Week 13 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Riley Cooper and More Top Fill-in Options

What do you do when you have a player on your fantasy team get hurt late? It's a frustrating part of fantasy football, but there are answers.

The simplest answer is this. Go on the waiver wire and pick up that player's backup.

That doesn't always work, but these backups will do just fine for you.

Riley Cooper

Jeremy Maclin has missed the last two games. A short week with a cross-country flight doesn't exactly suggest that playing time is likely this week.

Cooper has done well since Vince Young took over from an injured Michael Vick (more on that later). 

On top of all of that, the Seattle defense isn't a particularly daunting defense for opposing receivers. Given the amount of uncertainty and disappointment that's hit Philadelphia this season, don't be surprised to see some of the more unproven players on the field for the balance of the season.

Toby Gerhart

The Vikings are well out of contention this year. Their franchise player, Adrian Peterson, is banged up. Logically, they should be extra cautious with him for the rest of the year.

In addition to that, Gerhart did well a week ago. He found the end zone and played well enough to earn more carries. The Vikings don't have the weapons around rookie quarterback Christian Ponder to pass too much.

The run is going to be important if they have any designs on winning. That means more carries for Gerhart.

Vince Young

Yardage wise, Young has been an absolute monster since taking over for Michael Vick. Even though the Eagles are struggling and banged up, there are no shortage of weapons around Young. 

But that's not Young's greatest asset. No, that's his legs, which turn average fantasy players into studs. 

As was said about Riley, the matchup is right for a good week. If you don't have an elite quarterback, Young is worth another look.