Week 13 Fantasy Football Projections: Predicting the Top Point-Scorers

With a lot of favorable matchups this week for more than a few star players, there's sure to be some sick numbers put up in fantasy football.

And with teams vying for a playoff spot and high seeds as well as division title races, don't expect anyone to let up and expect the spoiler teams to bring their A-games in addition.

To that end, here are the top point-scorers for each position in fantasy football.

QB: Tom Brady, Patriots (vs. Colts)

A lot can be attributed to that man in the picture with Tom Brady, WR Wes Welker. But, in being that New England is hosting Indianapolis this week, Welker won't be the only one getting the rock from Brady.

For starters, Rob Gronkowski is arguably the best TE in the game and the Colts defense has been so poor this season, it's tough to think they'll be able to stop him, even if Gronk is double-covered.

That said, there's also Deion Branch and an underrated rushing attack to go with some sweet special teams. Therefore, all Brady has to do is dish the rock around and keep Indy guessing because the Colts have no shot to stop the Pats.

Combine all the elements of this game and it would be shocking to see Brady throw fewer than three TDs, throw even one pick and not have 400-plus passing yards.

WR: Calvin Johnson, Lions (at Saints)

Last week the New Orleans Saints may have shellacked the New York Giants back to The Big Apple, however, the Detroit Lions are a much better team.

Also, the Lions have WR Calvin Johnson who's arguably the best target in the game. And despite the Week 13 matchup between the Saints and Lions being in New Orleans, The Big Easy's defense is actually easy to move the ball on.

This year New Orleans ranks just No. 27 in pass defense, allows over 250 per game and gave up over 400 to Eli Manning. Now, it's not that Manning isn't a solid QB, however, none of his targets are comparable to Megatron.

So, expect the strong-armed Matt Stafford to hit Calvin J. downfield quite often. Then again, it's really The Motor City's only chance to win as the Saints offense will slice and dice the Detroit defense.

Regardless of the outcome though, Johnson will thrash a vulnerable Saints pass defense, and it would be an accomplishment for New Orleans to keep him under 125 receiving yards and two TDs.

RB: Frank Gore, 49ers (vs. Rams)

The San Francisco 49ers have the No. 7-ranked rush offense and are playing the Rams at home in Candlestick Park, who have the NFL's worst rush defense.

Hence, you can't help but imagine how many yards Frisco Brahma Bull Frank Gore will gain in this one. Now, he may only average just over 80 yards per game alone, but St. Louie allows almost double that (160) per game.

So, for Gore to compile around 115 yards by halftime would not be surprising. If it ain't broke, don't fix it and that's exactly what San Fran needs to do in this game. Last week was a tough loss to Baltimore on the road, therefore getting back into their philosophical rhythm is needed this week.

As for fantasy, Gore could very well see around 25 to 30 carries and they need to perfect their ground game once the playoffs come. If there's one game that can break the single-game rushing record (296 yards) in 2011, this is that game. 

TE: Jermichael Finley, Packers (at Giants)

Yes, we know how dominant Aaron Rodgers has been and being that he spreads the rock around the clock so well, it's difficult for any one of his targets to consistently dominate in fantasy football.

That being said, expect a lot of production from TE Jermichael Finley this week. Not only do the Giants have a weak pass and rush defense, but their LBs are quite possibly the weakest link.

And to stop Finley, or anyone on the Packers for that matter, single coverage across the board is needed; the reason is because if any one of them is double-covered, well, then Green Bay is at an even bigger advantage.

So, Finley will see a lot of single coverage against players who are not as quick, agile or fast, not to mention he's athletic enough to make the tough catches that very few TEs can make.

Plus it's a big road game for the Packers. The Giants are desperate for a win but have no direct answer for Finley who should garner around 100-plus yards and at least one TD.

Kicker: Matt Prater, Broncos (at Vikings)

We at least know this about the Denver Broncos: They know how to win games. That said, the red-zone production has been scarce as they haven't scored over 20 points since Week 9.

Which then brings us to kicker Matt Prater.

Prater has a leg that's strong enough to hit from near 60 yards, is very accurate from inside 40 yards and is in a dome this week.

Another factor favoring Prater is the Vikings rush defense. Denver will move the ball in a balanced fashion but in addition to their red-zone struggles, the Vikings will prevent any success on the ground when backed up.

And, we know how ineffective the Broncos passing game can be, so that leaves most scoring opportunities coming in the form of FGs this week. Now, Prater won't be breaking the single-game record but he'll get a good five or six attempts versus Minnesota.

Defense/ST: Chicago Bears

The Bears are the Defense/ST top fantasy scorers this week because of Devin Hester and their opponent—Kansas City.

The Chiefs have struggled moving the ball all season even against some of the more susceptible defenses, and the Bears have the answer to continue that trend: rush defense.

KC's offensive strength is to run the ball, which is Chicago's defensive strength. Ironically, both are weak in the passing game but the Bears have that advantage as their pass rush is solid.

Not to mention the Chiefs have been mauled by injuries all season long. Then we get to Devin Hester, who's bound to return one practically every game, so unless he actually does not take one back, always expect that he will.

Nonetheless, he's great for changing the field position and the worst-case scenario being that Chicago has KC backed up a few times inside their own red zone. Now, don't anticipate a shutout but The Monsters of the Midway will stand tall against an inferior opponent.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27