Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 13: Last Minute Advice for Your Fantasy Football Team

Some fantasy football leagues are entering either the last week of their season or the first week of playoffs. Either way, this is a very big week for your championship hopes. There is no room for mistakes; every decision will impact your chance for victory.

Today features several games that present excellent matchups. The New England Patriots are facing the Indianapolis Colts, which makes just about all Patriots excellent starts.

As always, take a look at the updated inactive list. The next couple slide will break down some players I feel are must-sits or must-starts.

Start 'Em: DeMarco Murray, Running Back—Dallas Cowboys

Dallas' DeMarco Murray has solidified himself as a weekly must-start fantasy running back. He is putting up consistent and impressive numbers. Since the emergence of Murray, the Dallas Cowboys offense has taken a major step forward.

Murray has played very consistent football, approaching 100 yards and a touchdown every week. This week is a very good matchup for Murray. Dallas is facing the Arizona Cardinals and their leaky defense. This unit is allowing nearly 400 yards per game, with 123 of those yards coming on the ground.

I expect Murray to eclipse 100 rushing yards and a touchdown today.

Start 'Em: Jimmy Graham, Tight End—New Orleans Saints

New Orleans' Jimmy Graham is emerging as on of the top playmakers in the NFL. He figures to continue to prove that today versus the Detroit Lions. Graham and the Saints will be facing a Lions defense missing Ndamakong Suh, Chris Houston and Louis Delmas.

Delmas figured to be one of the main guys responsible for neutralizing Graham. However, with him out of the lineup, that task will fall on Amari Spievey and Chris Harris. Sean Payton is absolutely aware of this situation, and he will game-plan appropriately.

Even without the injuries, Graham is a must-start fantasy tight end. He is approaching 1,000 receiving yards and will likely eclipse 10 touchdowns.

Start 'Em: Tom Brady, Quarterback—New England Patriots

The New England Patriots are 21-point favorites today versus the Indianapolis Colts. I fully expect New England to cover that spread. This makes Tom Brady and the rest of the offensive players great fantasy plays.

Indianapolis is the lone winless team remaining, and they appear very likely to finish the season without a win. The Colts are playing terrible on both sides of the ball, but especially on defense. This unit is allowing a combined total of 380 yards per game.

Brady and the offense are not only going to produce a high yardage total, but they will do so with extra snaps. The Colts offense will have plenty of three-and-out possessions, allowing Brady plenty of opportunities to rack up fantasy points.

Sit 'Em Michael Bush, Running Back—Oakland Raiders

Oakland's Michael Bush needs to sit the bench this week. Bush and the Raiders are taking on a surging Miami Dolphins team. The Dolphins are playing some good football, especially on the defensive side of the ball. They are only allowing 97 rushing yards per game. Last week, the Dolphins defense held DeMarco Murray to 87 yards rushing and zero touchdowns.

Bush is going to get plenty of carries, but with limited production. I expect Miami to come out with some intensity, and build an early lead. This will force the Raiders to move away from the run in order to play some catchup.

Miami knows that Oakland wants to run the football, which means they are going to load the box. Oakland will have no choice but to open up their playbook. They may actually enter the game looking to attack through the air. Miami's pass defense is one of the worst in the league, allowing 248 yards per game.

Sit 'Em Michael Turner, Running Back—Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta's Michael Turner is a questionable start this week for your fantasy team. He will be facing a Houston Texans defense that is very tough against the run. They are actually tough versus the run and pass.

Houston is allowing only 92 rushing yards per game. With the injuries to Matt Schaub and Leinart, I expect the Texans defense to increase their intensity. Houston needs their defense to start winning games, not just for protecting a lead.

Turner and the Falcons offense will see a major drop in snaps today. Houston is going to focus on running the ball and controlling the clock. This and a few Atlanta three-and-outs will likely hold Turner to around 18 carries.