Bye-mageddon is officially over and we’re on to Week 13! The stakes are getting higher as the playoffs are two weeks away, and these wBetween injuries and bye weeks, there are questions across all lineups and I’m here to help! Stuck between two players and don’t know who to start in Week 12? In these weekly articles, I will review and help you decide which WRs and TEs to start and sit every week based on matchups, weather conditions, injuries, and more. You’ll never see studs like Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase on this list, but this is more advice to help you decide between those two players that will help you set and win your weekly lineup. For any additional gameday questions, be sure to follow me on X at @Lobosffden.
Week 13 Start and Sit
Start ‘Em Wide Receivers
Courtland Sutton vs. Cleveland Browns
After what was considerably a slow start for the 7-year veteran, Courtland Sutton has become Bo Nix’s favorite target in that Denver offense. In the first 7 weeks of the season, Sutton had ZERO WR1 finishes. Now after Week 7? He’s seen a WR6 or better finish in 3 of the last 5 games. In that span, Sutton has averaged 21.1 fantasy points per game and has jumped to WR10 on the season. In Week 13, the Broncos now face a Cleveland defense that gives up the 5th-most points to opposing WRs. Sutton is a MUST-START in Week 13.
George Pickens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
With Russell Wilson at the helm, George Pickens has turned into the true WR1 in this offense, and a solid fantasy option for all teams. Averaging nearly 10 targets a game, with nearly 83 yards a game, Pickens should be in every starting lineup in this divisional game vs. the Bengals, a defense that has allowed the 4th-most TDs to opposing teams (36) this season. In what could end up being a high-scoring battle, Pickens should be started with confidence.
Brian Thomas Jr. vs. Houston Texans
Trevor Lawrence should be back in Week 13 for the Jaguars, and that’s great news for fantasy owners. With Trevor Lawrence under center, Brian Thomas Jr. was WR9 on the season and had finished with double-digit fantasy scoring in 72% of his fantasy games (5 out of 7 games). No Christian Kirk, no Gave Davis, and the return of Trevor Lawrence makes Brian Thomas Jr a nice play vs. a Houston team that allows the 7th-most points to opposing WRs. Fire up the rookie!
Sit ‘Em Wide Receivers
Deebo Samuel vs. Buffalo Bills
Between a struggling 49ers team and a questionable Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel should stay on your bench in Week 13. Samuel has scored 20 fantasy points just once this season and only had a double-digit fantasy game in 6 of the first 12 weeks of the season. The 49ers face a strong Buffalo Defense that allows the 8th-fewest points to WRs, and until we start to see this San Fran offense get some momentum, Samuel should be on your bench.
Jayden Reed vs. Miami Dolphins
After a promising start to his 2024 campaign, Reed has taken a major step back in his fantasy production. He has seen less than 7 targets for 7 consecutive weeks and has only scored more than 10 fantasy points once since Week 6. This Packers offense seems to be struggling to find a groove, and now faces a Miami Dolphins team that allows the least fantasy points to opposing WRs. Given the lack of recent production and the tough matchup, I’m not risking Reed in a crucial week prior to playoffs.
Jaylen Waddle vs. Green Bay Packers
We finally saw the breakout game we are used to from Jaylen Waddle last week, so why does he find himself on my sit list? Last week was the first time Waddle had scored more than 10 points since Week 1, and with a matchup vs. a Green Bay team that allows the 7th-fewest points to opposing WRs, in a cold Lambeau field? Yeah, put Waddle back on your bench.
Start‘Em Tight Ends
Cade Otton vs. Carolina Panthers
You probably started Cade Otton last week, and after his lowest outing since Week 2, you’re probably a bit hesitant to start him this week. I’m here to tell you, don’t hesitate in Week 13. He gets a cake matchup vs. the Carolina Panthers that give up the most points to opposing TEs, and the most TDs to opposing TEs. In what should be another fun divisional matchup with this Carolina Panthers finding a groove, Otton should be heavily involved and be a strong TE1 for you this week.
Hunter Henry vs. Indianapolis Colts
Hunter Henry has been Drake Maye’s favorite and most consistent producer on offense. Over the last 6 weeks, Hunter has averaged over 7 targets a game and gets a fun matchup vs. the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13. The Colts allow the 8th-most fantasy points to TEs, along with the 4th-most receiving TDs to TEs. As inconsistent as the TE position has been in 2024, Henry should be a safe floor play in Week 13.
Jonnu Smith vs. Green Bay Packers
Where did Jonnu Smith come from?! Coming off back-to-back 23+ fantasy point performances, Jonnu Smith has become one of Tua’s favorite targets in the Miami offense. The Green Bay defense has been tough vs. WRs but allows the 10th most points to TEs, and in what might be a cold and frosty night, Smith might benefit from the weather. Fire him up again.
Sit‘Em Tight Ends
Kyle Pitts vs. Los Angeles Chargers
We all thought the Kyle Pitts breakout was going to happen, right? Unfortunately, he has struggled in Atlanta’s last 3 games, with a combined 13.5 fantasy points in that span. In Week 13, Pitts faces an LA Chargers defense that gives up the 10th-fewest points to TEs. I’d love to be wrong about Kyle Pitts this week, but with the playoffs around the corner, there are safer plays at TE this week.
Luke Schoonmaker vs. New York Giants
This Dallas Cowboys offense is a mess, and Jake Ferguson is out again. Schoonmaker has done a decent job in his absence, putting up double-digit scores in both games, but the Giants create a tough matchup for Schoonmaker. The Giants allow the 2nd-fewest points to opposing TEs, and with Cooper Rush at QB for the Boys, Schoonmaker could be in for a quiet game. Sit him, in what could be a snoozefest on Thanksgiving.
Zach Ertz vs. Tennessee Titans
For fantasy purposes, Zach Ertz has performed well in this Washington offense. He seems to be Jayden Daniel’s safety blanket and looks for him often in the Redzone. In Week 13, the Commanders look to get back on track, but the Titans should present Ertz with a challenge, as they come in allowing the 8th-fewest points to TEs. The Commanders look to pick up some momentum prior to their Bye week, but Ertz might not play much of a factor. Sit him this week.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 13 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!