Weekly Positional Rankings: Week 13
In this series, I’ll give you my top 30 quarterbacks, 60 running backs, 60 wide receivers, and 30 tight ends each week to help you with your start/sit decisions in your leagues. To generate this list each and every week, I examine team trends, Vegas over/unders, implied points, pace of play, among various other factors to build a projection for each player and subsequently adjust rankings for upside and more detailed matchup specifics.
Among the rankings, there will surely be some that surprise you or that you may disagree with. At the end of each position section, I’ll give you my thoughts on some players that perhaps are ranked higher/lower than you might expect and insights as to why they are a good/bad play this week. Ultimately, these rankings should help your start/sit dilemmas and ensure you have the requisite resources to make an informed decision. The fantasy playoffs are nearly here, and start/sits can be the difference in every week until securing that championship glory.
Without further ado, let’s dive into Week 13’s positional rankings!
Quarterbacks
Pos | Player | Matchup | Week 13 Rank |
QB | Patrick Mahomes | OAK | 1 |
QB | Lamar Jackson | SF | 2 |
QB | Kyler Murray | LAR | 3 |
QB | Dak Prescott | BUF | 4 |
QB | Aaron Rodgers | @NYG | 5 |
QB | Matt Ryan | NO | 6 |
QB | Russell Wilson | MIN | 7 |
QB | Drew Brees | @ATL | 8 |
QB | Josh Allen | @DAL | 9 |
QB | Carson Wentz | @MIA | 10 |
QB | Deshaun Watson | NE | 11 |
QB | Ryan Tannehill | @IND | 12 |
QB | Baker Mayfield | @PIT | 13 |
QB | Jameis Winston | @JAC | 14 |
QB | Nick Foles | TB | 15 |
QB | Jared Goff | @ARI | 16 |
QB | Kirk Cousins | @SEA | 17 |
QB | Jimmy Garoppolo | @BAL | 18 |
QB | Kyle Allen | WAS | 19 |
QB | Derek Carr | @KC | 20 |
QB | Sam Darnold | @CIN | 21 |
QB | Andy Dalton | NYJ | 22 |
QB | Daniel Jones | GB | 23 |
QB | Tom Brady | @HOU | 24 |
QB | Jacoby Brissett | TEN | 25 |
QB | Philip Rivers | @DEN | 26 |
QB | Ryan Fitzpatrick | PHI | 27 |
QB | Mitchell Trubisky | @DET | 28 |
QB | Jeff Driskel | CHI | 29 |
QB | Brandon Allen | LAC | 30 |
QB | Devlin Hodges | CLE | 31 |
QB | Dwayne Haskins | @CAR | 32 |
Start ‘em: Carson Wentz, QB PHI
Last week was miserable for Wentz and company against a beatable Seattle defense. The offense as a whole looked lost, and Wentz did the team no favors by turning the ball over four times. This is ultimately a matchup play, banking on the former MVP candidate to return to form against a Miami defense that ranks fifth-worst in the NFL against opposing passers from a fantasy perspective. Wentz, who has thrown just five touchdowns over his last five games, will face a Miami team that has allowed an average of 2.4 passing touchdowns per game. The Eagles have the third-highest implied team total of the week with 27.5 implied points. Wentz has three-touchdown upside paired with a mid-QB2 floor this week, making him a solid low-end QB1 option.
Sit ‘em: Philip Rivers, QB LAC
While the subject of many Twitter jokes as of late, Rivers has deserved all the criticism of his play this season. Despite being surrounded by arguably one of the best collections of skill position players in the league, the veteran quarterback is just QB24 in points per game this season. Facing a Denver defense this week that ranks fourth-best in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, Rivers has little upside in week 13. In a start-one format, there’s plenty of other options for both better upside and a better floor. Keep Rivers on your bench this week.
If you’re desperate: Nick Foles, QB JAX
Nick Foles has been given the green light ever since his return in week 11. Over the last two weeks, Foles has attempted 95 passes: 47 and 48, specifically. This week, he faces a Buccaneers team that has been generous to opposing signal-callers this season, allowing the second-most fantasy points to the position. In one of the higher game totals of the week – 49 points – Foles has upside to throw a lot against a bad defense in a shootout. If you’re desperate, he’s got great upside in week 13 and is a solid start.
Running Backs
Pos | Player | Matchup | Week 13 Rank |
RB | Christian McCaffrey | WAS | 1 |
RB | Alvin Kamara | @ATL | 2 |
RB | Saquon Barkley | GB | 3 |
RB | Dalvin Cook | @SEA | 4 |
RB | Leonard Fournette | TB | 5 |
RB | Le’Veon Bell | @CIN | 6 |
RB | Melvin Gordon | @DEN | 7 |
RB | Joe Mixon | NYJ | 8 |
RB | Ezekiel Elliott | BUF | 9 |
RB | Nick Chubb | @PIT | 10 |
RB | Josh Jacobs | @KC | 11 |
RB | Phillip Lindsay | LAC | 12 |
RB | Aaron Jones | @NYG | 13 |
RB | Derrick Henry | @IND | 14 |
RB | Miles Sanders | @MIA | 15 |
RB | Austin Ekeler | @DEN | 16 |
RB | Jonathan Williams | TEN | 17 |
RB | Todd Gurley | @ARI | 18 |
RB | Mark Ingram | SF | 19 |
RB | James White | @HOU | 20 |
RB | Tevin Coleman | @BAL | 21 |
RB | David Montgomery | @DET | 22 |
RB | Kareem Hunt | @PIT | 23 |
RB | Devin Singletary | @DAL | 24 |
RB | Damien Williams | OAK | 25 |
RB | Ronald Jones | @JAC | 26 |
RB | Rashaad Penny | MIN | 27 |
RB | Jamaal Williams | @NYG | 28 |
RB | Latavius Murray | @ATL | 29 |
RB | Benny Snell | CLE | 30 |
RB | Sony Michel | @HOU | 31 |
RB | Chris Carson | MIN | 32 |
RB | Kenyan Drake | LAR | 33 |
RB | Devonta Freeman | NO | 34 |
RB | Derrius Guice | @CAR | 35 |
RB | Jaylen Samuels | CLE | 36 |
RB | Carlos Hyde | NE | 37 |
RB | Duke Johnson | NE | 38 |
RB | Royce Freeman | LAC | 39 |
RB | Bo Scarborough | CHI | 40 |
RB | Chase Edmonds | LAR | 41 |
RB | Nyheim Hines | TEN | 42 |
RB | Tarik Cohen | @DET | 43 |
RB | Kalen Ballage | PHI | 44 |
RB | Matt Breida | @BAL | 45 |
RB | Giovani Bernard | NYJ | 46 |
RB | Frank Gore | @DAL | 47 |
RB | Jalen Richard | @KC | 48 |
RB | Peyton Barber | @JAC | 49 |
RB | Alexander Mattison | @SEA | 50 |
RB | JD McKissic | CHI | 51 |
RB | Adrian Peterson | @CAR | 52 |
RB | Brian Hill | NO | 53 |
RB | Malcolm Brown | @ARI | 54 |
RB | Raheem Mostert | @BAL | 55 |
RB | Darrell Williams | OAK | 56 |
RB | Lesean McCoy | OAK | 57 |
RB | Tony Pollard | BUF | 58 |
RB | Patrick Laird | PHI | 59 |
RB | Gus Edwards | SF | 60 |
Start ‘em: James White, RB NEP
Before last week, James White was one of the most consistent players in fantasy football, scoring at least 9.6 PPR points in every game. The weather conditions and game plan prevented White from reaching those marks again last week, but he remains one of the most trust-worthy RB2 options in fantasy football. In week 13, White faces the Houston Texans, who have allowed by far the most running back receptions in the NFL. The Texans have allowed opposing running backs to catch 78 of 88 targets (88.6%) for 646 yards and four touchdowns on the season. Expect White to be heavily involved in the Patriots’ game plan on Sunday; start him as an RB2 with confidence.
Sit ‘em: Devonta Freeman, RB ATL
Freeman is back from injury this week on Thanksgiving Day against the New Orleans Saints. While Freeman is a solid low-end RB2 play from week to week, this matchup lends itself towards a slow day for the once overall RB1. The Saints have been great against opposing running backs this season, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position on the season. Freeman himself has been lackluster as well aside from solid receiving game usage. Before his injury, he eclipsed 40 yards rushing just twice and exceeded four yards per carry in a game the same number of times. While Freeman’s receiving game usage keeps him from a scary-low floor, look for better plays with more upside this week. He’s an RB3 play on volume alone and can be benched for better options.
If you’re desperate: Benny Snell, RB PIT
Snell took command of the Steelers backfield in week 12 and performed admirably. The rookie earned 22 touches and totaled 103 yards on the day, the best overall game of his career. While Snell doesn’t have much long-term dynasty appeal with James Conner and Jaylen Samuels in this backfield for the foreseeable future, he’s a fine desperation play in week 13 against the winless Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs, and the Steelers may lean on the ground game more with rookie Devlin Hodges set to start. Snell should command 15 touches in week 13, and while he may not get many looks in the passing game, he has touchdown upside good enough to make him an RB3 play on the week.
Wide Receivers
Pos | Player | Matchup | Week 13 Rank |
WR | Michael Thomas | @ATL | 1 |
WR | Davante Adams | @NYG | 2 |
WR | Tyreek Hill | OAK | 3 |
WR | Julio Jones | NO | 4 |
WR | Chris Godwin | @JAC | 5 |
WR | Mike Evans | @JAC | 6 |
WR | DJ Moore | WAS | 7 |
WR | Stefon Diggs | @SEA | 8 |
WR | DeAndre Hopkins | NE | 9 |
WR | Keenan Allen | @DEN | 10 |
WR | DJ Chark | TB | 11 |
WR | Julian Edelman | @HOU | 12 |
WR | Christian Kirk | LAR | 13 |
WR | Tyler Boyd | NYJ | 14 |
WR | Calvin Ridley | NO | 15 |
WR | Amari Cooper | BUF | 16 |
WR | TY Hilton | TEN | 17 |
WR | Cooper Kupp | @ARI | 18 |
WR | Allen Robinson | @DET | 19 |
WR | Courtland Sutton | LAC | 20 |
WR | Tyler Lockett | MIN | 21 |
WR | Odell Beckham Jr | @PIT | 22 |
WR | Jarvis Landry | @PIT | 23 |
WR | Kenny Golladay | CHI | 24 |
WR | Robert Woods | @ARI | 25 |
WR | John Brown | @DAL | 26 |
WR | Jamison Crowder | @CIN | 27 |
WR | Emmanuel Sanders | @BAL | 28 |
WR | Steling Shepard | GB | 29 |
WR | Dede Westbrook | TB | 30 |
WR | Devante Parker | PHI | 31 |
WR | Robby Anderson | @CIN | 32 |
WR | Tyrell Williams | @KC | 33 |
WR | Michael Gallup | BUF | 34 |
WR | Curtis Samuel | WAS | 35 |
WR | Will Fuller | NE | 36 |
WR | Brandin Cooks | @ARI | 37 |
WR | Deebo Samuel | @BAL | 38 |
WR | Terry McLaurin | @CAR | 39 |
WR | Marquise Brown | SF | 40 |
WR | AJ Brown | @IND | 41 |
WR | James Washington | CLE | 42 |
WR | Marvin Jones | CHI | 43 |
WR | Sammy Watkins | OAK | 44 |
WR | Mike Williams | @DEN | 45 |
WR | DK Metcalf | MIN | 46 |
WR | Anthony Miller | @DET | 47 |
WR | Cole Beasley | @DAL | 48 |
WR | Mecole Hardman | OAK | 49 |
WR | Auden Tate | NYJ | 50 |
WR | Allen Lazard | @NYG | 51 |
WR | Darius Slayton | GB | 52 |
WR | N’Keal Harry | @HOU | 53 |
WR | Larry Fitzgerald | LAR | 54 |
WR | Josh Gordon | MIN | 55 |
WR | Ted Ginn Jr | @ATL | 56 |
WR | Kenny Stills | NE | 57 |
WR | JJ Arcega-Whiteside | @MIA | 58 |
WR | Corey Davis | @IND | 59 |
WR | Zay Jones | @KC | 60 |
Start ‘em: Dede Westbrook, WR JAX
Westbrook has had an up and down season as he’s settled into a clear secondary role in this offense behind team (and fantasy) WR1 DJ Chark. In week 13, Westbrook’s matchup against Tampa Bay is good enough to warrant a start as a solid WR3 in fantasy. The Buccaneers have allowed by far the most points per game to opposing receivers; Tampa Bay’s 49.7 points per game allowed is 6.4 points higher than the second-worst team. Chark should lead the team in all aspects, but Westbrook – coming off a solid eight-reception game himself – should thrive in the slot against a beatable secondary. Start him with confidence as a WR3/FLEX option.
Sit ‘em: Marquise Brown, WR BAL
Brown has outperformed expectations by all standards as he’s become the clear number one receiver for Lamar Jackson this season. Coming off a two-touchdown game with over 20 fantasy points, it’s not easy to suggest Hollywood as a sit. However, the matchup against San Francisco has a wide range of outcomes for the rookie. San Francisco allows the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers on the season, and they’ll be a tough matchup for the Ravens even with Baltimore at home. Ultimately, Brown could easily break off a big touchdown play and prove this ranking wrong, but he has a low floor that warrants a WR4 ranking on the week. Unless you’re a big underdog that needs the high variance, Brown can be on your bench this week.
If you’re desperate: Robby Anderson, WR NYJ
Anderson’s big days this season have unsurprisingly correlated with Sam Darnold’s big games. The two have a great connection on deep passes, and when it hits, both players perform for fantasy. Coming off a solid outing of 86 yards and a touchdown, Anderson is in a good spot once again in week 13. The Jets play the winless Cincinnati Bengals in what should be a good day for the Jets offense. The Bengals allow a ridiculously high 16.5 yards per reception to opposing wide receivers, which fits right into Anderson’s wheelhouse. If you’re desperate, there are few plays this week with higher upside than Robby Anderson.
Tight Ends
Pos | Player | Matchup | Week 13 Rank |
TE | Travis Kelce | OAK | 1 |
TE | Zach Ertz | @MIA | 2 |
TE | George Kittle | @BAL | 3 |
TE | Mark Andrews | SF | 4 |
TE | Jared Cook | @ATL | 5 |
TE | Darren Waller | @KC | 6 |
TE | Hunter Henry | @DEN | 7 |
TE | Gerald Everett | @ARI | 8 |
TE | Jack Doyle | TEN | 9 |
TE | Greg Olsen | WAS | 10 |
TE | Kyle Rudolph | @SEA | 11 |
TE | Noah Fant | LAC | 12 |
TE | Ryan Griffin | @CIN | 13 |
TE | Dallas Goedert | @MIA | 14 |
TE | Jacob Hollister | MIN | 15 |
TE | Mike Gesicki | PHI | 16 |
TE | TJ Hockenson | CHI | 17 |
TE | Kaden Smith | GB | 18 |
TE | Tyler Eifert | NYJ | 19 |
TE | Jason Witten | BUF | 20 |
TE | Jimmy Graham | @NYG | 21 |
TE | Vance McDonald | CLE | 22 |
TE | Irv Smith | @SEA | 23 |
TE | Cameron Brate | @JAC | 24 |
TE | Jonnu Smith | @IND | 25 |
TE | Tyler Higbee | @ARI | 26 |
TE | Foster Moreau | @KC | 27 |
TE | OJ Howard | @JAC | 28 |
TE | Darren Fells | NE | 29 |
TE | Mo Allie-Cox | TEN | 30 |
Start ‘em: Rams TEs
We all know the story by now; start your tight ends against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have been atrocious against opposing tight ends all season, even recently allowing Ross Dwelley to score twice. Everett has been slowed as of recently as the Rams have spiraled into mediocrity, but it wasn’t long ago when he was emerging as a top-tier option in fantasy football at the tight end position. With 59 targets on the season, Rams starter Gerald Everett ranks tenth in total tight end targets and 13th in fantasy points per game. Everett is dealing with a knee injury that has him day-to-day, so monitor his progress throughout the week. If he’s unable to go, Tyler Higbee would move up the rankings considerably and would be a borderline TE1 play on the week.
Sit ‘em: Jimmy Graham, TE GB
Graham had a solid stretch this season – when Davante Adams was injured – as a solid option at tight end. Over his last four games, however, Graham has topped 20 yards receiving just once and hasn’t found the end zone. Averaging just 5.1 PPR points over this stretch, Graham’s performance has been outside the top 30 TEs in points per game since week eight. The Giants, Graham’s week 13 matchup, have been great against opposing tight ends this season, allowing the third-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. In a difficult matchup, Graham doesn’t have the upside that’s worth starting this week.
If you’re desperate: Kaden Smith, NYG
On the other side of the Packers-Giants slate, Kaden Smith makes for a solid desperation play at the tight end position this week. Last week, Smith caught five of six passes for 17 yards and a touchdown. The yards per reception isn’t ideal, but Smith has the opportunity once again to produce in week 13 if teammate Evan Engram is on the sidelines again. With Golden Tate likely out, Smith can once again command a solid target share. The Packers have allowed the third-most points per game to opposing tight ends, making this a solid matchup for the rookie. The combination of opportunity and matchup makes Kaden Smith a solid TE2 option this week and is a fine desperation play.
That concludes this week’s rankings article! As this series is released on Thursdays, be sure to follow any lingering injuries and changing injury status updates for players as Sunday approaches. If you’re wondering about a player I didn’t dive into detail about, feel free to reach out to me @FFzinger on Twitter. Best of luck this week, and I’ll be back next week to give Week 14’s positional rankings.
- Week 17 Positional Rankings - January 1, 2022
- Week 16 Positional Rankings - December 23, 2021
- Week 15 Positional Rankings - December 16, 2021