B/R Fantasy Football's Game-by-Game Guide to Winning Week 13
In the NFL, the final push toward the playoffs is only just beginning. It's a different story in fantasy football, though.
Here, we're deep in the stretch run. Just a couple of weeks remain in the regular season. And there's no margin for error for many fantasy managers: Take another loss, and any dwindling postseason hopes will be gone for good.
There are a number of big matchups that will go a long way toward determining whose playoff hopes stay alive this week. Week 13 begins with a matchup in Dallas between two teams loaded with fantasy-relevant players. Sunday's tilt between the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles is also choked with star power.
It's almost enough to make you forget that the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants are all off this week...almost.
Fantasy managers can use all the help they can get in this most important of weeks, and we're all about being helpful here at Bleacher Report. So, here you'll find a game-by-game guide containing everything you need (coupled with our weekly Big Board) to earn a victory in Week 13: Injury news, players to start and sit, sleepers and even guys who are (or should be) on the trade block.
Let's get the week started in Big D.
Fantasy points allowed and scored data courtesy of My Fantasy League.
Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys
1 of 13
Key Injuries
The Dallas Cowboys have reeled off 13 wins in a row at AT&T Stadium, and they will be at full strength at the offensive skill positions when they aim for No. 14 on Thursday with no players of note on the injury report.
The Seattle Seahawks aren't so fortunate. Running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) didn't practice this week and is doubtful to play. Quarterback Geno Smith (arm) and wide receiver Tyler Lockett (hamstring) will play, but they will be at less than 100 percent.
Start of the Week
Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,800]: After a big game on Thanksgiving, Pollard has cracked the top-12 running backs for the season. An RB1 outing is a genuine possibility Thursday against a Seahawks team allowing the fourth-most PPR points per game to running backs this year.
Sit of the Week
Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: While Pollard is blowing up Thursday night, Charbonnet will likely just blow. The Cowboys are third in the NFL in total defense, and the game script here could get away from the Seahawks fairly quickly.
Sleeper
Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,900]: Cooks has been on a nice little roll of late, and he's a top-10 fantasy receiver over the past month. With the Seahawks focusing on CeeDee Lamb, Cooks should see plenty of single coverage in this contest.
Trade Block Buy Low/Sell High
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has been fantastic of late. No quarterback has more fantasy points since Week 8, and he is now third for the season at his position. However, what we're seeing now is his fantasy ceiling. If your dynasty team is rebuilding and you have another reliable QB on the roster, it's time to flip Prescott to a "win now" team willing to sacrifice draft capital for what may well be a temporary surge.
Stat to Know
3.3. The touchdown percentage of Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, which is down from 5.2 during his 30-touchdown Comeback Player of the Year season in 2022. This year, he's managed just 12 touchdown passes in 11 games, and after finishing last year seventh in fantasy points at the position, he has plummeted to 20th in 2023.
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans
2 of 13
Key Injuries
The Indianapolis Colts will head to Nashville short-handed in the backfield. Running back Jonathan Taylor suffered a thumb injury in Week 12 that will sideline him for at least two weeks after he has surgery to repair the issue.
For the Titans, young wide receiver Treylon Burks remains in the concussion protocol, but there is some optimism that the 23-year-old might play Sunday for the first time since November 2 after a full practice Thursday and Friday. Quarterback Will Levis was also on the injury report after being limited Wednesday with an ankle injury, but he's fine.
Start of the Week
Michael Pittman, WR, Indianapolis Colts [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,100]: Pittman has been a machine of late, catching at least eight passes in five of the last six games. The Titans have surrendered the sixth-most PPR points per game to wide receivers this season.
Sit of the Week
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Tennessee Titans [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: The Colts aren't a terrible fantasy matchup for wide receivers, but Hopkins is becoming more difficult to trust as a weekly fantasy start. Will Levis hasn't thrown for 200 yards in a game in a month.
Sleeper
Indianapolis Colts Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,200]: The Colts aren't a great defensive football team. But the Titans are hardly an offensive juggernaut, allowing the 11th-most fantasy points per game to defenses over the past month.
Trade Block Buy Low/Sell High
With Jonathan Taylor on the shelf for the next few weeks, Zack Moss' fantasy value just skyrocketed, even if it comes with an expiration date. If you aren't in position to contend for a title in 2023, he is exactly the kind of asset managers should be looking to parlay into rookie picks in 2024. There will be a market for a featured running back among "win now" teams.
Stat to Know
17.9. That's the number of PPR fantasy points Moss averaged over the first eight weeks of the 2023 season, which is good for fourth among running backs. Whether he will retain that sort of value into the fantasy playoffs is unknown. But for managers who held onto him even after Taylor returned, Moss could be the kind of boost that makes the difference between making the postseason or not.
Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots
3 of 13
Key Injuries
The New England Patriots have one of the most anemic offenses in the NFL, and that offense will be short a wide receiver Sunday. Demario Douglas is in the NFL's concussion protocol and has been ruled out for Week 13.
The Los Angeles Chargers have injury issues of their own at wide receiver. Quentin Johnston's rookie season has been disappointing, and the TCU product is now dealing with a rib injury, but he's off the injury report. Keenan Allen (quad) missed practice Wednesday and Thursday before a limited practice Friday. He's questionable.
Start of the Week
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Stevenson is just about the only thing working for the Patriots offense right now. He has eclipsed 100 total yards in three straight games and draws a favorable fantasy matchup this week with the Chargers.
Sit of the Week
Gerald Everett, TE, Los Angeles Chargers [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,500]: Everett scored the Chargers' only touchdown last week against the Baltimore Ravens, but this week he draws a Patriots defense allowing the fifth-fewest PPR points per game to tight ends.
Sleeper
Los Angeles Chargers Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,000]: The Chargers are hardly a good defensive football team. But the Patriots are 25th in total offense, last in the AFC in scoring offense and third in fantasy points per game surrendered to team defenses.
Trade Block Buy Low/Sell High
Not to keep beating a theme to death, but Stevenson is another example of an easy "sell" candidate for dynasty managers whose teams aren't in the title hunt. The Patriots are headed for a ground-up rebuild in the offseason, which clouds the 25-year-old's future. But in the present, he's the focus of the New England offense and a top-15 running back since Week 8.
Stat to Know
30. That's the number of points the Patriots scored in the entire month of November, including just seven last week and six the week before that. They have tried switching quarterbacks, which made exactly zero difference. They have, arguably, the weakest pass-catching corps in the league, a shaky quarterback situation and an offensive line that has struggled. There is no quick fix here. The team will have to be rebuilt offensively from the ground up.
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Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints
4 of 13
Key Injuries
The Lions' pride was wounded in last week's home loss to the rival Packers, but physically speaking, the team is in good shape. No prominent skill-position players are on the injury report outside running back David Montgomery, who was limited in practice by a sore foot Wednesday but appears to be good to go.
The Saints cannot say the same, though. Their wide receiver corps is decimated. Michael Thomas is on injured reserve, Chris Olave is in the NFL's concussion protocol, and Rashid Shaheed has an injured quad. Shaheed has been ruled out, while Olave is questionable. Even kicker Blake Grupe is on the injury report, and he's been the team's most reliable offensive threat in 2023.
Start of the Week
Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: The Saints are a solid defensive football team, and there's only one position the team ranks in the top half of the NFL in PPR points per game allowed to: tight end.
Sit of the Week
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints [DraftKings DFS Value: $8,200]: On one hand, Kamara should see a massive workload Sunday; on the other, it's in a terrible fantasy matchup for running backs, and the Lions are as aware as we are that Kamara is the last man standing on the Saints offense.
Sleeper
Lynn Bowden Jr., WR, New Orleans Saints [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,000]: Someone is going to have to play wide receiver for the Saints against a Lions defense surrendering the seventh-most PPR points per game to the position this season.
Trade Block Buy Low/Sell High
Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has had a moment here or there, but his NFL career to date has been a disappointment. Still, there's no denying the talent is there. Dynasty managers looking more to the future than the present may want to consider taking a run at the 22-year-old as the regular season is winding down.
Stat to Know
22. That's the number of touchdowns the Saints have scored in 2023, tied for sixth-fewest in the NFL. They are also 29th in red-zone percentage, scoring a touchdown on just 42.5 percent of their red-zone drives this season. They are 12th in total offense, so it's not that they aren't moving the ball between the 20s. They just can't seal the deal once they get close.
Atlanta Falcons at New York Jets
5 of 13
Key Injuries
The Atlanta Falcons are struggling offensively, but it isn't due to injuries. They don't have any big names on offense banged up at present.
The Jets offense has been woeful this season, but there was some good news this week. Just 11 weeks after surgery to repair a torn Achilles, the 21-day window to return from injured reserve has been activated for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Running back Breece Hall limited in practice with a hamstring injury, but even after a full practice Friday Hall is questionable. So is reserve running back Dalvin Cook (shoulder).
Start of the Week
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: The Jets have no shortage of talent on defense, but the team has struggled against the run of late. Only the Denver Broncos have surrendered more rushing yards per game this season.
Sit of the Week
Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,900]: The Jets may have struggled against the run this year, but the pass is another story. No team in the NFL has given up fewer PPR points per game to wide receivers than Gang Green.
Sleeper
Tyler Conklin, TE, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,000]: Trusting any Jets pass-catcher is an unnerving proposition. But Conklin is the de facto No. 2 pass-catcher for the team, and the Falcons have allowed the fourth-most PPR points per game to tight ends in 2023.
Trade Block Buy Low/Sell High
There have been reports that Arthur Smith may not be back as Atlanta head coach in 2024. If that's the case, I'm selling shares of every offensive player on the team I can get a decent return on, whether it's Robinson, London or tight end Kyle Pitts. Smith's usage of his best offensive players has been baffling, so much so that I want no part of the offense so long as he's running it.
Stat to Know
37. The number of receptions Pitts has in 2023. That figure ranks 17th at the position and is less than the likes of Cade Otton of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mind you, Pitts was the highest-drafted TE in the history of the NFL when he was selected fourth overall in 2021. That Smith has made no real effort to scheme him open over the past two seasons makes this analyst's head hurt.
Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers
6 of 13
Key Injuries
The visiting Cardinals will again be short-handed at wide receiver when they visit Pittsburgh Sunday after Michael Wilson was ruled out with the shoulder injury that has sidelined him for several weeks. Marquise Brown also sat out Wednesday and Thursday and is questionable with a heel injury. Tight end Trey McBride was limited in practice with a groin injury and is also questionable.
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is dealing with ankle soreness. The second-year pro's practice participation could be scaled back this week, but his availability for Sunday's game isn't believed to be in question. Neither is wide receiver Diontae Johnson's, who missed practice Thursday with an illness but is off the injury report.
Start of the Week
Jaylen Warren, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,400]: Warren has been hot of late, ranking sixth in PPR points among running backs over the past three weeks. The Cardinals have surrendered the most fantasy points in the NFC to RBs this season.
Sit of the Week
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,300]: Freiermuth had a huge game against the Bengals last week, catching nine passes for 120 yards. That won't be an easy stat line to duplicate against a Cardinals team allowing the 10th-fewest PPR points per game to tight ends.
Sleeper
Greg Dortch, WR, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,700]: Dortch had just three catches for 27 yards last week, but he found the end zone and was targeted nine times. If Wilson sits again, Dortch could be a decent spot-start for managers hit hard by the bye week.
Trade Block Buy Low/Sell High
In what's rapidly becoming a theme this week, James Conner of the Cardinals is another veteran back who could be movable by dynasty squads out of the running. He might actually be an attractive "buy" candidate for contenders. His relatively pedestrian stats of late could drive his asking price down into the third- or fourth-round pick range.
Stat to Know
421. The number of yards of offense the Steelers had last week against the Cincinnati Bengals—the first time in over three full seasons that Pittsburgh cleared the 400-yard mark. The Steelers rushed for 153 yards on 33 carries in that game, and with the Cardinals allowing 140.1 yards per game on the ground (third-most in the NFL), it's a safe bet we're going to see a healthy dose of Warren and Najee Harris this week.
Miami Dolphins at Washington Commanders
7 of 13
Key Injuries
Last week's blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys continued Washington's tailspin, but the Commanders will face Miami in good shape injury-wise, with no skill-position players of note on the injury report.
The Dolphins are similarly healthy, with one exception. Running back De'Von Achane came back from his knee injury just in time to reinjure it, but he's off the injury report and will return against Washington. Running back Raheem Mostert (ankle/knee) and wide receiver Tyreek Hill (ankle) have been limited in practice, but this has been the norm the past few weeks and neither have missed game time. They are off the injury report as well.
Start of the Week
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,900]: Tagovailoa posted a relatively pedestrian stat line last week in New York, but he now faces a Commanders team giving up the most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season.
Sit of the Week
Brian Robinson, RB, Washington Commanders [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: Robinson is a hard player to sit, especially given Sam Howell's fondness for dump-offs in the passing game. But the Dolphins have given up the sixth-fewest PPR points per game to running backs this season.
Sleeper
Miami Dolphins Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,900]: Miami's defense suffered a blow with the loss of edge-rusher Jaelan Phillips last week, but the Dolphins should still get home with regularity in a top-five fantasy matchup with a Commanders team allowing the second-most sacks in the NFL.
Trade Block Buy Low/Sell High
I haven't even finished typing this and I already regret it, but dynasty managers may want to inquire about Commanders wideout Jahan Dotson, who could be available at a reasonable price after a disappointing second season. The talent is still there with the Penn State product, and perhaps a new coaching staff (and maybe even a new quarterback) can help him recover the momentum he built down the stretch as a rookie.
Stat to Know
3,339. The number of passing yards that Sam Howell has, which leads the NFL. Howell has only thrown 18 touchdown passes and he's been picked off 13 times, but he ranks seventh in fantasy points among quarterbacks after 12 weeks. He is the Geno Smith of 2023: The quarterback no one expected to be a viable weekly starter. Given the injuries at the position this season, Howell has likely been the saving grace for more than a few teams.
Denver Broncos at Houston Texans
8 of 13
Key Injuries
The Texans enter Week 13 with issues at wide receiver. Noah Brown (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday and Thursday but missed practice Friday, leaving his Week 13 status in jeopardy.
Breakout rookie Nathaniel Dell (calf) sat out the first practice session of the week before a limited return Thursday. He's expected to play. tight end Dalton Schultz, who did not practice this week due to an injured hamstring, has been ruled out.
The soaring Denver Broncos have no such issues. Not only have they won their last five games, but they will also head to NRG Stadium without many skill-position players sidelined who weren't already on injured reserve. However, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy missed practice Wednesday with a groin injury before returning in a limited capacity Thursday. He's off the injury report.
Start of the Week
Devin Singletary, RB, Houston Texans [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]: The return of Dameon Pierce clouds the Houston backfield somewhat, but Singletary is still the nominal lead back facing a Denver team allowing the most PPR points per game to RBs this season.
Sit of the Week
Nathaniel Dell, WR, Washington Commanders [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,400]: "Tank" has been just that of late: unstoppable. But Dell is banged up and will face arguably the NFL's best cornerback Sunday in Denver's Patrick Surtain. The Broncos have allowed the sixth-fewest PPR points per game to wide receivers.
Sleeper
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Denver Broncos [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,700]: This is a speculative call given how much Jeudy has been overshadowed by Courtland Sutton this season. But sooner or later there has to be a "Jeudy week." And Week 13 is as good a time as any, assuming he plays.
Trade Block Buy Low/Sell High
While we're on the subject of Jeudy, he's a wideout to target for dynasty managers with an eye on 2024. The odds that the 24-year-old will be back in Denver next season are slim to none, and a change of scenery could be just what he needs to get his career back on track. If you believe in the talent, you might be able to get it at a discount.
Stat to Know
3,266. That's how many passing yards C.J. Stroud has, which is the most in the AFC. He has the most passing yards of any player in NFL history over the first 11 games of his career, and he's the only rookie in league history to exceed 300 passing yards in four consecutive games. He remains on pace to shatter the rookie record for passing yards. And he's fifth among all quarterbacks in fantasy points.
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9 of 13
Key Injuries
Given how badly the Panthers have struggled offensively, the last thing they need is to be short-handed on offense. But veteran tight end Hayden Hurst missed last week's game with a concussion and remains in the NFL's protocol, while rookie wideout Jonathan Mingo was limited Thursday with a sore Achilles. The former has been ruled out. The latter is off the injury report.
The Buccaneers are similarly reeling, with just one win since their Week 5 bye. They also got some dreaded mid-week injury news, with wide receiver Chris Godwin popping up on Thursday's injury report with a neck injury. He was limited in practice Thursday and Friday and is a game-time decision.
Start of the Week
Adam Thielen, WR, Carolina Panthers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,600]: Thielen's fantasy production has taken a significant dip of late, but if ever there was a week for him to get back to WR1 status, it's against Tampa's banged-up and leaky secondary.
Sit of the Week
Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: Hubbard appears to have a pretty solid grip on lead back duties for the Panthers. But Carolina is 28th in the NFL in rushing, and the Bucs are ninth in the league in run defense.
Sleeper
Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,900]: It's been a bumpy first season for the first overall pick in the 2023 draft. But it has also been a bumpy season for a Tampa defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks in 2023.
Trade Block Buy Low/Sell High
There haven't been many wide receivers over the past decade who have been more consistent than Mike Evans. Nine years, nine 1,000-yard seasons. But he is an aging player on a team staring at a full-on rebuild. If you're a dynasty manager who is as well, then it may be time to move the 30-year-old to a contender and stockpile some draft capital.
Stat to Know
187.7. That's the number of passing yards Young has averaged per game, which ranks 29th in the league. He also has just one game this season with multiple touchdown passes. Granted, the Alabama product hasn't exactly been put in a position to succeed, but it's not like C.J. Stroud was handed a stacked deck. It's too early to call Young a bust, but that's the trajectory he's on right now.
Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Rams
10 of 13
Key Injuries
The hits just keep coming for the Cleveland Browns. After already losing quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Nick Chubb, the Browns will be without backup QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (concussion)--Joe Flacco will start at quarterback. Running back Kareem Hunt (groin) and wide receiver Amari Cooper (ribs) are both questionable after limited practice participation.
The hometown Rams are headed in the opposite direction. Running back Kyren Williams is healthy, as is veteran wideout Cooper Kupp.
Start of the Week
Los Angeles Rams Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,700]: The Rams aren't as good defensively as they were during their Super Bowl run, but the Browns are so devastated by injuries that they should make any defense look good. There's a real chance Joe Flacco will start at quarterback for the Browns.
Sit of the Week
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,000]: Nacua has been a great story, but his numbers have been tailing off, and he now faces, arguably, the best secondary in the NFL. No team has allowed fewer passing yards per game this year than the Browns.
Sleeper
Elijah Moore, WR, Cleveland Browns [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,500]: The Browns' QB situation is a mess, and the matchup isn't great. But if Cooper sits, Moore will be Cleveland's No. 1 wide receiver, and we've seen him turn high target volume into big stat lines in the past.
Trade Block Buy Low/Sell High
Nacua has come from nowhere to take the NFL by storm, but everyone is so enamored by his story that his fantasy value is higher now than it may ever be. Maybe he'll be a top-10 wideout for years, but that's no sure bet, and right now you can probably get compensated like he will be.
Stat to Know
307. That's the number of passing yards Flacco threw for in his last NFL victory, which coincidentally came last season against the Browns. In that game, he also threw four touchdown passes without an interception. Cleveland can't realistically expect that from him if Thompson-Robinson can't play against the Rams, but what it is hoping for is more accuracy and consistency than it got from P.J. Walker. Whether the 38-year-old can deliver that is another matter.
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
11 of 13
Key Injuries
The biggest game of Week 13 features, arguably, the two best teams in the NFL. And the home team is rather nicked up.
Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert is questionable, but he's unlikely to play with a fractured forearm. Running back D'Andre Swift (ankle), wide receiver A.J. Brown (thigh) and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (knee) were all limited in practice Wednesday. Swift and Smith were upgraded to full practices Thursday and all three have been removed from the injury report.
The 49ers are in much better shape physically. San Francisco is a road favorite this week, and there are no significant offensive injuries to report.
Start of the Week
Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: Purdy is no doubt itching for payback after being knocked from last year's NFC Championship Game. He may just get it, too. The Eagles secondary is the clear weakness of the Philly defense.
Sit of the Week
D'Andre Swift, RB, Philadelphia Eagles [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,600]: Swift's injury isn't believed to jeopardize his availability for Sunday's showdown, but playing against a 49ers defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs will pose a stiff challenge.
Sleeper
Jack Stoll, TE, Philadelphia Eagles [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,700]: Stoll hasn't done a lot filling in for Goedert, but in a game filled with big names, the only "sleeper" plays are true dart throws.
Trade Block Buy Low/Sell High
D'Andre Swift has been great for the Eagles, and he's eighth among running backs in PPR fantasy points for the season. But Howie Roseman showed with Miles Sanders that he isn't going to pay a running back big money. So, Swift's RB value likely carries an expiration date, and fantasy managers who don't need him for a postseason push should be trying to flip him to those who do.
Stat to Know
15.5. That's how many points per game the 49ers are allowing in 2023, lowest in the NFL. The Eagles are as good offensively as any team in the league, but San Francisco's offense is potent in its own right. The perceived edge Philadelphia has offensively is mitigated by the edge the Niners have defensively. This game could be a low-scoring slugfest or go full-on shootout. And given the fantasy star power involved, many a Week 13 matchup will likely be decided on how things play out.
Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers
12 of 13
Key Injuries
The Green Bay Packers have a beat-up backfield. Both Aaron Jones (knee) and A.J. Dillon (groin) missed practice Wednesday. Jones has been ruled out, but Dillon if off the injury report. Wide receiver Jayden Reed is also questionable with a chest injury.
The Packers aren't the only team that could be short a running back in this game. Jerick McKinnon of the Chiefs missed last week with a groin injury, and he was absent from the practice field Wednesday before a limited return Thursday. He's questionable for Sunday night.
Start of the Week
Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: McKinnon has been an afterthought this season largely because Pacheco has blossomed into an every-down back. The Packers have given up the 10th-most PPR points per game to RBs this season.
Sit of the Week
Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,600]: Watson is coming off one of his best efforts of the season last week against the Lions. But this week's coverage matchup with L'Jarius Sneed and the Chiefs is a difficult one.
Sleeper
Justin Watson, WR, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,500]: Watson was relatively quiet last week against the Raiders, but in a showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles the week before he drew 11 targets, and he has found the end zone in consecutive games.
Trade Block Buy Low/Sell High
This is the time of year when dynasty managers with a chance at a title become willing to trade all kinds of picks for an opportunity for glory, including first-rounders in 2024. Saying goodbye to a stud player like Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is never easy, but the veteran has a lot more value for "win now" teams than squads who are already researching the 2024 rookie class.
Stat to Know
17.3. The number of PPR points per game Kelce is averaging in 2023, tops among all tight ends. Some perceive this as a "down" year for the 34-year-old because he isn't running away with the position a la 2022, but the reality is that he is only averaging 1.3 fewer points per game this season than he did in that dominant 2022 campaign. Kelce is a lot closer to the end of his career than its beginning, but he's still the gold standard at his position.
Cincinnati Bengals at Jacksonville Jaguars
13 of 13
Key Injuries
The Bengals have already suffered the most catastrophic of injuries, losing quarterback Joe Burrow to torn ligaments in his wrist. They have also been without wide receiver Tee Higgins for a time due to a hamstring issue. Head coach Zac Taylor told reporters there's a "chance" the latter will be able to play against the Jaguars after a return to practice in a limited fashion.
The Jaguars, will be close to full strength Monday night. The only fantasy-relevant player on the injury report is a big name though--running back Travis Etienne was limited Thursday and Friday with a rib issue. But he sounded like a player who intends to give it a go.
Start of the Week
Evan Engram, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,500]: Engram has been a reliable weekly starter for fantasy managers this year, and he faces a Cincinnati Bengals defense giving up the fourth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends in 2023.
Sit of the Week
Christian Kirk, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: Zay Jones getting healthier could eat into both Kirk's snaps and target share, and Kirk's role in the slot means facing off with Cincinnati's best cornerback in Mike Hilton.
Sleeper
Jacksonville Jaguars Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,400]: The Cincinnati offense struggled last week to move the ball with Jake Browning under center, and the Jaguars are among the league leaders in takeaways. Look for them to log a couple more against the banged-up Bengals.
Trade Block Buy Low/Sell High
It's been a disappointing season for Higgins marred by multiple injuries. But he is still going to be one of the most sought-after wide receivers in free agency next spring, where he'll likely wind up the WR1 on a different team. Impatient fantasy managers (or those who would rather make a run now than hold until 2024) may be willing to part with the 24-year-old for a reasonable cost. At any rate, it can't hurt to ask.
Stat to Know
25. The number of rushing yards the Bengals gained as a team on 11 carries last week against Pittsburgh. With the passing game faltering, teams don't have to be shy about loading up the box and committing to shutting down the run. That's going to make it difficult for Joe Mixon to post even RB2 numbers the rest of the way. He's a risky fantasy play in Week 13.
Eligibility restrictions apply. See DraftKings.com for details.
Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow him on Twitter, @IDPSharks.
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