Flex Options for Week 13 (Fantasy Football)

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! Before getting started, I’d like to personally apologize to all fantasy managers who started Christian Watson and/or Quentin Johnston last week. The process was sound. The opportunities were there for both players, but the process failed to account for the fact that these gentlemen had bricks attached to their wrists where their hands should be. If you started them, I hope you took my advice and got fitted for a pair of iron underpants first, because you’d have needed them to withstand the blow of 0.4 fantasy points COMBINED from the two. On the bright side, DJ Moore posted a stellar performance last week, so we didn’t miss on every pick.

As always, we’re looking for players who are currently ranked outside the top 24 in the Fantasy Footballers Rankings who I think can return starter value in your flex spot. This week, we’re focused on players with talent and two functioning hands. Here are the names:

Jaylen Warren, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

I took a break from Jaylen Warren in last week’s article, mostly due to name fatigue, but I should’ve stuck with him. Warren has been remarkably consistent, now with three straight top-24 finishes at the position. I like his opportunity again this week, facing a Bengals defense that’s middle of the pack against the run. More importantly, this game projects to be relatively competitive and high scoring with a 47.0 point over/under and a 3.0-point spread. Don’t expect a week-winning performance from Warren, but he should once again see about 15 opportunities and return solid flex value for your team. 

Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Addison continues to fly under the radar as a fantasy asset despite three top-24 finishes in the last four weeks. He’s coming off his best game as a pro with eight receptions for 162 yards and a touchdown against the Bears last week. His teammate, Justin Jefferson, continues to draw two or three defenders in coverage on almost every play, which has been opening up opportunities for Addison to thrive in this well-equipped Vikings offense. Addison should be locked into lineups this week against a beatable Arizona secondary. He’s a talented player who just showed he has WR1 weekly upside. 

Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts

It’s been a frustrating year for Michael Pittman managers. Inconsistent quarterback play as well as the emergence of Josh Downs as the primary target have relegated Pittman to drop candidate discussions in recent weeks. But “Pitty City” might be making a comeback, if only for a week. Downs has been listed as week-to-week with a shoulder injury he suffered last week against Detroit, and Pittman capitalized on the increased opportunity turning in a six-for-96 performance in that game. With Indianapolis on bye next week, I expect them to give Downs the week off to get healthy. If that’s the case, it’s a juicy spot for Pittman against a New England pass defense that’s been giving up 2.2 fantasy points above expected to wide receivers. If you’ve been holding Pittman hoping for a resurgence, now’s your chance to let him spread his wings and fly.

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

We’re hoping for the return of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence to really solidify this start, but even without Lawrence, I like this matchup for Thomas. He gashed Houston for six catches, 86 yards, and a touchdown back in Week 4, and Houston has continued to be a plus matchup for wide receivers all season. Despite some low-output games recently, Thomas is still a high-upside fantasy option due to his talent. Follow the practice reports on Lawrence, but don’t be afraid to stick with Thomas Jr. even if Lawrence sits another week. 

Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders’ struggles continue, having now lost seven straight, but Meyers has been nothing short of a target monster in that stretch. He’s averaging 9.6 targets per game over his last seven games played, turning in three top-12 finishes and five double-digit fantasy performances. The Raiders are massive underdogs this week, (+12.5 @ KC), but the Chiefs’ defense hasn’t actually been that tough of a matchup for fantasy wide receivers this year. They just allowed 27 points and 263 passing yards to Bryce Young and the Panthers last week. If this contest lends itself to the type of game script that the line suggests, Meyers should be in for 10+ targets and another strong outing for fantasy.