Fantasy Football Week 13 Lineup Advice

Well this is it… For most trying to secure a playoff bid, this is the final week of the regular season for fantasy leagues. Seeing a terrible start on Thursday Night Football for those who own any Saints players, doubling down on key starts have become that much more important. Staying away from some that may have become fixtures in your lineup this season may also be the key to success. We have a number of players we feel should be good producers to help you achieve a victory giving the possibility to contend for that coveted championship trophy. Good Luck this week as we enter crunch time. 

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START - GET THEM IN YOUR LINEUP

Quarterbacks:

Russell Wilson (SEA)

The Seattle Seahawks and Russell Wilson have been playing great football this season and look to keep it going verse the 49ers on Sunday. Wilson hasn’t seen a contest go below 20 fantasy points with a topper of 31 fantasy points since week 5 and should again feast against a weak San Francisco club. The 49ers struggle to stop anyone through the air leaving the play action pass to be exploited greatly. Wilson could be the top producing quarterback for week 13.  

Cam Newton (CAR)

Cam Newton has quietly produced a very solid campaign even as his Panthers find themselves in a terrible situation after dropping the last 3 contests. Going up against the Bucs who give up the 3^rd most to players at the position, Newton should be able to have a field day racking up the score. Carolina is in a must win situation making Cam a perfect start in fantasy to over-produce. Newton has seen a few games fail to generate 20 fantasy points, but going into this contest, 20 should be his floor.

Running Backs:

Gus Edwards (BAL)

As the Ravens place Alex Collins on injured reserve, Gus Edwards has gained the most favor in this backfield. Under the coaching prowess of John Harbaugh, the Ravens always seemed to move in the direction of a bigger running back to carry the load with hard punching style. With Lamar Jackson under center, Gus has carried the ball a whopping 40 times in the last 2 games while facing the Falcons who struggle to stop anyone on the ground. Edwards has popped up on the injury report so it is something to keep your eye on, but if he’s all systems go, roll with Edwards again this week. 

Lamar Miller (HOU)

It’s no secret that the success of the Texans riding this 8 game winning streak comes on the back of their runner Lamar Miller. Over the last five games, Miller has been able to garner a healthy 81.73 fantasy points in PPR formats and sees a glorious matchup verse the Browns who give up the 7^th most to the position. The offensive game plan has been dictated with establishing the run to relieve pressure off second year quarterback Deshaun Watson. In the process, Miller has seen an average of nearly 15 carries a game while seeing an uptick in catching passes out of the backfield. Lamar is becoming a player we can all trust going into the playoffs.   

Aaron Jones (GB)

The emergence of Aaron Jones after the Packers week 7 bye has been nothing short of spectacular. Jones has clearly been the most dynamic runner on the team and will look to set the stage against the Cardinals who give up the 3^rd most to running backs in the NFL. While Zona possess a league worst run stopping unit, their pass defense enjoys a completely different outlook. Seeing the strengths facing the Packers on Sunday, Coach McCarthy would be well advised to lean on his back in hopes to keep their post season alive. If this indeed transpires, Jones will lift your fantasy team as well. 

Wide Receivers:

Josh Reynolds (LAR)

It’s quite clear that the Rams will continue to be a force as one of the most explosive units in the league, so why not take advantage of that with up and comer Josh Reynolds. Since taking over for Cooper Kupp, Reynolds has dazzled with two games filled with production. When we advised the fantasy community to pick him off the wire weeks ago suggesting his play could potentially help get you that championship, we weren’t lying. Going up against the Lions who give up middle of the pack numbers to fantasy receivers, Reynolds will have a clear advantage seeing weaker coverage to his side. While Josh only holds an inch more of height on Kupp, the Rams seem to use him more in the redzone. Reynolds will absolutely find his way into the endzone in week 13, get him in your lineup.    

Tyler Lockett (SEA)

I think it’s safe to suggest as the season has progressed, Tyler Lockett has stolen the number one receiving role form his teammate Doug Baldwin. Lockett is enjoying his best season in his short career and is becoming a non-question mark to hold a weekly starting position in your lineups. While we would like to see his target share increase to exploit his talents that much more, he is definitely making the most of the work. Facing a 49ers defense that gives up middle of the pack numbers to receivers, Lockett would like nothing more than to keep this train moving.  Tyler has just over 12 points on average over the last five games which should be his floor this week.

Tight-Ends:

Kyle Rudolph (MIN)

Starting the season hot only to see a rapid cool down for the Vikings Kyle Rudolph, week 13 could be something of a resurgence. Kyle hasn’t found the endzone since week 3 which has devalued his overall perspectives, but facing the Patriots on Sunday Night could turn the tide. Rudolph always seems to have a decent amount of the target share but under produces when given the opportunity. The Pats give up the 5^th most to tight-ends, and with Diggs playing at less than 100%, we could see Kyle have a very good game.    

Cameron Brate (TB)

When Jameis Winston returned to the field and OJ Howard found himself on injured reserve, Cameron Brate instantly becomes a low end TE-1. Facing off against the Panthers who give up the most to fantasy tight-ends, and seeing Desean Jackson on the shelf for this match, Brate could see a lot more targets than usual. With Winston throwing him the ball, Brate is almost a given to find the endzone. We love the prospects of Cameron Brate having a very sound day. 

SIT - LEAVE THEM ON THE BENCH

Quarterbacks:

Tom Brady (NE)

The great Tom Brady finding himself on our bench list is quite the anomaly but we feel forced to place him here. Over the last four weeks, Brady has underwhelmed with an average of 14.63 fantasy points scored leaving managers frustrated with continuing to start him. Having a very difficult showdown against the Vikings who give up top five fewest to players at the position, we have no choice but to preach looking in another direction. Could this finally be the time we see the eventual decline in Brady’s game, or is it just a blip on the radar? With a fantasy playoff spot at risk in week 13, we will not play Tom this week.

Matthew Stafford (DET)

Even though the Rams give up the 6^th most to fantasy quarterbacks, we have zero trust that Matthew Stafford will be able to overcome this matchup verse a defense that is expected to get Aqib Talib back from injury. Stafford and the Lions at the best of times have been mediocre this season, and witnessing his last four contests, Matthew has laid eggs all over the place. Seeing two of the last four games result in 6 or less fantasy points, it’s hard to envision anything higher than 15. The one bright spot in playing Matthew on Sunday is the potential for garbage time production as the Rams should possess a solid lead. Some may be forced to start Stafford, but we are staying away.

Running Backs:

Jordan Howard (CHI)

Disappointing is one way to describe the play of the Bears Jordan Howard this season, as he has completely let down his owners. On most weeks, the only thing saving his overall outlook has been finding his way into the endzone generating those 6 points. Facing the Giants on Sunday does appear to have good potential, but at this point of the fantasy season, how can he be trusted. The Bears will again be without Mitchell Trubisky leaving some hope that Howard will be used more frequently, but in our eyes in a must win, it’s impossible for us to endorse the play. 

Tevin Coleman (ATL)

We have always admired Tevin Coleman and his great ability, but heading into this matchup against the Ravens defense who is a stone-wall against the run, we recommend moving in another direction. When Devonta Freeman was lost to injury, we had great hope that Tevin would show-out proving he was indeed a true number one back. That hasn’t come to fruition as we had hoped even though Tevin has put up good games this season. His usage in the pass game has saved his managers in contests, but this week should be a very tough task. Finding another option would be the best approach this week.  

Marlon Mack (IND)

Many in the fantasy community sing the praises of the Colts Marlon Mack, but we still can’t get on board with what seems like and above average skillset. Mack has enjoyed playing behind Andrew Luck this season which has opened up lanes to gallop though, but in this contest verse the Jags, reaching 10 points will be a difficult assignment. Jacksonville is the best in the business at stopping the run, and even with nothing left to play for this season; we find it hard to believe they will fold altogether. Mack has also been listed as a question mark to play on Sunday showing more credence to leave him on the bench in week 13. 

Wide Receivers:

Golden Tate (PHI)

When we at ADF recommended drafting Golden Tate this past offseason, we were instantly rewarded with fantastic performances in the first four weeks of the season. Since week four, Tate totally disappeared becoming an afterthought in the Lions organization making him expendable to now underperform with the Eagles. Facing off against the Redskins, there is good potential to see more from Golden as he gains chemistry with Carson Wentz, but we have lost all faith in what he can provide until he proves otherwise. We simply can’t remember what Tate looks like with more than 10 points next to his name.   

Allen Robinson (CHI)

When the Bears signed free agent receiver Allen Robinson from the Jags, the optimism was on an ultimate high to see production in waves. Well suffice it to say, Allen has been a disappointment outside of three solid outings this season. It’s very surprising to see the great progression of Trubisky not translate to his number one target. With Chase Daniel once again pegged to make his second straight start, Allen should find it difficult to see a heavy dose of the target share. The Bears will again look to play it safe to generate a victory while not turning the ball over. Robinson is a sit for us this week.  

Tight-Ends:

Jimmy Graham (GB)

When Jimmy Graham took his talents to Green Bay, we felt this would become a magical conjunction of sorts giving Aaron Rodgers a capable tight-end to make plays over and beyond. Well our thoughts were proven to be false, and now that Jimmy is dealing with a broken thumb, it’s impossible for us to believe he will be anything of a giant factor in terms of fantasy production.   

POTENTIAL BIG DAY – ALL ABOUT THE RISK/REWARD

Quarterbacks:

Kirk Cousins (MIN)

The Minnesota Vikings and Kirk Cousins realize more than ever that this is a must win contest for them to have any hope at winning the NFC North. Facing off against the Patriots who haven’t been overly dominating on defense this season, Cousins has a great opportunity to repeat his solid outing from last week. Kirk has seen his share of up and downs making it difficult to know when he’ll strike it rich in terms of fantasy production. This is a perfect situation to prove to the NFL that he is indeed for real.

Jared Goff (LAR)

Jared Goff and the Rams come off the bye week fully rested and ready to finish off a season that they have completely destroyed in almost every statistical category. Taking travel to Detroit to face a Lions team that is literally on its last legs for the 2018 campaign, Goff and company should make easy work of the lowly Lions. Detroit gives up the 7^th most to players at the position, leaving us licking our chops for the potential big day. 

Running Backs:

Austin Ekeler (LAC)

The Chargers now without their star running back Melvin Gordon for at least the next three games instantly lifts Austin Ekeler to a more predominate role. Time share will be on the horizon as Coach Lynn will be forced to create a RBBC approach with Justin Jackson in hopes to generate anything positive on the ground. Ekeler is a beast in the pass game when given the chance and should be used in bunches verse a tough Steelers run defense. We will bank on a great day for Austin.

Phillip Lindsay (DEN)

The Broncos have found glory in their undrafted rookie free agent Philip Lindsay as it appears he’s taken on the lead back role. Even with Royce Freeman on his heels attempting to vulture carries, Phillip has proven that every team overlooked the skillset. While Lindsay is basically a must start now on a weekly basis, this week has our eyes extremely wide with the potential in a superb matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. Giving up the 2^nd most to the position should all but guarantee a 15 point floor in PPR formats. One of the best waiver additions this season, Phillip will take you to the post season.

James White (NE)

The Pats James White has been nothing short of a revelation this season for the New England offense showing production upon production normally on a weekly. Going into this contest, White has seen a sharp decline in performance these last two weeks making owners question wants going wrong. Game specific usage and bad matchups have forced the Pats to move in other directions leaving White to underwhelm. Even in a difficult matchup against the Vikings, White should create in PPR formats to go back over 10-12 fantasy points. 

Wide Receivers:

DJ Moore (CAR)

While his teammate David Funchess has been dealing with injury issues, DJ Moore has been taking advantage of the opportunity. Scoring nearly 40 points in his last two games, Moore should again feast on the terrible Tampa Bay Bucs. Tampa gives up the 3^rd most to fantasy receivers on a good day, so we can just image what things could look like with Cam throwing the ball. Reports indicate that Funchess could be back for this contest leaving some targets going to his direction, but giving the opponent, we love the outlook for Moore.

Emmanuel Sanders (DEN)

Our infatuation for Sanders before the season began only continues as we enter the last weeks of the NFL season. The Broncos have a fantastic remaining slate of games to close out the year leaving Sanders a great weekly play starting here in week 13. Going up against the Bengals who give up the 10^th most to fantasy receivers, we expect nothing less than a touchdown on his stat line. Denver is in the midst of fighting for their own playoff lives which should translate to fantasy jubilation.   

Tight-Ends:

David Njoku (CLE)

Not being the most supportive for the Browns David Njoku, we feel like Cleveland is moving in the right direction warranting our endorsement for David this week against the surging Texans. Houston gives up little to wide receivers leaving the tight-end open more often raising prospects for David to have a large role. Cleveland’s slim playoff aspirations hang by a thread and will need everyone to overproduce this week. Njoku has been known to disappear in certain contests leaving real bust factor each week. Still the outlook is positive going into this match.