National Football League

Week 13 Fantasy Football: Starts, Sits, and Sleepers

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:08 p.m. ET

foxsports

Nov 27, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) scrambles away from Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (97) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Colin Kaepernick led all scorers in fantasy football with 33.1 points win Week 12. As we look forward to another weekend of action, who is primed to top the list in Week 13?

The Buccaneers’ Mike Evans continued his great 2016 campaign and certainly made fantasy enthusiasts who put him in their lineup happy with his 30.4 point performance against the Seattle Seahawks.

Running back David Johnson kept up his great year with a performance which netted over 30 points himself, and he continues to lead all running backs this season.

It’s the last weekend before fantasy football playoffs get going, so let’s see if we can’t find you some guys to lead your team into the post-season!

Nov 28, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts after a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Green Bay Packers won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

START – Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers vs Houston Texans – Sunday, December 4th @ 1:00 PM EST

Aaron Rodgers has surpassed both Matt Ryan and Drew Brees as fantasy football’s top passer, and has done so on the back of three straight 300+ yard performances.

In addition to loads of yards, Rodgers has also thrown multiple touchdowns in every game but two this season.

After looking like a formidable passing defense for most of the 2016 season, Houston has allowed eight touchdown passes in the past three match-ups after giving up just six in every game combined before then.

More from The Pewter Plank

It’s likely attributed to fatigue as the Texans offense has done nothing with new quarterback Brock Osweiler, but no matter the cause, Rodgers should have good numbers this weekend.

START – Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons vs Kansas City Chiefs – Sunday, December 4th @ 1:00 PM EST

As the Falcons seek to stave off the surging Buccaneers, they’ll face a banged-up Kansas City Chiefs defense which has allowed two straight 300-yard passers after allowing just two in the weeks leading up to Week 11.

They’re getting healthier, but this defensive group isn’t what it could be, and Ryan will be looking to get back to the top of fantasy quarterback rankings with a strong performance in this one.

SIT – Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills @ Oakland Raiders – Sunday, December 4th @ 4:05 PM EST

It may surprise some of you to learn Tyrod Taylor is the 12th ranked fantasy quarterback this season, but it shouldn’t surprise you he hasn’t had a single game with 300-yards passing or more.

In fact, he hasn’t thrown for more than one touchdown in a single game since Week 6, but has had a rushing touchdown in four of his last five games; which explains how he’s broken into the quarterback conversation.

Oakland has only given up two rushing touchdowns to quarterbacks this season, and Cam Newton’s running score came on a day he totaled three yards of rushing offense.

The Raiders have also let just one quarterback throw for more than 250-yards just once since Week 5, so it’s safe to say Taylor will find it difficult to produce much in this match-up.

SIT – Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sunday, December 4th @ 4:25 PM EST

Philip Rivers’ receiving corps is banged up and the Buccaneers defense has been playing at a whole new level as of late.

With the Bucs playing for a playoff spot and the Chargers trying to get back to .500, this game should be a match-up of two quarterbacks willing their teams to victory.

Nov 27, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks back to the sideline during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

However, as far as match-ups go, Tampa has the upper hand on paper and the Chargers’ gunslinger will likely see at least two of his passes end up in the hands of the defense.

SLEEPER – Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers @ Chicago Bears – Sunday, December 4th @ 1:00 PM EST

No matter which side of Colin Kaepernick’s politics you may side with, there’s no denying the fact he’s been a Top-10 fantasy quarterback in each of the last four weeks.

In Week 13 he draws a match-up against the Chicago Bears who have allowed two passing touchdowns to each of the last three quarterbacks they’ve faced while intercepting them just once.

The Bears have only given up one rushing touchdown to a quarterback this season, and it went to the Cowboys’ Dak Prescott who had 36-yards rushing against them in Week 3.

The only other mobile quarterback they’ve faced has been Marcus Mariota who didn’t find the endzone, but did gain 46-yards on four carries.

Rushing yards are bonus points for fantasy quarterbacks, and Kaepernick should get a few.

SLEEPER – Matt Barkley, Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears vs San Francisco 49ers – Sunday, December 4th @ 1:00 PM EST

What are the chances Matt Barkley comes in and has another Top-12 placing in fantasy football in Week 13? Somewhere between possible to fairly possible.

The San Francisco 49ers are giving up an average of 19.8 points per week to opposing quarterbacks and have allowed multiple passing touchdowns eight times this year.

Barkley had his first game throwing over 300-yards in his NFL career last week, and it seems the stars may be aligned for him to get two straight facing this defense at home.

Nov 20, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) hands off to running back Spencer Ware (32) during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arrowhead Stadium. Tampa Bay won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

START – Spencer Ware, Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs @ Atlanta Falcons – Sunday, December 4th @ 1:00 PM EST

Spencer Ware hasn’t been a very consistent fantasy option this season, but if the Chiefs want to beat the Falcons they’ll need to control some clock and let their banged-up defense rest as much as possible.

This means a good amount of carries for Ware who has carried the ball 17 times in each of their last two games.

Atlanta has shown they can be open to running back’s coming out of the backfield, so expect the Chiefs to exploit this a bit as well.

Ware hasn’t scored in five games, significantly hurting his fantasy value, but he should find the endzone at least once in this one.

START – David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals vs Washington Redskins – Sunday, December 4th @ 4:25 PM EST

The worst part of the Cardinals’ slump this season is the fact we likely won’t see David Johnson in the post season, but if you have him for your fantasy post-season, you’ll be loving life.

Not only is Johnson leading all NFL running backs in fantasy scoring, he’s doing so by nearly 40 points.

The Washington Redskins are the ninth friendliest defensive unit against running backs this season and are surrendering exactly 20 points per game to the position.

Ezekiel Elliott put 97-yards and two touchdowns on Washington a week ago; look for Johnson to top both of those numbers.

SIT – Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles Rams @ New England Patriots – Sunday, December 4th @ 1:00 PM EST

Not sure why the Rams would drop the touches given to their best offensive player with rookie Jared Goff finally getting on the field, yet here we are.

Gurley was drafted extremely high in every fantasy league, and is easily the biggest bust of them all.

It’s not totally his fault of course, and Week 13 pits him up against a Patriots defense which has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher.

Until the Rams remember they have the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year and a rookie quarterback under center, bench Gurley.

SIT – Jay Ajayi, Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins @ Baltimore Ravens – Sunday, December 4th @ 1:00 PM

The Baltimore Ravens have the top rushing defense in the NFL, and Jay Ajayi hasn’t had significant fantasy points in the last three weeks.

It’s been nearly a month since Ajayi rushed for more than 100-yards after he busted out in late October.

It’s always a bit interesting to see guys break-out because there’s always a little twinge which suggests it’ll all settle down once teams have tape to study.

Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets running back Troymaine Pope (26) congratulates running back Matt Forte (22) following his touchdown during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Jets won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

This is exactly what’s happened to the Dolphins running back, and in this one, I’m betting on the defense.

SLEEPER – Matt Forte, New York Jets

New York Jets vs Indianapolis Colts – Sunday, December 5th @ 8:30 PM EST

Matt Forte had a string of four good games broken against the Patriots last week, but should be able to get back on track against a Colts defense allowing 20.3 points per game to running backs.

Four rushers have totaled more than 100-yards against this team, and even more have eclipsed the century mark in total offense.

Expect Forte to be a big part of the Jets’ offensive attack, and benefit all fantasy players who put him in.

SLEEPER – Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ San Diego Chargers – Sunday, December 4th @ 4:25 PM EST

If you’ve watched the Buccaneers in the past three weeks, then you’ve seen Doug Martin running hard and looking like a long run waiting to happen.

Unfortunately for his fantasy owners, he hasn’t found it just yet, but his groove seems to be coming back gradually.

The Bucs’ offensive line is looking better each week, and while the Chargers haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher this season, they have given up 12 rushing touchdowns to running backs.

It’d be fitting for Martin to find his first 100+ yard game this year against a team which hasn’t allowed one yet, and after gaining 87-yards against Seattle, he seems due.

Nov 27, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) celebrates with wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Rams 49-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

START – Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints vs Detroit Lions – Sunday, December 4th @ 1:00 PM EST

I can’t count how many times I’ve told people Michael Thomas was the best Saints receiver on the field, and now folks are starting to believe it.

On the year, Thomas has been targeted nearly ten times more than Brandin Cooks, and has been targeted more than his faster teammate six times in 2016.

In fact, he’s only totaled less than 50-yards receiving twice this year as he’s just 211-yards from opening his career with a 1,000-yard season.

buccaneers

The Pewter Plank 1 wWeek 12 Fantasy Football: Start, Sit, and Sleepers

More headlines around FanSided:

2w - Fantasy Football Week 11: Start, Sit, and Sleepers 2w - John Lynch: Making A Case For Canton 3w - Fantasy Football Week 10: Starts, Sits, and Sleepers 4w - Fantasy Football Week 9: Starts, Sits, and Sleepers 4w - Yarcho's Pick Six: Bucs Fall To 0-4 At HomeMore News at The Pewter Plank

Not bad for a second-round pick who went undrafted in many fantasy leagues this year.

START – Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ San Diego Chargers – Sunday, December 4th @ 4:25 PM EST

After dominating the Seahawks secondary and cornerback Richard Sherman on his way to over 30 fantasy points last week, there’s no reason not to expect big things from him again against the Chargers this week.

San Diego hasn’t been the worst pass defense this season, but they have allowed five catches to at least one receiver in all but one of their match-ups in 2016.

With Evans proving week in and week out that he can be the guy in Tampa, he’s earned his third place ranking among fantasy receivers, and should earn the start for you this weekend.

SIT – Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers @ Seattle Seahawks – Sunday, December 4th @ 8:30 PM EST

It’s a copycat league, and the Panthers have a tall receiver in Kelvin Benjamin who they might just think can abuse the Seattle secondary like Mike Evans did a week ago.

Better yet, fantasy owners may be thinking the same thing. However, considering the Seahawks defense hadn’t allowed any receiver to catch two touchdowns in a single game against them all season; I’d say Evans was the exception.

Benjamin had a touchdown grab last week against Oakland, and it was his first since Week 4.

I still believe the former Florida State star has a bright future, but this season is one he’ll have to learn from if he’s going to become that, and this matchup will be one with plenty of lessons being taught by a pissed-off Seahawks defense IN Seattle.

SIT – Jamison Crowder, Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins @ Arizona Cardinals – Sunday, December 4th @ 4:25 PM EST

Jamison Crowder is Washington’s best offering for a fantasy receiver this season, and currently sits among the WR2 crowd in points scored this year.

The Arizona Cardinals are a team reeling from a disappointing season to say the least, but they’re defense has been able to hold opposing receivers to just 21.7 points per week, making them the seventh worst team to start a receiver against.

Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (17) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

There’s the topic of volume here, as Crowder is tied for the team lead in targets amongst the receivers, but Jordan Reed is easily the teams primary passing threat.

SLEEPER – Jeremy Kerley, San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers @ Chicago Bears – Sunday, December 4th @ 1:00 PM EST

The only week Jeremy Kerley was shutout was the week I identified him as a sleeper here.

If it happens again I promise not to identify him as a sleeper moving forward.

That being said, he’s a sleeper this week because he’s playing a soft Bears secondary allowing almost 26 points per game to receivers and he’s the 49ers most targeted player.

Sure, he’s been in a slump lately, but so have the Bears who have given up a score to a receiver in six straight games.

SLEEPER – DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans

Houston Texans @ Green Bay Packers – Sunday, December 4th @ 1:00 PM EST

DeAndre Hopkins has suffered from the Houston Texans’ offensive problems just like everyone else, but I still have faith the fourth-year receiver will hit 1,000 yards this season.

He’ll need to have a good performance against the Packers to help him do it, and with Green Bay allowing 27.1 points to opposing receivers on average, I like the match-up this week.

With at least five catches in all but three games this year, Hopkins has been involved, and giving him a chance is all he should need against a very friendly defensive unit.

Nov 20, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

START – Jimmy Graham, Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks vs Carolina Panthers – Sunday, Decmeber 4th @ 8:30 PM EST

Even in the loss to the Buccaneers in Week 12 where his team was thoroughly controlled the entire game, Jimmy Graham was able to gain 67-yards on six catches.

Easily Russell Wilson’s most reliable target, Graham should get plenty of action against a Carolina defense allowing the third most fantasy points to tight ends this season.

The Panthers have given up eight touchdown catches to tight ends this year, and Graham should add to the total in this game.

SIT – Lance Kendricks, Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles Rams @ New England Patriots – Sunday, December 4th @ 1:00 PM EST

Lance Kendricks has had at least four catches in three of his last four games for the Los Angeles Rams and was able to find the endzone last week for his fantasy owners.

This week he’s facing a defense which has only given up three scores to tight ends this season, and he’s facing them on the road with a rookie quarterback throwing to him.

There’s a lot not to like about this match-up, so stay away from it.

SLEEPER – Coby Fleener, New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints vs Detroit Lions – Sunday, December 4th @ 1:00 PM EST

Receiving tight ends have done well in fantasy against the Lions, and Coby Fleener should be no exception.

As the 11th ranked tight end in all of fantasy football right now, Fleener hasn’t exactly been lighting it up, but he’s been serviceable.

He’s been fairly consistent, and has a catch in every game this season for Drew Brees, with his best game coming in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Lions are the friendliest defense when it comes to matching up against tight ends in fantasy scoring, so look for Brees to target Fleener often in this match-up as the Saints look to stay in the hunt in the NFC South.

Nov 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of Sports Authority Field at Mile High in the fourth quarter of the game between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs defeated the Broncos 30-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

START – Denver Broncos D/ST

Denver Broncos @ Jacksonville Jaguars – Sunday, December 4th @ 1:00 PM EST

The Denver Broncos defense and special teams unit didn’t fare as well as many hoped they would against the Chiefs last week, and their fantasy standings took a hit.

They’re still the second best group in fantasy points scored for a reason, and the Jaguars provide just the right amount of guts and mistake prone offense to get this unit back on track.

If you can afford it in DFS, pick up these guys on the road.

SIT – Buffalo Bills D/ST

Buffalo Bills @ Oakland Raiders – Sunday, December 4th @ 4:05 PM EST

The Oakland Raiders have been terrorizing teams during their five-game winning streak, and the Buffalo Bills defense is going to have their hands full to say the least.

Oct 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The game ended in a 6-6 tie after overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback Derek Carr is well on his way to throwing for over 4,000 yards this season and should hit the 30-touchdown mark as well.

I wouldn’t start any defense against this offense at the moment, but especially when the defense is playing in Oakland, it’s match-up to avoid for sure.

SLEEPER – Seattle Seahawks D/ST

Carolina Panthers @ Seattle Seahawks – Sunday, December 4th @ 8:30 PM EST

Cam Newton likes to show up when the primetime lights are on, but he also likes to take more risks as well.

The Seahawks are going to be out to prove to the world they aren’t the team which got thoroughly controlled last week, and they’re going to be angry while they do it.

The potential return of Michael Bennett only adds to the team’s motivation as they take on the defending NFC Champions at home.

Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Cardinals 38-19. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

WEEK 13 RECAP

Let’s Recap our selections for this weekends’ match-ups…

Nov 27, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Cardinals 38-19. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

START:

QB, Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

QB, Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

RB, Spencer Ware, Kansas City Chiefs

RB, David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals

WR, Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints

WR, Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TE, Jimmy Graham, Seattle Seahawks

D/ST, Denver Broncos

Nov 27, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) is introduced before a game against San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

SIT:

QB, Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills

QB, Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

RB, Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams

RB, Jay Ajayi, Miami Dolphins

WR, Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina Panthers

WR, Jamison Crowder, Washington Redskins

TE, Lance Kendricks, Los Angeles Rams

D/ST, Buffalo Bills

Nov 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) reacts after a game agains the San Diego Chargers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

SLEEPERS:

QB, Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers

QB, Matt Barkley, Chicago Bears

RB, Matt Forte, New York Jets

RB, Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

WR, Jeremy Kerley, San Francisco 49ers

WR, DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans

TE, Coby Fleener, New Orleans Saints

D/ST, Seattle Seahawks

Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs with the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

DAILY LINEUP

Playing daily fantasy football games are not as simple as plug and play. It’s a delicate balance of fiscal responsibility and talent management. Here we provide a couple options which should prove affordable and full of possibilities.

The Pewter Projection

Live Feed FANTASY FOOTBALL

Your weekly lineup provided by the analysis and projections The Pewter Plank brings you every week.

QB – Colin Kaepernick @ Chicago Bears

RB – David Johnson vs Washington Redskins

RB – Doug Martin @ San Diego Chargers

WR – Michael Thomas vs Detroit Lions

WR – Mike Evans @ San Diego Chargers

WR – Jeremy Kerley @ Chicago Bears

TE – Coby Fleener vs Detroit Lions

K – Brandon McManus @ Jacksonville Jaguars

D/ST – Denver Broncos D/ST @ Jacksonville Jaguars

So, there we have it. Week 13 NFL action has already begun with the Cowboys defeating the Minnesota Vikings 17-15 on Thursday Night Football.

Send your questions, comments and individual analysis to our official Twitter feed, to any of our contributors or experts. We can’t get to them all of course, but we’ll get to as many as we can each week.

Which of our starters will hit pay-dirt for your fantasy football team, which of our sits will bust through the doubt and put up top numbers anyway, and which of our sleepers will give a burst to your daily fantasy lineups? Come back next week to get your Week 14 insight and advice as the fantasy playoffs get started!

This article originally appeared on