Week 13 of fantasy football has arrived, with managers required to make difficult lineup decisions. Sometimes, players who are viewed as fringe starters can produce unexpectedly big performances. These can often make or break fantasy football matchups. Below is a list of players, one from each position, who carry upside this week and can be placed in fantasy starting lineups.
Week 12 Upside Plays was somewhat disappointing. Zach Ertz put up another solid week, while Baker Mayfield met his weekly projection. However, James Conner’s usage was shocking, and Rome Odunze could only muster five catches for 39 yards.
Week 13 Fantasy Football – Upside Plays of the Week
Quarterback – Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson has underwhelmed over the past two weeks, scoring only 7.3 and 12.8 fantasy points respectively. After an upset loss in the snow to the Browns, Wilson and the Steelers will have a great opportunity to bounce back this week against the Bengals. The Bengals defense has been atrocious on all fronts and are allowing the third-most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to quarterbacks this season. Wilson should continue to build rapport with wideout George Pickens, as the two have illustrated in previous weeks. Wilson is 4-1 as the Steelers starter this year and is a high-end QB2 for fantasy in Week 13.
Running-Back – Rico Dowdle
Rico Dowdle had a solid performance in Week 12, rushing 19 times for 86 yards. While he couldn’t find the end zone, Dowdle and the Cowboys have an advantageous matchup against the Giants in Week 13. The Giants have been unable to stop running backs lately, allowing THREE rushing touchdowns to the Buccaneers last week. They are also allowing the third-most rushing yards (117) per game to the position this season. Despite the Cowboys struggles of late, they will be four-point favorites on Thanksgiving Thursday. With a potential positive game script for Dowdle, fantasy managers can view the Cowboys back as a solid RB3/upside flex play for Week 13.
Wide Receiver – Michael Pittman Jr.
Michael Pittman Jr. has been a disappointing fantasy pick this season, currently ranking as the WR47 in half-PPR scoring. Nonetheless, Pittman Jr. was effective last week, leading the Colts’ receivers with six catches for 96 yards. Pittman Jr. and the Colts face the 3-9 Patriots in Week 13, which should be another plus matchup for the receiver. The Patriots defense ranks 25th against opposing WRs, allowing 22 FPPG this season. Fellow wideout Josh Downs also sustained a shoulder injury in Week 12 and is considered week-to-week, putting his Week 13 availability in jeopardy. If Downs is inactive, Pittman Jr. could see a big uptick in targets. Fantasy managers still holding onto Pittman Jr. should feel more confident about placing him in starting lineups this week.
Tight End – Will Dissly
Will Dissly has been a consistent tight-end for fantasy in recent weeks. Dissly has at least six targets in 4/5 games and is the clear number two passing option for quarterback Justin Herbert. Dissly is having a career year and should continue to see opportunities in this efficient Chargers offense. The Chargers will take on the Falcons in Week 13, which projects to be a high-scoring contest (O/U 48.5). Fantasy managers who have picked up Dissly off waivers should consider him a low-end TE1 option moving forward.
Main Image: Grace Hollars – USA Today Sports
