Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) is the overall QB15 in five games since being reunited with Adams. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) has a single catch and two targets in three straight games.

Sleeper: Braelon Allen (NYJ) would have RB2/flex upside if Hall is inactive.

TENNESSEE AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: Jayden Daniels (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS).

Who to start: Calvin Ridley (TEN) is the overall WR7 in standard formats (WR8 in PPR) since Week 8 with 29 receptions (44 targets) for 451 yards and two TDs in the last five games. Tony Pollard (TEN) is the overall RB20 across most fantasy formats through 12 weeks and faces a defense that has allowed eight rushing TDs to running backs in its last seven games. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (TEN) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR8 in standard formats (WR17 in PPR) since Week 6 with a TD reception in six of the last seven games. Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS) would maintain RB2/flex upside if he’s active (ankle). Zach Ertz (WAS) is the overall TE9 in standard formats (TE7 in PPR) through 12 weeks with at least seven targets in four of the last five games. The Commanders D/ST deserve streaming consideration against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Tyjae Spears (TEN) has been banged up and hasn’t seen double-digit touches since Week 4. Chig Okonkwo (TEN) remains TD-dependent with only six targets in the last three games. Austin Ekeler (WAS) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Noah Brown (WAS) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Sleeper(s): Will Levis (TEN) is the overall QB12 since returning from injury in Week 10. Jeremy McNichols (WAS) would have flex appeal if both Robinson and Ekeler are out.

HOUSTON AT JACKSONVILLE

Obvious starters: Joe Mixon (HOU), Nico Collins (HOU), Texans D/ST, Evan Engram (JAC).

Who to start: C.J. Stroud (HOU) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Tank Dell (HOU) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC) faces a defense that has allowed 15 TD receptions to wide receivers in the last 10 games.

Who to sit: I’m fading Travis Etienne (JAC) and Tank Bigsby (JAC) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs, partly because of a difficult matchup, but also because I’m not sure how the Jaguars will utilize both backs. It’s hard to trust Trevor Lawrence (JAC) if he’s active with an injured non-throwing shoulder that potentially needs surgery regardless of the matchup.

Sleeper: Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense that has allowed at least 12 receptions for 124 yards or a TD to tight ends in six of the last seven games.

L.A. RAMS AT NEW ORLEANS

Obvious starters: Kyren Williams (LAR), Cooper Kupp (LAR), Puka Nacua (LAR), Alvin Kamara (NO).

Who to start: Matthew Stafford (LAR) is the overall QB7 with at least 243 passing yards in every game and 12 TD passes against only three interceptions since Week 8. Taysom Hill (NO) is the top overall tight end in standard formats (TE3 in PPR) since Week 8 despite being on a bye last week. The Rams are susceptible to allowing big plays through the air, giving Marquez Valdes-Scantling (NO) flex appeal for at least one more week.

Who to sit: Demarcus Robinson (LAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with two-or-fewer receptions in five of the last six games. Juwan Johnson (NO) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in 10 of 11 games this season.

Sleeper: Derek Carr (NO) faces a defense that has allowed 19 TD passes in 11 games this season.

TAMPA BAY AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: Baker Mayfield (TB), Mike Evans (TB), Cade Otton (TB), Chuba Hubbard (CAR).

Who to start: Both Bucky Irving (TB) and Rachaad White (TB) have RB2/flex upside against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs. Xavier Legette (CAR) is the overall WR32 in standard formats (WR37 in PPR) since Week 4 with at least four receptions for 56 yards or a TD in five of the last eight games. Adam Thielen (CAR) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 11 TD receptions to wide receivers in the last eight games.

Who to sit: Jalen McMillan (TB) only has eight receptions in his last three games, and two of those games didn’t involve Mike Evans. Jonathon Brooks (CAR) only had two carries for seven yards in his NFL debut last week.

Sleeper(s): Bryce Young (CAR) faces a defense that has allowed 14 TD passes to quarterbacks in its last five games. Tommy Tremble (CAR) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends and Ja’Tavion Sanders will likely be inactive (neck).

PHILADELPHIA AT BALTIMORE

Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), Saquon Barkley (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL).

Who to start: DeVonta Smith (PHI) would have WR3/flex upside if he’s active (hamstring). Dallas Goedert (PHI) faces a defense that has allowed 27 receptions for 254 yards and two TDs to tight ends in the last five games.

Who to sit: I’m fading a good Eagles D/ST on the road against Jackson and an offense allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Mark Andrews (BAL) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Diontae Johnson (BAL) has one reception for six yards in four games with the Ravens. Isaiah Likely (BAL) is TD-dependent with only six targets in his last three games.

Sleeper: Rashod Bateman (BAL) is the overall WR13 in standard formats (WR17 in PPR) since Week 5 with at least 71 yards or a TD in five of the last eight games.

SAN FRANCISCO AT BUFFALO

Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF), Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF).

Who to start: Brock Purdy (SF) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (shoulder) against a defense that has allowed seven TD passes to quarterbacks in its last three games. Jauan Jennings (SF) is the overall WR17 in standard formats (WR6 in PPR) since Week 10 with 22 receptions (29 targets) for 224 yards and a TD in the last three games. The Bills D/ST would be a top-tier option this week if Purdy is out again. Keon Coleman (BUF) had nine receptions (14 targets) for 195 yards and a TD in his last two full games before hurting his wrist and would have WR3/flex upside if he’s active. Khalil Shakir (BUF) was the overall WR28 in standard formats (WR13 in PPR) the last five games before the Bills’ bye last week.

Who to sit: Deebo Samuel (SF) is the overall WR46 in standard formats (WR55 in PPR) since Week 4. I’m fading the 49ers D/ST on the road against Allen and an offense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Jordan Mason (SF) has seven touches in three games since McCaffrey returned. Amari Cooper (BUF) only has seven receptions (10 targets) for 124 yards and a TD in three games with the Bills and has been dealing with a wrist injury for the last month. I’m fading both Dalton Kincaid (BUF) and Dawson Knox (BUF) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Ray Davis (BUF) has flex appeal in deeper leagues against a defense that has allowed nine rushing TDs to running backs in the last six games.

CLEVELAND AT DENVER

Obvious starters: David Njoku (CLE), Bo Nix (DEN), Courtland Sutton (DEN), Broncos D/ST.

Who to start: Nick Chubb (CLE) has flex appeal as the overall RB30 in standard formats (RB33 in PPR) since making his 2024 debut in Week 7. Jerry Jeudy (CLE) is the overall WR17 in standard formats (WR16 in PPR) since Week 8 with 20 receptions (36 targets) for 379 yards and a TD in the last four games.

Who to sit: Jameis Winston (CLE) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Cedric Tillman (CLE) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Elijah Moore (CLE) faces a defense that has only allowed six TD receptions to wide receivers in 12 games this season. The Browns D/ST hasn’t produced double-digit fantasy points since Week 6. Javonte Williams (DEN) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Sleeper: Devaughn Vele (DEN) has flex appeal as the overall WR23 in standard formats (WR24 in PPR) since Week 10 against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including 10 TD receptions in the last seven games.