WEEK 13 START ‘EM SIT ‘EM – GOBBLE GOBBLE

Week 12 Top Performers:

 

QB:

• Lamar Jackson – 15/20 – 169 yards – 5 TD’s / 8 carries – 95 yards – 1 Fumble
• Ryan Tannehill – 14/18 – 259 yards – 2 TD’s / 7 carries – 40 yards – 2 TD’s – 1 Fumble
• Sam Darnold – 20/29 – 315 yards – 2 TD’s / 4 carries – 16 yards – 1 TD – 1 Fumble
• Jameis Winston – 18/28 – 313 yards – 3 TD’s – 2 INT’s / 8 carries – 38 yards

RB:

• Leonard Fournette – 24 carries – 97 yards – 2 TD’s / 9 receptions – 62 yards
• Christian McCaffrey – 22 carries – 64 yards – 1 TD / 9 receptions – 69 yards – 1 TD
• Derrick Henry – 19 carries – 159 yards – 2 TD’s / 1 reception – 16 yards – 1 Fumble
• Mark Ingram – 15 carries – 111 yards – 1 TD / 1 reception – 7 yards – 1 TD
• Nick Chubb – 21 carries  – 106 yards – 1 TD / 3 receptions – 58 yards

WR:

• Chris Godwin – 7 receptions – 184 yards – 2 TD’s
• Jarvis Landry – 10 receptions – 148 yards – 2 TD’s
• D.J. Moore – 6 receptions – 126 yards – 2 TD’s / 1 carry – 8 yards
• DeAndre Hopkins – 6 receptions – 94 yards – 2 TD’s
• Allen Robinson – 6 receptions – 131 yards – 1 TD

TE:

• George Kittle – 6 receptions – 129 yards –  1 TD
• Zach Ertz – 12 receptions – 91 yards – 1 TD
• Jared Cook – 6 receptions – 99 yards – 1 TD
• Mike Gesicki – 3 receptions – 28 yards – 1 TD
• Kaden Smith – 5 receptions – 17 yards  – 1 TD

 

Criteria for the Start/Sit categories

Auto start players would be guys you don’t have to think twice about, guys that will be starters no matter the matchup. Starters are players that are most likely in your lineups unless you have auto start players that can be played in their spot instead. Sit players are players I’m not playing in lineups based on the matchup and other possible reasons.  I would not play these players in the sit category unless your options are limited. Don’t Sweat It players are players that are irrelevant at the moment, they should be nowhere near your starting lineups.

BEARS @ LIONS

 Auto Start: 

• Allen Robinson II

Start:

• David Montgomery
• Anthony Miller

Sit: 

• Mitchell Trubisky
• Tarik Cohen
• Taylor Gabriel
• ALL LIONS PLAYERS

Don’t Sweat It:

• Trey Burton

Conclusion:

Gobble Gobble and a Happy Thanksgiving to you too.  The only thing I’m not thankful for is the Thanksgiving slate.  If you take a look at our first matchup of this glorious day of feasting you can see that there are only three players I have starting.  That’s because the Chicago Bears have been absolutely useless under quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.  Fortunately for Allen Robinson II, he’s been able to put up big numbers despite the good-for-nothing behind center, Anthony Miller has come on as of late and I don’t mind rolling the dice on him this week either. The rest of this offense is pitiful however, I’ve decided that David Montgomery deserves to start against one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, it’s as simple as that. For the Lions, no Matt Stafford, no Jeff Driskel and so we get……..David Blough. Considering the quarterback situation I’m avoiding all players on the Lions this week with what is most likely the biggest week going into playoffs in most leagues, no need to take any unnecessary risks.

BILLS @ COWBOYS

Auto Start:

• Josh Allen
• John Brown
• Dak Prescott
• Ezekiel Elliott

Start:

• Devin Singletary
• Cole Beasley
• Michael Gallup

Sit: 

• Frank Gore
• Amari Cooper
• Randall Cobb
• Jason Witten

Don’t Sweat It:

• Dawson Knox
• Tony Pollard

Conclusion:

Call me intrigued by this game.  The Bills offense has been firing on all cylinders this year but the question is, can the Cowboys defense stop Josh Allen?  We know that with the addition of John Brown, Cole Beasley, and Devin Singletary, this offense has really taken a step forward from last year.  Being that this is a home game for the Cowboys, I believe more rides on whether or not the Cowboys offense can score on the Bills defense.  If you’re playing Cowboys players this week, I think you go with the chalk. Guys like Dak, Zeke, Gallup, however, I’m sitting Amari Cooper who’s going to be covered by one of the top corners in the league, Tre’Davious White. To me, I’m most excited about this matchup because I think it answers a lot of questions depending on who comes out on top.  Are the Bills legit? Are the Cowboys in trouble? Jason Garrett on the hot seat yet? We’ll find out soon.

SAINTS @ FALCONS

Auto Start:

• Drew Brees
• Alvin Kamara
• Michael Thomas
• Matt Ryan
• Julio Jones
• Calvin Ridley

Start:

• Jared Cook

Sit:

• Latavius Murray
• Ted Ginn Jr.
• DeVonta Freeman
• Brian Hill
• Russell Gage

Don’t Sweat It:

• Taysom Hill
• Austin Hooper (INJURED)

Conclusion:

It’s a divisional matchup so I guess you could say that this game could go either way however, I think the Falcons are outmatched against a Saints team that has found itself again under quarterback Drew Brees.  The difference-maker this year? Currently WR1 in fantasy and averaging 19.2 fppg, Michael Thomas has made it look easy.  Alvin Kamara has had a downish year (in comparison to his first two years) but still remains as a top offensive threat in the league.  If you’re looking for a plug-and-play TE this week Jared Cook balled out in Week 12 so he wouldn’t be a bad option at a shallow position.  For the Falcons, it’s the usual, similar to the Saints, you’ve got Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Calvin Ridley and all should be starting.  DeVonta Freeman is cleared to play today, however, I’m not touching him with a ten-foot pole.

49ERS @ RAVENS

Auto Start:

• Lamar Jackson

Start:

• Emmanuel Sanders
• George Kittle (IF HEALTHY)
• Mark Andrews

Sit:

• Jimmy Garoppolo
• Tevin Coleman
• Matt Breida
• Deebo Samuel
• Kendrick Bourne
• Mark Ingram
• Marquise Brown

Don’t Sweat It:

• Raheem Mostert
• Jeff Wilson Jr.
• Gus Edwards
• Willie Snead

Conclusion:

Two phenomenal defenses but only one fantasy worthy offense.  Maybe I’m being too harsh on the 49ers but the truth is, Jimmy Garoppolo doesn’t stand a chance against the Ravens defense.  That being said, the 49ers will rely on their two best and most reliable pass-catchers, George Kittle and Emmanuel Sanders in order to keep up with the Ravens. I’m avoiding the 49ers running backs as the Ravens allow the 8th fewest points to opposing RB’s this year.  For the Ravens, Lamar Jackson faces another tough defense but at this point, I’m never going to tell you to sit him.  The Niners are tough against the run so I’m out on Mark Ingram unless you want to play him in your flex.  As for the pass-catchers, I’m avoiding Marquise Brown who’s pulling Richard Sherman coverage this week.  I love Mark Andrews in this game even though the Niners are solid against opposing TE’s. I just think against a tough defense, Lamar Jackson will lean on Andrews in the passing game being that Brown gets the brutal matchup.  Best game of the week by far and I can’t wait to see if the Ravens get challenged in Week 13.

REDSKINS @ PANTHERS

Auto Start:

• Christian McCaffrey
• D.J. Moore

Start:

• Derrius Guice
• Terry McLaurin
• Kyle Allen
• Curtis Samuel

Sit:

• Dwayne Haskins
• Adrian Peterson
• Chris Thompson
• Greg Olsen

Don’t Sweat It:

• Kelvin Harmon
• Jeremy Sprinkle
• Jarius Wright

Conclusion:

I think we already know how this game is going to go.  In a must-win game for the Panthers to stay relevant in the playoff hunt, I don’t see the Redskins putting up much of a fight.  The Redskins offense, on the other hand, needs to find out what they have in their rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins who got his first win last week despite being too busy to kneel out the rest of the clock.  In addition, they also need to see what they have in Derrius Guice.  I understand that they want to ease him back into a starting role however, last week was that opportunity and they didn’t use him how I expected.  Now they get another great matchup for their 2nd year running back so maybe this will finally be the week. When it comes to the Panthers, Christian McCaffrey will continue to do Christian McCaffrey things.  What’s even better about the Panthers offense is the breaking out of D.J. Moore. He will break 1000 yards in 2019 either this week or next week and will firmly establish himself as a top WR in the NFL.  The young talent in Carolina has opened eyes this season and it should be respected going forward.

JETS @ BENGALS

Auto Start:

• Sam Darnold
• Le’Veon Bell

Start:

• Robby Anderson
• Ryan Griffin
• Joe Mixon
• Tyler Boyd

Sit:

• Jamison Crowder
• Demaryius Thomas
• Andy Dalton
• Auden Tate
• Tyler Eifert

Don’t Sweat It:

• Bilal Powell
• Alex Erickson

Conclusion:

The Jets have been rolling the last three weeks, granted they played the Giants, Redskins, and then Oakland but still.  Putting up 27 plus points in those three weeks is nothing to shy away from. Sam Darnold has been worthy of a start over most, Le’Veon Bell has been consistent in the passing game, and Ryan Griffin is catching touchdowns, what more can you ask from the Jets?  The Bengals have officially reinstated Andy Dalton as the starting quarterback and experts around the league are claiming this is an upgrade. It’s very confusing to me but it seems like Zac Taylor has changed the philosophy and gameplan of this team to fit the needs of Joe Mixon and Tyler Boyd better. I’ll believe in Andy Dalton when I see it but it’s obvious the Bengals have thrown in the towel for 2019.

TITANS @ COLTS

Auto Start:

• Derrick Henry

Start:

• Ryan Tannehill
• A.J. Brown
• Jonathon Williams

Sit:

• Corey Davis
• Adam Humphries
• Jonnu Smith
• Jacoby Brissett
• Nyheim Hines
• Parris Campbell
• Zach Pascal
• T.Y. Hilton (INJURED)

Don’t Sweat It:

• Dion Lewis
• Marlon Mack (INJURED)

Conclusion:

This game does nothing for me and I’m sure many fantasy owners.  You’re going to play Derrick Henry, you don’t need me to tell you that.  On the other hand, Ryan Tannehill is starting to grow on me.  He and A.J. Brown have a strong connection and I think that continues for the rest of the season.  For the Colts, after watching last week it was clear that they wanted to run the ball with Jonathon Williams as he totaled 29 touches in Week 12.  T.Y. Hilton had a setback this week in practice so he’s out and that doesn’t leave much left.  Parris Campbell may return and Zach Pascal has had his moments but overall this is an ugly matchup for both teams and I’m looking to play other fantasy options if possible.

BUCCANEERS @ JAGUARS

Auto Start:

• Chris Godwin
• Mike Evans
• Leonard Fournette
• D.J. Chark

Start:

• Jameis Winston
• Ronald Jones II
• Nick Foles
• Dede Westbrook

Sit:

• Peyton Barber
• O.J. Howard
• Keelan Cole
• Chris Conley

Don’t Sweat It:

• Breshad Perriman
• Ryquell Armstead

Conclusion:

Chris Godwin led the way last week and became the 1st Bucs wide receiver to earn the Offensive Player of the Week award twice in the same season.  In addition, he and Mike Evans both hit 1000 yards in the same game with 5 weeks to go counting this week.  What’s more surprising is how well Ronald Jones II has played.  He deserves to be in lineups with how often the Bucs are using him, end of story. For the Jaguars, it was the Leonard Fournette show and even though D.J. Chark didn’t produce much against the Titans, we’re talking about the Bucs, a wide receiver’s matchup dream.  Nick Foles has thrown almost 50 times a game the past two weeks and at some point, his receivers will find the endzone.

EAGLES @ DOLPHINS

Auto Start:

• Zach Ertz

Start:

• Miles Sanders
• DeVante Parker

Sit:

• Carson Wentz
• Jay Ajayi
• J.J. Arcega-Whiteside
• Dallas Goedert
• ALL OTHER DOLPHINS

Don’t Sweat It:

• Greg Ward Jr.

Conclusion:

One of the worst matchups of the week goes to this one right here.  I don’t think there’s anything more boring than watching an overrated Carson Wentz try to win football games.  What was once labeled as the “deepest offense in the NFL” is now and has been testing that statement.  It’s obvious this team needs help at WR and maybe even quarterback. Yeah, I said it, however, it’s unlikely that the Eagles look elsewhere at quarterback going into 2020. As for the Dolphins, it’s the same old same old.  DeVante Parker has been one of the most consistent wide receivers but I still believe there are better options out there.  At the end of the day, it’s the Dolphins, and the Dolphins gonna Dolphin.

PACKERS @ GIANTS

Auto Start:

• Aaron Rodgers
• Davante Adams
• Saquon Barkley

Start: 

• Aaron Jones
• Daniel Jones
• Golden Tate
• Darius Slayton

Sit:

• Jamaal Williams
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling
• Allen Lazard
• Geronimo Allison
• Jimmy Graham
• Wayne Gallman
• Sterling Shepard
• Evan Engram (INJURED)

Don’t Sweat It: 

• Jake Kumerow

Conclusion:

Boy was last week rough for the Packers against the 49ers.  Fortunately for Week 13 things get a little easier with a struggling Giants defense which is one of the worst defenses against opposing QB’s.  The problem with the Packers is that their offense only has 3 players that truly make a difference in fantasy. It’s Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, and Aaron Jones. For Week 13 these are the only three that matter so start them if you can.  For the Giants, Saquon Barkley should be able to bounce back after a poor outing last week.  Golden Tate is another player I love having in lineups right now with Evan Engram out and Sterling Shepard trying to get back into the mix of things.  Both defenses are average to below-average so don’t be surprised if you see big performances from multiple players on both teams in this Week 13 matchup.

BROWNS @ STEELERS

Auto Start:

• Jarvis Landry

Start:

• Baker Mayfield
• Nick Chubb
• Odell Beckham Jr.
• James Washington

Sit:

• Kareem Hunt
• Devlin Hodges
• Jaylen Samuels
• James Conner (INJURED)
• Benny Snell Jr.
• JuJu Smith-Schuster (START IF HEALTHY)
• Diontae Johnson
• Vance McDonald

Don’t Sweat It:

• Rishard Higgins
• Demetrius Harris
• David Njoku
• Mason Rudolph
• Deon Cain

Conclusion:

What we saw last week from the Browns is what I was expecting to see all season.  Given that it was Miami whom they trounced, the performance it doesn’t carry much weight. That being said, the Steelers will be tough at home but there’s a chance the defense stays on the field quite a bit with Devlin Hodges under center with a lack-luster offense. If that’s the case Baker Mayfield and company are in for a day. I’m playing everyone except Kareem Hunt in hopes that last week’s performance carries over to Week 13. For the Steelers, the running back situation is a disaster and I’d rather not deal with the roulette wheel of possible options.  James Washington is doing well as of late and if JuJu Smith-Schuster is out, Washington becomes the #1 passing option.

RAMS @ CARDINALS

Auto Start:

• Kyler Murray
• Christian Kirk

Start:

• Todd Gurley
• Cooper Kupp
• Chase Edmonds

Sit:

• Jared Goff
• Robert Woods
• Gerald Everett
• David Johnson
• Kenyan Drake
• Larry Fitzgerald
• Andy Isabella

Don’t Sweat It:

• Malcolm Brown
• Darrell Henderson
• Josh Reynolds
• Pharoah Cooper

Conclusion:

Like I said last week, the Rams are in trouble.  That being said, the Cardinal’s defense is weak. Despite the matchup, I’m still avoiding Jared Goff, and at this point, you’ve probably picked up a better option up off of waivers. With the Cardinals being one of the worse defenses against the run, I think Todd Gurley makes for a safe play.  As for the Cardinals, Kyler Murray is your QB6 averaging 20.4 ppg and along with his running ability, Murray’s ceiling is higher than most regardless of the matchup.  Christian Kirk has become his favorite target and providing owners with an excellent 2nd half of the fantasy season.  The tough decision lies with the running backs. Who do we play? I’ll make it easy for you, Chase Edmonds is back and with David Johnson still banged up, Edmonds moves to the top of the depth chart. Yes, even ahead of Kenyan Drake.

RAIDERS @ CHIEFS

Auto Start:

• Josh Jacobs
• Patrick Mahomes
• Tyreek Hill
• Travis Kelce

Start:

• Tyrell Williams
• Darren Waller
• Mecole Hardman

Sit:

• Derek Carr
• Hunter Renfrow (INJURED)
• Zay Jones
• Darrel Williams
• Sammy Watkins

Don’t Sweat It:

• Jalen Richard
• Foster Moreau
• Damien Williams
• LeSean McCoy

Conclusion:

A big divisional game for the AFC West in Week 13. After the Raider’s loss to the Jets, I’ve become less optimistic about what this offense could be capable of.  Given that the Chiefs are now the worst defense against opposing running backs, Josh Jacobs makes for an easy play.  I’m expecting the offense to run through Jacobs in this matchup to keep the ball out of Patrick Mahomes’s hands but I don’t expect much else out of the Raiders unless they fall behind early.  For the Chiefs, Tyreek Hill is “healthy” and when he plays full games he hasn’t had less than 74 yards in the last 5 games he’s played other than last week. If for some reason he doesn’t play Mecole Hardman is the guy I’m gambling on as the 2nd best passing option. There’s not much to say about the running game, avoid the runningback’s for the Chiefs, they don’t provide a high enough ceiling.  

CHARGERS @ BRONCOS

Auto Start:

• NONE

Start:

• Melvin Gordon
• Austin Ekeler
• Hunter Henry
• Phillip Lindsay
• Courtland Sutton

Sit:

• Phillip Rivers
• Keenan Allen (START IF WILLIAMS IS OUT)
• Mike Williams (MAY NOT PLAY)
• Drew Locke/Brandon Allen
• Noah Fant

Don’t Sweat It:

• Royce Freeman
• Tim Patrick
• Daesean Hamilton

Conclusion:

The two worst teams in the AFC West go head to head in a game that has no value.  With Phillip Rivers declining at a rapid pace, I’m worried about Keenan Allen especially after the last time he played Denver.  He caught some flak on Twitter following that game regarding Chris Harris Jr. shutting him down.  This could be a revenge game for him as he has something to prove against an excellent secondary. I also like Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler this week and they should both be solid plays as well as Hunter Henry. For the Broncos, it’s two guys, Courtland Sutton and Phillip Lindsay.  The rest of the offense is dead to me but it should prove to be an exciting game for Bronco fans if that the coaching staff decides to play Drew Locke.

PATRIOTS @ TEXANS

Auto Start:

• Julian Edelman

Start:

• Tom Brady
• James White
• N’Keal Harry
• Deshaun Watson
• Will Fuller V

Sit:

• Sony Michel
• Carlos Hyde
• Duke Johnson
• DeAndre Hopkins

Don’t Sweat It:

• Rex Burkhead
• Mohamed Sanu
• Phillip Dorsett
• Jordan Akins
• Darren Fells

Conclusion:

The Texans give up plenty of points through the air which is why I’m firing up Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry, and James White for Week 13. Sony Michel, on the other hand, scares the crap out of me.  Once again, he just has no value being that he isn’t the primary pass-catching running back.  For the Texans, they’re looking for a bounce-back week from Deshaun Watson who was average at best against a mediocre defense. Now he gets the Pats, Stefon Gilmore should be shadowing DeAndre Hopkins which will open up the field for Will Fuller V to go for 100 plus yards even though that projection may be a little too ambitious. 

VIKINGS @ SEAHAWKS

Auto Start:

• Kirk Cousins
• Dalvin Cook
• Stefon Diggs
• Russell Wilson
• Tyler Lockett

Start:

• Adam Thielen (IF HEALTHY)
• Kyle Rudolph
• D.K. Metcalf
• Jacob Hollister

Sit:

• Alexander Mattison
• Chris Carson
• Rashaad Penny

Don’t Sweat It:

• Irv Smith Jr.
• Malik Turner
• Josh Gordon

Conclusion:

Finally a Monday Night game worth watching! A hot Kirk Cousins against the man, the myth, the legend, Russell Wilson. I will make this one short and sweet, I’m playing everyone I can in this matchup. The only issue I’m running into and something you need to be aware of is whether or not the Hawks decide to start Rashaad Penny over Chris Carson.  Carson has fumbled in half his games this season and when Penny came in last week he ran for over 100 yards.  Keep your head on a swivel when it comes to the running backs in Seattle, it may get risky playing Chris Carson going forward.

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