Week 13 is finally here. Many leagues will be entering postseason play within the next two weeks, which means the time is now. By this point, many teams have finalized their lineups and are ready to go into the postseason…or the toilet bowl. However, many lagging injuries last week may have foiled those plans, like Darren Waller’s back, Dalvin Cook’s shoulder, and Christian McCaffrey’s ankle. At this point, it’s now or never. Here are my picks for those that need a potential spark in one of the most “risk it for the biscuit” weeks of them all.
Brandon’s Picks:
Two players you should start this week:
• Jaylen Waddle – Miami’s winning streak has surprised many over the past few weeks. The Dolphins’ offense has increased their points per game average from 17.5 in the first eight weeks to 22 over the last four. One of the major contributors to that offense has been Alabama rookie Jaylen Waddle. #17 has had double digit targets from Miami QB’s in four of the last seven games. Facing a Giants defense that has surrendered 243 yards and almost two touchdowns per game passing shouldn’t be enough to keep Waddle out of your lineup this week.
• Javonte Williams – This is the week Williams fans have been waiting for. With Melvin Gordan ruled out against the Chiefs, the backfield will finally be all in the hands of the former Tar Heel. While it may be concerning the Broncos offense has had some troubles scoring the season, the Denver rushing attack has still been able to put up over 95 yards in all but two games this year. Considering the volume Williams will be getting this week, he’s a surefire RB2 in what could be a potential track meet in Kansas City.
Two players you should sit this week:
• Mac Jones – Before we start, I am all in putting Mac Jones in the offensive rookie of the year conversation this season. For this week though, I digress. The Bills have had great success this season despite the 6-4 record. As the #1 defense in total yards allowed per game, Buffalo has only given up 15.8 points per game this year. Although Tre’Davious White is out for the season, the Bills have plenty of depth and a huge atmosphere in Orchard Park to help back them up. While it may be just a feeling, the numbers don’t like the idea of placing Mac Jones in starting lineups for Week 13.
• Jared Cook – During his time with the Saints and the Raiders, Cook put together some of the best tight end campaigns of the last decade. In Joe Lombardi’s offense, the veteran tight end has lost some week-to-week value in fantasy terms. With Donald Parham taking some of Cook’s snap count, the tight end target share has fallen within the Chargers’ passing game recently. With a Sunday showdown coming against Cincinnati, the game flow may favor a slugfest. While this brings allure to Cook, his recent snap counts and target charts bring me enough confidence to predict an average, not great, performance for the 34-year-old.
One player you could stream this week:
• DeAndre Carter – Want the ultimate boom or bust? It’s DeAndre Carter. After floating around the league in backup roles for over four years, Carter has found his chance in Washington. The listed WR3 has found his spot thanks to lagging injuries to Curtis Samuel. The former Sacramento State standout has reached the endzone in three of the last four contests. Not only that, but he has gotten a rush attempt, reception, and kick or punt return in each of those games. Unless you are in the rare 2% of ESPN leagues where Carter is owned, Carter is one the rare, addable players that will have touchdown allure from four different positions on Sunday.