Week 13 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Stars Who Will Push You into Playoffs

With the fantasy football playoffs fast approaching, desperate teams need to look outside of the box for players. So, let's take a look at one player per standard fantasy position that will help push your team over the edge.

These guys all have a relatively high rate of availability. Give them a strong look.

QB: Carson Palmer

The Miami pass defense hasn't exactly been a strong unit this season. Since getting accustomed to the offense, Palmer has done a stellar job for the Raiders. He's hit 300 yards in two of his four starts (299 in a third) and racked up six touchdowns.

The Raiders have a wealth of weapons that are at Palmer's disposal. Chances are very strong that he'll find them in a good way against the Miami secondary. Unless you have an elite quarterback, this is a good guy to look at. 

RB: Maurice Morris

While the Saints offense is stellar, their defense still allows a lot in terms of yards, and even points. The Lions have not experienced a great couple of weeks, but their offense is still quite strong.

What they absolutely need to do is find options away from Calvin Johnson. As both a runner and a receiver, Morris is that guy. 

I expect a nice game from him. He's a fine sleeper play for a thinning running back position.

WR: James Jones

After seeing what the Saints did on Monday to the Giants defense, Aaron Rodgers has to be licking his chops in anticipation for Sunday. The Packers have plenty of weapons, and one of them had a huge game last week. That's James Jones.

The Giants secondary is not a particularly strong unit. Look for Rodgers to exploit that. Despite the good day on Thursday, Jones won't be getting as much attention as Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley or Jordy Nelson. 

Against a secondary with little depth, that's a great day waiting to happen.

TE: Brent Celek

I've been big on Celek all week, and I am not about to back down. But if you're going to sign him, do it quickly. 

Celek's numbers have been up since Vince Young took over for an injured Michael Vick. Against Seattle's defense, I am confident that another good day awaits Celek. 

Especially given the injuries and uncertainty around Philadelphia's other weapons, Celek's available in far too many leagues.

K: Matt Bryant

At this time of the year, a kicker is as important as anything else. If you can find a player in a dome, he's probably a wise play. That's the case with Bryant, who's kicking in Houston this week.

The Texans have a good defense, but the Falcons offense is also strong. That's a combination that usually leads to a lot of field goals.

Also, given the injuries that have hit the Texans offense (more on that later), it stands to reason that the Falcons offense will spend some quality time on the field. 

DEF: Atlanta Falcons

It's hard to be confident in an offense led by T.J. Yates. I know, the Texans have a fierce running attack and Andre Johnson is back, but Yates is a tough quarterback to be confident in.

But it's easy to be confident in the defense that Yates is facing. That's the point here. The Falcons have a strong run defense, which will neutralize the advantage of Arian Foster and Ben Tate.