We’ve officially made it to Week 13, and for the first time in weeks… NO BYES! Every healthy player is on the board, and we finally get a full player pool to work with.
We are still waiting on key injury updates for several major names — including Marvin Harrison Jr., Brian Thomas Jr., and Terry McLaurin — so keep an eye out as practice reports roll in throughout the week.
Also, remember: four games kick off before Sunday, so make sure you’re setting lineups early and locking in those fringe start/sit decisions ahead of time.
So you may not need as many sleepers this week, but one name that stands out as a great play is Christian Watson. The Packers receiver has posted 45 or more yards in every game since returning to the field, and this matchup sets up as a potential breakout spot. The Lions allow the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing receivers and the second-most receiving touchdowns to the position. While the Packers’ passing game has been underwhelming, Watson has been their most consistent option through the air. He could be one of the players on Thanksgiving who gets a real chance to shine. –Steve Pintado
Another player to consider is Keenan Allen, who has been underperforming over the last month. He could be in line for a nice bounce-back performance coming fresh off a bye week against the Raiders. Allen has scored 10 or more fantasy points in each of his last six matchups against Las Vegas, and this sets up as another favorable spot. The Chargers’ run game has struggled recently, so they may need to lean more on the passing attack with short, quick throws. When the Chargers’ offense was at its best earlier in the season, Allen was a major reason why, and they could return to that formula in Week 13. –Steve Pintado
There are some receivers you may want to avoid in Week 13, starting with Michael Pittman Jr. The Colts receiver has been a steady FLEX option this year, but he draws a difficult matchup against the Texans. Houston allows the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing receivers and has given up only six receiving touchdowns all season, the second-fewest in the league. In Pittman Jr.’s last four games against Houston, he has failed to reach 60 yards in each matchup. He’s also struggled over his last two games as the Colts offense hasn’t shown the same spark it had earlier in the season. He should be someone you fade in Week 13. –Steve Pintado
Another receiver to avoid in Week 13 is Jameson Williams, who has been very boom-or-bust this season. This matchup leans toward another potential bust as he faces the Packers, who allow the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing receivers. When things get tight, Jared Goff tends to lean heavily on his two trusted playmakers in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs. Williams has also struggled historically against Green Bay, and earlier this season, he managed just 23 yards in their first meeting. His fantasy value is almost entirely tied to touchdowns. In six games this year without a score, he’s averaged only 3.4 fantasy points. This looks like another week where he could disappoint, making him a risky FLEX play in Week 13. –Steve Pintado