Fantasy Football Breakdown: Week 13
If this article is still being read that means that people are still in the fantasy football playoff hunt which is something to celebrate after this unpredictable season so far. This week many teams are looking thin but there are plenty of players that can help you pull through.
Upgrades:
Elijah Mitchell, RB, San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
Mitchell was a waiver pickup following the injury of Raheem Mostert and he has been very profitable even while getting banged up in the process.
In the past two weeks, Mitchell has 59 touches. He faces a Seahawks defense that gave up a big day to not only one running back, but two this past week against the Football Team. Tons of volume versus a poor defense against the run will continue this rookie’s dominant campaign. Mitchell is a league winner with a schedule down the stretch as well.
Colts D/ST, vs. Houston Texans
The Colts have the ability to put up good fantasy production when they don’t give up too many points.
The defense has forced six turnovers in the past two weeks and has scored 10 or more fantasy points in two of the past three weeks. The Colts face a Texans team that struggles to score and promotes the opportunity to create turnovers. In their last matchup, the Texans turned over the ball three times and only managed a field goal.
Downgrades:
Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers
Although he has great splash play ability, his usage is too low to trust even though he has put together two straight games with 10 or more fantasy points.
Russell Wilson is still not the same guy right now after his injury and Lockett’s lack of success in the first matchup against the 49ers and the team’s motive to force feed DK Metcalf after him getting little usage makes me weary. Take a look at other options.
Elijah Moore, WR, New York Jets vs. Philadelphia Eagles
After the Jets’ Week 6 bye, Moore had shown what the hype about him was all about.
However, quarterback play in Zach Wilson affected his solid production as he only put up four receptions for 46 yards last week. Moore will probably draw a shadow from Darius Slay who has limited many talented receivers this year and proved he is one of the best in the league in taking away team’s top playmakers.
Waiver Wire
Alexander Mattison, RB, Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions
Mattison is a priority add this week as Dalvin Cook suffered a dislocated shoulder and more. For whatever time he will miss, Mattison will take advantage of the lead role.
In the two weeks this year that Mattison got the keys to the backfield, he rushed for over a hundred yards and caught six or more passes. The Vikings get Detroit this week, so taking all of this into consideration, he is a must-have.
Taysom Hill, QB, New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys
Hill has made this column before but now he will officially make his first start this season after dealing with plantar fascia injury. The Cowboys’ defense can be deceiving as they led Matt Ryan to a bad fantasy day, but made Derek Carr look like a superstar.
Hill retains a high floor with his rushing ability versus a susceptible Cowboys defense. With the possible return of both Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram, he will have the ability to showcase his big play potential as defenses will have to prepare for him to pass, hand the ball off, or take it himself.
Hill is a solid streamer this week if you are looking to replace your quarterback.
Matthew Gelhard is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at mgg5264@psu.edu.
