Thanksgiving Week kicked off with a bang, showcasing some stellar performances that had fantasy managers buzzing. Players like Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Rico Dowdle, Tua Tagovailoa, Josh Jacobs, De’Von Achane, and Tyreek Hill lit up the scoreboard, giving their owners plenty to be thankful for. Meanwhile, Brock Bowers put up an impressive total on Friday, putting him on track to shatter rookie tight end records. However, not every star shone bright, as Patrick Mahomes struggled to find his rhythm.
As we moved into Sunday, the excitement continued with big performances from fantasy favorites like Jayden Daniels, Anthony Richardson, Bijan Robinson, Joe Mixon, Terry McLaurin, and Mike Evans. These players helped many fantasy managers secure leads heading into the crucial Sunday and Monday night matchups. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing; some players fell short of expectations, including Justin Herbert, Kenneth Walker III, Calvin Ridley, and Garrett Wilson, leaving their managers frustrated.
With that backdrop, let’s dive into my top five fantasy football storylines from Week 13. For the latest news and fantasy advice, don’t forget to check out Fantasy Dirt five days a week!
Russell Wilson Throws Three Touchdowns
Wilson had a breakout performance, throwing for 414 yards and three touchdowns, finishing with a solid 26.9 fantasy points. This was a much-needed boost for the veteran, who had only managed 20.1 points in his previous two games combined. His impressive showing is likely to make him one of the most added players off the waiver wire ahead of Week 14, which many are dubbing “bye-mageddon II.”
Wilson’s resurgence has also been a boon for George Pickens, who has consistently scored over 16 fantasy points in three consecutive games where the weather cooperated. In fact, Pickens has hit that mark in four of Wilson’s six starts, making him a player to watch moving forward. Next up, the duo will face the Browns in Pittsburgh, and fantasy managers will be eager to see if they can keep the momentum going.
We Might Have a Breece Hall Problem
Breece Hall found himself on the injury report this past week due to a knee issue. Despite practicing on Friday and playing against the Seahawks, his performance was lackluster. Hall managed just 12 carries for 60 yards, didn’t catch a single pass, and fumbled twice, scoring a mere six points. This marks the fourth time in five games that he’s been held under 13 points, raising concerns about his effectiveness as the Jets prepare to face the Dolphins.
For those heading into the fantasy postseason, Hall’s situation is troubling. The Jets are not playoff contenders, which could lead to limited touches for Hall or even a potential benching. If you have him on your roster, it might be wise to snag Braelon Allen as insurance; he’s widely available in most leagues as we approach Week 14.
Chase Brown Is a Must-Start Running Back
When it comes to fantasy football, the term “must-start” is reserved for the elite, and Chase Brown has earned that title. Since stepping in as the Bengals’ featured back, he’s been on fire, averaging at least 19 fantasy points over the last four games. Brown has not only been productive but has also averaged 24 touches per game during this stretch, including 6.5 targets and 5.5 catches.
His impressive 21.9 points-per-game average places him among the top running backs in fantasy football. With upcoming matchups against the Cowboys, Titans, and Browns, Brown could very well be a league-winner for those fortunate enough to have him on their roster.
Bucky Irving Takes Over the Bucs Backfield
Bucky Irving is making waves in the Buccaneers’ backfield. After a standout performance against the Giants, where he racked up six catches and 151 total yards, he outdid himself against the Panthers, amassing 152 rushing yards, three catches for another 33 yards, and a touchdown, totaling 27.5 fantasy points. Irving has firmly established himself as the lead back, outpacing Rachaad White significantly.
With 28 touches compared to White’s 12, Irving’s performance puts him in the must-start category as the Bucs prepare to face the Raiders, a team known for struggling against running backs. As the fantasy postseason approaches, Irving is shaping up to be a potential league winner.
It’s Time to Cut Ties with C.J. Stroud
C.J. Stroud entered the season with high hopes, bolstered by the Texans’ additions of Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs. However, he has struggled to deliver on those expectations. His recent performance against the Jaguars was particularly disappointing, as he managed only 242 passing yards and one touchdown, resulting in a mere 14.4 fantasy points.
Stroud has now failed to reach 16 fantasy points in seven straight games, and with the Texans on a bye week, it might be time to cut him loose for a more productive free agent. If you’re holding onto Stroud, consider making a move; there are likely better options available that can help you in your playoff push.
As we reflect on the highs and lows of Week 13, it’s clear that the fantasy landscape is ever-changing. Stay engaged, keep an eye on the waiver wire, and make those strategic moves that could lead you to victory in your fantasy leagues!
