In this article, we take a look at the list of games for Week 13 in an effort to give you options that we think can help you get the most out of your lineup. We are looking to maximize your lineup by giving you a few cheaper options that can help you to get your lineup loaded up in other areas.
We give consideration to the script of each of the games to determine how these games will likely play out. We also evaluate the play of the wide receivers and tight ends and how they will match up with the defenses they will face. We also look at players that are injured, or those coming back from injury. We then target plays that we like and a few that we don’t.
With the help of our defensive guru Aaron Rudnicki, let’s take a look at players that we both like and a few that we would avoid this week.
GOOD MATCHUPS
Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta @ Tampa Bay ($9,000)
Bischoff: The Buccaneers are tied for the third worst amount of touchdowns surrendered via the pass in 2015 having given up 23. This game has the potential to be a high-scoring affair and one that Jones should dominate. It’s tough to pay Jones’ price but he has the potential to pay huge dividends in this matchup.
Rudnicki: Jones is coming off one of his few poor outings this year as the Vikings defended him well, and Ryan only targeted him 7 times (2nd lowest total of the year). Things should get much easier for him this week, however, as he figures to draw most of his snaps against rookie corner Jude Adjei-Barimah. Tampa has made some changes in the secondary since, but Jones also torched this team for 12/162/1 back in week 8.
Ted Ginn Jr, WR, Carolina @ New Orleans ($3,600)
Bischoff: The New Orleans Saints pass defense has been the gift that keeps giving in 2015 and they’ll be giving this Sunday to the Panthers and those that choose the receiving options for the Panthers. Ginn is realistically a tremendous vertical threat but little else so when he makes a play it is a big one. At this price, he needs one big play to attain value and he’ll have multiple chances against this beleaguered secondary.
Rudnicki: Ginn was not targeted last week as the Panthers dominated the Cowboys and had little reason to throw downfield. He’s been the best WR for Cam Newton all year though and this week he figures to match up against one of the league’s worst corners in Brandon Browner. Browner is a big physical corner who should be no match for Ginn’s speed.
T.Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis @ Pittsburgh ($5,700)
Bischoff: Hilton scored twice last week with backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck at the helm and this week the Colts travel to Pittsburgh to face a poorly performing Steelers secondary. Hilton’s price is absurdly low, given what he is capable of doing in the vertical passing game. He’ll be in quite a few lineups of mine at his price as I expect him to have a big game Sunday.
Rudnicki: Hilton hasn’t had a strong year, but he seemed to be on the same page with Matt Hasselbeck last week as he exploded for 2 touchdowns against Tampa Bay. He’s expected to line up opposite Steelers CB Antwon Blake this week, and he has struggled in coverage and was part of a secondary that just gave up 5 TD passes to Russell Wilson last week.
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Kansas City @ Oakland ($5,200)
Bischoff: The Raiders are the No. 29 ranked pass defense in the NFL and they have given up the third most 20+ yard passing plays through 11 games. Maclin and quarterback Alex Smith had it going last week and they should be able to take advantage of the matchup this week to make a few big plays. Given the price to play Maclin, and the matchup versus the Raiders, I’d get Maclin into as many lineups as I could as he has the opportunity to have a big game.
Rudnicki: Despite what looked like a pretty tough matchup last week, Maclin managed to post one of the biggest games of the week (9/160/1). Now he gets a chance to beat up on the Oakland secondary, which should improve due to the D.J. Hayden benching, but are still one of the weaker units in the league.
Brandon LaFell, WR, New England vs. Philadelphia ($4,800)
Bischoff: The Patriots system rewards opportunity, it’s that simple. Wide receiver Julian Edelman and tight end Rob Gronkowski are out, and receiver Danny Amendola is questionable so LaFell falls into a giant opportunity in Week 13. The Eagles have been dismantled against the pass over the past three games, giving up 12 touchdowns during the span. The Patriots won’t be slowed down much against this defenses and I’d expect a very nice performance from LaFell.
Rudnicki: LaFell has had very tough matchups the past two weeks (vs BUF, @ DEN) so it’s not a surprise that his stats were underwhelming despite all the injuries around him. He should find things much easier this week, however, as he figures to be matched up primarily against rookie CB Eric Rowe. After replacing the injured Nolan Carroll last week, Rowe gave up 2 touchdowns to Calvin Johnson and Brady will almost certainly test him in this game.
Kamar Aiken, WR, Baltimore @ Miami ($4,800)
Bischoff: The matchup for Aiken against the struggling Dolphins secondary is one that the Ravens should exploit in Week 13. Aiken and backup quarterback Matt Schaub looked to have an instant rapport as the wide receiver saw 10 targets last week, catching six passes and registering 80 yards and a score. That kind of stat-line gets him to GPP value at his price, and considering the issues in the Dolphins secondary, getting Aiken into your lineup is a wise move.
Rudnicki: Aiken has picked up the slack created by the injury to Steve Smith with touchdowns in his last two games. The switch to Matt Schaub at quarterback didn’t seem to slow him down much, and he should find himself with a very winnable matchup this week. The Dolphins gave up six touchdowns to opposing WRs in the past two games alone, and Aiken figures to match up primarily against the ineffective CB Jamar Taylor (assuming he’s not benched).
A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati @ Cleveland ($7,600)
Bischoff: The Browns have issues all around on defense but Green presents an enormous problem as the Browns don’t have the personnel to slow him down. Even at the hefty price, he should be in lineups because of his ability to turn one target into a big score. Last week he scored twice against the Rams and this week it’s a much easier test.
Rudnicki: Green woke up from a cold streak last week with a pair of touchdowns against the normally tough Rams defense. Joe Haden has not played well and could be shut down with concussion problems, but that would likely mean a matchup with either the 5’9” K’Waun Williams or first-round bust Justin Gilbert.
Anquan Boldin, WR, San Francisco @ Chicago ($4,100)
Bischoff: Boldin is a very big-bodied wide receiver that has slowed down some, but he still runs phenomenal routes and he will expose the slot-corner on most teams. This week he goes on the road to Chicago, and he should have an advantage as he and quarterback Blaine Gabbert look to have some chemistry together. In two games with Gabbert, Boldin has been targeted 18 times, catching 131 passes for 186 yards but he hasn’t scored. If he scores a touchdown with that kind of volume, he’s a tremendous value in cash and GPP play.
Rudnicki: Boldin’s value seems to have improved with the 49ers quarterback change as he’s posted strong games in back-to-back weeks despite difficult matchups against Seattle and Arizona. The play of the Bears corners have improved lately, but the weak spot remains in the slot. Nickel corner Bryce Callahan took over the position a month ago after being promoted from the practice squad, and he’s going to have a hard time dealing with the much bigger and more experienced Boldin.
Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta ($7,300)
Bischoff: Evans has been on this side of the list recently because of his target volume and his ability to score touchdowns in bunches. This game looks like a shootout to me, and one in which the Buccaneers will likely be throwing the ball all over the field to keep pace with the potent Falcons offense. Evans has been targeted 49 times over the past four games and I like his chances with that kind of volume.
Rudnicki: The Falcons have a shutdown corner in Desmond Trufant, but he doesn’t leave his side of the field to shadow an opposing team’s No. 1 WR. Since Evans primarily lines up on the other side, he should be able to avoid him quite often and go against the less intimidating Robert Alford or Jalen Collins. If Trufant shuts down Vincent Jackson on the other side as expected, that should lead to more targets for Evans (which you have to hope he won’t drop).
Pierre Garcon, WR, Washington vs. Dallas ($4,200)
Bischoff: The Redskins are playing better than most expected and this NFC East matchup is pivotal as the Redskins continue to position themselves for the post-season. They are 5-1 at home and 0-5 on the road, so we’ll see a nice offensive performance from the Redskins on Monday night. Garcon is a matchup problem as much as DeSean Jackson is, and he’ll face more single coverage as the Cowboys will deploy a safety over the top to limit Jackson’s vertical game. It’s a bit of a flier but one I’d take a gamble on in Week 13.
Rudnicki: The Dallas secondary has played better than many expected them to following the preseason injury to Orlando Scandrick. Rookie Byron Jones has really helped in that regard, but Garcon figures to match up against Morris Claiborne as he returns from a hamstring injury. Garcon has not done much in recent weeks despite solid play from Kirk Cousins, but this could be a good opportunity for him to get back on track.
Delanie Walker, TE, Tennessee vs. Jacksonville ($5,700)
Bischoff: Back in Week 11, Walker tore apart the Jaguars to the tune of eight catches and 109 yards on 10 targets. That target numbers should remain a constant as Walker has emerged as a very viable option in the Titans passing attack as he and quarterback Marcus Mariota have something going.
Rudnicki: Walker has benefited from a lot of favorable matchups this year, and that should continue again this week as he’s the only reliable target in the Tennessee passing game. The Jaguars have been getting shredded by opposing TEs the past three weeks (including a game of 8 for 109 by Walker in week 11) so look for another big game here.
Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City @ Oakland ($4,700)
Bischoff: Tight ends playing against the Raiders are an almost must-start in 2015. Kelce is an elite tight end and at his price he should be a bit of a no-brainer. The Raiders have surrendered 11 touchdowns to the position in 2015 and Kelce should tear up this defense on Sunday.
Rudnicki: Kelce has struggled to find the end zone this year, but he found his way there against a very tough matchup last week. Now he gets to face one of the most generous defenses in the league as Oakland has given up 11 touchdowns to opposing TEs this year.
Julius Thomas, TE, Jacksonville @ Tennessee ($4,000)
Bischoff: It appears that Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles is getting into a nice rhythm with Thomas as Thomas has been targeted 18 times over the past two weeks, catching 14 passes for 144 yards and two scores. The Titans have been fairly soft in coverage against tight ends in 2015 and this is a matchup the Jaguars should exploit with Thomas getting to GPP value in Week 13.
Rudnicki: The Titans have allowed 8 touchdowns to opposing TEs this year, so they have been a pretty generous defense as well. Thomas scored against them back in week 11 and is coming off a huge 9/116/1 game last week against San Diego. The Jaguars are finally getting some return on their free agent investment and that should continue again this week with #2 WR Allen Hurns expected to be sidelined with a concussion.
BAD MATCHUPS
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver @ San Diego ($7,200)
Bischoff: Thomas looks completely out of sorts right now, perhaps a sign that he and backup quarterback Brock Osweiler are not clicking yet. At any rate, he draws Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett this week and that’s not as great matchup for any receiver, let alone one not clicking with his quarterback. The price to get Thomas is prohibitive to the rest of your roster and he is a player to fade in Week 13.
Rudnicki: Thomas finished with just one catch on 13 targets against the Patriots last week, so he doesn’t seem to be clicking with Brock Osweiler yet. Now he figures to be matched up against Jason Verrett most of the time this week, which should be the tougher matchup and encourage the QB to keep feeding Emmanuel Sanders or perhaps the tight ends.
Tavon Austin, WR, St. Louis vs. Arizona ($4,300)
Bischoff: The Rams passing attack is a disaster and that’s being generous. Starting quarterback Nick Foles is back under center after backup quarterback Case Keenum was injured replacing a very ineffective Foles. On top of the offensive woes, the Rams draw a very tough opponent in Week 13 as the Cardinals have done a nice job in coverage with their personnel.
Rudnicki: Austin has added value due to his contributions as a runner, but he figures to be shut down by Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu this week. Keep in mind he did post a 2-TD game against them earlier this year, but the Rams passing game appears to be in shambles these days so don’t expect a repeat performance.
Brandin Cooks, WR, New Orleans vs. Carolina ($6,300)
Bischoff: Cooks is a legitimate home-run option but this week he faces a cornerback playing at the top of his game. Josh Norman has dominated just about everyone he’s faced off with in coverage and this week he’ll shadow Cooks. Norman has become a matchup to avoid in fantasy this year and this week it’s more of the same, and I’d be fading Cooks in Week 13.
Rudnicki: Cooks figures to be just the latest victim of the Josh Norman experience this week. The Saints had a very rough time with the Texans defense last week, and things shouldn’t be any easier with the Panthers. Norman has been the best corner in the league all year, and he figures to be matched up with Cooks quite often this week so it’s probably best to avoid him in your lineups.
Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota vs. Seattle ($4,700)
Bischoff: The Vikings passing attack has become very ineffective as quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is refusing to take shots down the field. That’s Diggs’ game and it’s hurting his value as he’s been mitigated. Over the past four games, he hasn’t scored and has only been targeted 20 times, catching 15 of those targets and accumulating 185 yards. He simply isn’t seeing enough volume and this week he’ll see a lot of Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman. It wouldn’t be all that surprising to see Bridgewater not throw near Sherman in Week 13 as he is a very risk-averse quarterback and it is hard to see Diggs getting anything done this week.
Rudnicki: As the only weapon the Vikings seem to have at WR right now; Diggs can probably expect to see quite a bit of Richard Sherman this week. While Sherman may not be playing up to his normal level, he is still very good and perfectly capable of shutting down Diggs who has cooled off considerably in recent weeks.
Steve Johnson, WR, San Diego vs. Denver ($4,700)
Bischoff: The Broncos have been one of the easier teams to play wide receivers against in 2015, and by that I mean to totally avoid them. The Broncos have the ability to play tight in coverage with stud cornerbacks Chris Harris and Aqib Talib and they also generate great pressure via their pass rush which wreaks havoc on opposing offenses. Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers is as tough as nails, but the offensive line isn’t equipped to handle the pressure the Broncos bring to bear and it’s going to tremendously limit all of the Chargers passing-game weapons.
Rudnicki: Johnson has been pretty consistent with 7 catches in 3 straight games, but he is going to match up against one of the league’s best cornerbacks in Chris Harris this week. It’s usually best to avoid players with that matchup, as I’m sure Philip Rivers will too.
Scott Chandler, TE, New England vs. Philadelphia ($2,500)
Bischoff: It’s easy to look at Chandler’s price and the offense he plays in and simply submit him into your lineup but there’s a lot more to think about when it comes to Chandler. He’s a by-product of Gronkowski and won’t be nearly as effective without the big man in the lineup. I completely understand playing him, and I likely will too, but expecting Gronkowski type numbers from him this week is terribly unrealistic.
Rudnicki: Chandler is likely going to be a popular choice for owners this week as they are hoping he can take on Gronkowski’s role in the explosive Patriots offense. Chandler is a capable receiver, but the Eagles surprisingly pose a very tough matchup for tight ends. They have only given up 2 TDs to the position all year and only 2 opposing TEs have even hit 50 yards against them so be careful here.
Vance McDonald, TE, San Francisco @ Chicago ($3,000)
Bischoff: McDonald comes into this game streaking with new quarterback Blaine Gabbert. In three games with Gabbert, McDonald has been targeted 16 times, catching 12 targets for 155 yards and he has scored in back-to-back weeks. However, the Bears have been solid against tight ends in 2015 and going on the road to play in Chicago is a tough test.
Rudnicki: The Bears had a tough time with the Broncos tight ends a couple weeks ago, but they have generally been a very tough matchup for the position with only 2 TDs scored against them all year. McDonald comes in on a hot streak with touchdowns in back to back games, but that figures to come to an end here.
