Fantasy Football: Top 5 quarterbacks for Week 13

When it comes to fantasy football, make sure to start these top 5 quarterbacks heading into Week 13 NFL action.

Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Carolina Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert (35) and quarterback Cam Newton (1) and running back Jonathan Stewart (28) celebrate during the third quarter of a NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Carolina won 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

It seems like yesterday was the start of the regular season, a blink of an eye and were heading into Week 13 of NFL action. As we approach the end of the regular season, we are also one step closer to the end of fantasy football for the year. NFL teams, just like fantasy football owners, will be looking to clinch playoff berths with these last few weeks remaining on the season.

This is a vital week for teams in the middle of the rankings, this week and the next week or so, decides the fate of their team’s playoff hopes. Fantasy owners will be scouting potential starters for their line-ups and avidly searching online for helpful tips and strategies as to who to start this week.

Have no fear fantasy owners, having trouble deciding which quarterbacks to start this week to ensure your team a much-needed victory? Here’s your list of the top 5 quarterbacks to start heading into Week 13.

Next: 5. Start this bearded Jet

Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looking down field In the first half at MetLife Stadium.The Jets defeated the Dolphins 38-20. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

5. Ryan Fitzpatrick

Yes, you heard me correctly, Fitzpatrick has made my top 5 fantasy quarterback list for Week 13. Before you give me that confused, what are you talking about look, Fitzpatrick actually has a very favorable match-up this week against the defense of the New York Giants. The Giants have the worst passing defense in the NFL ranked at #32. Big Blue also has given up about 21-plus fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in three of their last four games.

Coming off an impressive four touchdown campaign last week, Fitzpatrick should have no problem torching the Giants’ defense through the air. Fitz is also sitting on a multi-touchdown streak that should carry over into Week 13. Besides the stats, this is more than a game, it’s more than just a rivalry if you will, it’s a battle of bragging rights.

Winner claims their rightful spot as the King of the big apple, and most importantly, bragging rights for the next three-four years. With both teams fighting for a potential spot in the playoffs, I expect this game to be nothing less than a battle. I believe both teams will give their all. In the end, I have the Jets winning by at least two touchdowns, Fitzpatrick will finish the game with 3 passing touchdowns and zero turnovers.

Next: 4. A Bear worth starting

Nov 26, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) drops back to pass against the Green Bay Packers during the second half for a NFL game on Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jay Cutler

Cutler is actually my sleeper for the week, despite the teams overall success and his performance over the last few seasons, the Chicago Bears enter Week 13 with a dream match-up against the San Francisco 49ers and their weak defense. The 49ers’ defense averages just under 300 passing yards allowed by opposing opponents.

With a healthy Matt Forte, an emerging Jeremy Langford, and an always reliable Alshon Jeffery, Cutler should have no problem picking apart the 49ers’ pass defense. He could actually put up some major numbers if everything clicks on offense.

I have Cutler throwing for over 300 yards with about two-three touchdowns this week. The 49ers have been absolutely awful this season as they’ve shown the effects of losing players such as Patrick Willis, Chris Borland, Chris Culliver and many others on the defensive side of the field. Cutler and the Bears should waste little time exposing this fragile defense in Week 13.

Next: 3. The Red Rifle will be on fire

Nov 29, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) celebrates with fans after defeating the St. Louis Rams at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

3. Andy Dalton

I’m expecting another big performance this week out of Dalton as he goes up against the defensive secondary of the Cleveland Browns, which has consistently under performed this season. Dalton is not an elite quarterback but the Browns have made any quarterback this season look great.

When a defense, such as Cleveland’s gives up more than 200 yards and two touchdowns to Matt Schaub, the next quarterback is automatically a must start. The past four weeks, the Browns defense has given up 12 touchdowns and over 300 passing yards to opposing quarterbacks a game.

Let’s not forget last time Dalton faced the Browns this season he threw three touchdowns. This should be a very easy week for the Bengals as they try to complete the regular season with another division title. I have Dalton throwing for about 295 yards and three touchdowns in Week 13.

Next: 2. Superman just keeps on smiling

Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts on the sidelines during the game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Carolina won 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

2. Cam Newton

Newton has been a consistent regular on fantasy’s top 5 quarterbacks list since the start of the regular season. Newton is currently leading the only undefeated team left in the NFL, while Newton’s passer rating hasn’t been anything amazing posting a QBR of 58 out of 100, he adds a tremendous value to fantasy teams everywhere with his ability to move the chains with his legs.

The Carolina Panthers are also facing the New Orleans Saints and their porous defensive secondary which has allowed the most points to opposing quarterbacks (23.9). That’s more than four points per game than the second place Jacksonville Jaguars.

With the possibility of the perfect season on the line this week for Carolina, I don’t expect Newton to disappoint his team or his fans in their Week 13 match-up against the Saints. I have Newton throwing for 250 yards for two passing touchdowns and an additional 45 yards on the ground with a rushing touchdown.

Next: 1. One of the best playing today

Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks off the field during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

1. Tom Brady

Brady and the New England Patriots are coming off a disappointing Week 12 in which they met their first defeat of the season thanks to the Denver Broncos. Now 10-1, the Patriots will look to avenge their previous defeat with a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and their defensive secondary who surrendered a total of five passing touchdowns to their previous opponent, the Detroit Lions.

Brady will look to lead his team to a victory, primarily to keep the Patriots team, fans and coaching staffs heads up for the remainder of the season. Granted the Patriots don’t at all need a much-needed victory, most likely they will once again claim their rightful spot as the top of the AFC East and a possible first-round bye in the playoffs.

Next: Top 10 fantasy football sleepers for Week 13

However, all it takes is one loss to have a team enter a slump, just look at our beloved NY Jets, a once 4-1 team suffered a close defeat to the New England Patriots and went on to post a mid-season record of 5-5. Brady should have no problem avoiding a two-game losing streak as the Patriots face a disappointing team in the Eagles.

I have the Patriots scoring the victory in Week 13, Brady will post four touchdowns with over 300 passing yards as well.