Fantasy Football Week 13: Expert Start/Sit & Waiver Wire Tips

Fantasy football managers are gearing up for Week 13, a critical juncture in the season where playoff berths are on the line. With injuries, bye weeks, and unexpected performances impacting rosters, making informed decisions is more crucial than ever. This comprehensive guide provides insights into waiver wire pickups, start/sit recommendations, and expert analysis to help you optimize your lineup and secure a victory.

Waiver Wire Targets for Week 13

The waiver wire can be a goldmine for teams seeking to bolster their rosters due to injuries or underperforming players. Identifying and acquiring the right players can provide a significant advantage heading into the playoffs. Here are some of the top waiver wire targets for Week 13, categorized by position:

Quarterbacks

• Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis Colts): With Anthony Richardson out for the season, Minshew has stepped in as the Colts' starter. Gardner Minshew has demonstrated the ability to put up solid fantasy numbers, particularly in favorable matchups. His upcoming schedule includes games against defenses that have struggled against quarterbacks, making him a viable streaming option. — Fantasy Football: Sit Or Start Guide

• Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams): Matthew Stafford has been up and down this season, but he possesses the talent and weapons to deliver strong performances. If he is available in your league, he could be worth picking up as a bye-week fill-in or a potential starter down the stretch. Watch for updates on his injury status.

Running Backs

• Elijah Mitchell (San Francisco 49ers): As the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell's value hinges on McCaffrey's health. If McCaffrey were to miss time, Mitchell would immediately become a high-end RB2 with significant upside. Even with McCaffrey healthy, Mitchell can have standalone value as a flex option.

• Jerick McKinnon (Kansas City Chiefs): In the Chiefs' pass-heavy offense, Jerick McKinnon offers value as a pass-catching back. He is often involved in the red zone and can provide a decent floor in PPR formats. His role fluctuates, but he's worth considering in deeper leagues.

• Ty Chandler (Minnesota Vikings): With Alexander Mattison struggling to find consistency, Ty Chandler has started to see an increased role in the Vikings' offense. Chandler offers explosiveness and could become a valuable asset if he continues to earn more touches.

Wide Receivers

• Noah Brown (Houston Texans): Noah Brown has emerged as a reliable target in the Texans' passing game, particularly with Tank Dell's season-ending injury. He has developed good chemistry with C.J. Stroud and could be a valuable addition to your roster.

• Quentin Johnston (Los Angeles Chargers): The rookie Quentin Johnston has had an inconsistent start to his career, but he possesses immense potential. If he can develop a stronger connection with Justin Herbert, Johnston could become a valuable fantasy asset down the stretch, especially with Mike Williams out of the lineup.

• Curtis Samuel (Washington Commanders): Curtis Samuel is a versatile player who can contribute as both a receiver and a runner. He has seen a decent number of targets in recent weeks and could be a solid flex option, particularly in PPR leagues.

Tight Ends

• Taysom Hill (New Orleans Saints): Taysom Hill is a unique player who contributes in a variety of ways for the Saints. While he is listed as a tight end, he also lines up at quarterback and running back, giving him a high ceiling each week. However, his floor can be low due to his inconsistent usage.

• Cade Otton (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Cade Otton has emerged as a reliable target for Baker Mayfield in the Buccaneers' offense. He has seen a steady stream of targets and could be a decent streaming option at a position that is often thin.

Start/Sit Recommendations for Week 13

Knowing which players to start and sit is critical to maximizing your team's potential each week. Here are some start/sit recommendations for Week 13, based on matchups, recent performance, and injury situations:

Quarterbacks

• Start:
  • Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs): Even against a tough defense, Patrick Mahomes is a must-start due to his immense talent and upside. He can single-handedly win you a week.
  • Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys): Dak Prescott has been on a tear recently and has a favorable matchup in Week 13. He is a high-end QB1.
• Sit:
  • Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos): Russell Wilson has struggled to find consistency this season, and he faces a difficult matchup in Week 13. Consider other options if you have them.
  • Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers): Kenny Pickett has not been performing well, and the Steelers' offense has been stagnant. He is not a reliable fantasy option.

Running Backs

• Start:
  • Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons): Bijan Robinson is a locked-in RB1 due to his talent and volume. He should be in your lineup every week.
  • Austin Ekeler (Los Angeles Chargers): Despite some inconsistent performances, Austin Ekeler is still a valuable asset in PPR formats due to his pass-catching ability. Start him with confidence.
• Sit:
  • AJ Dillon (Green Bay Packers): With Aaron Jones back in the lineup, AJ Dillon's value takes a significant hit. He is not a reliable fantasy option.
  • Damien Harris (Buffalo Bills): Damien Harris is not seeing enough volume to warrant a start. He should be on your bench.

Wide Receivers

• Start:
  • CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys): CeeDee Lamb is a WR1 and should be started every week. He has been a consistent performer and is a key part of the Cowboys' offense.
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions): Amon-Ra St. Brown is a target hog in the Lions' offense and a must-start in PPR formats. He is a reliable source of receptions and yards.
• Sit:
  • Michael Thomas (New Orleans Saints): Michael Thomas's production has been inconsistent, and he is difficult to trust. He should be on your bench until he shows more consistency.
  • Skyy Moore (Kansas City Chiefs): Skyy Moore has not lived up to expectations and is not a reliable fantasy option. Keep him on your bench.

Tight Ends

• Start:
  • Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs): Travis Kelce is a top tight end and should be started every week. He is a key part of the Chiefs' offense and a reliable target for Patrick Mahomes.
  • George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers): George Kittle is a dynamic playmaker and a must-start when healthy. He offers both receiving and blocking skills.
• Sit:
  • Tyler Higbee (Los Angeles Rams): Tyler Higbee's production has been inconsistent, and he is not a reliable fantasy option. Consider other options if you have them.
  • Logan Thomas (Washington Commanders): Logan Thomas has not been producing at a high level and is not a recommended start. Keep him on your bench.

Expert Analysis and Insights

To provide further guidance, here's an expert analysis incorporating recent news, statistics, and trends:

• Injury Updates: Keep a close eye on injury reports leading up to game day. Key players who are questionable could significantly impact your lineup decisions. Monitor the status of players like Christian McCaffrey, Justin Jefferson, and others who could be game-time decisions.

• Matchup Analysis: Favorable matchups can lead to increased production for certain players. Target players facing defenses that struggle against their position. For example, a running back facing a defense that allows a high number of rushing yards could be in line for a big game.

• Weather Conditions: Weather can play a significant role in game outcomes. Heavy rain or strong winds can limit the passing game and favor running attacks. Adjust your lineup accordingly based on the weather forecast.

• Playoff Implications: As the fantasy football season progresses, playoff implications become more important. Pay attention to teams that are fighting for a playoff spot, as they are likely to give their key players more opportunities.

• Trade Opportunities: The trade deadline may have passed in some leagues, but it's still worth exploring potential trades if your league allows it. Target teams that are out of contention and may be willing to trade valuable assets for future considerations. — 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles: Schedule, Players, Tickets & More

Week 13 Game to Watch

Each week, certain matchups stand out due to their potential for high scores or significant implications. For Week 13, the game to watch is:

• Kansas City Chiefs vs. Green Bay Packers: This game features two high-powered offenses and could be a shootout. Patrick Mahomes and Jordan Love are both capable of putting up big numbers, and their respective supporting casts are filled with talented players. This game could have significant implications for fantasy owners.

Long-Term Strategy and Planning

Looking beyond Week 13, it's important to develop a long-term strategy for the remainder of the fantasy football season. Consider the following:

• Playoff Schedules: Evaluate the playoff schedules of your players. Target players who have favorable matchups during the fantasy playoffs, as they could be valuable assets in the most important weeks of the season.

• Roster Construction: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of your roster. Identify positions where you need to improve and make strategic moves to address those needs.

• Keeper Considerations: If you are in a keeper league, start thinking about which players you want to keep for next season. Evaluate their long-term potential and value.

Conclusion

Navigating Week 13 of the fantasy football season requires careful consideration of waiver wire pickups, start/sit decisions, and expert analysis. By staying informed and making strategic moves, you can increase your chances of securing a playoff berth and competing for the championship. Good luck, fantasy managers! — 21 Days Until November 16th: Countdown And Time Management Tips

Fantasy Football Week 13: Frequently Asked Questions

Who are some top waiver wire running back targets I should consider adding this week?

Elijah Mitchell, as the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey, becomes a high-end RB2 if McCaffrey misses time. Jerick McKinnon offers value in PPR formats as a pass-catching back in the Chiefs' offense. Ty Chandler has seen an increased role in the Vikings' offense and offers explosiveness.

Which quarterbacks should I consider starting, and which should I sit in Week thirteen?

Start Patrick Mahomes due to his immense talent and upside, and Dak Prescott, who has been on a tear recently with a favorable matchup. Sit Russell Wilson, who has struggled for consistency, and Kenny Pickett, given the Steelers' stagnant offense and his poor performance.

Are there any wide receivers that are must-starts this week, or should remain on my bench?

Definitely start CeeDee Lamb, a consistent WR1, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, a target hog in the Lions' offense, especially in PPR formats. Consider benching Michael Thomas due to his inconsistent production and Skyy Moore, who has not met expectations this season.

Which tight ends are good options to start in my fantasy lineup for Week thirteen?

Travis Kelce remains a top tight end and a key part of the Chiefs' offense, making him a must-start. George Kittle is also a dynamic playmaker who should be in your lineup when healthy. Both offer high potential for receiving yards and touchdowns.

How much should weather conditions factor into my start/sit decisions for fantasy football?

Weather conditions can significantly impact game outcomes. Heavy rain or strong winds can limit passing games, favoring running attacks. Adjust your lineup based on the forecast, prioritizing running backs in inclement weather and being cautious with wide receivers and quarterbacks.

With the fantasy football playoffs approaching, how should this influence my trading strategy?

As the playoffs near, assess your roster's strengths and weaknesses. Target teams out of contention who might trade valuable assets for future considerations. Focus on acquiring players with favorable playoff schedules to maximize your chances of success in the most important weeks.

What strategies should I consider for keeper leagues as the season nears its end?

In keeper leagues, start evaluating which players to keep for the next season. Consider their long-term potential, value, and position scarcity. Prioritize young, promising players or consistent performers who will likely maintain their value in the coming years.

What impact do injuries have on waiver wire priorities and start/sit decisions in fantasy football?

Injuries significantly impact waiver wire priorities and start/sit decisions. Monitor injury reports closely, as key players being questionable can change a player's value. Prioritize players who will see increased opportunities due to injuries, and adjust your lineup to account for unexpected absences.

Where can I find reliable updates on player injuries to inform my fantasy football decisions?

Reliable player injury updates can be found on reputable sports news websites like ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nfl/), NFL.com (https://www.nfl.com/), and CBS Sports (https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/). Fantasy football-specific sites like FantasyPros (https://www.fantasypros.com/) also provide up-to-date injury information and analysis.