The Week 13 NFL DFS late slate features three games, and while there are plenty of top-tier players to target, the challenge lies in finding value to balance your DFS lineup. With a lack of high-value, low-cost options, it’s all about strategic roster construction. In this article, I’ve identified some budget-friendly plays to pair with the pricier stars, helping you build a lineup that maximizes upside without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in!
Week 13 NFL DFS Picks for the Late Slate
Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield
In Week 13, the Buccaneers take on the Panthers, who allow the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Baker Mayfield has been on fire this season, ranking as the overall QB5 in fantasy. With Mike Evans back at full health and a favorable matchup, Mayfield is set up for another strong performance.
This is a game where you should confidently start him in all formats. The Butcher, the Baker, Mayfield is the fantasy points maker!
$6,600 on DraftKings
$8,500 on FanDuel
Bryce Young
Bryce Young has a great opportunity in Week 13 as the Panthers face off against the Buccaneers, who give up the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. On average, QBs rack up over 300 total yards and 2 touchdowns per game against Tampa Bay. Young has been consistent, with at least one touchdown in each of his last four games. With the Panthers likely needing to air it out, Young should have plenty of chances to put up solid fantasy numbers. He’s a strong option for Week 13, especially with this favorable matchup.
$4,700 on DraftKings
$6,600 on FanDuel
Matthew Stafford
On paper, the matchup against the Saints may seem tough for Matthew Stafford but don’t be quick to count him out. Stafford has thrown multiple touchdowns in 4 of his last 5 games and has passed for over 270 yards in 4 of those outings as well. With both Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp back in the lineup, Stafford has the weapons he needs to keep producing. While the matchup isn’t ideal, Stafford’s consistency and ability to deliver in key situations make him a solid play for Week 13.
$4,700 on DraftKings
$6,600 on FanDuel
Running Backs
Bucky Irving
Bucky has been a fantasy standout, posting double-digit fantasy scores in five of his last six games. The matchup in Week 13 is as good as it gets—15 different running backs have hit double digits against the Panthers this season. Why? Because the Panthers are the most RB-friendly defense in the league, practically rolling out the red carpet for yards and touchdowns. Bucky’s ready to take full advantage—don’t mind if he does!
$5,800 on DraftKings
$7,200 on FanDuel
Chuba Hubbard
Chuba Hubbard is on a roll, finding the end zone in each of his last three games. In Week 13, he faces the Buccaneers, who rank in the bottom 10 against running backs. Hubbard has been dominating the snaps for the Panthers and consistently producing. With this favorable matchup, he’s set up for another big performance—expect a strong outing from him this week!
$6,700 on DraftKings
$7,400 on FanDuel
Kyren Williams
Kyren Williams has had a dip in production since Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp returned to the lineup, but Week 13 offers a bounce-back opportunity. The Rams face the Saints, who give up the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs. With an easier matchup on the horizon, Williams should see more opportunities to produce both on the ground and in the passing game. Look for him to have a solid outing and provide strong fantasy value this week.
$7,200 on DraftKings
$8,400 on FanDuel
Alvin Kamara
Alvin Kamara is a must-start in Week 13 as the Saints face the Rams, who have struggled to contain running backs, giving up the 8th most fantasy points to the position. In fact, in 10 out of 11 games this season, opposing running backs have scored double-digit fantasy points against the Rams. Kamara dominates the RB snaps and touches for the Saints, making him a high-volume play with a great matchup. Expect another strong performance from Kamara this week!
$7,700 on DraftKings
$8,300 on FanDuel
Wide Receivers
AJ Brown
In Week 13, the Eagles face the Ravens, who give up the most fantasy points to wide receivers. A.J. Brown has been a target machine this season, with a 29% target share in games he’s played. Jalen Hurts has shown he’s more than willing to feed his top receiver, and this matchup is ideal for more of the same. With Brown’s high volume and big-play potential, expect the Eagles’ passing game to take flight this week!
$8.300 on DraftKings
$8,800 on FanDuel
Puka Nacua
Puka Nacua has been on fire recently, seeing a total of 36 targets over the last three games and racking up 98 or more yards in each. In Week 13, he faces the Saints, who allow the 7th most fantasy points to wide receivers, making this a prime matchup for Nacua to keep his hot streak going. With the volume and a favorable defense, Nacua is a must-start this week. And hey, don’t sleep on Cooper Kupp either—he’s likely in for a big game as well!
$7,600 on DraftKings
$8,00 on FanDuel
Marques Valdes-Scantling
In Week 13, Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a sneaky play as he’s thriving in the deep-threat role for the Saints’ offense. Since stepping into Rashid Shaheed’s spot, he’s become Derek Carr’s favorite target for big plays.
Over the last two games, MVS has only seen 7 targets, but he’s turned them into 5 catches for 197 yards and 3 touchdowns. That’s efficiency and explosiveness rolled into one. Against a defense susceptible to the deep ball, MVS is a high-upside option this week—don’t overlook him!
$4,500 on DraftKings
$6,000 on FanDuel
David Moore
David Moore had a solid Week 12 performance with 10 targets, 6 receptions, 81 yards, and a touchdown. Heading into Week 13, the Panthers face the Buccaneers, who allow the 8th most fantasy points to wide receivers. With Moore’s growing involvement in the offense and this favorable matchup, he’s a solid sleeper play this week. If you’re looking for value, Moore could deliver again!
$3,500 on DraftKings
$5,100 on FanDuel
Tight Ends
Cade Otton
Guess who’s taking on the Panthers this week? Cade Otton. Why is that exciting? The Panthers have been awful against tight ends, giving up the most fantasy points to the position. Need proof? Noah Gray—yes, that Noah Gray—scored two touchdowns against them in Week 12.
Otton has been heavily involved lately, averaging 8.4 targets per game over the last five weeks. While his usage might dip slightly with Mike Evans back, this matchup is just too good to ignore. Or should I say, it’s too good not to pass on? See what I did there?
$4,500 on DraftKings
$6,200 on FanDuel
Taysom Hill
In Week 11, Taysom Hill delivered a historic performance, posting the highest fantasy point total for a tight end in over a decade. While it’s unlikely he replicates those 46.5 DraftKings points this week, he’s still a strong play.
The Rams’ defense is mediocre, and Hill’s coach has emphasized keeping him involved because the Saints’ offense thrives when he’s in the mix. Expect Hill to catch passes, rack up rushing yards, and maybe even toss a touchdown. Add some Taysom magic to your lineups this week!
$5,000 on DraftKings
$7,000 on FanDuel
Tommy Tremble
With Ja’Tavion Sanders out for Week 13, Tommy Tremble steps into a more prominent role for the Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who give up the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends. While Tremble is more of a GPP (Guaranteed Prize Pool) play than a cash game option, his low price and upside make him an intriguing choice. If you’re looking to save salary while still tapping into potential value, Tremble could be a solid, affordable option with the chance to exceed expectations in a favorable matchup.
$2,800 on DraftKings
$4,600 on FanDuel
Defense
Buccaneers
The Buccaneer’s Defense is one of the best options in the late slate for Week 13, and here’s why: Tampa Bay has been on a tear lately, recording 13 sacks over the past three games. They’ll be up against a Panthers offense that has been inconsistent at best, led by rookie Bryce Young. The Buccaneers’ defense has been effective at generating pressure, and Young has struggled under pressure this season. The matchup is ripe for turnovers and sacks, giving the Bucs’ defense a high ceiling for fantasy points. With the Panthers’ offense struggling to protect the quarterback, expect the Buccaneers to deliver a strong performance in Week 13.
$3,600 on DraftKings
$4,900 on FanDuel
NOTE: People will flock to the Rams but the Saints have only allowed defenses 1 point per week since Carr came back to the lineup.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 13 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!