NFL Fantasy Football Week 13 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em

Happy Thanksgiving! May your turkey be juicy and your fantasy lineup even juicier.

Week 13 of the NFL season is here, and it's already shaping up to be another prime week for fantasy managers. From breakout stars to disappointing dud performances, making the right start or sit calls can make or break your lineup. In this column, I will break down which players you can rely on and which players you can fade from this week's slate of games.  

While looking to help fantasy managers make difficult decisions to their lineup, we won’t be mentioning the players that are obviously no-brainers (ex. Ja’Marr Chase, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, etc.). So instead, we will explore more debatable scenarios. 

Quick note: I know not every player made the cut in this week’s column; I had to draw the line somewhere. This week, I included an additional section of players titled: "Honorable mentions" and "Lowlights". If you don't see your player, message me on Twitter (X) and I'll help you with your selection. Keep an eye out for expanded coverage in future weeks where I hope to create a full rankings list for every player at their position.

Quarterbacks

Start 'Em

Bo Nix (DEN) at Washington Commanders; Proj. FPTS - 20.3: It’s been a roller-coaster fantasy season for Nix. His weekly finishes range from a high of 39.96 points to a low of 5.8, with some middling outings mixed in, including Week 11 against the Chiefs. He has a strong chance to rebound this week against the Commanders, who have allowed the third-most passing touchdowns, fourth-most fantasy points per game and fifth-most passing yards to quarterbacks. Washington has also given up the second-most yards after the catch, while 56 percent of Nix’s passing yards have come after the catch. With the Commanders struggling to generate a pass rush, Nix is in line for a top-tier performance.

Jacoby Brissett (ARI) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Proj. FPTS - 17.3: Until proven otherwise, Brissett has become a must-start. He has started the Cardinals’ last six games and has produced at least 18 fantasy points in each, throwing multiple touchdowns in all but one. This week he faces the Buccaneers, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game and eighth-most passing yards to quarterbacks. Brissett has also rushed for 15 or more yards in four of his last six games, which pairs well with Tampa Bay’s struggles; the Bucs have allowed the third-most passing touchdowns and seventh-most passing yards. Keep riding the bullish trend.

Joe Burrow (CIN) vs. Baltimore Ravens; Proj. FPTS -  17.9: The day has finally come: Burrow is set to return to the field to face the Ravens on Thanksgiving night. There are some concerns about rust, and he’ll be without Tee Higgins, who is in concussion protocol. Baltimore’s defense has tightened up recently, though it has allowed the sixth-most passing yards since Week 8. The biggest reason to start Burrow is his career success against the Ravens. In two meetings last season, he threw for 820 yards and nine touchdowns. He holds a 104.8 passer rating with 2,699 yards and 21 touchdowns in nine career games against Baltimore. Despite the Higgins absence and this being his first game back, it’s tough to sit him against a familiar AFC North rival.

Honorable Mentions: Jaxson Dart (NYG) @ New England Patriots, Jordan Love (GB) @ Detroit Lions, Trevor Lawrence (JAX) @ Tennessee Titans, Justin Herbert (LAC) vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Sam Darnold (SEA) vs. Minnesota Vikings.

Sit 'Em

Brock Purdy (SF) at Cleveland Browns; Proj. FPTS -  15.8: Even though the 49ers beat the Panthers, Purdy looked off Monday night. He threw for 193 yards and one touchdown with three interceptions. Now he faces an even tougher opponent in the Browns, who have sacked quarterbacks at the highest rate in the NFL and generate pressure at the seventh-highest rate. Cleveland has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game and fourth-fewest passing yards to quarterbacks. The defense has held opposing QBs under 15 fantasy points in three straight games, including Lamar Jackson to fewer than seven. This matchup has the makings of another low-scoring defensive battle, similar to their 2023 meeting when Cleveland pulled off a major upset. Avoid starting Purdy this week.

Daniel Jones (IND) vs. Houston Texans; Proj. FPTS -  17.2: Once again, I’m not a fan of starting Jones this week against the Texans, who sacked Josh Allen eight times and held him to 8.12 fantasy points. Jones has finished outside the top 10 fantasy QBs in three straight games and has averaged slightly more than 15 fantasy points during that span, with four touchdowns, four interceptions and three fumbles. Houston has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game, the second-fewest passing touchdowns and the fourth-fewest passing yards to quarterbacks. Compounding matters is the Colts’ inconsistency moving the ball. If they struggle to sustain drives against Houston’s high-pressure, high-sack-rate defense, Jones should be avoided.

Caleb Williams (CHI) at Philadelphia Eagles; Proj. FPTS - 17.4: Williams has topped 20 fantasy points in three of his last four games but has also finished under 12 points in three of his last six. This week he faces an Eagles defense that remains stout despite last week’s meltdown against the Cowboys. Since Week 8, Philadelphia has generated pressure on more than 40 percent of dropbacks, the fifth-highest rate in the league, and has allowed the third-fewest passing touchdowns this season. The Eagles have also handled NFC North quarterbacks well, holding Jordan Love and Jared Goff to a combined 20 fantasy points. Unless Williams pulls off something special, there are safer options at quarterback this week.

Lowlights: C.J. Stroud/Davis Mills (HOU) @ Indianapolis Colts, Jared Goff (DET) vs. Green Bay Packers, Baker Mayfield (TB) vs. Arizona Cardinals, Aaron Rodgers/Mason Rudolph (PIT) vs. Buffalo Bills.  

Running Backs

Start 'Em

TreVeyon Henderson (NE) vs. New York Giants; Proj. FPTS - 16.7: Even without a touchdown last week, Henderson turned in several positives. With Rhamondre Stevenson active, Henderson still played 65 percent of the snaps and led the backfield with 18 carries and four targets. Notably, the seven non-Henderson rushing attempts went for a combined five yards. It was frustrating, however, to see goal-line carries go to other backs, all of whom were stuffed, while Henderson himself was tackled at the 1-yard line twice. He’s clearly New England’s best option, but he needs more opportunities in scoring range. He gets another top-tier matchup against the Giants, who have allowed the most rushing yards, second-most fantasy points per game and third-most rushing touchdowns to running backs. Since Week 8, they’ve allowed the highest explosive-run rate and the most rushing TDs. Henderson is a must-start this week and moving forward.

Omarion Hampton (LAC) vs. Las Vegas Raiders; Proj. FPTS - 12.3: The Chargers opened Hampton’s 21-day practice window on Monday, and he’s expected to return this week against the Raiders. If he’s active, you start him. In three of his first four games this season, he played at least 79 percent of the snaps, saw consistent goal-line work and recorded at least five targets in his last three games before the injury. Hampton averaged more than 25 fantasy points per game during that stretch. The Raiders’ run defense has been better than expected, but they’ve still allowed the fourth-most rushing touchdowns. With his workload and scoring role, Hampton should be in your lineup.

Travis Etienne Jr. (JAX) at Tennessee Titans; Proj. FPTS - 14.9: Despite Jacksonville leaning heavily on the passing game and rookie Bhayshul Tuten maintaining a minor role, Etienne has averaged a 58 percent snap share and has handled 66 percent of the team’s running-back carries. He also remains the primary goal-line back, owning five of the Jaguars’ eight RB looks near the end zone. This week he faces the Titans, who have allowed the seventh-most rushing yards, eighth-most fantasy points per game and second-most rushing touchdowns to running backs. Continue trusting the recent trend and start Etienne.

Honorable Mentions: RJ Harvey (DEN) @ Washington Commanders, Kyren Williams (LAR) @ Carolina Panthers, Breece Hall (NYJ) vs. Atlanta Falcons, Bucky Irving (TB) vs. Arizona Cardinals, Quinshon Judkins (CLE) vs. San Francisco 49ers, Jaylen Warren/Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) vs. Buffalo Bills. 

Sit 'Em

Rico Dowdle (CAR) vs. Los Angeles Rams; Proj. FPTS - 15.2: Dowdle is coming off an unusual performance, logging just six carries for 38 yards against the 49ers. He still managed double-digit fantasy points for the fourth straight week by catching four passes for 36 yards. However, I don’t see him reaching 10 points this week against the Rams. Los Angeles has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game, eighth-fewest rushing yards and the fewest rushing touchdowns to running backs. Last week, the Rams’ run defense held Rachaad White and Sean Tucker to a combined 80 yards. Even though the instinct might be to expect a bounce-back effort after Dowdle aired his frustrations to head coach Dave Canales and on social media, this matchup is too tough. Look elsewhere.

David Montgomery (DET) vs. Green Bay Packers; Proj. FPTS - 10.5: Montgomery’s involvement appears to be drying up. Over his last two games, he has 11 carries for 45 yards and has played fewer than 40 percent of the snaps in three of his last four. With Jahmyr Gibbs dominating defenses, it has become difficult to justify taking him off the field, despite Dan Campbell’s comments about wanting Montgomery more involved. In his last six games, Montgomery has posted single-digit fantasy totals four times and averaged just 7.7 points over that span. Now he gets the Packers, who held him to 43 scrimmage yards in Week 1. Green Bay has allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game and fourth-fewest touchdowns to running backs. Avoid Montgomery this week.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) at New England Patriots; Proj. FPTS - 12.5: When Cam Skattebo first went down, it was unclear how the backfield would be split under the new coaching staff. Current reporting suggests Tracy holds the lead role, but Devin Singletary has earned a meaningful share, seeing 14 carries last week and handling some goal-line work. I want to see if Tracy maintains volume before fully trusting him. This week he draws a difficult matchup against the Patriots, who have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game, third-fewest rushing yards and the fewest rushing touchdowns to running backs. Given the matchup and workload uncertainty, Tracy is a sit this week.

Lowlights: Aaron Jones (MIN) @ Seattle Seahawks, Chris Rodriguez Jr./Jacory Croskey Merritt (WSH) vs. Denver Broncos, Javonte Williams (DAL) vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Josh Jacobs (GB) @ Detroit Lions, D’Andre Swift (CHI) @ Philadelphia Eagles.

Wide Receivers

Start 'Em

Khalil Shakir (BUF) at Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS - 12.2: Shakir is the only Bills receiver I’d feel confident starting right now. Against a ferocious Houston defense, he set season highs in targets (10), receptions (8) and yards (110). He has scored double-digit fantasy points in four of his last five games and averaged 12.5 points per game in that span. This week he draws a fantastic matchup against the Steelers, who have allowed the most fantasy points per game, receptions and yards to wide receivers this season. Pittsburgh also ranks in the top five in yards allowed to slot receivers — where Shakir runs the majority of his routes, and has given up the most yards after the catch to slot receivers since Week 8. Shakir is poised for another big outing and is a must-start.

Courtland Sutton (DEN) at Washington Commanders; Proj. FPTS - 13.7: Sutton has disappointed managers in back-to-back weeks, posting single-digit fantasy totals in both games. Even so, he has played at least 80 percent of the snaps and seen at least four targets every game since Week 7. What’s missing is the scoring; Sutton has just one touchdown in his last seven games. He gets a strong matchup this week against the Commanders, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Washington’s secondary has also surrendered the fourth-most receiving yards and touchdowns to the position. I’ll go out on a limb and say Sutton finds the end zone in this one. Start him.

Stefon Diggs (NE) vs. New York Giants; Proj. FPTS - 13.6: It feels like Diggs’ peak this season came in his revenge game against Buffalo. He has topped 100 yards three times but has been held under 50 yards in seven games — a true roller coaster, especially after playing fewer than 50 percent of the snaps last week. With an extra day of preparation, he’ll face the Giants on Monday Night Football, and I fully expect him to bounce back under the national spotlight. New York has allowed the second-most receiving yards, sixth-most fantasy points per game and fifth-most receiving touchdowns to wide receivers. If you roster Diggs, you start him this week.

Honorable Mentions: Parker Washington (JAX) @ Tennessee Titans, Ladd McConkey (LAC) vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Michael Wilson (ARI) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Christian Watson/Romeo Doubs (GB) @ Detroit Lions, A.J. Brown (PHI) vs. Chicago Bears.  

Sit 'Em

Deebo Samuel (WSH) vs. Denver Broncos; Proj. FPTS - 11.6: Has Samuel reached touchdown-dependent status? He scored 20 fantasy points last week in Madrid, his first time hitting that mark since Week 5, but that was also the last time he topped 70 receiving yards. He has failed to reach 50 receiving yards in four of his last five games, and in games where he doesn’t score, he averages fewer than six fantasy points. This week he faces the Broncos, who have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game and ninth-fewest receiving yards to wide receivers. Denver has surrendered only two receiving touchdowns to the position all season. Don’t chase last week’s performance. Avoid Samuel.

Michael Pittman (IND) vs. Houston Texans; Proj. FPTS - 13.3: I wrote last week to sit Pittman against the Chiefs, and he delivered just 30 yards, saved only by a touchdown. Over his last two games, he has seven catches for 46 yards. Now he draws another difficult matchup against the Texans, who have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Pittman also struggled in both matchups with Houston last season, failing to reach 35 yards in either meeting. The Texans have allowed the seventh-fewest receiving yards and second-fewest receiving touchdowns to wideouts, and they lead the league in opponent passer rating and completion percentage when targeting WRs. There are better options on your roster.

Jordan Addison (MIN) at Seattle Seahawks; Proj. FPTS - 8.6: Fantasy managers have been waiting for Addison to become a consistent threat in the Vikings’ offense, but the results haven’t been there. That’s not entirely his fault, most of the blame lies with J.J. McCarthy, who has struggled significantly. Over Weeks 10–11, Addison saw 18 targets but turned them into just five receptions for 55 yards. He’s also coming off the first scoreless fantasy performance of his career. This week doesn’t offer relief. The Vikings travel to Seattle to face the Seahawks, who have allowed the fourth-fewest receiving yards to wide receivers. To make matters worse, McCarthy is out, meaning undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will make his NFL debut. Do not start any Minnesota wideout unless his name is Justin Jefferson.

Lowlights: D.J. Moore (CHI) @ Philadelphia Eagles; Alec Pierce (IND) vs. Houston Texans, Tre Tucker (LV) @ Los Angeles Chargers, Jauan Jennings (SF) vs. Cleveland Browns, Darnell Mooney (ATL) @ New York Jets.  

Tight Ends

Start 'Em

Mark Andrews (BAL) vs. Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 12.0: Last week I said to start Henry because he faced the Bengals, and that call hit. All season long, any tight end going up against Cincinnati has been a must-start. The Bengals have allowed the most fantasy points, yards and touchdowns and the second-most receptions to tight ends. Since Lamar Jackson returned a month ago, Andrews has scored four times and averaged 11.2 fantasy points per game. Like Joe Burrow and his success against his division rival, Andrews has a strong history in this matchup: he has scored in seven of his 13 career games against Cincinnati. Expect another big week.

Dalton Schultz (HOU) at Indianapolis Colts; Proj. FPTS - 8.9: After three straight double-digit fantasy performances, Schultz finally had his first dud since Week 8. It’s still been a strong season overall, as he has topped 11 fantasy points in five of his last seven games. He draws a great matchup against the Colts, who have allowed the third-most yards and sixth-most fantasy points and receptions to tight ends. Schultz is a TE1 play this week, it’s hard to find a better matchup at the position.

Juwan Johnson (NO) at Miami Dolphins; Proj. FPTS  - 8.7: Some managers may lean toward Taysom Hill, but Johnson profiles as the more reliable play. He has been the more consistent option and has scored double-digit fantasy points in five straight games. Now he faces the Dolphins, who have surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points per game, sixth-most yards and second-most touchdowns to tight ends, along with the sixth-most receptions. With Alvin Kamara expected to miss significant time, Johnson should also see an uptick in usage. He deserves a spot in your starting lineup.

Honorable Mentions: Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) vs. San Francisco 49ers, Chig Okonkwo (TEN) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, AJ Barner (SEA) vs. Minnesota Vikings, Dalton Kincaid/Dawson Knox (BUF) @ Pittsburgh Steelers.  

Sit 'Em

Colston Loveland (CHI) at Philadelphia Eagles; Proj. FPTS - 7.4: After I advised sitting Loveland, he scored a touchdown and finished with 14.9 fantasy points. He has seen an uptick in snaps, targets and overall usage, but he still shares the field with Cole Kmet. Most of his fantasy production came from a monster game against the Bengals. He has reached double-digit fantasy points just twice in 10 games. This week he faces the Eagles, who have allowed the second-fewest yards and fantasy points per game to tight ends and have surrendered only two touchdowns to the position. Despite liking Loveland’s potential, it’s wise to sit him this week.

Jake Ferguson (DAL) vs. Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS - 10.9: Despite scoring 11 fantasy points in consecutive games, Ferguson’s involvement has been limited with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens in the lineup. He ranks third on Dak Prescott’s target pecking order but still saw six targets last week, five a couple of weeks ago, and seven in Week 9. Ferguson maintains a solid floor due to consistent receptions and yardage. This week he faces the Chiefs, who have allowed the eighth-fewest receptions, third-fewest touchdowns, and ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends. Don’t expect a major impact against Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, start at your own risk.

Zach Ertz (WSH) vs. Denver Broncos; Proj. FPTS - 8.7: The Commanders’ offense is less effective without Jayden Daniels, especially for Ertz. In five games with Marcus Mariota under center, Ertz has averaged 7.2 fantasy points per game and has failed to reach double digits. Early in the season, he was relevant due to touchdowns, but he hasn’t scored since Week 7 and has topped 50 yards only twice. He now faces a tough matchup against the Broncos, who have allowed just four tight end touchdowns and generate enough pressure to challenge Mariota. Avoid Ertz this week.

Lowlights: David Njoku (CLE) vs. San Francisco, Dallas Goedert (PHI) vs. Chicago Bears, Mason Taylor (NYJ) vs. Atlanta Falcons, Hunter Henry (NE) vs. New York Giants.

Defenses

Start 'Em

Denver Broncos defense at Washington Commanders; Proj. FPTS - 7.3: Denver may be the only defense worth starting after a bye week. The Broncos lead the NFL in pressure and sacks, and Patrick Surtain II could return this week. They face the Commanders, who have had two weeks of preparation off, making Denver a strong start. Patience pays off — this unit is a must-start.

Jacksonville Jaguars defense at Tennessee Titans; Proj. FPTS - 7.2: I continue to preach: start any defense facing the Titans. Cam Ward is doing his best in a tough situation, but he has taken pressure and sacks at the highest rate in the league. Tennessee has allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. The Jaguars have recorded 13 sacks over the last four games, making them a great option this week.

Los Angeles Chargers defense vs. Las Vegas Raiders; Proj. FPTS - 9.2: Over the past three weeks, any defense facing the Raiders has finished as a top-six fantasy option. Las Vegas has allowed the second-most sacks and interceptions in the NFL and the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. Similar to the Titans matchup, it’s a smart strategy to start any defense against Las Vegas.

Honorable Mentions: Seattle Seahawks defense vs. Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers defense @ Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams defense @ Carolina Panthers.  

Sit 'Em

Kansas City Chiefs defense at Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS - 3.5: The Cowboys’ offense showed last week against the Eagles that they can put up points even against a strong defense. The Chiefs have been solid this season at limiting top wide receivers, but Dallas’ duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens presents a tall challenge. The Cowboys have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing defenses and rank fourth-lowest in sacks allowed. With the Thanksgiving stage and the potential for a shootout, this is not the week to start Kansas City.

Green Bay Packers defense at Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS - 3.9: The Packers are coming off an impressive 18-point fantasy performance against their NFC North rivals, the Vikings. It was only their second double-digit fantasy outing this season, the first coming in Week 1 against the Lions. Don’t expect Detroit to lay down this time, especially at home on Thanksgiving. The Lions have also allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Look elsewhere this week.

Pittsburgh Steelers defense vs. Buffalo Bills; Proj. FPTS - 4.7: The Steelers remain unpredictable. While they showed potential against the Texans, sacking Josh Allen eight times for 15 fantasy points, this week’s matchup is different. Allen and the Bills have extra preparation time and are capable of scoring in bunches. Don’t trust Pittsburgh to repeat a strong performance,  avoid this defense.

Lowlights: Minnesota Vikings defense @ Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions defense vs. Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears defense @ Philadelphia Eagles.

Kickers

Start 'Em

Chris Boswell (PIT) vs. Buffalo Bills; Proj. FPTS: 8.4

Brandon Aubrey (DAL) vs. Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS: 8.8

Chase McLaughlin (TB) vs. Arizona Cardinals; Proj. FPTS: 8.0

Will Reichard (MIN) @ Seattle Seahawks; Proj. FPTS: 7.0

Jason Myers (SEA) vs. Minnesota Vikings; Proj. FPTS: 8.5 

Ka’imi Fairbairn (HOU) @ Indianapolis Colts; Proj. FPTS: 7.7

Andres Borregales (NE) vs. New York Giants; Proj. FPTS: 8.8 

Sit ‘Em

Cairo Santos (CHI) @ Philadelphia Eagles; Proj. FPTS: 7.9

Michael Badgley (IND) vs. Houston Texans; Proj. FPTS: 8.1

Evan McPherson (CIN) @ Baltimore Ravens; Proj. FPTS: 7.9

Harrison Butker (KC) @ Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS: 8.7

Tyler Loop (BAL) vs. Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS: 8.7 

Jake Bates (DET) vs. Green Bay Packers; Proj. FPTS: 8.6  

Brandon McManus (GB) @ Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS: 7.8