Fantasy Football 2024 Week 13: Start ’em, Sit ’em
Welcome back to Fantasy Football Start ‘em, Sit ‘em – where each week we explore some of my best picks for who should be starting in fantasy managers’ lineups, and who should be sitting the week out.
Week 12 saw a few more notable names go down with injury. David Montgomery left in the third quarter with a shoulder injury, so his status will have to be monitored for Thanksgiving. Romeo Doubs was ruled out with a concussion, so his status for Thanksgiving is also up in the air. Both Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler left their game with injuries. JK Dobbins is expected to miss some time with a knee sprain.
On the bright side, we have six teams coming back from byes and no teams on bye this week.
Per usual, let’s take a look at the best of what we have left to work with this week.
Ian’s Record: 55-35
Start ’em
Bo Nix (QB, Broncos) vs Browns
Set aside the shaky first two weeks of Nix’s career, and he’s played at an Offensive Rookie of the Year caliber. After throwing four interceptions in his first two games, he has thrown only two up to this point.
He especially rocks at home, where in their past four home games he’s thrown for 1,013 yards, 11 touchdowns, and one interception. He’ll get it down at home on MNF this week as Denver fights to remain in the wildcard.
Bucky Irving (RB, Buccaneers) at Panthers
Irving has been trending up as a rookie receiving more reps out of the backfield, and he is just the next RB up in what’s been a delicious matchup for running backs all season.
The Panthers have given up the second most rush yards (1424) and the most rushing touchdowns (14) through 12 weeks. Cha-ching.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR, Saints) vs Rams
How bout this for a table-turning, huh?
After tainting his reputation with some bad drops in Kansas City, MVS has found a new home in New Orleans – where Derek Carr has found him for a 40+ yard touchdown in each of their past two games.
In the past five weeks, the Rams have surrendered the second most fantasy points to opposing WRs, with seven touchdowns as well. Put him in your flex and enjoy the ride as the Saints try to play spoiler.
Jonnu Smith (TE, Dolphins) at Packers
Two weeks ago I told you all to snag this guy off waivers, did anyone listen?
Sit ’em
Sam Darnold (QB, Vikings) vs Cardinals
While I expect the Vikings to win this game and continue giving Detroit a run for its money in the NFC North, I also expect a more defensive-sided game script with two good defenses.
In their past five games, the Cardinals have only surrendered two passing touchdowns from opposing QBs, and the least amount of fantasy points to the position. Their run defense is a different story, but I’m also not expecting a lot of points. Pass.
Isaiah Pacheco (if he plays) and Kareem Hunt (RBs, Chiefs) vs Raiders
Since he didn’t end up playing last week, it’s safe to assume Pacheco will be making his return for some Black Friday football this week on Prime. However, the community backfield Andy Reid is proposing for him and Hunt make them both risky plays going forward.
I would assume Hunt will take most of the reps in the red zone since he’s not the one coming off a fractured fibula, but that doesn’t speak for his volume outside of it. Pass.
Tee Higgins (WR, Bengals) vs Steelers
I would never sit here and tell you to not start Ja’Marr Chase. Tee Higgins though, he might have it rough this week.
As intimidating as Mike Tomlin’s defense is week-to-week on its own, they have allowed only one receiving touchdown in their past four games (Browns, Ravens, Commanders, Giants). I also don’t have faith in the whole “WR1 will be smothered so WR2 will be open” theory because the second layer of Pittsburgh’s defense is just loaded.
Cole Kmet (TE, Bears) at Lions
Aside from a couple flashes, Kmet hasn’t been a target for Caleb Williams just about all season. In a tough game on the road, I’m not anticipating a change of pace for the two.
Detroit has also been nasty on tight ends all season, only allowing an average of 5.3 fantasy points through 11 games. Pass.
BYES: NONE
