Week 13 in the NFL began with exciting Thanksgiving matchups. The Bears narrowly defeated the Lions, the Cowboys prevailed over the Giants, and the Packers overcame Miami. On Black Friday, a new NFL tradition, the Chiefs secured a playoff spot by defeating the Raiders. Sunday promises a full schedule, and fantasy football managers are gearing up with key lineup decisions.
Quarterbacks (QBs)
Start:
- C.J. Stroud (Texans) vs. Jaguars: Stroud has a favorable matchup against Jacksonville, a team giving up the most fantasy points to QBs. With Nico Collins healthy, Stroud’s potential for multiple touchdowns is high.
- Anthony Richardson (Colts) vs. Patriots: With improved passing and a shaky Patriots defense, Richardson’s dual-threat capability makes him a strong play.
- Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers) vs. Panthers: Mayfield’s consistent multi-touchdown performances and Carolina’s porous defense create a promising setup.
- Matthew Stafford (Rams) vs. Saints: Stafford thrives with Kupp and Nacua back, facing a vulnerable New Orleans secondary.
Sit:
- Brock Purdy (49ers) vs. Bills: Returning from injury, Purdy faces a strong Bills defense.
- Geno Smith (Seahawks) vs. Jets: Despite leading the league in passing yards, Smith’s low touchdown rate and high interceptions make him a risky option.
Running Backs (RBs)
Start:
- Bucky Irving (Buccaneers) vs. Panthers: Against the league’s worst rush defense, Irving should excel.
- Kyren Williams (Rams) vs. Saints: With New Orleans struggling against RBs, Williams has touchdown potential.
- Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots) vs. Colts: After a tough Week 12, Stevenson faces a Colts defense that has struggled against the run.
- Tony Pollard (Titans) vs. Commanders: Riding high from a strong Week 12, Pollard faces a defense allowing high yardage to RBs.
Sit:
- Javonte Williams (Broncos) vs. Browns: After a disappointing performance, Williams faces Cleveland’s stout run defense.
- Nick Chubb (Browns) vs. Broncos: Denver’s defense has been formidable, limiting RB production.
- Brian Robinson Jr. (Commanders) vs. Titans: An injury and tough defense make Robinson a risky play.
- Jets RBs vs. Seahawks: Seattle’s defense has tightened, reducing opportunities for Hall or Allen.
Wide Receivers (WRs)
Start:
- Tank Dell (Texans) vs. Jaguars: Jacksonville’s struggling defense makes Dell a strong No. 2 option.
- Ladd McConkey (Chargers) vs. Falcons: With increased reliance on McConkey, he remains a must-start.
- George Pickens (Steelers) vs. Bengals: Pickens should rebound against Cincinnati’s weak WR defense.
Sit:
- Jordan Addison (Vikings) vs. Cardinals: Arizona’s strong defense and Jefferson’s target share limit Addison’s upside.
- Khalil Shakir (Bills) vs. 49ers: Limited opportunities and a tough San Francisco defense make Shakir a poor option.
Tight Ends (TEs)
Start:
- Hunter Henry (Patriots) vs. Colts: Indianapolis struggles against TEs, making Henry a reliable pick.
- Pat Freiermuth (Steelers) vs. Bengals: Freiermuth has excelled recently and has a favorable matchup.
Sit:
- Dalton Kincaid (Bills) vs. 49ers: Returning from injury, Kincaid faces a tough San Francisco defense and crowded Bills offense.
Kickers (Ks)
Start:
- Wil Lutz (Broncos) vs. Browns: High altitude and Cleveland’s strong defense could create multiple field goal opportunities.
- Zane Gonzalez (Commanders) vs. Titans: With consistent performance, Gonzalez should benefit from Washington’s offense.
Sit:
- Chad Ryland (Cardinals) vs. Vikings: Limited scoring opportunities against Minnesota’s defense.
- Jake Moody (49ers) vs. Bills: Buffalo’s defense may reduce Moody’s chances in tough conditions.
Defenses (D/STs)
Start:
- Vikings vs. Cardinals: Minnesota’s defense thrives as Murray’s turnover-prone play continues.
- Texans vs. Jaguars: Facing a struggling Jacksonville offense, Houston’s defense is set for success.
Sit:
- Steelers vs. Bengals: Cincinnati’s offense is too explosive to risk starting the Steelers’ defense.
- Eagles vs. Ravens: Baltimore’s high-scoring offense presents a major challenge.
Week 13 offers compelling matchups and opportunities for savvy fantasy managers to capitalize.
