With most leagues wrapping their regular seasons this week and teams fighting for playoff positioning, we bring you our weekly Studs, Duds and Sleepers for Week 13.
QUARTERBACKS
Stud: Josh McCown – McCown threw for 307 yards and three touchdowns last week. The Chiefs’ defense is allowing nearly 250 yards-per-game through the air. McCown is in a groove and is a QB1 for this week’s matchup against Kansas City.
Dud: Case Keenum – Keenum is averaging 289 yards passing over the past four games. He’s playing well, but that could change in Week 13. The Falcons are allowing 208 yards passing and have held opposing offenses to 13 touchdowns through the air in their 11 games. Keenum is a borderline QB1 that I’m staying away from in daily leagues.
Sleeper: Marcus Mariota – Mariota could be your QB1 in season-long leagues. He’s been underwhelming for most of this season. I think that changes this week against the Texans. Houston is allowing the third most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. They’ve allowed 22 passing touchdowns this season. Mariota is a QB1 with plenty of upside and a player I will target in daily leagues.
RUNNING BACKS
Stud: Adrian Peterson – If there was a week where Peterson was going to go off, it would be this one. He struggled in their first matchup with the Rams, but Los Angeles is allowing 123 rushing yards-per-game. Peterson should get 15-20 touches and is a top 15 running back for Week 13.
Dud: Joe Mixon – Mixon ran for 114 yards and had a touchdown last week against the Browns. It was easily his best game of the season. That was likely an outlier game. The Bengals don’t have the offensive line to keep Mixon on that pace. The Steelers have limited opposing running backs to the seventh fewest fantasy points this season.
Sleeper: Danny Woodhead – It’s just a matter of time before Woodhead has a huge game for the Ravens. They’re an offense that lacks weapons and will need to lean on Woodhead. The Lions are giving up the fifth most fantasy points to running backs. Woodhead is a nice flex option in standard leagues and an RB2 in PPR formats.
MORE WEEK 13 ADVICE
- GSI Cheat Sheet – Rankings
- Week 13 Fantasy Stock Market Report (via Pro Football Focus)
- Week 13 Podcast – Wrapping Up the Regular Season
- Office Pool Picks: Week 13
WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud: Tyreek Hill – Hill has been solid in recent weeks even though the Chiefs’ offense has struggled. I expect him to get double-digit targets again this week against a beatable Jets’ secondary. Hill is a WR2 with upside for Week 13.
Dud: A.J. Green – Green is projected to score the third most fantasy points among wide receivers for Week 13 according to Yahoo. I’d be shocked if he finishes in the top five. The Steelers limited Green to three receptions for 41 yards in their first matchup. Green is great, but the Bengals have struggled to get him the ball all season. You’re virtually forced to start him in daily leagues, but there’s no way I’d plug him in any daily lineups.
Sleeper: Marquise Lee – Lee has six receptions for 48 yards in his past two games. The Jaguars’ passing offense is struggling. Their struggles are nothing that a matchup against the Colts can’t fix. Lee should get plenty of chances to have a big week. He’s a WR3 with upside for Week 13.
TIGHT END
Stud: Hunter Henry – Henry hauled in five receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown last week. He gets a Browns’ defense that has been beaten by tight ends all season. Cleveland is allowing the second most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this year.
Dud: Austin Seferian-Jenkins – McCown is start-able this week, but Seferian-Jenkins isn’t. He’s cooled off following his hot streak earlier in the year. Kansas City has held opposing tight ends to the seventh fewest fantasy points this season. I’m staying away from Seferian-Jenkins in all formats.
Sleeper: Jared Cook – Cook has a great matchup against the Giants this week. New York is allowing the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. He only has three receptions for 37 yards in his last two games, but Cook has a chance to have a big game this week.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Stud: Jacksonville – The Jaguars are the number one fantasy defense for a reason. They force turnovers and score touchdowns. They should have a chance at a few this week against the Colts who are allowing the second most fantasy points to opposing defenses this season.
Dud: Chicago – The Bears’ defense might be tempting this week with Jimmy Garoppolo getting his first start for the 49ers. I think Garoppolo will lean on Carlos Hyde and the running game. The 49ers’ offense should hold its’ own and I wouldn’t be shocked if they scored 20+ points. Chicago isn’t an awful play, but it isn’t one I’d be excited about.
Sleeper: Oakland – I don’t love the Raiders’ defense, but I do this week. Geno Smith is starting for the New York Giants. If you need a defense to play this week, Oakland is a cheap option that has a high ceiling with Smith under center for the Giants.
