I missed last week's posting, so for those of you who religiously use my posts to set your lineup, I apologize - but, you're welcome because you didn't have me to confuse you.
But on a serious note, I hope that you all had a happy holiday and that you didn't allow football to ruin your family time - or, allow family time to ruin your football time.
Quarterbacks I Love in Week 13:
Cam Newton - You know who's a really good QB? Cam Newton. You know who has an awful pass defense? New Orleans. In the last four games, the Saints have given up six touchdowns from Eli, four touchdowns from Marcus Mariota, four touchdowns from Kirk Cousins, and two touchdowns from Brian Hoyer. They have given up 300+ yards in seven of 11 games this year and Cam has only scored fewer than 15 fantasy points twice this year.
Alex Smith - aka Mr. Consistency. If you're streaming QB's, then Smith is among the players to look for in free agency. Smith is not going to win you your week, but he's not going to lose it for you either. He hasn't thrown a pick since Week 3 but he has only thrown for 300+ yards once this season. Over the last four weeks, Smith has also averaged six rushes for 45 yards per game. He averages 16 fantasy points per game, and I think that's what you can expect - the big thing with Smith is that he won't put up a score that is going to totally lose you your chance at the playoffs. For example, I'm playing Alex Smith over Eli Manning this week because I don't trust Eli enough to not put up his standard three INT game yet again.
Quarterbacks I Hate in Week 13:
Drew Brees - In years past, Drew Brees would never make this list, but he's shown signs of inconsistency this season. Not only that, but he faces a Caroline Panthers defense that has just been vicious to opposing quarterbacks. On five different occasions, the Panthers defense has held quarterbacks to less than 10 fantasy points. I understand if you have to play him, but I'd steer clear if possible.
Russell Wilson - He's been phenomenal the last two weeks, but this week, he faces the 7th ranked Minnesota Vikings defense. The Vikings have yet to allow a quarterback to score more than 20 fantasy points and they have allowed one touchdown or less in six games this year. The Vikings have allowed 300+ yards twice this year and Wilson has only thrown for 300+ once. If the Seahawks are going to win this game, it's going to be because of Thomas Rawls, not Russell Wilson.
Streamers: Ryan Tannehill, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Marcus Mariota, and Jay Cutler
Running Backs I Love in Week 13:
Eddie Lacy - he said with hesitation. He's back as an RB1, he muttered to himself. Eddie Lacy has been awful this year, just awful, due in large part to injuries. The injuries seem to be disappearing and the real Eddie Lacy seems to be emerging. He has back-to-back weeks with double digit fantasy points and the Packers need to run the ball to get something, I mean anything, going in that passing game. The Lions have allowed less than 10 fantasy points to opposing running backs on three occasions this year, but they have allowed 20+ fantasy points on five occasions.
David Johnson - So much upside with David Johnson - he has seven touchdowns on 54 touches this year. Now, temper expectations because he was the third string running back for a reason, but if there was a time to prove himself, it's now. Chris Johnson is out and Andre Ellington is banged up, so if Johnson is to get playing time he'll have to earn it through the St. Louis defensive front, who, surprisingly, ranks in the middle of the pack versus opposing running backs.
Running Backs I Hate in Week 13:
Mark Ingram - The Panthers defense hasn't allowed a rushing touchdown in five straight games. Mark Ingram hasn't scored a touchdown in four straight games. He also has less than 10 carries in each of the last two games. The Panthers have held opposing running backs to under 50 yards for four straight weeks. Advantage: Panthers.
Frank Gore - The way you beat the Steelers is through the air, just ask Russell Wilson. The Steelers defense has only allowed three rushing touchdowns all season long. Frank Gore has just as many games with three fantasy points as he does fantasy games with 15+ fantasy points: three. The Colts have gone 45 straight games without a 100-yard rusher and that streak will continue to 46.
Wide Receivers I Love in Week 13:
Alshon Jeffrey - When he actually plays, he's easily a top-10 WR. In the five games he played, Jeffrey has averaged nearly 13 fantasy points, while catching almost eight balls per game. He has the luxury of playing San Francisco this week who have allowed 20+ fantasy points in all but three games this season.
Amari Cooper - Playing the 31st ranked Chiefs defense, Cooper looks to continue his impressive rookie year. The Chiefs have given up the most yards to wide receivers in the NFL and have allowed a touchdowns in every game but two. Cooper and Crabtree have been equally impressive this year and coming off a seven catch 115 yard performance, Cooper has the momentum facing a porous Chiefs secondary.
Wide Receivers I Hate in Week 13:
Sammy Watkins - Good luck determining whether Watkins will be a fantasy boom or bust on a week-to-week basis. Watkins has just as many 22+ points fantasy week as he does three points fantasy weeks: two. (I love stats like that.) Watkins also plays the 9th best passing defense, Houston. They held Drew Brees scoreless last week, breaking his touchdown streak.
Demaryius Thomas - Thomas had 12 targets last week. If you were to tell me that Thomas would have 12 targets guaranteed before Week 12 started, I would have been grinning from ear to ear with excitement. But, he caught one of those targets. One. Certainly having a down year, Thomas now faces the Chargers who have done well at keeping opposing wide receivers in check.
Tight Ends I Love in Week 13:
Scott Chandler - I don't have all of these ridiculous stats to throw at you like I do with most guys, but Tom Brady throws Chandler the football and I don't know if you've seen Tom Brady play football before but he's pretty good. He also just lost to the Denver Broncos who had a backup quarterback in place of Peyton Manning. So, Brady will be nice and mad when he plays the Eagles. Chandler is not Gronk, but the latter's absence, will boost Chandler a top-5 fantasy performance.
Travis Kelce - Who plays the Raiders this week? Travis Kelce plays the Raiders this week! You know, that Raiders defense that has given up a touchdown to the tight end in every game but two this year. Yeah, the Raiders that just gave up nine catches for 133 yards and a touchdown to Tennessee tight ends. Kelce has had a quiet year, but I'm all Kelce this week.
Tight Ends I Hate in Week 13:
Charles Clay - Houston plays well against the pass. They play even better against the tight end. They allow an average of 45 yards per game to the position, seventh fewest in the NFL. The Texans have allowed three touchdowns to opposing tight ends, two in one game and one in another. They haven't allowed a touchdown to a tight end in five straight games. If Buffalo expects to win, I think they're going to have to do it on the ground.
Jordan Cameron - Good luck guessing which Miami Dolphin is going to have a break out week. Is it Lamar Miller? Jarvis Landry? Rishard Matthews? DeVante Parker? The smart money is that it's not Jordan Cameron. He hasn't scored double-digit fantasy points yet this year, and I can't see that changing.
Good luck this week! Playoffs are approaching. SET YOUR LINEUPS.
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