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Fantasy football Week 13: Start, sit and sleepers

Eddie Brown, The San Diego Union-Tribune on

Published in Football

Here's a look back at Week 12's action and fantasy advice for Sunday and Monday:

WEEK 12 RECAP

Texans 23, Bills 19: Jayden Higgins had four receptions on nine targets for 38 yards and a touchdown in the victory over Buffalo. Higgins is the overall WR27 in standard formats (WR29 in PPR) since Week 8 with at least four receptions for 55 yards or a touchdown in four of the last five games. The rookie also has at least seven targets in four of the five.

Bears 31, Steelers 28: Luther Burden III finally passed Olamide Zaccheaus in three-receiver sets for the first time in Week 11. He’s played at least 44% of Chicago’s offensive snaps in three straight games, and surpassed 50% for the first time against Pittsburgh on Sunday, after not topping 28.8% in his first seven games. The dynamic rookie is worth stashing just in case his role continues to grow in the Bears’ rapidly improving offense.

Patriots 26, Bengals 20: Rhamondre Stevenson was out-snapped by TreVeyon Henderson 46-22 in his first game back from a toe injury. The rookie also out-touched Stevenson 21-7. Henderson is the captain now.

Lions 34, Giants 27 (OT): Jahmyr Gibbs erupted for 264 total yards and three TDs in the come-from-behind win over New York. Gibbs has 44 total TDs in his first 43 career games, which ties him fifth all-time with Randy Moss, Marcus Allen and Abner Haynes for most TDs in NFL history for any player in his first three seasons. The only other players with more TDs than Gibbs in their first three seasons are Barry Sanders (47), Gale Sayers (46), Eric Dickerson (46) and Earl Campbell (45). All four are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Packers 23, Vikings 6: Jordan Addison had no receptions on one targets in the loss at Green Bay. Addison has essentially become TD-dependent in fantasy thanks to J.J. McCarthy’s struggles. He has three-or-fewer receptions in five straight games.

Seahawks 30, Titans 24: With Calvin Ridley out for the season, and Elic Ayomanor dealing with a hamstring injury, Chimere Dike returned a punt 90 yards for a TD, his second of the season, and had five receptions on seven targets for 44 yards and another TD against Seattle on Sunday. Dike is the overall WR18 in standard formats (WR26 in PPR) since Week 7 with at least 93 yards or a TD in three of the last five games.

Chiefs 23, Colts 20 (OT): Jonathan Taylor was bottled up by a good Kansas City defense. The Chiefs only allowed Taylor to run for 58 yards on 16 carries (3.6 yards per carry) and no scores. The last three games he failed to score a rushing TD, he returned the following week to score three rushing TDs.

Ravens 23, Jets 10: Adonai Mitchell has had at least six targets in both of his games since being traded to New York. If the Jets do one thing with the rest of this season, it will be figuring out if Mitchell and John Metchie III are worth keeping around next season. Metchie has at least three receptions for 45 yards and a TD in two straight games.

Browns 24, Raiders 10: I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a player more clueless of his surroundings or less aware on a football field than Jerry Jeudy when he was stripped from behind while high-stepping on his only reception of the game at Las Vegas on Sunday.

Jaguars 27, Cardinals 24 (OT): What more do you need to see? Jacoby Brissett is the overall QB5 since he took over for an injured Kyler Murray in Week 6. Brissett has weekly finishes of QB7, QB12, QB10, QB10, QB4 and QB8 in his six starts.

Cowboys 24, Eagles 21: Saquon Barkley had his worst game of the season running the football in the loss at Dallas with only 22 yards on 10 carries and a fumble. Barkley is only averaging 62.2 rushing yards per game this year after averaging 125.3 in his historic first year in Philly.

Falcons 24, Saints 10: Alvin Kamara suffered an MCL sprain against Atlanta on Sunday, and could miss multiple weeks. Devin Neal produced 61 total yards on 12 touches in his stead, including five receptions for 43 yards. The rookie has at least three receptions in three of his last four games, and should see a substantial boost in usage with Kamara sidelined. I’m also sure Swiss Army knife Taysom Hill will carve out a bigger role as well without Kamara.

Rams 34, Buccaneers 7: Matthew Stafford has thrown 308 consecutive passes without an interception and 27 TDs since he was last picked off in Week 3.

49ers 20, Panthers 9: Christian McCaffrey finished with 142 total yards and a TD on 31 touches in the victory over Carolina. It was McCaffrey’s fifth game with at least 30 touches this season. Jonathan Taylor, Rico Dowdle, Kareem Hunt and Emanuel Wilson each have one such game.

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 are my best bets for Week 13's Sunday and Monday games:

SAN FRANCISCO AT CLEVELAND

Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF),

Who to start: Jauan Jennings (SF) is the overall WR14 in most fantasy formats since Week 9 and has at least four receptions or a TD in six straight games. Quinshon Judkins (CLE) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB14 in standard formats (RB17 in PPR) since Week 2. Jerry Jeudy (CLE) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed seven TDs to wide receivers in the last five games. Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 26 receptions for 273 yards and four TDs to tight ends in the last four games. The Browns D/ST is one of two defenses averaging double-digit fantasy points since Week 3 (the Texans are the other).

Who to sit: Brock Purdy (SF) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Brian Robinson Jr. (SF) remains TD-dependent against a defense allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. David Njoku (CLE) is TD-dependent with only four targets in his last three games. Cedric Tillman (CLE) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in his last six games. Dylan Sampson (CLE) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 1. We’re a long ways away from trusting Shedeur Sanders (CLE) in fantasy.

Sleeper: The 49ers D/ST is a sneaky streaming option in deeper leagues against an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

JACKSONVILLE AT TENNESSEE

Obvious starters: Travis Etienne (JAC), Brian Thomas (JAC), Jaguars D/ST.

Who to start: Both Jakobi Meyers (JAC) and Parker Washington (JAC) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) is the overall QB6 since Week 9 and faces a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in four of the last five games. Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) has flex appeal as the overall RB36 in standard formats (RB38 in PPR) since Week 9 against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs. Cam Ward (TEN) deserves streaming consideration in deeper leagues against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 22 TD passes in 11 games this season. Chimere Dike (TEN) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed eight TDs to wide receivers in the last six games.

Who to sit: Brenton Strange (JAC) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. I’m fading both Tony Pollard (TEN) and Tyjae Spears (TEN) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Elic Ayomanor (TEN) has topped 50 yards once since Week 2, hasn’t scored a TD since Week 3, and has been dealing with a hamstring injury. Chig Okonkwo (TEN) is TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in four of his last five games.

Sleeper: Gunnar Helm (TEN) has 10 receptions on 12 targets the last two games and faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to tight ends this season.

HOUSTON AT INDIANAPOLIS

Obvious starters: Nico Collins (HOU), Texans D/ST, Jonathan Taylor (IND), Tyler Warren (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND).

Who to start: Woody Marks (HOU) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB21 in standard formats (RB23 in PPR) since Week 4. Dalton Schultz (HOU) has at least five receptions in seven of his last nine games and faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Jayden Higgins (HOU) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR27 in standard formats (WR29 in PPR) since Week 8.

Who to sit: CJ Stroud (HOU) faces a defense that has only allowed three TD passes in the last four games. Nick Chubb (HOU) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 9 and remains TD-dependent. Christian Kirk (HOU) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only seven receptions in the last three games. I’m fading Daniel Jones (IND) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, including only seven TD passes in the last nine games. Alec Pierce (IND) is a boom-or-bust candidate after only seeing two targets against the Chiefs last week. Josh Downs (IND) is TD-dependent against a defense tied for the third-fewest fantasy points allowed to wide receivers this season.

Sleeper: The Colts D/ST is the eighth-highest scoring defense in fantasy through 12 weeks and always deserves streaming consideration as a home favorite.

NEW ORLEANS AT MIAMI

Obvious starters: De’Von Achane (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA).

Who to start: Chris Olave (NO) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (back). Juwan Johnson (NO) is the overall TE10 in standard formats (TE6 in PPR) through 12 weeks and faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends. Devin Neal (NO) has flex appeal with Alvin Kamara out (knee) against a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to running backs.

Who to sit: Tyler Shough (NO) only has value in superflex formats until further notice. Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) only has seven TD passes in his last six games, and none in three of the six. Malik Washington (MIA) is TD-dependent with exactly three targets in each of the last three games. Ollie Gordon (MIA) remains TD-dependent with double-digit touches in one game this season.

Sleeper(s): Taysom Hill (NO) has flex appeal with at least seven carries in the last two games and Kamara out. The Dolphins D/ST deserves streaming consideration in deeper leagues at home against an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

ATLANTA AT N.Y. JETS

Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Breece Hall (NYJ).

 

Who to start: Darnell Mooney (ATL) has flex appeal with Drake London out (knee). Tyler Allgeier (ATL) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed multiple rushing TDs in three of the last four games. Tyrod Taylor (NYJ) deserves streaming consideration in deeper leagues against a defense that has allowed 10 TD passes in the last five games. John Metchie III (NYJ) has flex appeal with at least 45 yards and a TD in two straight games.

Who to sit: Kyle Pitts (ATL) remains TD-dependent with exactly two receptions in each of the last three games. Kirk Cousins (ATL) faces a defense that has only allowed seven TD passes in the last six games. Mason Taylor (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper(s): The Falcons D/ST has at least five sacks in four straight games and faces an offense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Adonai Mitchell (NYJ) faces a defense that has allowed eight TDs to wide receivers in the last five games.

ARIZONA AT TAMPA BAY

Obvious starters: Trey McBride (ARI), Emeka Egbuka (TB).

Who to start: Jacoby Brissett (ARI) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including eight TD passes in the last three games. Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (appendix). Michael Wilson (ARI) is an obvious starter if Harrison remains out, but he still has flex appeal if MHJ is active after producing 25 receptions for 303 yards in the last two games. Bam Knight (ARI) has flex appeal if he’s active (knee). Tez Johnson (TB) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR21 in standard formats (WR29 in PPR) since Week 6.

Who to sit: Greg Dortch (ARI) only has flex appeal if Harrison remains out — Dortch had at least six receptions for 53 yards and a TD in each of the last two games with MHJ sidelined. Michael Carter (ARI) only has flex appeal if Knight is out. Bucky Irving (TB) is supposed to return this week after missing seven games with a shoulder and foot injury, but I’d like to see him in action before I give you the green light. I’m fading Baker Mayfield (TB) despite a good matchup with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder that is easily reaggravated. Both Sean Tucker (TB) and Rachaad White (TB) are TD-dependent with Irving likely returning. Chris Godwin (TB) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in each of the three games he’s played this season.

Sleeper(s): Cade Otton (TB) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends, including at least six receptions or a TD in seven of the last eight games. The Buccaneers D/ST faces an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses this season.

L.A. RAMS AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: Puka Nacua (LAR), Davonte Adams (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR), Matthew Stafford (LAR), Rams D/ST.

Who to start: Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) is the overall WR6 in standard formats (WR8 in PPR) since Week 6 with at least 60 yards or a TD in five his last seven games.

Who to sit: Blake Corum (LAR) remains TD-dependent with Williams healthy. I’m fading Rico Dowdle (CAR) and Chuba Hubbard (CAR) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Xavier Legette (CAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in eight of his 10 games this season. Bryce Young (CAR) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Jalen Coker (CAR) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in five of his six games.

Sleeper: Colby Parkinson (LAR) deserves streaming consideration as the overall TE3 across most fantasy formats since Week 10 against a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends — Parkinson has scored a TD in three straight games.

MINNESOTA AT SEATTLE

Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), Seahawks D/ST.

Who to start: Aaron Jones (MIN) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB22 in standard formats (RB19 in PPR) since Week 9. Kenneth Walker III (SEA) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB17 across most fantasy formats since Week 9. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed at least one rushing TD in five straight games. AJ Barner (SEA) faces a defense that has allowed at least nine receptions for 93 yards or a TD to tight ends in four of the last five games.

Who to sit: Jordan Addison (MIN) is a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in five straight games. Jordan Mason (MIN) is TD-dependent with Jones healthy. I’m fading the Vikings D/ST on the road. Sam Darnold (SEA) is the overall QB18 since Week 7, and faces a defense that has only allowed one TD pass in the last three games. Rashid Shaheed (SEA) is a boom-or-bust candidate against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Cooper Kupp (SEA) has topped 40 yards once since Week 5 and hasn’t scored a TD since Week 6.

Sleeper: TJ Hockenson (MIN) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends.

BUFFALO AT PITTSBURGH

Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook III (BUF), DK Metcalf (PIT), Jaylen Warren (PIT).

Who to start: Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR36 in standard formats (WR28 in PPR) through 12 weeks. Dalton Kincaid (BUF) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (hamstring) against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) maintains flex appeal against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs, including 10 TDs in the last seven games. The Steelers D/ST faces an offense that has committed nine turnovers and allowed 11 sacks in the last three games.

Who to sit: We can’t trust Keon Coleman (BUF) in fantasy after two healthy scratches. Ray Davis (BUF) remains TD-dependent with Cook healthy. Joshua Palmer (BUF) remains TD-dependent with two-or-fewer receptions in his last seven games. The Bills D/ST have scored double-digit fantasy points only twice this season, and not since Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers. Dawson Knox (BUF) only deserves streaming consideration if Kincaid is out again. Aaron Rodgers (PIT) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Calvin Austin III (PIT) has topped 36 yards once in his last eight games. I’m fading Pat Freiermuth (PIT), Jonnu Smith (PIT) and Darnell Washington (PIT) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Brandin Cooks (BUF) has flex appeal if he’s active against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including eight TDs in the last six games.

LAS VEGAS AT L.A. CHARGERS

Obvious starters: Brock Bowers (LV), Ashton Jeanty (LV), Justin Herbert (LAC), Ladd McConkey (LAC).

Who to start: In the six weeks before the Chargers’ bye last week, Oronde Gadsden II (LAC) was the overall TE2 across most fantasy formats, behind only Trey McBride. Both Keenan Allen (LAC) and Quentin Johnston (LAC) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Chargers D/ST faces an offense tied with the Titans for allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses this season.

Who to sit: Tre Tucker (LV) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Geno Smith (LV) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, including multiple TD passes only once this season (in Week 7).

Sleeper: Kimani Vidal (LAC) has been alternating good and bad weeks with the pendulum swinging towards good against a defense that has allowed at least 86 yards on a TD to running backs in eight of the last nine games.

DENVER AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: Courtland Sutton (DEN), Broncos D/ST.

Who to start: Bo Nix (DEN) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including at least three TD passes in four of the last five games. In the five weeks before the Broncos’ bye last week, Troy Franklin (DEN) was the overall WR5 in standard formats (WR8 in PPR). In the four weeks before the Broncos’ bye last week, RJ Harvey (DEN) was the overall RB17 in standard formats (RB15 in PPR).

Who to sit: Evan Engram (DEN) is TD-dependent with only 10 receptions for 81 yards in the last four games. Marvin Mims (DEN) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with two-or-fewer receptions in four of his last five games. I’m fading both Terry McLaurin (WAS) and Deebo Samuel (WAS) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Both Chris Rodriguez (WAS) and Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) are TD-dependent against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Zach Ertz (WAS) is TD-dependent with exactly four receptions and no scores in four straight games. Marcus Mariota (WAS) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, including only nine TD passes in 11 games this season.

Sleeper(s): Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs. Pat Bryant (DEN) has at least 43 yards or a TD in three of the last four games and faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

N.Y. GIANTS AT NEW ENGLAND

Obvious starters: Jaxson Dart (NYG), Drake Maye (NE), Stefon Diggs (NE).

Who to start: Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) is the overall WR14 in standard formats (WR11 in PPR) through 12 weeks, and is on pace to produce career-highs in receptions (94), yards (1,125) and TDs (four). Theo Johnson (NYG) is the overall TE4 in standard formats (TE5 in PPR) since Week 4 with at least 75 yards or a TD in six of the last nine games. TreVeyon Henderson (NE) is the overall RB7 in standard formats (RB6 in PPR) since Week 8 and faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs. Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed seven rushing TDs in the last five games. Hunter Henry (NE) is the overall TE6 in standard formats (TE5 in PPR) through 12 weeks. The Patriots D/ST is tied with the Packers as the fifth-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 7.

Who to sit: Tyrone Tracy (NYG) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs who hasn’t allowed a rushing TD since Week 3. Devin Singletary (NYG) is TD-dependent with a very bad matchup. Darius Slayton (NYG) remains a boom-or-bust candidate while he’s dealing with a hamstring injury. Both DeMario Douglas (NE) and Mack Hollins (NE) are boom-or-bust candidates until further notice.

Sleeper: Kayshon Boutte (NE) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.


©2025 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

 

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