As fantasy managers head into Week 13, with just two weeks left in the regular season, many are focusing on securing playoff spots or first-round byes. The Thanksgiving slate this week includes all 32 teams, making it crucial to pay attention to key matchups, especially WR/CB duels. Here are six matchups fantasy managers should keep an eye on for Week 13:
Advantageous Matchups
DeAndre Hopkins (WR – KC) vs. Decamerion Richardson (CB – LV)
Hopkins has been a consistent performer, finishing as WR16 last week, and faces a favorable matchup against Richardson, who allows 0.44 fantasy points per route run. Hopkins has averaged 0.47 fantasy points per route run this season, ranking him among the top receivers. With a solid floor and potential for upside, Hopkins is a reliable start for fantasy managers.
Ladd McConkey (WR – LAC) vs. Dee Alford (CB – ATL)
McConkey has become a staple in fantasy lineups, ranking as WR15. He has a solid target rate of 23% per route run, and with Justin Herbert likely to pass more with the absence of running back J.K. Dobbins, McConkey is in line for another strong performance. Alford is allowing 0.33 fantasy points per route run, making McConkey a top choice for fantasy managers.
Courtland Sutton (WR – DEN) vs. Martin Emerson (CB – CLE)
Sutton, who finished as WR2 in Week 12, faces a tough challenge against Emerson, but his high target share (26.1%) and 0.43 fantasy points per route run make him a strong play. Although Emerson concedes fewer points than other Browns cornerbacks, Sutton’s volume and upside keep him in the WR2 conversation for Week 13.
Challenging Matchups
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – SEA) vs. Michael Carter (CB – NYJ)
Smith-Njigba has been a breakout star, ranking as WR5 over the last four weeks, but he faces a tough matchup against Carter, who is allowing just 0.16 fantasy points per route run, one of the lowest marks in the league. While Smith-Njigba’s talent is undeniable, fantasy managers should proceed with caution in this difficult matchup.
Jerry Jeudy (WR – DEN) vs. Pat Surtain (CB – DEN)
Jeudy has emerged as a target for Jameis Winston since the bye week, but he faces the formidable Pat Surtain, who allows just 0.14 fantasy points per route run. While Jeudy is still worth considering as a PPR flex play, the tough matchup against Surtain limits his potential for a big performance.
Christian Watson (WR – GB) vs. Jalen Ramsey (CB – MIA)
With Romeo Doubs sidelined, Watson is in line for a more prominent role, but he faces the challenge of being shadowed by Jalen Ramsey. Watson’s deep-ball threat and boom-or-bust nature make him a risky play this week, and fantasy managers should approach this matchup with caution. If Watson can get behind Ramsey, he could provide solid value, but there’s significant risk involved.
These key WR/CB matchups can make or break fantasy rosters as managers navigate the final stretch of the regular season, so fantasy managers should carefully evaluate these matchups before setting their Week 13 lineups.
