Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 1st, 2024, 1:00 ET
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Network: CBS
Indianapolis Colts
Quarterback
Anthony Richardson: Start, QB1/2 Borderline
I have Anthony Richardson ranked as my QB12 this week, meaning he falls right at the end of my QB1s for the week. Richardson has shown development since his benching and subsequent un-benching throughout the season, and his rushing ability gives him a chance to post big numbers every week. He could have had a better week against the Lions in Week 12 had his receivers not dropped multiple crucial passes. Richardson profiles as a risky play with a high ceiling but a low floor, which is why his ranking this week falls somewhere in the middle. If you roll the dice, things can definitely pay off, but I wouldn’t blame you for going with a safer, albeit lower upside, option.
Running Back
Jonathan Taylor: Start, RB1
Would you believe me if I told you that Jonathan Taylor has just two top-12 RB finishes on the season in PPR leagues? Such is the risk with such a volatile QB environment. It certainly doesn’t help that Richardson likes to run the ball close to the goal line, limiting Taylor’s ability to find the end zone on a given week. The good news is that this week presents a strong matchup for Taylor, as the Patriots allow the seventh-most points to opposing RBs. He profiles as a back-end RB1 this time, but if he fails to come through in this one, he’ll find himself moving down our ranks.
Wide Receiver
Michael Pittman Jr.: FLEX Option, WR3
Adonai Mitchell: Sit
Alec Pierce: Sit
With Josh Downs appearing likely to miss Week 13, Michael Pittman Jr. should operate as the top receiving option for the Colts in Week 13. While he may face some tough coverage from Christian Gonzalez, Pittman is the only truly appealing option of this group for Thanksgiving week. He caught six of seven targets for 96 yards last week. Pittman is a decent FLEX option this week due to his projected target share, but Richardson throwing him the ball does make things a little risky. Start with caution, but there’s upside to be had here. On the other hand, you’re hoping for a single big play from either Alec Pierce or Adonai Mitchell to make their start worth it. They are not recommended starts this week.
Tight End
Sit All
You aren’t starting any Colts tight end on a short week, let alone a week with every team playing. Look elsewhere at the position in Week 13.
New England Patriots
Quarterback
Drake Maye: Streaming Option, QB2
Much like his opponent this week, Drake Maye has gone through some highs and lows this season while displaying solid rushing ability. Maye is a good streaming option most weeks, but with all 32 teams active this week, I’d sooner go with a safer or higher-upside option. The Colts don’t present a strong enough matchup to fully take advantage of Maye’s upside.
Running Back
Rhamondre Stevenson: Start, RB2
Week 12 was disastrous for Rhamondre Stevenson, who only recorded 13 total yards in the Patriots’ blowout loss to the Dolphins. Stevenson has posted a few clunkers this season but also has four top-seven weekly finishes under his belt. It’s a decent matchup for Stevenson this week, as the Colts allow the eighth-most points to RBs. If he receives a strong enough workload and can catch some passes, Rhamondre can return RB2 value, but I won’t blame you for going with other options in a packed slate.
Wide Receiver
Sit All
There isn’t a receiver with high enough upside or consistent enough production for the Patriots to recommend starting this week. DeMario Douglas offers the highest FLEX appeal due to his higher target volume, but even he should still be left as a stash for the time being. Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, and Ja’Lynn Polk are all simply too risky to warrant starting and can be cut in redraft leagues.
Tight End
Hunter Henry: Streaming Option
If there is a pass catcher to start for the Patriots this week, Hunter Henry is the best option. He’s maintained a solid target share with Drake Maye at the helm and has consistently returned back-end TE1 value, even though he hasn’t found the end zone since Week 6. He comes in as my TE13 this week – you could certainly do worse in a pinch.