The Hectic Week 13 in the NFL: Sleeper Picks and Highlights
If you’re in need of a little extra firepower for your fantasy lineup this week, you’ve come to the right place! It’s Week 13 in the NFL, and if you’re still in the playoff hunt, you know how crucial every decision is. With all 32 teams taking the field, the excitement (and stress!) is higher than ever. So, let’s dive into some of the sleeper picks who might just save your fantasy bacon!
Luke Schoonmaker and Friends Light Up Week 12
Let’s kick things off with some of the highlights from last week. Luke Schoonmaker, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Roschon Johnson managed to score touchdowns, turning some heads and giving fans and fantasy managers alike something to cheer about. Will Dissly, as always, was his reliable self, proving that you can count on him in crunch time. But not everyone had such a smooth ride. Poor Quentin Johnston had a tough outing with a big ol’ zero on the board. Soul-crushing drops can be brutal, especially at this time of year when every point counts.
Key Injuries Shake Things Up
As we look ahead, injuries are shaping up to be a big part of Week 13. J.K. Dobbins is set to miss some games with a knee issue, opening the door for Gus Edwards to take the lead. It’s worth noting that Edwards is primarily a two-down guy with barely any catches to speak of, but with a slight historical edge against a below-average Falcons rushing defense, there’s a reasonable shot he finds the end zone. If you’re desperate, I’d say he’s got over a 50% chance to score.
McNichols: A Surprising Option
Another name to keep on your radar is Jeremy McNichols. He hasn’t exactly dazzled with his receiving game (just two catches), but he has done surprisingly well on the ground when given the chance. With Brian Robinson Jr. nursing an ankle injury—and Austin Ekeler dealing with a concussion—there’s a chance McNichols gets bumped up the depth chart. He might be worth a shot against a middling Tennessee rushing defense.
Rookie Players Make a Splash
Now let’s talk about the rookies! In Denver, Bo Nix isn’t the only rookie turning heads; Vele is emerging as a solid option. Coming off his best game yet with six catches for 80 yards, he could be a sneaky pick in fantasy lineups. The matchup against Cleveland’s secondary, which has been generous to wideouts this season, only adds to his appeal. Expect him to get at least 20% of the targets—not too shabby for a sleeper!
Young Players Off to a Hot Start
In an encouraging twist, Bryce Young is looking better week by week. Against Kansas City, he showed poise and confidence, which bodes well for the Carolina receiving corps. Adam Thielen remains a solid sleeper pick, but don’t overlook D.J. Moore, who led the team in targets last game. With a capable offense and a shaky defense, the Panthers might just put on a show.
Valdez-Scantling: The Wild Card
And speaking of players who can either make or break your week, Marquez Valdez-Scantling has been a mixed bag this season. Sure, he hit it big in a couple of games, but he’s also had his fair share of weeks where he practically vanished. Still, with limited competition for downfield looks in that offense, he’s worth considering—especially against a Rams secondary that has struggled this year.
And Don’t Forget About NWI
Lastly, don’t count out Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (NWI). Since DeAndre Hopkins’ exit, NWI has stepped up, scoring in six of the last seven games. He’s been seeing over 90% snap shares, and with a faltering Washington team in the mix, he could find himself with plenty of opportunities.
So, while your fantasy rosters are customizable and can be fluid, some smart picks could make all the difference in securing a playoff spot. Trust your gut, keep an eye on injuries, and hopefully, you’ll find those hidden gems lurking in the depths of your fantasy lineup!
