The Fantasy Footballers Podcast Week 13 Recap (Fantasy Football)
It’s week 13, and we can all be thankful for Andy, Mike, Jason, and the Megalodon show! Remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Monday – Week 12 Studs & Duds + Jason’s Trade Regrets
News
The coordinator purge continues in Las Vegas. The Raiders fired OC Chip Kelly one week after firing their DC, and the Giants dumped their DC, too. The Chiefs signed RB Dameon Pierce, Joe Mixon is likely done for the year despite earlier denial tweets, and Tee Higgins entered concussion protocol after a brutal landing. Baker Mayfield’s left shoulder injury could be a subluxation, Alvin Kamara has an MCL sprain, and Ashton Jeanty left late with an ankle issue. DK Metcalf, Rashee Rice, and Quinshon Judkins all left but returned. Joe Burrow isn’t a lock to return this Thursday, and maybe shouldn’t return at all with the Bengals all but out of the playoffs.
Studs of The Week
QB Studs
Jameis Winston led the week with a bonkers QB-WR hybrid performance, including the best trick-play TD of the year. Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott followed in the same game, and Cam Ward posted his first top-15 finish, actually using his legs and connecting with Chimere Dike for two scores. Matthew Stafford stayed scorching hot with another multi-TD game that was essentially over by halftime. Jacoby Brissett quietly extended his streak to six straight QB1 finishes, putting him in a category of his own.
RB Studs
Jahmyr Gibbs detonated for 49.9 fantasy points, joining Ladanian Tomlinson as the only RB ever with 200 rushing yards and 10 receptions in a game. Emanuel Wilson delivered in place of Josh Jacobs. It snowed in Vermont; therefore, Derrick Henry rolled. Ashton Jeanty kept stacking receiving work, and Judkins punched in two scores on direct snaps. James Cook stayed red-hot. Kareem Hunt posted 30 carries and scored for the third straight week. Chase Brown rushed for over 100 yards against the stingy Patriots defense.
WR Studs
Jaxon Smith-Njigba put up 8-167-2 and still hasn’t had a game outside the top 10 since Week 4. Wan’Dale Robinson saw 14 targets for 9-156-1, finally used downfield instead of behind the line, thanks to Jameis Winston. Amon-Ra St. Brown, George Pickens, and A.J. Brown all feasted. Michael Wilson soaked up 15 more targets and now has identical target/reception totals through 10 games as his full 2024 season.
TE Studs
Hunter Henry was the TE1 after the Bengals forgot TEs exist. Colston Loveland delivered again, making Jason and Andy’s starts of the week numbers one and two. Trey McBride stayed steady, and Brenton Strange jumped back in the conversation with 5-93.
Duds of The Week
QB Duds
Lamar Jackson is the headline. He hasn’t hit 200 passing yards in three straight and has one total TD in that span, and is clearly playing injured. Josh Allen struggled again against Houston’s elite pass defense. Jordan Love fizzled for only 139 passing yards, and JJ McCarthy delivered a historically bad line and just 87 yards.
RB Duds
Jonathan Taylor pooped in his mega-sized pants: 16-58 and RB24 on the week with a brutal schedule ahead. Saquon Barkley got erased by Dallas. Kyren Williams, Sean Tucker, and D’Andre Swift all disappointed. TreVeyon Henderson was fine by the numbers but disappointed relative to expectations.
WR Duds
Justin Jefferson vanished again as Minnesota’s QB issues hit crisis level. Emeka Egbuka struggled with and without Baker Mayfield. Rome Odunze’s post-bye slide continued with only one TD in seven games. Jameson Williams had multiple big plays called back and ended up with a big, fat goose egg.
TE Duds
Travis Kelce salvaged his day with a TD but was generally quiet. Dallas Goedert and Kyle Pitts barely registered. Mark Andrews had a painful end zone drop as the whole Ravens passing game flopped.
Tuesday – Week 13 Waivers & Streamers + Nard Attack, Shedeur Starts
News
Shedeur Sanders will start again for Cleveland, and the entire conversation around him continues to be polarized. Stefanski’s locker-room speech barely acknowledged him, which only fueled the debate. Sanders completed 55 percent of his throws with 11 completions, one screen-pass TD, and a mix of legit downfield plays plus some ugly misses.
Ashton Jeanty’s ankle injury is believed to be minor, but Raheem Mostert remains a priority stash in case things turn. Pete Carroll said Jeanty “has a chance” to play.
Greg Olson is officially back as an OC, returning to the Raiders after multiple stints. Baker Mayfield avoided structural damage and could play through an AC sprain to his non-throwing shoulder. Jayden Daniels somehow returned to practice only weeks after a gruesome injury, though he’s still a long shot for Week 13. J.J. McCarthy entered concussion protocol and could be replaced by Max Brosmer, the undrafted rookie from Minnesota.
Darren Waller’s practice window opened. Joe Burrow was listed as a full participant on the estimated report, but Tee Higgins was ruled out with a concussion. Josh Jacobs remained limited. Rashee Rice logged a limited session with a hamstring issue.
And then there was the nard punch. A full-speed, direct uppercut by Tre’von Moehrig to Jauan Jennings.
Waiver Wire
Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
RBs
Top RB priorities include Trey Benson, who could return this week and take over the Arizona backfield. If Benson is out and Bam Knight is limited, Michael Carter could see meaningful passing-down work. Devin Neal becomes a priority with Alvin Kamara facing a potentially multi-week MCL injury. Neal is a capable all-around back and quietly earned seven targets last week. His upcoming schedule is juicy: Carolina, Jets, Titans during the fantasy playoffs.
Kyle Monangai continues to force his way into work and has three straight weeks with a TD. The schedule is brutal, but he runs with real purpose, and Swift continues to alternate between fumbles and inefficiency.
Chris Rodriguez remains a volume-based pickup with Jayden Daniels potentially returning soon. Bhayshul Tuten is still viable, though his usage dwindled somewhat last week. Dylan Sampson is a Judkins handcuff.
Drop considerations include Rhamondre in shallow leagues, but the 31 percent snap share may be injury-related. Hang on to Tuten if you can. Kamara can be dropped only if you have no IR and desperately need a roster spot.
WRs
Parker Washington continues to earn WR1 treatment for Jacksonville and draws Tennessee next. Christian Watson is equally available and carries more big-play upside, especially with steady targets in his last two games. Kayshon Boutte is healthy and trending up, with red zone usage and a matchup vs New York. Jayden Higgins has quietly become an option in Houston, though the yardage remains capped.
Andrei Iosivas is a plug-and-play option again on Thursday with Tee Higgins out. Chimere Dike is emerging as a flexible WR3 in Tennessee thanks to increased involvement. Darnell Mooney is viable only if Drake London remains out. John Metchie and Adonai Mitchell are deep-league desperation darts with Tyrod Taylor throwing to them in New York.
Drop candidates: Jordan Addison is tough to trust with Minnesota’s QB situation. Xavier Worthy is basically irrelevant in KC. Ricky Pearsall is close but still worth holding one more week as he ramps up.
TEs
Colston Loveland remains the highest-ceiling add but draws a tough matchup vs the Eagles this week. Brenton Strange is the best short-term play with Jacksonville’s schedule and recent usage. Dalton Schultz is the most stable option. Darren Waller is returning soon, but carries volatility. Gunner Helm and Colby Parkinson are emergency-level streamers only.
DSTs
CLE remains a stay-in-the-flames play even vs the 49ers. JAX is a strong matchup play vs TEN, but the Browns are the preferred start at home. LAC is the best widely available DST, facing a turnover-prone Geno Smith.
LAR vs CAR is a strong pickup. ATL vs NYJ should keep rolling. ARI is sneaky if Baker Mayfield sits or plays limited.
Full Stream Ahead
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mike: Jacoby Brissett vs IND
He is the QB3 since becoming the starter and still available in half of leagues. Volume, efficiency, and the weapons in Arizona make him a locked-in starter until further notice.
Andy: Trevor Lawrence vs TEN
He is QB7 since the bye with three QB1 finishes in the last four games. Tennessee is a pass funnel, and Lawrence’s rushing keeps the floor steady.
Jason: Cam Ward vs JAX
He is coming off a top-5 week and gets a Jaguars defense ranked bottom-five vs QBs. He has a big-play matchup and some rushing upside.
Megalodon Episode – Week 13 Matchups, Turkey Day Awards & More
Backup Options
Check your waiver wire for the most-dropped players this week.
Joe Flacco led the QB cuts with Joe Burrow locked in for Thursday. RBs Sean Tucker, Bhayshul Tuten, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt also hit the drop list as both Bucky Irving and Omarion Hampton returned to practice at the same time. At WR, Ricky Pearsall, Keon Coleman, and Darius Slayton were dumped after weeks of missed opportunities and lingering injuries.
Picks
Mike: Andrei Iosivas. Even though he appeared on the drop list, Mike sees a plug-and-play Thanksgiving option. With Tee Higgins ruled out, Iosivas played 83 percent of snaps last week and saw seven targets. Burrow is back. Volume is there. He’s startable immediately.
Andy: Chimere Dike. Since Week 7, the rookie leads Tennessee in receptions, yards, and first downs. Only Tetairoa McMillan and Emeka Egbuka have more rookie receiving yards in that span. He adds return-game juice and a sneaky flex option on a rising offense.
Jason: The Saints DST. It sounds insane until you look at the matchups. They’ve put up double-digit fantasy points every time they’ve faced a bad offense. Their fantasy playoff run includes CAR, NYJ, and TEN. They are widely available and perfectly positioned.
News
Omarion Hampton officially entered his 21-day window and looked healthy in early drills. Greg Roman had originally called the injury “easily fixed,” but it took far longer than expected. Kimani Vidal became a drop candidate, but managers should stash him in case Hampton is held out one more week.
J.J. McCarthy was ruled out with a concussion, and his future as an NFL starter is in question. Bucky Irving is expected to practice all week and should return Sunday if he avoids setbacks. The Buccaneers anticipate he will be active. Jayden Daniels reportedly has a “realistic possibility” to return in Week 14, although the team could use caution based on the severity of his injury.
Joe Burrow pushed back publicly on rumors he shouldn’t return, saying players rehab to play and shouldn’t sit out because the team is out of contention. Josh Jacobs is expected to go on Thanksgiving, and Jayden Reed will be a game-time decision.
Turkey Day Awards
The annual tradition returned with full ceremony, animal noises, and questionable impressions.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Showstopper (Thanksgiving Meat)
Winner: Jonathan Taylor. JSN and CMC made it close, but Taylor is the current fantasy MVP.
Mashed Potatoes (Most Consistent)
Winner: Jackson Smith-Njigba. One game outside the top 13 all year. He is steady, reliable, and a staple of a winning meal.
Burned Dinner Rolls (Biggest Bust)
Winner: Brian Thomas Jr. The preseason excitement evaporated, and Jacksonville claimed back-to-back Dinner Roll titles (Travis Etienne last year).
The Mike Wright Special (Non-Traditional MVP/Jack In The Box Award)
We have a tie: Javonte Williams and Rico Dowdle. Both outperformed expectations and forced their way into fantasy relevance.
Pumpkin Pie Guy (Delicious but Dangerous)
Another tie: Quentin Johnston and Jameson Williams. The boom/bust award. These two are good for big plays and the occasional goose. You love them, but they can’t be trusted.
Starts of the Week
QBs
Andy: Dak Prescott vs KC
Highest over/under of the week, and Dak has been electric at home. QB4 in fantasy points per game with elite weapons around him. Dallas will have to match Mahomes score for score, and Dak is set up for a ceiling game.
Jason: Sam Darnold vs MIN
This is a revenge game. The Seahawks are 11.5-point home favorites. He is an efficiency leader all season with JSN and completing 74 percent of his passes at home. Minnesota is collapsing, and Darnold will make sure they are sorry they let him go.
Mike: Bo Nix at WAS
Coming off the bye with a Commander’s pass defense ranked dead last in passer rating allowed. Nix has top-10 fantasy production despite inconsistency, and this matchup lines up for another spike week.
RBs
Andy: Woody Marks vs IND
He is averaging 16 touches per game since the bye with 61 percent snaps and 14 red-zone touches over the last three weeks. Indy has fallen apart vs RBs, and Marks is the guy in Houston.
Jason: R.J. Harvey at WAS
He is now the starter and has a perfect matchup vs a run-funnel defense. Washington is in the bottom five in yards allowed before contact and explosive rush rate. Look for this week to be his post-bye rookie breakout.
Mike: Kenneth Gainwell vs BUF
A full timeshare, but Gainwell keeps winning the receiving work and has back-to-back top-12 finishes. He has four games of six-plus receptions this season, and Buffalo is a major run funnel. He has recently been outscoring his backfield mate, Jaylen Warren.
WRs
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Andy: Michael Wilson vs TB
The Cardinals are attacking downfield, and Wilson has become Brissett’s favorite target. Tampa is bottom-five vs WRs over the last month, and even when Harrison returns, Wilson stays in the flames.
Jason: Christian Watson at DET
Leads the team in end-zone targets and deep looks. Detroit runs man at the highest rate in the league, and Watson is Green Bay’s first-read man-beater. The high over/under game script boosts his ceiling.
Mike: Andrei Iosivas vs BAL
Iosivas has an every-down role with Tee Higgins out and Joe Burrow back. Baltimore has recently allowed WRs to beat expectations, and “Yoshi” is set for solid volume again.
TEs
Andy: Mark Andrews vs CIN
The Bengals are on pace to allow the most TE fantasy points in NFL history. They cannot cover the position. Andrews is as close to a TD lock as exists this week.
Jason: Dalton Schultz vs IND
“Doctor Schultz” was quiet last week, but the Colts are bottom-five vs TEs, and Schultz quietly ranks top three in TE targets over the last month. A bounce-back game is on the docket.
Jason: Juwan Johnson at MIA
Since trading Rashid Shaheed, the target tree in New Orleans belongs to Olave and Juwan. Miami struggles vs TEs, and Johnson sits in fourth in yardage at the position. The consolidated volume plus the matchup equals top-five potential.
BONUS: Watch to see Jason’s Boom Boom Kicker of the Week!
- Hint: It rhymes with poop.
Fantasy Forecast
7-3-1 GB at 7-4 DET (DET -2.5, O/U 48.5)
Detroit has shifted fully into a pass-first identity under Dan Campbell’s play-calling. It’s wheels up for Gibbs as an RB1. He’s been targeted on 38% of routes – the highest in the NFL. David Montgomery’s snap share keeps dropping, and he’s a bench unless you are desperate. Jared Goff is startable at home. Christian Watson is the preferred GB WR with the deep routes and end-zone usage. If Jayden Reed returns, it stabilizes the offense but doesn’t elevate Love enough to stream. If Josh Jacobs plays, he’s in your lineup with a pit in your stomach.
6-5 KC at 5-5-1 DAL (KC -3.5, O/U 52.5)
Fire up everyone. Dak is a QB1 at home, and Mahomes is locked in. Javonte is the biggest question mark for Dallas, up against a top-five defense against the rush. Kareem Hunt had 30 opportunities last week and is preferable over Pacheco in his first game back from injury. Jake Ferguson is a TE1. Beyond Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy is the only other startable WR for the Chiefs, and is Andy’s TD guarantee of the week.
3-8 CIN at 6-5 BAL (BAL -7, O/U 51.5)
Joe Burrow’s return should improve everything, but this is still a rough matchup. Baltimore’s defense has stepped up recently. Lamar Jackson stays in lineups despite his recent struggles. Derrick Henry is a smash RB1 in December weather versus the league’s worst adjusted RB matchup. Mark Andrews is Andy’s TE start of the week, and the Bengals are historically awful vs the position. Zay Flowers remains a floor WR2. Start Ja’Marr Chase and Chase Brown.
8-3 CHI at 8-3 PHI (PHI -6.5, O/U 44.5)
Caleb Williams is too volatile against this defense. Bench him if you can. All pass-catchers for the Bears are risky. DJ Moore and Rome Odunze could be benched for names like Troy Franklin for the Broncos. Colston Loveland is a mid-tier TE this week. Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and A.J. Brown are automatic. DeVonta Smith is a start, if active.
8-4 SF at 3-8 CLE (SF -4.5, O/U 36.5)
Weather issues make this a ground-and-TE game. Start CMC and George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings is the top of the bad options at WR for the 49ers. Shedeur Sanders with weather is a full sit. David Njoku and Harold Fannin are the preferred Cleveland pass-catchers you can justify, and even that’s a stretch. Quinshon Judkins is in the RB2/3 range.
7-4 JAX at 1-10 TEN (JAX -6.5, O/U 41.5)
Travis Etienne is rolling as an RB1. If Brian Thomas Jr. is out again, Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers remain solid flex options. The Titans RBs remain invisible, but Chimere Dike and Gunnar Helm are sneaky plays, with the offense improving.
6-5 HOU at 8-3 IND (IND -4.5, O/U 44.5)
C.J. Stroud’s return stabilizes Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, and Woody Marks. Beyond Nico, Jayden Higgins is a deep-league option. Jonathan Taylor is an auto-start. Daniel Jones’ upside is nerfed in this matchup. Michael Pittman is a volume WR2, and Alec Pierce needs big plays against a top defense to make you happy. Tyler Warren is a TE1 (with elite playoff matchups ahead).
2-9 NO at 4-7 MIA (MIA -6, O/U 41.5)
De’Von Achane is always in lineups. Devin Neal is viable as an RB2 with Alvin Kamara out against a plus matchup. Chris Olave is automatic, and Juwan Johnson is a TE1 vs the Dolphins’ bottom-five TE defense. Jaylen Waddle is a WR2 in a slower game environment.
4-7 ATL at 2-9 NYJ (ATL -2.5, O/U 39.5)
Bijan is a volume RB1. Breece Hall is playable vs a soft run defense. John Metchie is a sneaky flex with full-route usage and back-to-back TD weeks. Darnell Mooney is in the same category as Metchie. Kyle Pitts remains Mr. Unnecessary, and no one is starting these QBs.
3-8 ARI at 6-5 TB (TB -3, O/U 44.5)
Michael Wilson stays in lineups regardless of Marvin Harrison Jr.’s status, and you can keep riding Jacoby Brissett’s hot streak. Trey Benson, if active, is an instant RB2. If not, this backfield is avoidable. Trey McBride is elite every week. Baker is a low-end QB2 if active, but a high-risk of not finishing the game. Emeka Egbuka remains playable, but shaky. Bucky Irving, like Benson, is back in your lineup if active.
9-2 LAR at 6-6 CAR (LAR -10, O/U 44.5)
There are easy decisions here. Start your Rams. Chuba Hubbard is irrelevant. Rico Dowdle is a very risky play against an elite run defense. Tetairoa McMillan is a strong WR2. Sit everyone else.
4-7 MIN at 8-3SEA (SEA -11.5, O/U 41.5)
Max Brosmer under center makes all Vikings unplayable outside Justin Jefferson (and even he’s risky). Kenneth Walker is a strong RB2, and Zach Charbonnet remains TD-dependent. Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues his quest for 2000 yards. Aaron Jones is a desperation play, and you can bench the rest of your Vikings with confidence.
7-4 BUF at 6-5 PIT (BUF -3.5, O/U 47.5)
Start Josh Allen, James Cook, and Khalil Shakir. The Bills are terrible vs TEs, but even that isn’t enough to trust the trio of Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, or Darnell Washington. Aaron Rodgers is expected to play, but he doesn’t move the needle much. DK Metcalf is comparable to a turkey with 41-year-old gravy, so approach with caution. Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell are both playable flexes.
2-9 LV at 7-4 LAC (LAC -10, O/U 41.5)
Justin Herbert is a great start. The order of Chargers pass-catchers is Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Oronde Gadsden, and Keenan Allen. If Omarion Hampton returns, expectations should be tempered with Kimani Vidal mixing in. Brock Bowers remains the Raiders’ only stable pass-catcher, along with Ashton Jeanty out of the backfield.
9-2 DEN at 3-8 WAS (DEN -6, O/U 43.5)
Bo Nix is Mike’s QB start of the week. R.J. Harvey is Jason’s RB start of the week. Courtland Sutton should be the safest WR play, but Troy Franklin continues to demand more targets. Until Jayden Daniels returns, avoid all WAS skill players not named Deebo Samuel. Marcus Mariota has been a good streamer, throwing for exactly 213 yards in three straight weeks with rushing upside, but should be avoided this week.
2-10 NYG at 10-2 NE (NE -7.5, O/U 46.5)
If Jaxson Dart is cleared, he’s a QB1. If not, Jameis Winston becomes a top streamer, boosting Wan’Dale Robinson into must-start territory. TreVeyon Henderson is a solid RB2. Kayshon Boutte is a strong flex option. Drake Maye is currently second in the MVP running. Hunter Henry is matchup-dependent, and this is not the matchup.
Fantasy Faceoff
Wheel of Shame:
The Ducers earned the Triple Gobble costumes (hashtag) by losing last week.
This week’s All-Thanksgiving Day picks:
Andy:
QB: Jordan Love MORE than 10.5 rushing yards
RB: Keaton Mitchell MORE than 9.5 rushing yards
WR: Xavier Worthy MORE than 36.5 receiving yards
TE: Mark Andrews MORE than 0.5 TDs
Jason:
QB: Dak Prescott LESS than 69.8% Completion Percentage
RB: Derrick Henry MORE than 17.5 rushing attempts
WR: Ja’Marr Chase MORE than 59.5 receiving yards
TE: Mark Andrews MORE than 0.5 rushing yards
Mike:
QB: Jordan Love MORE than 6.5 completions in his first 10 pass attempts
RB: Javonte Williams MORE than 2.5 targets
WR: Christian Watson MORE than 48.5 receiving yards
TE: Travis Kelce MORE than 39.5 receiving yards
Don’t forget to join Mike for Sunday Live to get all of your last-minute lineup decisions answered.
Good luck in Week 13 and Happy Thanksgiving, FootClan!