Week 13 of the 2024 NFL season introduces a chaotic schedule with three Thanksgiving Day games and a Black Friday matchup, leaving fantasy football players scrambling. With this in mind, this article focuses solely on the Sunday and Monday games to provide timely start/sit advice. Below, we explore one player to fade and one to start at each position.
Quarterbacks
Fade: Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
While benching Joe Burrow seems counterintuitive given his recent performances—finishing as the QB1 or QB2 in three consecutive weeks—Week 13 presents a tough matchup against the Steelers. Pittsburgh allows a league-low 12.8 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, making it a challenging week for Burrow in DFS. While he remains a top-12 season-long option, other quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud or Anthony Richardson may offer better upside.
Start: Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Mayfield continues his consistent top-10 fantasy quarterback streak, including a QB9 finish last week with 294 passing yards and a rushing touchdown. Facing a porous Panthers defense that allows the sixth-most points to quarterbacks, Mayfield is a top-eight option in Week 13.
Running Backs
Fade: James Conner (Arizona Cardinals)
Conner’s inefficiency persists, averaging under three yards per carry in three of his last four games. Against a stout Vikings defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs, Conner is a risky play.
Start: Kyren Williams (Los Angeles Rams)
Williams, who started the season hot with eight rushing touchdowns in six games, has cooled off. However, a favorable matchup against the Saints’ weak run defense, ranked second-to-last in DVOA, positions him for a bounce-back performance.
Wide Receivers
Fade: Jerry Jeudy (Cleveland Browns)
Jeudy has been reliable for the Browns with 70+ yards in four consecutive games. However, a matchup against the Broncos’ secondary—allowing the second-fewest points to wide receivers—makes him a less appealing option this week.
Start: Ladd McConkey (Los Angeles Chargers)
The rookie continues to shine, recording at least 50 receiving yards in five straight games. With a favorable matchup against the Falcons, who rank fourth-worst against wide receivers, McConkey is a must-start.
Tight Ends
Fade: Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens)
Andrews’ inconsistency this season, paired with a tough Eagles defense that allows the third-fewest points to tight ends, makes him a risky choice in Week 13.
Start: Taysom Hill (New Orleans Saints)
Hill’s versatility as a hybrid player has been a cheat code for fantasy managers. Coming off a monster game with over 180 total yards and three touchdowns, Hill is primed for another standout performance, especially with New Orleans’ injuries creating more opportunities for him.
Going through this week’s challenging schedule requires strategic decisions. These recommendations provide valuable insights to help fantasy managers optimize their lineups.
