The NFL schedule-makers giveth, and they taketh away. Last week, we were treated to a bye-free full slate, but in a pivotal Week 13, we have six teams taking their mandatory PTO. Start 'em, sit 'em decisions won't be easy as fantasy football owners struggle to field a viable starting lineup. With many in must-win matchups, the more expert analysis, opinions, and projections you can find, the better it will make your start 'em, sit 'em choices.
To prove we believe in the "more is better" approach to fantasy football research, we’re pleased to offer SN Fantasy readers an exclusive look at Draft Sharks’ award-winning weekly projections and rankings. We'll also highlight players at each position who stand out in our rankings compared to theirs so you get multiple perspectives on a few of the biggest start-or-sit headaches. To see Draft Sharks' exclusive Week 13 3D floor-to-ceiling projections, become a Draft Sharks member today at the link below!
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Week 13 Fantasy Football Projections, Rankings from Draft Sharks
Week 13 fantasy QB projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers vs. Panthers (SN Ranking: 16 | DS Ranking: 13)
Mayfield has established a solid floor over the past five games, averaging 245 passing yards and 1.8 TDs. The Panthers' defense is nothing special, so this feels like it should be another good game. However, the Panthers are much worse against the run than the pass, as shown by the fact they allow the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game (FPPG) to QBs. Mayfield might not be called upon to do much in this game, which is why we have him outside the QB1 tier.
SN's WEEK 13 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Week 13 fantasy RB projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders vs. Dolphins (SN PPR Ranking: 17 | DS Ranking: 27)
Robinson Jr. has been one of the best backs in fantasy this year, yet he's not treated like one. Draft Sharks is really throwing shade at him this week, ranking him as a high-end flex. We still think he's a safe RB2, but clearly, Draft Sharks is expecting a negative game script that will lead to fewer carries and more playing time for receiving back Antonio Gibson. Robinson has also shown to be an effective receiver this year, though, so we still expect him to find his stats as he has in almost every game this season.
Spotlight Player: Dameon Pierce, Texans vs. Broncos (SN PPR Ranking: 31 | DS Ranking: 37)
Pierce didn't do much in his return last week, but he received just one fewer carry than Devin Singletary, showing he's still in the Texans' game plan. The Broncos' run defense has improved since early in the season, but they're still vulnerable against power runners. If Pierce gets closer to 12 touches this week, he can produce solid flex numbers, but Draft Sharks is a little leerier.
SN's WEEK 13 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Week 13 fantasy WR projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Christian Watson, Packers vs. Chiefs (SN PPR Ranking: 27 | DS Ranking: 33)
UPDATE: We moved Watson down several spots throughout the week.
Watson is coming off his best game of the season, and we expect him and Jordan Love to keep the momentum going in a potential shootout with the Chiefs. Draft Sharks isn't quite as optimistic, instead focusing on Watson's uneven play and tough matchup. Either way, we both view him as a starter in 12-team leagues, but clearly, we think his floor and ceiling are higher this week.
Spotlight Player: A.T. Perry, Saints vs. Lions (SN PPR Ranking: 61 | DS Ranking: 49)
Someone has to step up for the Saints with Michael Thomas (knee) out and Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (thigh) banged up. Draft Sharks has a decent amount of faith in Perry, but after his three-target Week 12 performance, we're not quite as excited. It seems more likely that the RBs and TEs will be leaned on more, so we're not even trying to guess which Saints' receiver has the highest floor or ceiling.
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Week 13 fantasy TE projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Tyler Conklin, Jets vs. Falcons (SN PPR Ranking: 13 | DS Ranking: 20)
Conklin has hauled in 19-of-21 targets over the past four games, but he hasn't scored and his yards have really dropped off the past two weeks. Draft Sharks is clearly looking at the overall production -- and the Jets' overall offense -- and dropping Conklin in their rankings. We like the usage and highly favorable matchup, so we're giving Conklin a bump based on his solid floor.
Week 13 fantasy defense projections, rankings
Spotlight Player: Los Angeles Chargers @ Patriots (SN Ranking: 18 | DS Ranking: 11)
Obviously, the Patriots are a favorable matchup, so based on that alone, Draft Sharks' ranking is probably more in line with how most people view the Chargers this week. However, L.A. hasn't done much since its monster Monday night showing against the Jets. In the past three games, L.A. has managed just five sacks and no takeaways while allowing an average of 28 offensive points per game. The loss of Joey Bosa (foot) hurts in a major way, so we're not as optimistic that the Bolts can take full advantage of this matchup.
