Week 13 Fantasy Football Projections: Predicting the Top WR Performances

In Week 13, the following five receivers will post the top fantasy scores based on our projections:

1. Wes Welker, Patriots

After lacking targets in the two weeks prior, Welker exploded against the Eagles with eight catches for 115 yards and two scores. Who on Indianapolis' roster is going to cover Welker this weekend? Only an offensive slowdown with a big lead can stop Welker from posting the week's top receiver numbers.

Projection: 10 catches, 129 yards, 2 TDs

2. Calvin Johnson, Lions

A finger injury to Matthew Stafford has hurt Johnson over the past three weeks, but it should be safe to expect a shootout when the Lions visit New Orleans on Sunday. As hot as Drew Brees has been at home, Detroit will need to throw it plenty to keep up. Expect Johnson's numbers to climb back to where they've been for most of the season.

Projection: six catches, 115 yards, TD

3. Greg Jennings, Packers

If you throw out Jenning's two-catch, six-yard performance against the Bucs two weeks ago, then the Packers No. 1 receiver has had at least 80 yards or a touchdown in every game this season. That's the kind of consistency you want in your top fantasy receiver. And maybe you missed Monday night's game between the Giants and Saints, but New York appeared to have some troubles stopping the pass. Jennings should take advantage.

Projection: seven catches, 103 yards, TD

4. Percy Harvin, Vikings

I'm going a little bit out on a limb with Harvin, who only recently became even close to a consistent fantasy option at receiver this season. But with Adrian Peterson likely to miss another week, the Vikings offensive gameplan should center around Harvin. He should see plenty of underneath passes and bubble screens, and the Vikings will hand it off to him out of running formations. Harvin should be able to get one of his many touches into the end zone. 

Projection: eight catches, 81 yards; six rushes, 25 yards, TD

5. Hakeem Nicks, Giants

Nicks caught seven passes for 87 yards Monday night against the Giants, and he got through the contest unscathed from an injury viewpoint. That's a real positive for Nicks, as he's been banged up seemingly all season. The Packers have had their issues in 2011 with physical receivers like Nicks, so it stands to reason that he could have a big stat line in a game where it's likely the Giants will need to pass frequently.

Projection: nine catches, 140 yards