Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 13
Back in August, we noticed the Week 13 bye week was rough. Now, Byemageddon has arrived and we’re scrambling to fill out lineups. Our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 13 will help you make the right decisions this week.
Additionally, FullTime Fantasy has some of the top tools of the trade and accurate rankings.
Quarterbacks
Start ‘Em
Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Tennessee
Minshew has not exceeded 18.8 Fantasy points since Week 7, and in his last three games, he has fallen below the 15 Fantasy points mark. However, the outlook for him in Week 13 against Tennessee seems favorable. The Titans, on average, allow 18.1 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. In two of the last three matchups against Tennessee, quarterbacks scored at least 22.2 Fantasy points, with only the struggling Bryce Young failing to reach that threshold.
Additionally, with Jonathan Taylor sidelined due to a thumb injury-and while I have a positive opinion of Zack Moss- Minshew is likely to take on a more substantial role in driving the Colts’ offense. Trusting him as a lower-tier starter across all leagues is a reasonable consideration.
Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos) vs. Houston
Entering Week 13 with two consecutive games below 19 fantasy points, Wilson faced challenging matchups against the Vikings and Browns. However, he has recorded multiple touchdowns in three of his last four games, coinciding with Denver’s five-game winning streak.
Meanwhile, the Texans have permitted four consecutive quarterbacks to score a minimum of 23 fantasy points. Given Wilson’s recent performance and the favorable matchup, he is a viable option as a primary fantasy quarterback in all leagues. Finally, per FullTime Fantasy’s Matchup Analyzer Tool, Week 13 is the beginning of a very tempting schedule for Wilson.
Sit ‘Em
Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals) vs. Pittsburgh
Murray has performed admirably in his comeback from last year’s torn ACL, with at least 22.4 Fantasy points in two of three games this season. Despite being more of a bust alert than an outright sit in Week 13, the matchup against Pittsburgh raises concerns.
The Steelers have allowed only one quarterback to score more than 16.7 fantasy points since Week 4, including matchups with Lamar Jackson and Trevor Lawrence. Pittsburgh’s formidable pass rush adds an additional challenge for Murray. Considering these factors, it’s advisable to start him only in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues in Week 13.
Running Backs
Start ‘Em
Jaylen Warren (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. Arizona
Over the past four weeks, Warren has demonstrated strong performances, accumulating 48 carries for 367 yards and two touchdowns. Registering seven carries of 20-plus yards during this period, he shares the lead among running backs in this category. Warren has accrued 64 Fantasy points in this span, ranking fourth among running backs.
Coexisting effectively with Najee Harris, who ranks 14th in Fantasy points over the four-week stretch, Warren benefits from the Steelers’ advantageous matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs this season.
As clear favorites at home, the Steelers provide ample opportunities for Warren and Harris to make significant contributions. Despite earlier reports suggesting increased opportunities for Warren not materializing in Week 12, there is potential for a change in the upcoming week.
Devin Singletary (Houston Texans) vs. Denver
Initially appearing as the lead back in Houston, Singletary’s role solidified in Week 12. With Dameon Pierce back, Singletary played 81 percent of the snaps, dominating in passing-down situations. Recording more targets than carries, Singletary’s usage is favorable for fantasy purposes.
In Week 13, facing Denver, which has allowed the most rushing yards, seventh-most rushing touchdowns, and the highest fantasy points per game to running backs, Singletary is a recommended start. The Broncos also struggle against running backs in the passing game. Start Singletary and bench Pierce for this matchup.
Sit ‘Em
AJ Dillon (Green Bay Packers) vs. Kansas City
Dillon’s status as a flex option hinges on whether he starts for the injured Aaron Jones (knee) in Week 13 against Kansas City. In Week 12 at Detroit, Dillon delivered an acceptable performance with 11.1 PPR points, handling 17 total touches, including three catches for 38 yards on three targets.
However, facing the Chiefs presents a tough challenge, as they have not allowed a running back to score more than 9.9 PPR points without a touchdown this season. Dillon’s limited touchdown production (one on the year) further complicates his fantasy outlook. Keep a close eye on Jones’s status. If he sits out, Dillon could be considered a flex option in deeper leagues with a restricted ceiling.
Joe Mixon (Cincinnati Bengals) vs. Jacksonville
Mixon’s first game without Joe Burrow (wrist) in Week 12 against Pittsburgh resulted in a subpar performance. Recording only eight carries for 16 yards and two catches for 44 yards on two targets, Mixon posted a season-low eight PPR points. While a slight rebound is expected against the Jaguars in Week 13, concerns linger.
Jacksonville has allowed only three rushing touchdowns this year, none on the ground since Week 6. With Jake Browning under center and the Bengals likely facing offensive struggles, Mixon faces a tough matchup against the Jaguars, who have been stingy against running backs. Limited touchdown opportunities make Mixon a risky flex option for Week 13.
Wide Receivers
Start ‘Em
Rashee Rice (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Green Bay
Rice has excelled on a per-play basis this season, culminating in his first 100-yard game, where he caught eight passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. With 2.42 yards per route run, he ranks ninth among wide receivers with at least 200 pass routes. Rice’s playing time has increased, particularly with Mecole Hardman on injured reserve and Kadarius Toney missing last week due to injury.
This week, he faces the Green Bay Packers, ranked as the 11th-best matchup for wide receivers according to PFF’s wide receiver/cornerback matchup chart. While the Packers have been effective in limiting wide receivers for most of the season, they have struggled in the past two weeks, making Rice’s recent momentum and favorable matchup promising.
Greg Dortch (Arizona Cardinals) vs. Pittsburgh
In the absence of Michael Wilson (shoulder) during Week 13 at Pittsburgh, Dortch becomes a valuable asset as a No. 3 fantasy receiver in all leagues. Over the past two games without Wilson, Dortch accumulated 17 targets, resulting in nine catches, 103 yards, and a touchdown, scoring at least 11.7 PPR points in each outing.
Dating back to last year, Dortch has delivered solid performances when involved, with at least four targets in nine games and scoring at least 11.7 PPR points in seven of those contests. Although facing a tough matchup against the Steelers, Dortch’s historical performance makes him a trustworthy option if Wilson remains sidelined.
Sit ‘Em
Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. Carolina
Godwin ranks among the top 30 wide receivers with over 600 receiving yards this season. However, his performance has been inconsistent, ranging between 32 and 77 receiving yards in all but two games. Although he has had some outstanding performances, Godwin has finished outside the top 36 wide receivers five times and inside the top 30 only three weeks.
Facing the Carolina Panthers, who have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season, Godwin’s upside is limited. While some top wide receivers have succeeded against the Panthers, the overall outlook suggests a challenging matchup. Considering the Buccaneers’ tendency to run with a lead, Godwin may not have significant upside this week.
Drake London (Atlanta Falcons) vs. New York Jets
In a challenging matchup against the Jets, London’s volume becomes a significant question, especially considering the Falcons’ strength in the run game. London, who runs 78 percent of his routes out wide, faces Sauce Gardner and the talented Jets secondary.
Given the expected struggle of the Jets to score points, the Falcons might lean heavily on the run game, impacting London’s opportunities. In the toughest matchup for wide receivers, it’s advisable to sit London.
Tight Ends
Start ‘Em
Juwan Johnson (New Orleans Saints) vs. Detroit
Initially considered a deep sleeper at tight end, Johnson showcased his potential with seven touchdowns in 2022. However, his target share fluctuated from week to week. Before Week 12, Johnson struggled to surpass 36 yards in six games, scoring only one touchdown overall and missing four games due to injury.
The optimism surrounding Johnson now stems from injuries to the Saints’ wide receivers. With Michael Thomas on injured reserve and the likely absence of Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, Johnson’s opportunities are set to increase.
Facing the Detroit Lions in Week 13, Johnson boasts the seventh-best matchup for tight ends, according to PFF’s tight end matchup chart. As four-point home underdogs, the Saints are expected to pass frequently, positioning Johnson among the top three players in targets for New Orleans. Johnson, having been TE14 last week, recorded four receptions for 45 yards. Repeating this performance could secure a top-12 finish this week with all the byes.
Sit ‘Em.
Logan Thomas, (Washington Commanders) vs. Miami
Thomas, once offering a safe floor, saw a decline in volume in recent weeks. Limited to two catches for 15 yards in Week 12, his upside is constrained. While Thomas can provide a stable 7-9 fantasy points, he lacks significant upside beyond that range.
Considering the Commanders’ situation, with key players on bye weeks and others still injured, Thomas becomes a less appealing option for Week 13. Finally, no tight end has topped 40 receiving yards on Miami since Week 7.
