Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 13
We are entering Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season, and the playoff picture is sharpening. As Fantasy coaches and managers navigate the final third of the regular season, every roster decision and matchup detail takes on added significance. Depth charts are shifting, injuries are mounting, and league power dynamics are evolving. With several teams having few—or no—bye weeks remaining, the margin for error shrinks.
That means the middle tier of players is increasingly critical. Players once considered optional or fringe starters may now offer value because of matchup advantages or roster drops. At the same time, the elite performers continue to separate themselves from the pack. Identifying which players to start or sit this week hinges on tuning into matchups, recent form, and team context rather than relying on name recognition alone.
This week features marquee games with playoff implications, including rivalry showdowns and divisional clashes. For those constructing their weekly lineups, the strategy must account for both upside and floor: targeting players poised to exceed expectations, while avoiding decision‐makers whose roles or matchups suggest risk.
The following are my week 13 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em picks.
Fantasy Football Start Recommendations
Matchup: Packers at Lions
Love bounced back in Week 12 with a game-manager performance in the Vikings’ win, and while he’s been inconsistent throwing touchdowns lately (just two in his last four games), he faces a Lions defense that’s been vulnerable through the air.
Green Bay’s ground game with Josh Jacobs has dominated recently, but Love will need to air it out in what should be a high-scoring Thanksgiving showdown. His shoulder took some hits last week, but he’s cleared to play. The Lions’ aggressive defensive scheme creates opportunities for big plays downfield and quick passes or screens to the RBs. Love has the weapons in Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs to take advantage of coverage. Fire him up as a solid QB1.
Matchup: Broncos at Commanders
The Broncos’ rookie sensation had two strong games in weeks 8 and 9, but as cooled off. However, after the bye week and getting the Sunday Night Game against the Commanders, things could fire back up.
Harvey has clearly carved out a significant role in Sean Payton’s offense, and while he’s sharing touches, there are signals of growing trust. The Commanders’ defense has been gashed by running backs recently, allowing multiple 100-yard performances. Harvey’s combination of vision, contact balance, and receiving ability makes him an intriguing flex play with RB2 upside. Payton loves utilizing backs in the passing game, and Harvey’s skill set fits perfectly. Roll with confidence.
Matchup: Bills at Steelers
Gainwell has quietly become a PPR monster for Pittsburgh, posting 10 carries for 92 yards and six catches for 30 yards in Week 12. His 16 touches demonstrate he’s not just a change-of-pace back anymore; he’s a legitimate part of the game plan.
With Jaylen Warren dealing with an iffy ankle issue, Gainwell’s workload could increase further. He’s been incredibly efficient as a receiver, catching all six targets last week, and the Steelers trust him in crucial situations. Against a Bills defense that’s been vulnerable to pass-catching backs, Gainwell offers a safe floor with touchdown upside.
Matchup: Saints at Dolphins
The Saints rookie could be thrust into a featured role if Alvin Kamara’s injury keeps him sidelined. Neal showed his receiving chops in Week 12 with five catches on seven targets, and he appears to be the clear passing-down back even when Kamara is healthy. The Dolphins rank among the worst defenses against running backs this season, making this a dream matchup for a potential breakout.
Neal’s college pedigree (4,343 career rushing yards at Kansas) suggests he can handle a larger workload. In deeper leagues or if you’re desperate for a flex, Neal offers lottery-ticket upside this week.
Revenge Game: Raiders at Jaguars
Since joining Jacksonville via trade, Meyers has seamlessly integrated into Liam Coen’s offense, scoring his first touchdown in Week 12. His sure-handed reputation (only 11 drops in his entire seven-year career) makes him Trevor Lawrence’s security blanket, especially with injuries depleting the receiver room. Meyers has recorded four consecutive seasons with 800+ receiving yards, and he’s on pace to extend that streak. The veteran’s ability to win from the slot and work intermediate routes gives him consistent PPR value. Meyers should command 7-10 targets, making him a reliable WR3/flex option with weekly double-digit point potential.
Matchup: Falcons at Jets
Mooney quietly finished 2024 with career-highs in receptions (87) and yards (1,027) while showcasing elite chemistry with Michael Penix Jr. down the stretch. The speedster has proven he’s more than just a deep threat, running crisp routes from multiple alignments and creating separation consistently. While his production can be boom-or-bust (44% of fantasy points came in just 10 quarters last season), his involvement in Atlanta’s aerial attack remains significant. The Falcons will need to throw to keep pace, and Mooney’s ability to stretch the field opens up underneath options for his teammates. He’s carved out a clear WR2 role in this offense. Start him with confidence as a WR3 with ceiling.
There are a lot of moving parts, with Cousins in and Penix out, plus Drake London’s status up in the air, but there is fantasy value here.
Matchup: 49ers at Browns
Jennings has established himself as one of the 49ers’ most reliable targets when healthy, functioning as Brock Purdy’s go-to option on critical downs. His physical, possession-receiver style makes him invaluable in the red zone, and he’s proven capable of producing even when other weapons are available. The Browns’ secondary has struggled against physical receivers who can win contested catches, playing right into Jennings’ strengths. San Francisco’s offense may be dealing with injuries across the skill positions, which could mean even more targets funneling Jennings’ way. His versatility to line up in the slot or outside gives him favorable matchups throughout the game. Fire him up as a WR3 this week.
Matchup: Texans at Colts
There is a small chance Higgins is on your waiver wire.
The Texans’ emerging wide receiver has shown flashes of potential in Houston’s offense, and this week’s matchup sets up beautifully for targets. With C.J. Stroud (possibly) under center, the Texans are aggressive, pushing the ball downfield, and Higgins’s ability to create separation gives him weekly upside. While he’s battling for snaps with other Houston weapons, his role has been increasing as the season progresses.
Hard to believe, but the Texans’ offense ranks among the league’s best in passing efficiency, and game script should favor plenty of throwing. Higgins makes for an intriguing dart throw in deeper leagues or as a WR4/flex option if you’re chasing upside over floor.
Matchup: Giants at Patriots
While his hands have been inconsistent (drops remain an issue), the Patriots’ defense has surrendered multiple tight end touchdowns this season. Johnson’s blocking role limits his snap count, but when he’s running routes, he’s a primary read. If you’re desperate at tight end and need touchdown upside, Johnson’s recent scoring streak makes him startable despite the volatility.
Matchup: Broncos at Commanders
The veteran tight end continues defying Father Time, posting five games in a row with four receptions. Ertz has been highly efficient when targeted, offering a safe PPR floor that few tight ends can match. With Terry McLaurin and other Washington weapons potentially drawing coverage attention, Ertz operates underneath as Jayden Daniels’ security blanket in crucial situations. When the Commanders’ offense is clicking, Ertz is a central piece. Plug him in confidently as a TE1 this week with a double-digit point expectation.
Fantasy Football Sit Recommendations
Matchup: Texans at Colts
This is a huge divisional game, with the Texans coming to town with extra time off after playing last Thursday. The Colts, on the other hand, had to go to overtime on the road against the Chiefs this week. This matchup isn’t great, the Texans’ secondary (when healthy) is an elite defense. If you have better options, I would consider it.
Matchup: Vikings at Seahawks
J.J. McCarthy has been dreadful. The Seahawks’ stadium is known for noise and being a difficult place to play. I think this is obvious.
Matchup: Raiders at Chargers
Gadsden burst onto the scene with back-to-back explosive performances (7/164/1 in Week 7), but he’s clearly cooling off as defenses adjust, and the Chargers’ offense spreads targets around.
The rookie tight end’s early success appears unsustainable as Justin Herbert has multiple weapons demanding touches, including the return of key receivers. Regression was inevitable, and selling high was the move weeks ago. Now, Gadsden looks like a low-floor, touchdown-dependent dart throw. If you have a better option, keep him benched until he demonstrates consistent usage again.
