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Fantasy Football: Top 10 sleepers for Week 13
By Genna Preston
When it comes to fantasy football, make sure to start these top 10 sleepers heading into Week 13 NFL action.
Nov 29, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 30-22. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Wow, it’s Week 13 and we are approaching the end of the NFL season. Teams are attempting to clinch playoff and wild card positions. Well, the same goes for fantasy football owners. There may only be one or two weeks left before your leagues playoffs begin.
This week is crucial for fantasy owners and star players haven’t really been stars. Last week, Spencer Ware was one of fantasy’s top scoring player, who before Week 11, was null and void on the fantasy charts.
Sleeper picks are going to be what takes you further in the last few weeks of the season. Household names like Rob Gronkowski whose health is uncertain, are being shown up by players who don’t show up at all.
So, how do you win? Make some room on your lineups for these top 10 sleepers heading into Week 13 NFL action.
Next: 10. This Falcon is sure to soar
Nov 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Charles Sims (34) reaches for the end zone on a 14-yard touchdown catch against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Byron Maxwell (31) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
10. Charles Sims
Charles Sims did not show up on the fantasy scoreboard in Week 12. Sims rushed only four times for eight total yards. He caught three passes for 31 yards in the Week 12 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
His Week 13 match-up however seems much more promising as he prepares to take on the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta has offered opponents far too many fantasy points to not start Sims this week.
Atlanta has given the most point per run points per game this season. Although he may not be starting line-up quality, Sims is a great flex sleeper coming into Week 13.
Next: 9. Where did this Lion come from?
Nov 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) carries the ball as Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) defends at Ford Field. The Lions won 18-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
9. Theo Riddick
The Detroit Lions have been on fire, and so was Theo Riddick in Week 12’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Riddick offered fantasy owners well over 15 points depending on your leagues point values.
In last week’s Thanksgiving bowl, Riddick caught 5-of-5 passes for 62 yards. Riddick also had two carries for 6 yards and a touchdown.
He has caught at least five passes in the last three out of four games he’s played. This week’s match-up against the Green Bay Packers doesn’t seem like it will slow him down in Week 13.
Next: 8. This Patriot will not fall this week
Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell (19) brings in a reception setting up the game tying field goal in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
8. Brandon LaFell
Brandon LaFell has not been a fantasy target this season. As a matter of fact, he is usually quarterback Tom Brady‘s third receiving option.
However, LaFell is entering Week 13 as a sure target due to Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola‘s unknown health situation. LaFell is projected to earn fantasy owners double-digit points this week.
LaFell and the New England Patriots are prepared to bounce back from their only loss this season against the Denver Broncos. In a Week 13 match-up against the Philadelphia Eagles, this seems like a sure win for the team and Lafell as Philadelphia ranks 32nd against opposing wide receivers.
Next: 7. Start this Seahawk that shocked many last week
Nov 29, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) catches a pass for a touchdown during the fourth quarter in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 39-30. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
7. Doug Baldwin
Doug Baldwin entered last week with an ankle injury. The joke was on us in Week 12 as Baldwin not only went above and beyond but he earned well over 30 fantasy points in some leagues.
Baldwin caught 6-of-8 targets for 145 yards. He also had a mind-blowing three touchdowns in their Week 12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Within his last three games, he’s caught 19 passes for over 330 yards and 4 touchdowns. His Week 13 game against a strong defense of the Vikings doesn’t seem like it will slow Baldwin down. He is projected double-digit points and is sure sleeper of Week 13.
Next: 6. This Bengal isn't running for the hills
Nov 29, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) carries the ball in the first half against the St. Louis Rams at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
6. Jeremy Hill
Running back Jeremy Hill left Sunday’s match-up against the St. Louis Rams with a questionable return. Multiple injuries to his ankle in last week’s game isn’t stopping Hill as he is expected to be fully healthy for Week 13.
Even after leaving last week’s game, Hill managed 16 carries for 86 yards and a reception for 14 yards. Hill’s injury exit wasn’t a total bust as he still offered fantasy owners double-digit points.
Hill’s Week 13 game seems like another double-digit point week as he prepares to take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati is now ranked 27th against opposing running backs and Hill is sure to score big.
Next: 5. He is the true meaning of Chief
Nov 29, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) drops back to pass against the Buffalo Bills in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 30-22. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
5. Alex Smith
Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback Alex Smith has lit up the fantasy scoreboards this season. Smith is averaging double-digit points weekly and has even exceeded 20 fantasy points per game many times.
Last week, Smith completed 19-of-30 passes for 22 yards. He also rushed six times for 35 yards and had 2 touchdowns in last week’s match-up against the Buffalo Bills.
This week, Smith comes face-to-face with the Oakland Raiders who are allowing the 3rd most passing yards per game to opposing quarterbacks. With a weak defense and Smith’s season history, he is a must play in Week 13.
Next: 4. This Viking is ready to make a statement
Nov 29, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) eludes the tackle of Atlanta Falcons safety Charles Godfrey (30) after a catch in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
4. Kyle Rudolph
Tight end Kyle Rudolph is usually the low man on the totem pole when it comes to fantasy lineups. Week after week fantasy owners hope for double-digit points, but Rudolph hasn’t been a top performer at all.
Last week, Rudolph caught 7-of-10 targets for 53 yards. Although the Minnesota Vikings beat the Atlanta Falcons, Rudolph had no touchdowns and barely reached double-digit points.
However, this week’s match-up seems a bit more promising for Rudolph. Minnesota prepares to take on the Seattle Seahawks who rank 29th against Rudolph’s position. Seattle won’t be a match-up against Rudolph and he should definitely start in Week 13.
Next: 3. This Panther defines the term sleeper
Oct 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Carolina Panthers receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (19) runs away from Seattle Seahawks linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis (58) during the second half at CenturyLink Field. The Panthers won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
3. Ted Ginn Jr.
If you own Ted Ginn Jr. in any of your leagues, you probably have already benched him and are reading this thinking “yeah right.” I get it! Ginn Jr. had a rough Week 12.
Last week was the first time all season Ginn Jr. had less than three targets. Actually, he received no targets, which hurt fantasy teams as he earned zero fantasy points.
Ginn Jr. is very inconsistent which is why he is landing a spot on the sleeper list for Week 13. This week, Ginn Jr. faces the New Orleans Saints who rank 16th against wide receivers. He should see double-digit points in Week 13 and should be considered for a FLEX spot on your lineup.
Next: 2. Definitely keep an eye on this Chief
Nov 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (35) runs the ball during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
2. Charcandrick West
Charcandrick West has been a fantastic fantasy filler after Jamaal Charles landed a spot on the injured reserve list. That was up until he became injured himself and was ruled out of last week’s game.
West has practiced in full this week and is expected to make a healthy return in Week 13 against the Oakland Raiders. Although Spencer Ware has done an outstanding job filling in for the injured players, I don’t think it will cut into West’s workload.
West has an easy match-up against Oakland who ranks 25th against opposing running backs. He is great sleeper option in Week 13.
Next: 1. Fear the beard
Nov 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the warmups for their game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
1. Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Fitzpatrick has the No.1 spot on my sleeper list; don’t laugh! Just ask fantasy owner’s who benched him last week. He received almost 30 fantasy points in the Week 12 win against the Miami Dolphins.
Last week, Fitzpatrick completed 22-of-37 passes for 227 yards. He rushed five times (no surprise there) for 21 yards and threw 4 touchdown passes.
Next: Top 10 fantasy football players to sit for Week 13
This week, the NY Jets are taking on their brothers, the New York Giants, in a battle of New York to earn a wild card position. The Giants not only rank 31st against opposing quarterbacks but they offer the fifth most points to his position. Fitzpatrick is no dud in this week’s match-up.