Week 13 started off with excitement on Thanksgiving, featuring thrilling games like the Bears versus Lions, followed by the Cowboys defeating the Giants, and the Packers toppling the Dolphins. On Black Friday, an emerging NFL tradition, the Kansas City Chiefs secured a playoff spot with a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

As we gear up for an action-packed Sunday, fantasy football enthusiasts may need help making lineup decisions. Here are our recommendations for who to start and who to sit for every position:

Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 13: Quarterbacks

START: C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (at Jacksonville Jaguars)

While Stroud has had his share of ups and downs this season, he has a favorable matchup in Week 13 against a Jaguars defense that has given up the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this year. Jacksonville has allowed 23 touchdown passes, the second-highest in the league after Houston. In their previous encounter this season, Stroud threw for 345 yards and two touchdowns.

Stroud tends to perform better when his top receiver, Nico Collins, is healthy, which enhances his chances for multiple touchdown throws.

START: Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts (at New England Patriots)

Richardson has looked sharper since returning as the starting quarterback and faces a Patriots team that has allowed four touchdown passes to quarterbacks in their last two games.

Though he may not be as consistent as Stafford or Tagovailoa, his explosive style could result in big plays. With his rushing ability, he offers a strong upside this week.

START: Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Carolina Panthers)

The Panthers have been one of the worst teams against quarterbacks this season, surrendering at least 21 touchdown passes. Mayfield, who has yet to face Carolina this year, has thrown for multiple touchdowns in seven of his eleven starts.

He also averages over 20 rushing yards and has three rushing touchdowns this season. The Panthers rank poorly in limiting running attempts against quarterbacks, making this a promising matchup for Mayfield, who could replicate strong performances like Mahomes’ notable game in Week 12.

START: Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (at New Orleans Saints)

Since the return of stars Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, Stafford has averaged 281.6 passing yards and 2.4 touchdowns per game. He has had multiple touchdowns in four out of the last five games and will face a New Orleans defense that has recently allowed a significant yardage and touchdown count.

SIT: Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (at Buffalo Bills)

Purdy might not be in a favorable position this week. Although the Bills have allowed some passing touchdowns lately, he is returning from a shoulder injury and may be playing behind a diminished offensive line. Given the Bills’ solid performance against quarterbacks this season, it might be wise to bench Purdy if there are better options available.

SIT: Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (at New York Jets)

Even though Smith has put up decent performances this season, it hasn’t translated into substantial fantasy points. He leads the league in passing yards but also has the most interceptions. This week he faces a Jets team that has kept touchdown passes to a minimum. Since Smith has struggled to throw more than one touchdown in most of his games, it’s advisable to keep him on the bench this week.

Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 13: Running Backs

START: Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Carolina Panthers)

Irving, who impressed last week with career-highs in rushing and receiving yards, faces a weak rush defense in the Panthers. Carolina ranks last in rushing yards allowed per game, and they have struggled even more recently, giving up significant yardage but limited touchdowns. Expect Irving to rack up yards in this matchup, and if he finds the end zone, he could deliver an even bigger score.

START: Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams (at New Orleans Saints)

Williams broke through with a good performance last week and could continue that momentum against the Saints’ defense.

This season, New Orleans has given up the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs. After their bye week, the Saints have conceded 13 touchdowns to this position. The Los Angeles Rams might be welcoming back tackle Rob Havenstein this week, which would add much-needed stability to their offensive line. As a result, Williams is likely to perform well again.

START: Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots (vs. Indianapolis Colts)

Stevenson struggled against Miami in Week 12, leading his team with eight carries but managing only a season-low of 13 yards. Fortunately, this week, he faces the Colts, who were overwhelmed by the Lions’ running game last week, allowing 178 yards and three touchdowns. In fact, over their prior four games, the Colts surrendered an average of 131 total yards and four touchdowns per game, indicating their defensive issues are not unique to Detroit. Stevenson is expected to have a significantly better performance against the Colts compared to his outing against the Dolphins.

START: Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans (at Washington Commanders)

Pollard was advised as a sit last week and came back with a vengeance. He became just the third running back this season to exceed 100 rushing yards against the Texans, finishing with 129 total yards and a touchdown on 27 touches. This was his best performance yet.

He is set to continue his momentum against the Commanders, a team he knows well from his time in Dallas. Washington has allowed an average of nearly 175 total yards per game and three touchdowns to running backs in their last three outings. Although the Titans’ rushing attack isn’t top-tier, their success against Houston suggests they could also have a favorable matchup against Washington.

SIT: Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (vs. Cleveland Browns)

Williams was recommended as a starter last week but didn’t deliver. Together, the Broncos managed only 63 rushing yards, with Williams carrying the ball eight times for a net of -2 yards (this is accurate) plus two receptions for six yards. Facing an average Raiders run defense, this was a disappointing performance; rookie Audric Estime was much more effective with seven carries for 44 yards.

This week, Williams takes on the Browns, who limit opposing running backs to just 109 total yards per game this season. While they rank 24th in rushing yards allowed per game, this number is skewed due to playing against several dual-threat quarterbacks. Cleveland has yet to let an opponent rush for 100 yards this season. If Williams struggles against the Raiders, bouncing back against Cleveland will be a significant challenge.

SIT: Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns (at Denver Broncos)

Chubb was also a sit last week, but he proved the critics wrong with a performance that included 59 yards on 20 carries and two touchdowns—his first of the season. However, replicating that against a solid Broncos defense will likely be difficult. The Broncos rank sixth in rushing defense this season, allowing only two rushing touchdowns in the last six games, with Derrick Henry being the only running back to go over 60 yards during that span. Although Chubb had a commendable performance against the Steelers on a short week at home, facing the Broncos in “Monday Night Football” on the road presents a tougher test.

SIT: Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders (vs. Tennessee Titans)

Robinson Jr. suffered an injury on the first play against Dallas last week, finishing with just five carries for 13 yards, marking his worst performance of the season. Even if he can play despite an ankle issue, he will face a challenging opponent this week. The Titans have restricted opposing running backs to only 75 total yards per game over their last four games. Although they allowed four touchdowns during that time, Robinson Jr. may not be a strong option this week.

SIT: Breece Hall or Braelon Allen, New York Jets (vs. Seattle Seahawks)

Breece Hall is on the injury report this week and missed practice on Wednesday. If he cannot play or is limited, picking Allen as a substitute might seem appealing. However, Seattle’s run defense has improved recently, allowing just 102 total yards to running backs per game and zero touchdowns during the last three matches. With Mike Macdonald’s defensive adjustments paying off, this could lead to trouble for the Jets’ running game.

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em Week 13: WRs

START: Tank Dell, Houston Texans (at Jacksonville Jaguars)

Dell’s involvement in the Texans’ offense has diminished since Nico Collins returned from injury, but he remains the second option in the passing game. This week, the Texans face the Jaguars, whose defense has struggled, ranking 32nd in the NFL in dropback EPA (0.405) and dropback success rate (59.0%) over the last four weeks, as well as being 30th in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers during that period.

While Collins is a must-start each week, Dell is positioned for a significant performance against Jacksonville.

START: Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (at Atlanta Falcons)

Once again, McConkey is featured as a recommended starter.

This rookie wide receiver is currently the No. 15 receiver in all of fantasy football this season, yet he is still rostered in less than 90% of leagues. This week, he confronts an Atlanta defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers in the last four weeks, including six touchdowns (tied for the second-most).

With Quentin Johnston’s struggles in Week 12, quarterback Justin Herbert may be leaning on McConkey even more. He’s a clear start for Week 13.

START: George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers (at Cincinnati Bengals)

A divisional matchup against a team that has consistently struggled against wide receivers this season creates a favorable situation for Pickens. Although he had a lackluster game in Week 12, largely due to the snowy conditions in Cleveland, he will find slightly better weather in Cincinnati on Sunday.

Quarterback Russell Wilson and Pickens have developed strong chemistry since Week 7, and this synergy should keep up against the Bengals, who allow an average of nearly 34 fantasy points per game to receivers this year.

SIT: Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Arizona Cardinals)

Addison was the top wide receiver in fantasy football last week against the Bears. Unfortunately, this week presents him with a much tougher defensive challenge.

Arizona has performed impressively, ranking second in the NFL with an EPA allowed of -0.158 and holding the top position in success rate at 35.8% over the last four weeks. The Cardinals are also ninth in terms of average fantasy points allowed to wide receivers during this timeframe. Notably, Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s touchdown last week was the first that Jonathan Gannon’s defense allowed to a wide receiver since Week 6.

Given that Justin Jefferson struggled last week, he is likely to receive more targets, which could negatively impact Addison’s opportunities.

SIT: Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills (vs. San Francisco 49ers)

Shakir had a productive stretch leading up to the Bills’ Week 12 bye but has not scored a touchdown since Week 3. The 49ers have conceded just one touchdown to a wide receiver in the past four weeks and rank fifth in limiting fantasy points to receivers.

Additionally, Shakir’s target share might decrease if receiver Keon Coleman and tight end Dalton Kincaid return from injuries in Week 13. Amari Cooper has had extra time to recuperate from his wrist injury as well, giving him the chance to become more involved in the offense.

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em Week 13: TEs

START: Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (vs. Indianapolis Colts)

For the third week in a row, Hunter Henry is a recommended start. The New England Patriots are set to face off against the Colts at home in Week 13. The veteran tight end has become a reliable streaming option this season, often presenting a fluctuating start/sit situation. Patriots’ No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye is showing continuous improvement, providing fantasy managers with confidence in Henry’s ability to contribute.

Henry leads the Patriots in receiving and has run the most routes for the team this season. Gus Bradley’s defense frequently allows vulnerabilities in the middle and shallow areas of the field. The Colts have given up the eighth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends and the fourth-most receptions per game to the position.

START: Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)

This Sunday, the Steelers are heading to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals in Week 13. Pittsburgh is looking to rebound after a tough loss on “Thursday Night Football” against the Browns. Since Russell Wilson stepped in as quarterback, Freiermuth has delivered two top-15 performances and two outings outside the top 30. This week, he’s in a promising position to finish within the top 10 against the Bengals, who give up the second-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Last season in Cincinnati, Freiermuth ended up being the top tight end after an outstanding game with nine receptions and 120 yards. The Bengals have conceded a touchdown to a tight end in each of the last three weeks, and “Muth” cheers will likely ring out at Paycor Stadium on Sunday.

SIT: Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills (vs. San Francisco 49ers)

The second-year tight end for the Bills hasn’t met the high expectations that fantasy owners who drafted him had for 2024. He has only ranked as a top-ten tight end twice so far this season. Facing the 49ers in Week 13, the matchup is not favorable as San Francisco has given up the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Kincaid, who is returning from a knee injury after missing the Bills’ Week 10 game, is unlikely to receive a full workload in his return.

With the potential return of Keon Coleman and the reliable presence of Khalil Shakir, plus the addition of Amari Cooper, Kincaid’s role as a receiving option for Josh Allen may be significantly reduced. He is on the verge of becoming touchdown-dependent. Since linebacker Fred Warner leads the Niners’ defense, tight ends typically struggle against them. Last week, Kraft was limited to just two catches for 26 yards, even though he managed to score a touchdown. With numerous options in Buffalo’s offense, Kincaid cannot be relied upon this week.

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em Week 13: Ks

START: Wil Lutz, Denver Broncos (vs. Cleveland Browns)

Sean Payton has the Broncos operating at a high level, improving weekly since their 29-19 win over the Raiders. Denver has scored at least 28 points in each of its last five victories and has shown they can have offensive outbursts against teams that aren’t top-tier, such as the Ravens or Chiefs.

The Browns possess a strong enough defense that they will likely contain Bo Nix and company. This setting could lead to increased kicking opportunities for Lutz, who kicked five field goals against the Raiders. Playing at home in the altitude also presents a beneficial scenario for Lutz.

START: Zane Gonzalez, Washington Commanders (at Tennessee Titans)

The Commanders have placed their starting kicker, Austin Seibert, on IR due to an undisclosed injury following a game where he missed three kicks (one field goal and two extra points) against the Cowboys. Gonzalez steps in for Seibert and should find success in a high-volume offensive scheme.

Washington is currently second in the NFL in field goal attempts per game (2.9), which means Gonzalez will likely have ample opportunities. He has successfully completed all seven of his kicks this season (three field goals, four extra points) and should be able to put up solid numbers against the Titans in Week 13.

START: Nick Folk, Tennessee Titans (at Washington Commanders)

Folk recently had a game where he made three field goals from over 50 yards and has attempted at least two field goals in each of his last four outings. His combination of strong volume and impressive accuracy (94.4% on field goals this season) makes him a solid streaming pick, particularly since Washington is allowing an average of 2.7 field goal attempts in their last three games, which is tied for the fifth-most in the NFL.

SIT: Chad Ryland, Arizona Cardinals (at Minnesota Vikings)

Ryland has been an unexpectedly reliable kicker for the Cardinals, but this matchup does not favor him. He missed just his second field goal attempt of the season at the conclusion of Arizona’s 16-6 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks last week and faces a Vikings defense that permits the fewest field goal attempts per game in the league (1.5).

Kyler Murray and the Cardinals’ offense had difficulty consistently advancing the ball against Mike Macdonald’s well-prepared defense. Anticipate similar struggles against Brian Flores’ defense, which could limit Ryland’s opportunities.

SIT: Jake Moody, San Francisco 49ers (at Buffalo Bills)

The 49ers are among the top three teams in the NFL for field goal attempts per game this season (2.7), yet Moody has only been called to kick once in each of his last two games. He may face similar limitations against a Buffalo team that allows just 1.5 field goal attempts per game this season.

If Moody doesn’t participate in the night game, it could further restrict his chances to score in potentially chilly and windy conditions.

Fantasy Football: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em for Week 13 – D/STs

START: Minnesota Vikings (vs. Arizona Cardinals)

The holiday shopping season is officially underway, and many people are on the hunt for the top gifts of 2024. This year, the Vikings have emerged as that sought-after team, surprising everyone and becoming a desirable pick. Not long ago, Minnesota was expected to compete for a high draft choice. Now, they possess the best fantasy defense and face an inconsistent Cardinals team.

We’ve seen Kyler Murray’s highs this season, but Week 12 showcased some of his lows. Murray usually struggles during November and December, with a win rate of only .344 in those months. Although we might expect him to rely on his legs against a heavy blitz defense, he hasn’t done much of that recently. His tendency to turn the ball over makes starting the Vikings’ defense a clear choice.

START: Houston Texans (at Jacksonville Jaguars)

The Jaguars are an offense that is easy to target as they once again aim for the No. 1 draft pick. Whether it’s Trevor Lawrence or Mac Jones, Jacksonville is a mess. They’ve managed only 13 points over their last two games, which doesn’t instill confidence in a turnaround. Doug Pederson appears to be in a lame-duck coaching position with a team that seems to have given up.

After a disappointing defeat to the Titans, the Texans will likely look to make a statement this Sunday. With three straight double-digit fantasy scores, the Texans are set for another productive game.

SIT: Pittsburgh Steelers (at Cincinnati Bengals)

Once again, the Steelers face a division rival, this time the Bengals, who are currently on a scoring spree. Cincinnati, with a 4-7 record, has a lot of ground to cover to make the playoffs. They recently became the first team to score more than 20 points against the Chargers. The Bengals scored at least 34 points in their previous two games before their recent bye week. While the Steelers have a solid fantasy defense, starting them against this Bengals offense could be risky.

SIT: Philadelphia Eagles (at Baltimore Ravens)

Similar to their fellow Pennsylvania team, the Eagles boast a strong fantasy defense. Since their Week 5 bye, they have turned their season around. However, they haven’t faced the toughest offenses in this period. The Ravens are looking to maintain their status in the AFC North and are eager to capitalize on any Steelers missteps. Baltimore has one of the highest scoring averages in the league, just behind the Lions. This week will present a significant challenge for the Eagles, making them a candidate for the bench as we see how they perform.

SIT: San Francisco 49ers (at Buffalo Bills)

The 49ers are kind of coasting this season based on their reputation. With a record of 5-6, they’re facing a tough road ahead for playoff contention, especially without some of their key defensive players due to injuries, including Nick Bosa. A long trip to Buffalo won’t help their situation. Even at full strength, the 49ers would likely have been a risky choice for fantasy this week, making them a clear bench candidate now.