The Biggest Start/Sit Decisions for Week 13 (Fantasy Football)
Here we are at Week 13! Whether you’re trying to make that playoff push or grab a first-round bye, it’s crunch time. I’m using the Fantasy Footballers’ Start/Sit Tool to break down the most-searched lineup questions from the Footclan. I’ll cover matchups and key factors to help you make those tough decisions. Let’s get into it!
Tank Dell or Jauan Jennings?
If there’s ever been a week for Tank Dell to pop off, it’s this one. The Houston Texans take on the Jaguars, a team that’s been a fantasy goldmine for wide receivers, allowing the second-most yards to the position this season. They rank second in most yards given up to the position. The Texans usually own this matchup, winning 11 of the last 13 meetings. That said, Tank Dell hasn’t quite delivered on the preseason hype. Fantasy managers who drafted him in August were expecting more than WR39 production and just two touchdowns on the year. Still, this week presents a prime opportunity for Dell to put up one of his better stat lines.
Jauan Jennings has stepped up in a big way since Brandon Aiyuk‘s season-ending injury, posting impressive finishes as the WR1, WR7, and WR15. However, last week, without Brock Purdy under center, Jennings dropped to WR43. The key question this week is whether Purdy will return—and if he does, how much his right shoulder injury might limit him.
Even beyond the quarterback uncertainty, one thing is guaranteed to play a role: the weather. The 49ers are heading to Buffalo, where a snowstorm is already in full swing. Forecasts predict up to two feet of snow by kickoff, making this a tough environment for passing attacks to thrive.
Verdict: I’m taking Tank Dell in a get-right matchup against the Jaguars.
Gus Edwards or Jaylen Warren?
J.K. Dobbins is out this week after suffering a knee sprain in Week 12. Gus Bus steps in this week as the Chargers’ RB1. However, expecting him to deliver similar production as Dobbins isn’t something I’d bet on. Even when given opportunities this season, Edwards hasn’t made much of an impact. His best outing so far was a modest 59 yards on 18 carries—a lackluster performance that doesn’t inspire much confidence. The Gus Bus looks like he’s running on E. To complicate matters, the Chargers are likely to involve Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal, further cutting into Edwards’ workload. And let’s be honest, the Chargers’ offense has shifted gears since the bye week, leaning heavily on their elite quarterback, Justin Herbert. It’s almost as if they suddenly remembered they have one of the league’s premier signal-callers. With the team airing it out, Edwards’ upside feels severely capped this week.
Jason might bash Jaylen Warren every week for his underwhelming production this season but don’t count him out as a decent play this week. Warren logged a season-high snap share and saw an uptick in opportunities last week against Cleveland, leading to his best fantasy performance of the year: 11 carries, five targets, three receptions, and a touchdown. This week the Steelers are looking to bounce back after a tough divisional loss. They face the Cincinnati Bengals, a team with everything on the line—this game could define the rest of their season. With Pittsburgh likely to lean on Warren’s versatility in a high-stakes matchup, he could deliver solid value for fantasy managers.
Verdict: Jaylen Warren gets the edge over Gus Edwards this week.
Gus Edwards or Javonte Williams?
I’ve already discussed the matchup and opportunity for Gus Edwards, but what about Javonte Williams? The Broncos’ backfield has been a total headache this season, with a three-headed monster of Williams, Estime, and McLaughlin all vying for touches. The weekly rollercoaster of who gets the majority of the work is unpredictable at best. This week, the trio faces the Cleveland Browns, who have been shutting down opposing running backs. Cleveland has only allowed one 100-yard rushing game all season, so it’s hard to imagine any Bronco back having a standout performance. Honestly, it’s a week to fade the entire group.
Verdict: Gus Edwards at least has a clear role as the lead back, which gives him a better chance of producing. Javonte Williams, on the other hand, is stuck in a crowded backfield with two other backs splitting touches consistently. On top of that, Cleveland’s defense is tough to crack, making it an even steeper hill to climb for Williams. Edwards is the safer option this week.
Cade Otton or Taysom Hill?
Cade Otton is Mike’s Start of the Week, and honestly, it’s a gutsy call that just might pay off. Sure, Otton’s been in a bit of a slump lately—putting up just 4.0 and 8.5 fantasy points the last two weeks—but don’t let that scare you off. The guy is still the TE6 on the season, so he’s clearly been getting it done more often than not. Mike isn’t sweating those bad weeks. He’s pulling on his titanium underpants and rolling Otton out against a weak Carolina defense that’s giving up the most schedule-adjusted fantasy points to tight ends. This matchup is juicy. Don’t forget, we’ve seen what Otton can do when he’s on fire. Back in Weeks 7-9, he finished as the TE5, TE1, and TE3. That’s some serious upside. If you’re looking for a big bounce-back game, this could be it. Otton’s got the matchup and the potential to go off.
Taysom Hill is basically a do-it-all player with huge upside. And when I say huge… I mean Hill literally scored 42.5 fantasy points last week. That kind of production is rare and shows just how high his ceiling can go when he’s fully utilized. Now he looks to put up another big week against the L.A. Rams. The Saints keep talking about how much they love him and want to use him in every part of their offense. Even so, Taysom hasn’t been as reliable as Otton week and week out as his usage from week to week has been unpredictable.
Verdict: Looks like it’s time to strap on my titanium underpants with Mike and roll with Otton over Taysom this week. It’s a tough call after Hill went nuclear in Week 12, but Otton’s favorable matchup and his consistently solid target share should set him up for a big week.
Got any more tough decisions for Week 11? Be sure to check out the Fantasy Footballers Start/Sit Tool and catch Mike’s Sunday Morning Livestream over on YouTube. And hey, don’t hesitate to hit me up on X if you’ve got more start/sit questions or just want to talk ball. Let’s get those wins, Footclan!
Comments
Allen or Mayfield??
Najee…Metcaff…Harrison Jr…Nèd To Choose 2…