Tag: fantasy-football-week-13

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 13

Check your waiver wire for these IDP Week 13 pickups.

We have all 32 teams in action for Week 13 with three games on Thursday and one on Friday this holiday week. So, Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate, and let’s feast on some IDP goodies.

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

EDGE Nolan Smith, Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles lost Brandon Graham for the season with a torn triceps, and Smith will step up into that EDGE rusher role. The 30th overall pick in last year’s draft had a hot stretch in October where he recorded 2 1/2 sacks in three games. He’ll be ready to cut it loose the rest of the way, and if he has DE eligibility, he’s a must-have.

EDGE D.J. Wonnum, Carolina Panthers

The former Minnesota Vikings EDGE missed most of the season with a quadriceps injury, but he has made his presence felt. He had six tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack in Week 10, and he notched five tackles and a sack in Week 12 with a bye in between.

Linebackers

LB Malcolm Rodriguez, Detroit Lions

The 25-year-old has had spurts of success, such as five tackles and a sack in Week 4, and seven tackles plus a sack in Week 7. He fell back into obscurity for a few weeks, but Rodriguez woke up with eight tackles in Week 12. He has a run-heavy matchup against the Chicago Bears this week and should be a flex candidate with Alex Anzalone (arm) lost to injury.

LB Tyrice Knight, Seattle Seahawks

The fourth-round pick from this past draft has taken off the last two weeks. He had 10 tackles in Week 11 and nine tackles with a sack in Week 12. Knight should be picked up if he’s still out there.

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LB Mohamoud Diabate, Cleveland Browns

The 23-year-old UDFA has been spotty the last few weeks with seven- and nine-tackle games and some underwhelming stat lines. He strongly came out of the Week 10 bye, though with seven and six tackles the last two weeks, respectively, and worth a pickup as a depth option.

Defensive backs

FS Jimmie Ward, Houston Texans

The 33-year-old veteran returned from a groin injury three weeks ago, and in two of the three he showed out. Ward tallied five tackles, an INT, and a PD in Week 10 with a quiet outing in Week 11 against Dallas. He came back Week 12 with six tackles, a PD, and a pick-six. He’ll have a good matchup against the Jags before his bye week.

CB Marcus Jones, New England Patriots

The former third-round pick has been a tackle machine the last two weeks. Jones had nine tackles in Week 11 and eight tackles with three PDs in Week 12. He’ll have a great matchup against the Indianapolis Colts before his bye week.

CB Josh Butler, Dallas Cowboys

This will depend on the status of CB Trevon Diggs, but Butler has been great the last two weeks in his place. He had five tackles and a PD in Week 11 to go along with 12 tackles, a sack, and three PDs in Week 12. He’ll face the lowly New York Giants in Week 13.

Fantasy football inactives, injuries and weather: Week 13

Week 13 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the fantasy football lineup decisions.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 13 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early games: WR Marquise Brown (active), WR Noah Brown (active), WR Tank Dell (active), WR Chris Olave (active), WR Keenan Allen (active), TE Trey McBride (active), RB Ezekiel Elliott (active)
Afternoon games: WR Chris Godwin (active)
Sunday night: WR Jayden Reed (active)
Monday night: RB Travis Etienne

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 54 degrees, cloudy, W 12 mph

Colts

Inactives:OG Jack Anderson, OG Arlington Hambright, RB Jonathan Taylor, LB Cameron McGrone, CB Julius Brents, WR Juwann Winfree and LB Isaiah Land

Lineup notes: RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) is out. C Ryan Kelly (concussion) cleared the protocol and will be available.

Titans

Inactives: SS Terrell Edmunds, DL Caleb Murphy, WR Kyle Philips, LB Trevis Gipson and QB Malik Willis

Lineup notes: WR Treylon Burks (concussion) is ready after being out for several weeks. He and QB Will Levis (ankle) practiced Friday. Levis will play.

Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 41 degrees, 100% rain

Chargers

Inactives: RB Isaiah Spiller, CB Ja’Sir Taylor, WR Simi Fehoko, TE Nick Vannett, OG Zack Bailey and DT Scott Matlock

Lineup notes: WR Keenan Allen (quadriceps) is indeed active. TE Gerald Everett (shoulder) and WR Quentin Johnston (ribs, finger) had full sessions Friday and also will play.

Patriots

Inactives: CB Alex Austin, RB JaMycal Hasty, DE Deatrich Wise Jr., WR Demario Douglas, WR Kayshon Boutte and OT Vederian Lowe

Lineup notes: WR Kayshon Boutte (shoulder, illness) and WR Demario Douglas (concussion) are out. RB Ezekiel Elliott (thigh) is will give it a whirl. QB Bailey Zappe draws the start, and QB Malik Cunningham was elevated to the 53-man roster. Starting LT Trent Brown (ankle/chest) is ready to roll.

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Lions

Inactives: DL Julian Okwara, LB Alex Anzalone, WR Antoine Green, DT Levi Onwuzurike, CB Steven Gilmore, DL Brodric Martin and DL Isaiah Buggs

Lineup notes: RB David Montgomery (foot) practiced Thursday and Friday and is good to go. LB Alex Anzalone (hand) will not travel and has been ruled out. LG Jonah Jackson (ankle/wrist) is ready to play.

Saints

Inactives: S Marcus Maye, RB Kendre Miller, CB Cameron Dantzler, OG Nick Saldiveri, QB Jake Haener, LB Pete Werner and WR Rashid Shaheed

Lineup notes: WR Michael Thomas (knee) went on IR. RB Kendre Miller (ankle) and WR Rashid Shaheed (thigh) are out. WR Chris Olave (concussion) was cleared and will play. WR Marquez Callaway was elevated to the active roster. C Erik McCoy (shoulder), PK Blake Grupe (right groin) and DE Cameron Jordan (ankle) are ready, too. S Marcus Maye (shoulder) will not be available.

Atlanta Falcons at New York Jets (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 48 degrees, cloudy

Falcons

Inactives: QB Logan Woodside, DE Joe Gaziano, WR Mack Hollins, TE John FitzPatrick, DT Travis Bell, OG Jovaughn Gwyn and CB Mike Hughes

Lineup notes: WR Mack Hollins (ankle) is not available this week.

Jets

Inactives: OT Austin Deculus, OT Billy Turner, CB Bryce Hall, WR Randall Cobb, QB Zach Wilson, DE Carl Lawson and LB Zaire Barnes

Lineup notes: QB Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) was designated to return from IR to open his 21-day practice window. He is not expected to play in 2023. RB Breece Hall (hamstring) and RB Dalvin Cook (shoulder) are ready after being labeled questionable.

Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 56 degrees, cloudy

Cardinals

Inactives: CB Antonio Hamilton, OT Dennis Daley, CB Starling Thomas, TE Blake Whiteheart, WR Michael Wilson and WR Zach Pascal

Lineup notes: WR Michael Wilson (shoulder) is out again. WR Marquise Brown (heel) will go, but WR Zach Pascal (personal) is inactive. TE Trey McBride (groin) and S Jalen Thompson (ribs) also will be out there.

Steelers

Inactives:CB Darius Rush, RB Anthony McFarland, LB Blake Martinez, QB Mason Rudolph, OT Dylan Cook and DT Montravius Adams

Lineup notes: WR Diontae Johnson (illness) and QB Kenny Pickett (ankle) practiced Friday and are good to go. S Minkah Fitzpatrick (hamstring) is off the injury report and will play.

Miami Dolphins at Washington Commanders (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 56 degrees, fog

Dolphins

Inactives: WR Robbie Chosen, OL Rob Jones, QB Skylar Thompson, TE Tyler Kroft, S Jevon Holland and CB Eli Apple

Lineup notes: WR Chase Claypool (knee) and RB De’Von Achane (knee) return after a full practice on Friday. WR Tyreek Hill (ankle) and RB Raheem Mostert (ankle, knee) will play despite limited work Thursday and Friday. QB Tua Tagovailoa (arm) practiced through an arm laceration and will go. S Jevon Holland (knees) isn’t ready, but LT Terron Armstead (knee/quad) is good to go. LG Robert Jones (knee) will miss this one.

Commanders

Inactives: FB Alex Armah, CB Emmanuel Forbes, OG Julian Good-Jones, TE Curtis Hodges, DL James Smith-Williams and WR Mitchell Tinsley

Lineup notes: CB Emmanuel Forbes (elbow) has been ruled out.

Denver Broncos at Houston Texans (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 67 degrees, cloudy (retractable-roof dome)

Broncos

Inactives:LB Ronnie Perkins, C Alex Forsyth, S JL Skinner, DL Thomas Incoom, QB Ben DiNucci, DT Elijah Garcia and TE Nate Adkins

Lineup notes: WR Jerry Jeudy (groin), WR Marvin Mims (hamstring) and PK Wil Lutz (hip) all practiced Friday and will play.

Texans

Inactives: QB Case Keenum, RB Mike Boone, LB Myjai Sanders, TE Dalton Schultz, WR Xavier Hutchinson and OG Nick Broeker

Lineup notes: TE Dalton Schultz (hamstring) has been ruled out. WR Noah Brown (knee) and WR Tank Dell (calf) are active after being questionable. QB C.J. Stroud (thigh) practiced all week and will go. DT Sheldon Rankins (elbow) is ready to roll.

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4:05 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 73 degrees, drizzle

Panthers

Inactives: CB Shaquill Griffin, WR Terrace Marshall Jr., TE Tommy Tremble, LB DJ X. Johnson, SS Vonn Bell, OT Ricky Lee and TE Hayden Hurst

Lineup notes: WR Laviska Shenault Jr. (ankle) was placed on IR. TE Hayden Hurst (concussion) remains out. WR Jonathan Mingo (Achilles) had a full session Friday and is good to go. CB CJ Henderson (concussion) cleared the protocol and will be available. S Vonn Bell (shoulder) was ruled out, but the secondary gets CB Jaycee Horn (hamstring) and S Jeremy Chinn (quadriceps) back from IR.

Buccaneers

Inactives: LB SirVocea Dennis, RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn, OT Brandon Walton, LB Devin White, LB Lavonte David, CB Jamel Dean and QB John Wolford

Lineup notes: WR Chris Godwin (neck) is active after being questionable entering the contest. QB Baker Mayfield (ankle) practiced all week and will play. LB Lavonte David (groin), CB Jamel Dean (ankle, foot), LB Devin White (foot) have been ruled out. Top backup LB SirVocea Dennis (illness) also won’t go.

Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Rams (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 65 degrees, cloudy (open-air dome)

Browns

Inactives: CB Denzel Ward, C Luke Wypler, QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, WR Marquise Goodwin, DT Siaki Ika, DL Isaiah McGuire and OT Leroy Watson

Lineup notes: QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (concussion) is out, so QB Joe Flacco will start after being elevated from the practice squad on Saturday. RB Kareem Hunt (groin) was limited Thursday and Friday but doesn’t carry an injury tag. CB Denzel Ward (shoulder) was ruled out again, but DE Myles Garrett (shoulder) isn’t on the final report.

Rams

Inactives: DL Nick Hampton, TE Brycen Hopkins, DE Earnest Brown, S Quentin Lake and OT Warren McClendon

Lineup notes: WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) practiced all week and will play.

San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 52 degrees, cloudy

49ers

Inactives: OG Ben Bartch, TE Brayden Willis, LB Jalen Graham, RB Tyrion Davis-Price, WR Ray-Ray McCloud and DL Robert Beal Jr.

Lineup notes: DT Arik Armstead (foot) is available.

Eagles

Inactives: OG Sua Opeta, QB Tanner McKee, LB Zach Cunningham, TE Dallas Goedert and RB Rashaad Penny

Lineup notes: TE Dallas Goedert (forearm) is inactive, as expected. WR A.J. Brown (thigh), WR DeVonta Smith (knee) and RB D’Andre Swift (ankle) had a full practice Friday and will play. DT Fletcher Cox (groin) will go, but LB Zach Cunningham (hamstring) was ruled out.

Sunday Night Football

Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers (8:20 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 30 degrees, cloudy

Chiefs

Inactives: RB Jerick McKinnon, DL Malik Herring, DE B.J. Thompson, OG Mike Caliendo, DT Neil Farrell and CB Nic Jones

Lineup notes: WR Mecole Hardman (thumb) was placed on IR after thumb surgery but says he’ll be back before the end of the regular season. RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) was downgraded to out. WR Kadarius Toney (ankle, hip), WR Rashee Rice (foot) and WR Skyy Moore (knee) will play after full practices Friday. LB Nick Bolton (wrist) won’t return this week.

Packers

Inactives: RB Aaron Jones, CB Jaire Alexander, WR Samori Toure, DL Brenton Cox, OT Caleb Jones and TE Josiah Deguara

Lineup notes: RB Aaron Jones (knee) is out again. WR Jayden Reed (chest) will gut it out. RB AJ Dillon (groin) was idle Wednesday and limited the rest of the week, but he’ll play. RB James Robinson was elevated from the practice squad. S Darnell Savage (calf) was activated from injured reserve. LB De’Vondre Campbell (neck) will give it a whirl, though CB Jaire Alexander (shoulder) is out.

Monday Night Football

Cincinnati Bengals at Jacksonville Jaguars (8:15 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 62 degrees, cloudy

Bengals

Lineup notes: QB Joe Burrow (wrist) was finally placed on IR and is expected to be out for the season. WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) will return after escaping an official injury designation. QB Jake Browning (wrist) has practiced all week. CB Cam Taylor-Britt (quad/ankle) was ruled out.

Jaguars

Lineup notes: RB Travis Etienne (ribs) is questionable but is expected to play. Just in case something flares up, be prepared to replace him with RB D’Ernest Johnson or RB Tank Bigsby.

Fantasy football injury report: Week 13

Latest status of fantasy football weapons who are on the mend entering Week 13.

This is a team-by-team review of any key fantasy football player injury news after this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s official injury report will be addressed, unless the situation warrants further attention.

PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases its final official injury report each Friday (approximately 5:30 p.m. ET). West Coast teams often report their injuries late and may not be included in the initial publication.

Week 13 fantasy football injury report

This week’s key game-time decisions: WR Marquise Brown, RB Breece Hall, WR Chris Godwin, WR Noah Brown, WR Tank Dell, WR Chris Olave, WR Keenan Allen, RB Travis Etienne, TE Trey McBride, WR Jayden Reed, RB Ezekiel Elliott

ARIZONA CARDINALS 
WR Michael Wilson (shoulder) is out again. WR Marquise Brown (heel) and WR Zach Pascal (personal) are questionable. Neither practiced Thursday or Friday. TE Trey McBride (groin) also is questionable and was limited Thursday and Friday. Consider all three to be game-time decisions.

ATLANTA FALCONS 
WR Mack Hollins (ankle) is questionable after limited work all week.

BALTIMORE RAVENS – Bye week
TE Mark Andrews (ankle) went on IR with a season-ending ankle injury. 

BUFFALO BILLS – Bye week
TE Dawson Knox (wrist) remains on IR.

CAROLINA PANTHERS 
WR Laviska Shenault Jr. (ankle) was placed on IR. TE Hayden Hurst (concussion) remains out. WR Jonathan Mingo (Achilles) had a full session Friday and is good to go.

CHICAGO BEARS – Bye week
No injuries of fantasy relevance.

CINCINNATI BENGALS – Monday night
QB Joe Burrow (wrist) was finally placed on IR and is expected to be out for the season. WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) looks poised to return after a full session Friday. QB Jake Browning (wrist) has practiced all week.

CLEVELAND BROWNS
QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (concussion) is out. RB Kareem Hunt (groin) was limited Thursday and Friday but doesn’t carry an injury tag.

DALLAS COWBOYS – Played Thursday
RB Rico Dowdle (ankle) was able to play Thursday.

DENVER BRONCOS 
WR Jerry Jeudy (groin), WR Marvin Mims (hamstring) and PK Wil Lutz (hip) all practiced Friday and will play.

DETROIT LIONS
RB David Montgomery (foot) practiced Thursday and Friday and is good to go.

GREEN BAY PACKERS 
RB Aaron Jones (knee) is out again. WR Jayden Reed (chest) is questionable after he saw his first action, in limited fashion, in Friday’s practice. RB AJ Dillon (groin) was idle Wednesday and limited the rest of the week, but he’ll play.

HOUSTON TEXANS
TE Dalton Schultz (hamstring) has been ruled out. WR Noah Brown (knee) and WR Tank Dell (calf) are questionable. QB C.J. Stroud (thigh) practiced all week and will go.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 
RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) is out. WR Isaiah McKenzie (toe) and TE Andrew Ogletree (foot) are good to go after full sessions Friday.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS – Monday night
RB Travis Etienne (ribs) has been limited thus far and will be worth monitoring.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
WR Mecole Hardman (thumb) was placed on IR after thumb surgery but says he’ll be back before the end of the regular season. RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) is questionable this week after limited work Thursday and Friday. WR Kadarius Toney (ankle, hip), WR Rashee Rice (foot) and WR Skyy Moore (knee) will play after full practices Friday.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS – Bye week
No injuries of fantasy relevance.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
WR Keenan Allen (quadriceps) joins the laundry list of important receivers listed as questionable this week. He sat out until he saw limited work Friday and is a game-time decision. TE Gerald Everett (shoulder) and WR Quentin Johnston (ribs, finger) had full sessions Friday and will play.

LOS ANGELES RAMS
WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) practiced all week and will play.

MIAMI DOLPHINS 
RB Salvon Ahmed (foot) remains on IR. WR Chase Claypool (knee) and RB De’Von Achane (knee) are poised to return after a full practice Friday. WR Tyreek Hill (ankle) and RB Raheem Mostert (ankle, knee) are slated to play despite limited work Thursday and Friday. QB Tua Tagovailoa (arm) practiced through an arm laceration and will go.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS – Bye week
WR Justin Jefferson (hamstring) was activated from IR and is due back in Week 14.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 
WR Kayshon Boutte (shoulder, illness) and WR Demario Douglas (concussion) are out. RB Ezekiel Elliott (thigh) is questionable after limited work all week.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 
WR Michael Thomas (knee) went on IR. RB Kendre Miller (ankle) and WR Rashid Shaheed (thigh) are out. WR Chris Olave (concussion) is questionable but had a full practice Friday.

NEW YORK GIANTS – Bye week
TE Darren Waller (hamstring) remains on IR.

NEW YORK JETS 
QB Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) was designated to return from IR to open his 21-day practice window. He won’t play this week. RBs Breece Hall (hamstring) and Dalvin Cook (shoulder) are questionable. Hall made it back for a full practice Friday, but Cook was limited.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 
TE Dallas Goedert (forearm) is doubtful this week. He saw his first practice action as he was limited Friday. WR A.J. Brown (thigh), WR DeVonta Smith (knee) and RB D’Andre Swift (ankle) had a full practice Friday and will play.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 
WR Diontae Johnson (illness) and QB Kenny Pickett (ankle) practiced Friday and are good to go.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 
No injuries of fantasy relevance.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – Played Thursday
RB Kenneth Walker III (oblique) was out again. RB Zach Charbonnet (knee) left the game with a bruised knee and didn’t return.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
WR Chris Godwin (neck) is questionable, and he didn’t practice Friday. QB Baker Mayfield (ankle) practiced all week and will play.

TENNESSEE TITANS 
WR Treylon Burks (concussion) is questionable after being out for several weeks. He and QB Will Levis (ankle) practiced Friday. Levis will play.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
No injuries of fantasy relevance.

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 13

Check out these starts and sits in fantasy football for Week 13.

Following a thrilling Thursday night game between the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks, it’s now time to turn our attention to the big start/sit decisions lingering over fantasy football lineups for Week 13.

This is a brutal week all around. Between injuries and the fact that six teams are on a bye, the options are thin. As a reminder, the teams on a bye in Week 13 include the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Vikings.

Doing start/sit articles can be a little challenging. The players featured on the list below should not be taken as “must starts” or “must sits.” Instead, these are more suggestions on what we believe managers should do with fringe players heading into the weekend. The choice is ultimately up to the manager.

Just because a player is listed as a “start” doesn’t mean he should be put in the lineup over the secure, bona fide studs. Vice versa for the “sits.” If there’s no better option on the waiver wire or the bench, a manager shouldn’t automatically sit the player. That’s why these can be tricky waters to navigate.

Feel free to ask any specific start/sit questions via X, formerly Twitter, (@KevinHickey11), or check out our start/bench list for Week 13:

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 13

Six bye teams makes settling on a safer floor a little more important this week.

Every week, at least one player becomes my fascination of whether he’s worthy of a fantasy football start as a streamer. The decision can be a mental wrestling match, but for the purpose of brevity, only one player can be chosen as my favorite fantasy football gamble of the week.

The players chosen in this series are meant to be fliers for fantasy owners in desperate situations or those willing to take an intentional risk. No player is intended to be a lineup lock for guaranteed results, hence the name of the series.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 13

Tracking my 2023 predictions: 5-7-0
All-time record: 24-38-3 (39.2%)

Win: Player produces ≥ 75% of projected fantasy points
Loss: Player produces >75% of projected fantasy points
Tie: Player is ejected, leaves with an injury, or is ruled out after publishing

This year, we’ll also track the accuracy on a percentage basis to show relative results, since sometimes calling a player a loss doesn’t actually hurt gamers. An example would be if a projection narrowly falls short of the 75 percent threshold, the player is still of use in a lineup.

Wk 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
% 55 74.7 41.7 20.8 150.3 66.5 16.1 25.5 88 121.4 138.8 80.3
Grade E C F- F- A+ D F- F- B+ A+ A+ B-

The one thing I most worried about last week when recommending Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew was the possibility of Jonathan Taylor defying the odds and stealing the show, which is what happened. Tampa Bay had been stout vs. running backs basically all year, but the star back ran for two touchdowns and Indy didn’t have to throw a ton. Fortunately, Minshew punched in one of his own, which saved my bacon since he failed to throw for a touchdown.

This week, we stick with the quarterback position in a week that features six teams on bye, and four of them tend to be worthy of fantasy attention. While I’m not entirely confident in this week’s choice, he makes for a valid boom-or-bust play with the fake playoffs are looming.

Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson at Houston Texans

Even during Denver’s recent five-game winning streak, Wilson has not thrown for more than 259 yards in any outing, and he has topped out at 20.7 PPR points. A major reason for Denver’s success is the coaching staff has taken the ball out of his hands in an effort to limit his opportunities for making mistakes, which has paid off. Wilson hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 6, and the Broncos have relied on the running game to help alleviate pressure. In Denver’s six wins this year, Wilson has thrown fewer than 30 passes in all but one outing, making efficiency paramount with respect to his fantasy output.

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During the recent winning streak, Wilson has averaged 18.9 fantasy points and would rank 15th in per-game results at the position (among QBs with at least four starts). He has outperformed Patrick Mahomes in that window. In this upcoming bye-heavy week, gamers lose Josh Allen and Joshua Dobbs from the 14 passers ranked ahead of Wilson. But frequent starters Justin Fields and Lamar Jackson are off this week to further diminish the pool. Translation: Our standards of what we constitute as a successful fantasy play should be lowered.

On Houston’s side of this matchup, the defense has allowed quarterbacks to average the 11th-most fantasy points per game on the year, but that number jumps to No. 7 in the last five weeks. QBs have rushed for a pair of scores in that span, and Wilson has one to his credit, too, but any ground-based success should be considered a bonus here. Removing the rushing TDs positions Houston as the ninth-weakest unit at defending signal callers in that period of play.

In terms of raw numbers, this level of success looks like 285 yards, a TD every 16.1 completions, and an interception every 42.3 attempts. The yardage sits fifth, whereas the scoring rate is a neutral 17th. Getting back to Wilson’s need for efficiency, the Texans have yielded the ninth-highest rate of fantasy points per play and the third-best yards per completion.

Furthermore, Houston has held RBs to the sixth-fewest rushing yards, on average, since Week 7, and this is a neutral matchup for getting into the end zone on the ground.

In closing, don’t feel strongly compelled to start Wilson if there’s a clearer option present. If the target is to start a solid player with a quality matchup outlook, ample weaponry, and a reasonably sturdy floor, Wilson is a low-end starting option.

My projection: 20-of-30 attempts, 264 yards, 2 TDs, 5 rushes, 23 yards (23.7 fantasy points)

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 13

Check your waiver wire for these IDP options ahead of Week 13.

The weeks are dwindling, but we hope the W’s are piling up as the fantasy playoffs come into focus. We have six teams on a bye this week, and it will be a crucial one to nail your waiver claims and pounce on those guys who probably shouldn’t have been dropped.

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

DE Samson Ebukam, Indianapolis Colts

The seventh-year pro has been useful at times in fantasy. He had a stretch early in the year with a sack in four of five games and sprinkled in some four-tackle games as well. He came out of the bye week with four tackles, a forced fumble and two sacks. He has the Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals to terrorize the next two weeks.

DE BJ Ojulari, Arizona Cardinals

The second-round pick is starting to cause some havoc. Here are his last five game logs: two tackles, one sack; four tackles; eight tackles, two sacks; one tackle, one sack; and five tackles. He’s getting it done in different ways. He has the Pittsburgh Steelers this week before his bye in Week 14, so it may be a short-term pickup.

Linebackers

LB Krys Barnes, Arizona Cardinals

When healthy, this guy makes a difference. The problem is keeping him healthy. He had two, seven-tackle games early in the year and was injured. He returned two weeks ago with three tackles, an INT and two pass defenses and had seven tackles last week.

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LB Sione Takitaki, Cleveland Browns

The fifth-year pro is on the fringe but has a couple of notable performances recently. Takitaki had five tackles and a pass defense two weeks ago and six tackles last week. The Browns have a few injuries in their linebacking corps, and he looks poised to take advantage.

LB Anfernee Jennings, New England Patriots

The 2020 third-round pick has posted three solid games in a row. He had four tackles three weeks ago, seen tackles two weeks ago and broke off four tackles and 1.5 sacks last week. He’s a fit in deeper leagues if you’re covering a bye.

Defensive backs

S Trenton Thompson, Pittsburgh Steelers

This one may hinge on the health of Minkah Fitzpatrick, but the former UDFA has played well the last two weeks. He had six tackles and two pass defenses in Week 11 and five tackles, an INT and a pass defense in Week 12. He may get a longer look down the stretch.

FS Tyrann Mathieu, New Orleans Saints

We featured the “Honey Badger” a couple of weeks ago, and he just keeps performing. He came out of the bye week with four tackles, two INTs and two pass defenses. He had eight tackles in the game before his bye week. If you didn’t bite then, you should now.

CB DaRon Bland, Dallas Cowboys

Throw out the pick-six record, and when you focus on the more realistic counting numbers, he has been great. He has a pass defense in eight straight games and an INT in three straight. He had 10 tackles last week and at least four in three straight and four of five.

The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 204

Talking NFL player news, fantasy football advice, DFS strategy and more!

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you NFL news, understanding the luck element in fantasy football, and “DFS Pay-ups, Stay-aways and Value Plays.” So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or, click here to listen

Gameday inactives, injuries and weather: Week 13

Week 13 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 13 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early games: WR Jerry Jeudy (active), WR Courtland Sutton (active), WR Romeo Doubs (inactive), RB Travis Etienne (active), WR Zay Jones (active), RB Michael Carter (inactive), RB Antonio Gibson (active)
Afternoon games: WR Deebo Samuel (active), WR Ja’Marr Chase (active), RB Joe Mixon (inactive), RB Josh Jacobs (active)
Sunday night: WR Michael Gallup (active)
Monday night:

Sunday afternoon

New York Jets at Minnesota Vikings (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Jets

Inactives: WR Jeff Smith, S Ashtyn Davis, TE Jeremy Ruckert, RB Michael Carter, CB Bryce Hall and QB Zach Wilson

Lineup notes: RB Michael Carter (ankle) couldn’t get right in time, though OT Duane Brown (shoulder) will play.

Vikings

Inactives: DL Ross Blacklock, OT Christian Darrisaw, TE Ben Ellefson, LB Luiji Vilain, OT Vederian Lowe and DE Esezi Otomewo

Lineup notes: OT Christian Darrisaw (concussion) remains out.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Steelers

Inactives: LB Mark Robinson, QB Mason Rudolph, CB Josh Jackson, OG Kendrick Green and DE Isaiahh Loudermilk

Lineup notes: LB T.J. Watt (ribs) and RB Jaylen Warren (hamstring), RB Najee Harris (oblique) and RB Benny Snell (knee) are good to go.

Falcons

Inactives: WR Frank Darby, CB Rashad Fenton, DE Arnold Ebiketie, DL Jalen Dalton, LB Nathan Landman, OT Chuma Edoga and CB Jovante Moffatt

Lineup notes: TE Kyle Pitts (knee) will end the season on IR.

Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 35 degrees, clear SW 12 mph

Packers

Inactives: DT Jonathan Ford, CB Shemar Jean-Charles, S Darnell Savage, LB Krys Barnes, OT David Bakhtiari and WR Romeo Doubs

Lineup notes: WR Romeo Doubs (ankle) will not be available, but RB AJ Dillon (quadriceps), RB Aaron Jones (shin, glute) and QB Aaron Rodgers (thumb, rib) are good to go. OT David Bakhtiari (knee, appendectomy) will not play.

Bears

Inactives: FB Khari Blasingame, CB Kindle Vildor, CB Kyler Gordon, OT Ja’Tyre Carter, OT Larry Borom, S Jaquan Brisker and QB Tim Boyle

Lineup notes: RB Khalil Herbert (hip) remains on IR. WR Darnell Mooney (ankle) will miss the rest of the season on IR. QB Justin Fields (shoulder) and WR Chase Claypool (knee) are good to go.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Detroit Lions (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Jaguars

Inactives: S Andre Cisco, CB Tre Herndon, RB Darrell Henderson, LB De’Shaan Dixon and WR Kendric Pryor

Lineup notes: RB Travis Etienne (foot) will be on the field, though RB Darrell Henderson (illness) is inactive. WR Zay Jones (chest) is active despite a questionable tag.

Lions

Inactives: OG Logan Stenberg, CB Amani Oruwariye, WR Tom Kennedy, DL Michael Brockers, C Evan Brown and DL Romeo Okwara

Lineup notes: WR Jameson Williams (knee) was activated from the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list on Saturday and is active for his NFL debut.

Tennessee Titans at Philadelphia Eagles (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 43 degrees, clear

Titans

Inactives: DL Denico Autry, OG Jordan Roos, DE Sam Okuayinonu, DT Naquan Jones, CB Elijah Molden, WR Cody Hollister and RB Hassan Haskins

Lineup notes: WR Treylon Burks (illness) and QB Ryan Tannehill (ankle) are good to go. PK Randy Bullock returns after missing some time of late.

Eagles

Inactives: DL Robert Quinn, OG Sua Opeta, QB Ian Book, CB Josh Jobe, OG Josh Sills and RB Trey Sermon

Lineup notes: TE Dallas Goedert (shoulder) remains on IR with a shoulder injury. WR DeVonta Smith (groin) was limited early in the week, but he’ll play. DT Jordan Davis was activated from injured reserve, while S C.J. Gardner-Johnson placed on the list.

Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 43 degrees, clear

Broncos

Inactives: DB K’Waun Williams, TE Albert Okwuegbunam, TE Andrew Beck, LB Dakota Allen, S Anthony Harris, DL Jonathan Harris and CB Michael Ojemudia

Lineup notes: RB Chase Edmonds (ankle) remains on IR, and WR K.J. Hamler (hamstring) joined him on the list this week. RB Mike Boone was activated from IR. WR Jerry Jeudy (ankle) and WR Courtland Sutton (illness) will play through questionable tags. WR Kendall Hinton (foot) practiced Friday and is good to go.

Ravens

Inactives: LB David Ojabo, OT Ronnie Stanley, LB Del’Shawn Phillips, LB Josh Bynes, RB Mike Davis, TE Charlie Kolar and CB Damarion Williams

Lineup notes: OT Ronnie Stanley (ankle) won’t be available yet again. QB Lamar Jackson (quadriceps) is good to go. WR DeSean Jackson was elevated from the practice squad.

Washington Commanders at New York Giants (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 43 degrees, clear

Commanders

Inactives: DE Chase Young, WR Dax Milne, OT Chris Paul, LB De’Jon Harris, CB Benjamin St-Juste and OG Trai Turner

Lineup notes: RB Antonio Gibson (foot) will give it a whirl, but DE Chase Young (knee) isn’t ready yet. TE Logan Thomas (rib) is good to go.

Giants

Inactives: CB Adoree’ Jackson, CB Darnay Holmes, OG Joshua Ezeudu, LB Elerson Smith, WR Kenny Golladay, TE Lawrence Cager and OG Shane Lemieux

Lineup notes: WR Wan’Dale Robinson (knee) will end the season on IR. TE Daniel Bellinger (eye), WR Richie James (knee) and WR Darius Slayton (illness) all will be available. WR Kenny Golladay (illness) was added to the injury report Saturday and has been declared inactive.

Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans (1:00 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 64 degrees, overcast (retractable-roof dome)

Browns

Inactives: TE David Njoku, DE Isaiah Thomas, QB Kellen Mond, DB Thomas Graham, WR Michael Woods II and DT Tommy Togiai

Lineup notes: TE David Njoku (knee) has been ruled out.

Texans

Inactives: RB Rex Burkhead, OT Austin Deculus, WR Brandin Cooks, CB Derek Stingley Jr., DT Thomas Booker and TE O.J. Howard

Lineup notes: WR Brandin Cooks (calf) has been ruled out again. RB Rex Burkhead (concussion) will be held out of this one. QB Deshaun Watson returns to the field after serving an 11-game suspension and missing 2021.

Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams (4:05 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 59 degrees, overcast (open-air dome)

Seahawks

Inactives: OT Jake Curhan, DT Myles Adams, CB Artie Burns, S Johnathan Abram, RB Travis Homer, WR Penny Hart and DL L.J. Collier

Lineup notes: LB Jordyn Brooks (illness) will suit up despite battling an illness.

Rams

Inactives: DL Aaron Donald, LB Terrell Lewis, LB Travin Howard, CB Troy Hill, OT Bobby Evans and WR Lance McCutcheon

Lineup notes: WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) remains on IR. WR Allen Robinson (foot) will miss the rest of the season following foot surgery. DT Aaron Donald (ankle) will not play, and QB Matthew Stafford (neck) has been placed on IR, effectively ending his season. QB John Wolford will start this week in Stafford’s absence. RB Cam Akers (illness) will play.

Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers (4:05 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 59 degrees, 27% chance of drizzle

Dolphins

Inactives: QB Teddy Bridgewater, OT Austin Jackson, OT Terron Armstead, RB Myles Gaskin, CB Noah Igbinoghene, WR Erik Ezukanma and TE Hunter Long

Lineup notes: RB Raheem Mostert (knee) and QB Tua Tagovailoa (ankle) are set to play.

49ers

Inactives: DL T.Y. McGill, TE Ross Dwelley, LB Curtis Robinson and OG Spencer Burford

Lineup notes: RB Elijah Mitchell (knee) was placed on IR. WR Deebo Samuel (quadriceps) was limited Friday and deemed questionable, but he is active. QB Jimmy Garoppolo (knee) and RB Christian McCaffrey (knee) are good to go.

Kansas City Chiefs at Cincinnati Bengals (4:25 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 43 degrees, clear

Chiefs

Inactives: S Deon Bush, DE Joshua Kaindoh, QB Shane Buechele, OT Geron Christian, WR Kadarius Toney, OG Joe Thuney and DL Malik Herring

Lineup notes: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) and WR Mecole Hardman (abdomen) are on IR. WR Kadarius Toney (hamstring) is out as well. RB Jerick McKinnon (hamstring), WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (illness) and WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (shoulder) missed some practice time but are good to go. Standout OG Joe Thuney (ankle) is not ready yet.

Bengals

Inactives: OT Jackson Carman, OT D’Ante Smith, DT Jay Tufele, DE Jeffrey Gunter, RB Joe Mixon and P Kevin Huber

Lineup notes: WR Ja’Marr Chase (hip) makes his return after a month-long layoff, but RB Joe Mixon (concussion) will miss another one.

Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders (4:25 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Chargers

Inactives: C Corey Linsley, RB Sony Michel, WR Jason Moore, OT Trey Pipkins, QB Easton Stick and WR Mike Williams

Lineup notes: WR Mike Williams (ankle) is out once again. LB Drue Tranquill (illness) didn’t practice Friday and is questionable but will be available.

Raiders

Inactives: DE Kendal Vickers, DT Andrew Billings, TE Jesper Horsted, RB Brittain Brown, DB Tyler Hall and DT Neil Farrell

Lineup notes: RB Josh Jacobs (calf) took it easy all week in practice but is active. QB Derek Carr (back) is good to go.

Sunday night

Indianapolis Colts at Dallas Cowboys (8:20 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 54 degrees, overcast

Colts

Inactives: QB Sam Ehlinger, OG Braden Smith, WR Keke Coutee, DT Chris Z. Williams, DB Kenny Moore II and DE Khalid Kareem

Lineup notes: LB Shaquille Leonard (back) is done for the season after his second back surgery in five months.

Cowboys

Inactives: S Markquese Bell, CB Nahshon Wright, QB Will Grier, LB Jabril Cox and DT Quinton Bohanna

Lineup notes: WR Michael Gallup (illness) is active after being questionable.

Monday night

New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8:15 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 70 degrees, clear

Saints

Lineup notes: WR Jarvis Landry (ankle) was limited, and RB Mark Ingram (foot) was a full-go the last two days, and neither is on the injury report with a designation. TE Juwan Johnson (ankle) has been ruled out. CB Marshon Lattimore (abdomen) is questionable, and CB P.J. Williams (knee) has been declared out.

Buccaneers

Lineup notes: WR Russell Gage (hamstring) was upgraded to being a full participant but is questionable. RB Leonard Fournette (hip) has practiced fully this week. Yet, he’s also questionable to play. DL Akiem Hicks (foot) questionable and DT Vita Vea (foot) questionable are questionable, too. S Mike Edwards (hamstring), CB Sean Murphy-Bunting (quadriceps) and S Antoine Winfield (ankle) have been deemed doubtful to play. OT Tristan Wirfs (ankle, knee) was ruled out.

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 13

Check out these start/sit decisions for fantasy football in Week 13.

Following the Thursday night game between the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots, it’s time for fantasy football managers to stare at their lineups contemplating start/sit decisions.

As the weekend approaches, there are only two teams on a bye in Week 13: the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers.

Doing start/sit articles can be a little challenging. The players featured on the list below should not be taken as “must starts” or “must sits.” Instead, these are more suggestions on what we believe managers should do with fringe players heading into the weekend. The choice is ultimately up to the manager.

Just because a player is listed as a “start” doesn’t mean he should be put in the lineup over the secure, bona fide studs. Vice versa for the “sits.” If there’s no better option on the waiver wire or the bench, a manager shouldn’t automatically sit the player. That’s why these can be tricky waters to navigate.

You also can check out our start and sit bench list for Week 13:

The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 184

Week 13 fantasy football news, daily lineup tips, and more!

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you B.P.N. NFL news, their “too early” 2023 top-12 running back rankings, and their DFS pay-ups, stay-aways and value plays. So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or, click here to listen