Week 13 Start 'Em Sit 'Em: 5 Receivers You'd Be Foolish to Sit

Week 13 of the NFL season approaches (minus the Thursday matchup), and with that, the conclusion of fantasy season looms. 

The standings are almost set with the fantasy playoffs right around the corner, but I'm sure a few of you are fighting for that last playoff berth. I'm one of those guys and I can understand your predicament.

One bad start could lead to a one-point loss and ultimate futility as you now watch the rest of your friends compete in a postseason.

I speak with experience but no worries, I'm here to help. Here are five receivers that must be in your lineup. 

Greg Jennings vs. Giants

Greg Jennings will face a Giants secondary that was just recently torched by Drew Brees and Co.

The Saints offense is explosive, but imagine the damage Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense shall inflict upon a injury-ravaged Giants secondary. 

Jennings has not cracked 100-yards receiving in the last four games but expect that to change against the Giants.

The Giants are ranked 26th against the pass and recently allowed Drew Brees to throw for over 350 yards passing. Four different Saints receivers recorded at least 50 receiving yards in their beat down of the Giants. 

That explosive Packers passing offense will have a field day. Start Jennings with confidence.

Steve Smith vs. Buccaneers

Steve Smith has recorded 59 catches for an astounding, 1,060 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Despite the strong numbers, Smith has struggled the last three weeks. 

He has not reached 100 receiving yards in a game since Week 8. Smith has only recorded one touchdown in that same span but his matchup against the Bucs is extremely favorable. 

The Buccaneers defense continues to underperform especially in the secondary. Their 28th ranked pass defense will face the deadly duo of Cam Newton and Steve Smith after giving up 126 yards receiving to Jordy Nelson just a week before.

Nelson is the deep threat on that Packers offense, as is Steve Smith for Carolina. Do not be surprised if Newton and Smith hook up for a few deep balls. 

I expect Smith to end his slump with a big game against the Buccaneers. 

Wes Welker vs. Colts

Wes Welker ended his two game slump with a phenomenal performance against the Philadelphia Eagles. He recorded 115 receiving yards and two touchdowns after failing to score or reach the 100-yard mark in the two weeks prior. 

Behind Tom Brady's arm, Welker leads the league in catches (82) and receiving yards (1,143). He has another strong matchup against the hapless Indianapolis Colts.  

The Colts are ranked 19th against the pass but will face an explosive Patriots aerial attack led by Tom Brady. 

Tom Brady should have success on a defense that recently allowed Cam Newton to complete a little over 74 percent of his passes. Brady should be licking his chops. 

The Patriots are built to pass, meaning Welker is in line for another big day. 

Brandon Marshall vs. Raiders

Brandon Marshall proved to be a complete disappointment early in the season, but the situation has changed with Matt Moore at quarterback. 

The Dolphins offense has been revitalized with Moore at the helm and Marshall is the biggest benefactor of their progression. In Marshall's last game—against the Dallas Cowboys—he recorded five catches for 103 yards and a touchdown. 

He faces a Raiders secondary that has given up big games to both Percy Harvin and Johnny Knox in recent weeks. In the Raiders win over the Bears last week, Johnny Knox torched that defense for 145 yards receiving and a touchdown. 

Marshall could have a similar day against a secondary that has struggled this season without Nnamdi Asomugha. 

Calvin Johnson vs. Saints

Calvin Johnson has struggled a bit in the last three weeks. He has not recorded a 100 receiving yards in a game since the Lions Week 8 bout with the Denver Broncos. Johnson only scored one touchdown in that same span. 

After scoring at least two touchdowns in the first four games of the season, Calvin Johnson has slowed down in the touchdown department. He has chance to make up ground against a awful New Orleans Saints secondary who recently allowed Eli Manning to throw for 400 yards passing.

Eli's leading receiver Victor Cruz lit up the Saints secondary with 151 receiving yards and two total touchdowns. 

Matthew Stafford will have his opportunities against the Saints 27th ranked pass defense and in result, and so shall Calvin Johnson. Expect a shootout in the Superdome.