After eight teams have already played, these Week 13 bold predictions may be necessary plays to help you keep up or continue pulling ahead in your matchup. There are just three players here, but I believe they’re all high-quality starts. If they’re on your bench, or even available in free agency, I think they’re worth considering over some typical starters, especially if you need a boost in a tough matchup. While there aren’t any teams on bye, there are plenty of injuries and other circumstances to navigate that could make starting these Week 13 bold prediction players that much more worthwhile.
Week 13 Bold Predictions for the 2024 Fantasy Football Season
C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
Bold Prediction: 300 passing yards, 3 touchdowns
24.0 fantasy points
No team is allowing more fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks than the Jacksonville Jaguars. In fact, C.J. Stroud has already put up 23.5 points against them earlier this season in Week 4. He threw for 345 yards and two touchdowns. The Jaguars are allowing 288.0 passing yards per game. That average includes Jared Goff’s 412 yards (and four touchdowns) against them in Week 11 just before Jacksonville’s bye.
This wouldn’t be much of a Week 13 bold prediction if Stroud was having the season many thought he would at this point. He has just 14 passing touchdowns this season with an average of just under 240.0 passing yards per game. Stroud threw for 23 touchdowns and an average of 273.8 yards per game last season. He also threw just five interceptions as a rookie. Stroud has five interceptions in his last three games this season.
Though he and the Texans are on the road, I still foresee this as a “get right” game for Stroud and Houston’s offense. The Jaguars allow an average of two passing touchdowns per game and have just five total interceptions this season. Jacksonville utilizes man coverage 40.9% of the time on defense which Nico Collins and Tank Dell should both take advantage of. Collins caught 12 of 15 targets for 151 yards and a touchdown in these two’s first matchup earlier this season. Stroud has the weapons and matchup to gain ground on your opponent, or seriously extend your lead if you’re streaming quarterbacks this season.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots
Bold Prediction: 20 carries, 100 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns; 2 receptions, 15 yards
25.5 fantasy points
The 2024 season is one of ups and downs for Rhamondre Stevenson. He is averaging 12.9 fantasy points per game over 11 games played. He’s scored above his average five times, below his average five times, and exactly 12.9 points once this season. My Week 13 bold prediction score for Stevenson is a season-high in fantasy points. It’s also his first 100+ yard rushing game since Week 1. This Week 13 bold prediction has everything to do with Stevenson’s matchup.
Stevenson and the Patriots are hosting the Indianapolis Colts. They’re allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game including the fourth-most rushing yards to the position. Additionally, the Colts are down multiple offensive linemen and two wide receivers in Week 13. Their offense may stall frequently in this one. That lends to the 20 carries for Stevenson in this Week 13 bold prediction, something he’s accomplished five times this season including in two of his last three games.
With a heavy dose of volume, in an advantageous matchup, Rhamondre Stevenson is a strong start at running back. Especially if you find yourself in a hole already in your matchup following the Thursday/Friday games, consider plugging in Stevenson for Week 13.
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Bold Prediction: 5 receptions, 60 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
17.0 fantasy points
I know this Week 13 bold prediction is also from the Colts/Patriots game, but Mitchell is a high-upside wide receiver who’s likely very available to you if you need a spot start. Mitchell has played over 20 offensive snaps in just three games this season as a rookie. He played 29 and 33 respectively in Weeks 1 and 2 without much production, but logged a season-high 60 snaps (94%) in Week 10. In that performance, Mitchell caught all six of his targets for 70 scoreless yards.
Adonai Mitchell should get plenty of playing time in Week 13. Both Josh Downs (shoulder) and Ashton Dulin (ankle) are out. Alec Pierce should play, but was questionable with a foot injury and is averaging just four targets per game this season. His 23.3 yards per reception are also a clear indicator that he’s a downfield playmaker for this offense.
Adonai Mitchell should see his fair share of volume with an increase in playing time. Additionally, as mentioned above discussing Rhamondre Stevenson, the Colts could operate in a negative or neutral game script for most of Sunday’s matchup. The Patriots have allowed the fourth-most receptions and sixth-most receiving yards to wide receivers this season. Mitchell has a higher floor than usual in this matchup. Plugging him into your lineup should be a safe play. Mitchell finding the end zone makes it all worthwhile, which is something I have high hopes for, even if we have to wait until the fourth quarter possibly playing from behind.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 13 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!