Houston Texans

Fantasy Football: Packers start, sit advice in Week 13 vs. Texans

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Which Green Bay Packers should you start, sit in Week 13 against the Houston Texans?

No time is as important as now in the fantasy season. Whether you’re beginning your fantasy playoffs this week or making the final push, you need to ensure you’re setting the right lineup.

The Packers have been up-and-down in the fantasy arena this year. A slow start caused some eyebrows to be raised, but since Week 7 the passing game has been electric, and so have the fantasy numbers.

Let’s make sense of the Packers offense entering a tricky matchup with the Texans.

Aaron Rodgers — Start

Rodgers is fantasy’s highest scorer over the past four weeks, and only trails Drew Brees on the season. You’re starting him no matter what. Even in a tough matchup with a tweaked hamstring, expect Rodgers to put up strong numbers.

James Starks and Christine Michael — Sit

The Packers backfield is a fantasy mess. James Starks ranks 25th among running backs over the past four weeks, and his workload could decrease as Christine Michael continues to work his way in.

Michael rushed only once during his debut in Philadelphia last week, his role likely to increase slightly against Houston. Still, until he receives a significant amount of playing time, Michael is nothing more than a stash.

Jordy Nelson — Start

I’ll hold my hands up. Following a disappointing fantasy showing against the Bears in Week 7, I wrote that you should sell Jordy Nelson and trade him on name value. Those that ignored my advice are benefiting now, Nelson ranked fifth among wide receivers for fantasy points this season.

While the big plays aren’t there for Jordy, he remains Aaron Rodgers’ most trusted weapon. His role has become that of a possession receiver, Rodgers looking his way on critical third down situations.

Despite a tough matchup this week, Nelson should see plenty of the ball. With nine touchdowns on the year, it’s clear the Packers are firing his way in the red zone.

Davante Adams — Flex

My call on Nelson was wrong, but I did label Davante Adams a must-add in Week 9. Only four receivers have scored more fantasy points since, Adams putting up WR1 numbers on a regular basis.

I’d lower expectations for the third-year man this week up against a talented Houston defense. While Adams has proven to have a sky-high ceiling, his floor remains considerably lower than Nelson’s, making him a riskier play.

Randall Cobb — Sit

Cobb hasn’t posted double-digit fantasy points since Week 7 and is the WR51 over the past month. That isn’t a trend I trust entering the fantasy playoffs. In a tough matchup, Cobb should sit.

Jared Cook — Sit

Given how volatile the tight end position has been this season—particularly with injuries to Rob Gronkowski and Jordan Reed—you may be forced to start Jared Cook. Be warned, however, that the Texans allow the fifth-fewest points to TEs this year.

If you’re desperate, scan the waiver wire. I rank Eric Ebron (at NO), C.J. Fiedorowicz (at GB) and Cameron Brate (at SD) higher than Cook.