Week 13 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Play or Bench Tips for Fantasy Football Managers
The good news for fantasy football managers is that most top options will be available in Week 13. Only the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals are on bye, so for those not riding the likes of Kyler Murray or James Conner, lineups should largely be full.
The bad news is that managers will still have some difficult decisions to make based on matchups. Even must-start players can struggle—see Nick Chubb's 19 rushing yards against the Buffalo Bills two weeks ago—when the situation isn't favorable.
We're here to help, though, by looking at some of the tougher matchups of Week 13. We'll examine four legitimate fantasy stars, dive into their matchups and break down why they can or cannot be trusted this week.
All choices are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.
Start 'Em: Lamar Jackson vs. Denver Broncos
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is typically a safe start because of his dual-threat ability. However, he can disappoint at times when faced with a tough defense. In Week 11, for example, he had a rushing touchdown and 31 rushing yards but threw for just 201 with an interception.
This week, Jackson will battle one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL.
The Denver Broncos rank third in both yards and points allowed. They have also allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. That doesn't bode particularly well for Baltimore, which is coming off of a stunning loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
However, managers should feel good about Jackson because of that scrambling ability. While Denver has smothered opposing passers, it has been susceptible to the run. The Broncos have given up an average of 4.6 yards per carry this season.
The other factor to consider here is that the Ravens aren't totally healthy at running back. Gus Edwards only returned last week from a hamstring injury, while J.K. Dobbins is returning this week (knee) from injured reserve and may or may not suit up for Sunday.
Expect Jackson to spend a lot of his time this week attacking Denver with his legs.
Sit 'Em: Miles Sanders vs. Tennessee Titans
Last week, the Philadelphia Eagles rumbled for a whopping 363 rushing yards against the Green Bay Packers. According to running back Miles Sanders, it was just another day at the office for the run-heavy Eagles.
"It's chasing greatness every week," Sanders said, per Dan Gelston of the Associated Press.
Sanders was pretty great himself against Green Bay, finishing with 143 rushing yards, 17 receiving yards and two touchdowns. So, why should managers be cautious about starting him this week?
There are two reasons, the first being that the Tennessee Titans are tough against the run. The Titans have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.
The second reason is that Sanders isn't particularly reliable in the receiving department. He had three receptions in Week 11 but only had one other catch over the past five weeks. There simply isn't a ton of PPR upside here.
Expect the Eagles to attack Tennessee's run defense with the legs of quarterback Jalen Hurts while Sanders reverts to seeing much more pedestrian fantasy results.
Start 'Em: Saquon Barkley at Washington Commanders
Saquon Barkley's torrid start to the fantasy season has started to cool in recent weeks. He's logged fewer than 40 rushing yards in each of the past two games while averaging less than four yards per carry in three of the last four.
Barkley also has a daunting matchup this week with the division-rival Washington Commanders. Washington's defense has surrendered the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.
Yet managers should expect Barkley to be a serviceable starting option in Week 13 regardless.
This is a must-win game for the Giants, and New York should look to exploit a Washington pass defense that isn't exactly elite. The Commanders rank a good-not-great 13th in yards per pass play surrendered and have given up 19 passing touchdowns on the season.
Barkley, who had four receptions in the Week 12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, is a very capable receiving back. Even if he doesn't rack up the scrimmage yards, he should reward managers with a handful of reception points.
Managers should confidently expect 50-plus yards, four-to-five receptions and perhaps a touchdown in Week 13.
Sit 'Em: Adam Thielen vs. New York Jets
Managers should have less faith in Adam Thielen's ability to overcome a tough matchup in Week 13.
Thielen was terrific in last week's win over the New England Patriots. The Minnesota Vikings wideout caught a whopping nine passes for 61 yards and a touchdown. He should see a handful of catches against the New York Jets this week, but his yardage total is likely to be far lower.
Thielen has failed to reach 50 receiving yards in two of the last three weeks. Touchdowns have also been hard for managers to come across, as the 32-year-old has scored in only three of 11 games this season.
The Jets defense, meanwhile, hasn't been giving up much to opposing receivers. Only the Broncos and Indianapolis Colts have allowed fewer fantasy points to opposing wideouts in 2022.
Managers should trust Vikings No. 1 receiver Justin Jefferson because, well, he's borderline matchup-proof. However, Thielen should be sat if Managers have other viable options on their rosters this week.
*Fantasy scoring information via FantasyPros.