We’re entering the penultimate week of the fantasy football regular season, and making the right start at quarterback is crucial for your chances of ending the week with a "W" or "L." Our Week 13 fantasy QB rankings see a new face in the top 15 while two other typical must-start QBs endure tough matchups, putting them firmly on the start 'em, sit 'em bubble.
Let’s start with the streamers. While only two teams are on bye (Cardinals, Panthers), there are enough injuries and shaky QB play to warrant looking toward the waiver wire for a new QB. Deshaun Watson (@ Texans), Kenny Pickett (@ Falcons), Jared Goff (vs. Jaguars), Mike White (@ Vikings), and Marcus Mariota (vs. Steelers), highlight Week 13’s priority streaming options. Assuming Watson isn't too rusty, he's obviously in a different class than the rest of these QBs, and he draws an enticing matchup against a Texans defense that just surrendered 30 points in Week 12. He's still unowned in around 42 percent of Yahoo leagues, so scoop him up if he's available.
Pickett is starting to find his groove as a professional signal caller, and a plus matchup against the Falcons' 28th-ranked pass defense could lead to a top-15 finish. Goff and the Lions' offense continue to produce every week, making him a solid bye week/injury fill-in in a favorable matchup. White had an efficient day against the Bears, getting rid of the ball quickly while throwing for 315 yards and three TDs, so he can do more of the same against Minnesota's last-ranked pass defense. Mariota is another stable start, as he’s always capable of racking up a handful of points via his legs despite his lack of prowess in the passing game. Against the Steelers' 31st-ranked pass defense, he can add the passing yards, too.
WEEK 13 STANDARD RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
The two weekly starters with tough matchups we previously alluded two are Lamar Jackson (vs. Broncos) and Dak Prescott (vs. Colts). Jackson’s coming off a subpar performance against Jacksonville, and things don’t get any easier matching up against a Broncos defense that entered Week 12 allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game allowed to QBs (11.7). Prescott’s matchup isn’t as brutal, but the Colts' defense is a stingy unit that’s capable of limiting his fantasy ceiling. We won’t fault you for starting either QB if there aren’t better options, but be wary of subpar performances from those two. The same goes for Tom Brady (vs. Saints) and Kirk Cousins (@ Jets), who have even lower ceilings.
WEEK 13 PPR RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
On the flip side, Trevor Lawrence (@ Lions), Jimmy Garoppolo (vs. Dolphins), and Geno Smith (@ Rams) profile as must-starts. Lawrence faces a Lions defense allowing the most FPPG to QBs (27.1) while Garoppolo’s elite supporting cast can result in Jimmy G putting up another top-10 fantasy finish against Miami's porous pass defense. Lastly, Smith should put up a respectable fantasy output against a Rams' defense that's continued to underwhelm. Daniel Jones (vs. Commanders) is also in play in a favorable matchup, but he's a fairly low-ceiling play despite his rushing ability.
WEEK 13 DFS: Best values | Best stacks
We'll be on the lookout for the most recent updates on banged-up QBs Matthew Stafford (neck), Aaron Rodgers (oblique), and Justin Fields (left shoulder) to see if any suit up in Week 13. We don't have high hopes for Stafford or Rodgers even if they do return, but Fields would be a must-start if the Bears deem him healthy enough to play. He might run a little less than usual, but it's such a big part of his game that we don't see him being active if he's just going to be a pocket passer.
WEEK 13 DFS LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel
Note: We'll be updating these QB rankings as needed throughout the week, so check back for the latest changes.
WEEK 13 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
Week 13 fantasy QB Rankings
These rankings are based on four-point passing TD scoring
Rank Player
1 Jalen Hurts, Eagles vs. Titans
2 Joe Burrow, Bengals vs. Chiefs
3 Justin Herbert, Chargers @ Raiders
4 Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs @ Bengals
5 Josh Allen, Bills @ Patriots
6 Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins @ 49ers
7 Justin Fields, Bears vs. Packers
8 Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars @ Lions
9 Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers vs. Dolphins
10 Geno Smith, Seahawks @ Rams
11 Dak Prescott, Cowboys vs. Colts
12 Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. Broncos
13 Marcus Mariota, Falcons vs. Steelers
14 Deshaun Watson, Browns @ Texans
15 Derek Carr, Raiders vs. Chargers
16 Tom Brady, Buccaneers vs. Saints
17 Kenny Pickett, Steelers @ Falcons
18 Daniel Jones, Giants vs. Commanders
19 Kirk Cousins, Vikings vs. Jets
20 Jared Goff, Lions vs. Jaguars
21 Mike White, Jets @ Vikings
22 Russell Wilson, Broncos @ Ravens
23 Aaron Rodgers, Packers @ Bears
24 Taylor Heinicke, Commanders @ Giants
25 Andy Dalton, Saints @ Buccaneers
26 Matt Ryan, Colts @ Cowboys
27 Ryan Tannehill, Titans @ Eagles
28 Mac Jones, Patriots vs. Bills
29 John Wolford, Rams vs. Seahawks
30 Kyle Allen, Texans vs. Browns
Week 13 QB fantasy projections, rankings from Draft Sharks
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