Week 13 Fantasy Football Start/Sit: Fantasy Forecast Breakdown
Welcome to Fantasy Forecast! Grindberg and Schultzy are here to help you make those tough start/sit decisions for Week 13. It’s that time of year when every win counts, and we’re here to ensure you’re starting the right players to make your fantasy playoffs.
Let’s dive in!
Week 13 Starts:
1. Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, Jacksonville Jaguars) – Start
Why?
Brian Thomas Jr. might not be getting the national spotlight, but he’s been a consistent performer, and Week 13 is no exception. Coming off a bye and recovering from a rib/chest injury, Thomas has been a key target in the Jaguars’ passing game. His matchup against the Houston Texans—who have been giving up plenty of yards to wide receivers—makes this an ideal opportunity for a big game. If Trevor Lawrence returns to the lineup, Thomas’ value only increases. He’s shown big-play potential all season, including a 33-yard catch last week (that was ruled incomplete, but should have been a catch!). His volume and talent make him a must-start in Week 13.
2. Kyler Murray (QB, Arizona Cardinals) – Start
Why?
Murray is back to playing at a high level and facing a Minnesota Vikings defense that’s been allowing plenty of fantasy points to quarterbacks. Kyler has weapons in Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, and Michael Wilson, which should lead to a high-scoring game. Murray’s rushing ability also adds a layer of upside, especially in a game where the Cardinals are expected to push the ball downfield. Start Kyler Murray with confidence this week, as he’s primed for a big fantasy performance.
3. Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Arizona Cardinals) – Start
Why?
Another Cardinal making our list is rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Facing off against the vulnerable Vikings secondary, Harrison has the opportunity to shine. With Kyler Murray at quarterback, Harrison is set to see plenty of volume in a high-paced, pass-heavy game. The Vikings’ defense has struggled against top-tier wide receivers, and Harrison, who has shown flashes of greatness, could finally break out this week. His matchup and Murray’s recent play make him a great fantasy start in Week 13.
Week 13 Sits:
1. James Conner (RB, Arizona Cardinals) – Sit
Why?
It’s been a rough stretch for James Conner, who has struggled with inefficiency in recent weeks. His rushing numbers have been concerning: under 3 yards per carry in three of the past four weeks, and his total yardage has been low. Conner faces a tough Minnesota defense that has been tough on the ground game. Even though Conner can contribute in the passing game, he’s losing work to rookie running back Trey Benson and has been limited in scoring opportunities. With the Cardinals expected to air it out, Conner doesn’t offer the same upside he once did, making him a risky play this week.
2. Joe Burrow (QB, Cincinnati Bengals) – Sit
Why?
Joe Burrow has been a fantasy stud this season, but Week 13 presents a challenging matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense. The Steelers’ pass rush has been relentless, and they have a knack for making life difficult for quarterbacks—especially those dealing with injuries. Burrow’s wrist injury has also flared up recently, affecting his accuracy, and it’s unclear how well he’ll perform in cold conditions. If you have a viable alternative at quarterback, it might be time to bench Burrow this week, as the Steelers’ defense could stifle his production.
3. Deebo Samuel (WR, San Francisco 49ers) – Sit
Why?
Deebo Samuel’s fantasy value has taken a significant hit in recent weeks. Once a top-tier wide receiver, Samuel has struggled with injuries and a diminishing role in the 49ers’ offense. Add in a tough matchup against the Buffalo Bills, one of the stingiest defenses against wide receivers, and Samuel’s prospects look even worse. Last week, he saw just four targets, catching only one for 21 yards, and with Brock Purdy facing pressure behind a banged-up offensive line, it’s hard to see Samuel getting back to his explosive self. There are simply too many red flags surrounding Deebo right now, making him a sit for Week 13.
Bonus: Keep an Eye On—Baltimore Ravens vs. Philadelphia Eagles
This matchup has all the makings of a high-impact game, both for real life and fantasy. The Ravens and Eagles are two of the top teams in the NFL, and a lot of fantasy assets will be at play here. It’s going to be a fun one to watch, especially for fantasy managers with stakes in this game.
Conclusion
Week 13 is the final stretch before fantasy playoffs, so make sure your roster is set for success! Brian Thomas Jr., Kyler Murray, and Marvin Harrison Jr. should be locked into your lineups, while James Conner, Joe Burrow, and Deebo Samuel are better off on your bench this week. Trust the matchups, trust the talent, and you’ll be set to dominate.
Good luck, and may your fantasy playoff hopes stay alive!
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