What You Need to Know From Week 13

Photo: Jeff Hanisch, USA Today Sports

SEA @ DAL

• Geno Smith had a strong game against a tough defense and will be a viable QB1 for the fantasy playoffs against Philadelphia, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh after a rematch against the red-hot 49ers in Week 14.
• Zach Charbonnet was productive enough to deserve the fantasy start but left with a bruised knee. We'll see if he or Ken Walker III are ready to play in Week 14. If not, DeeJay Dallas will get the start and be worth a what-the-heck flex play.
• DK Metcalf had a massive game against defensive Player of the Year candidate Da'Ron Bland and should be in lineups going forward, regardless of the matchup.
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba is coming on and could be in the WR3/Flex mix in the fantasy playoffs.
• Tyler Lockett had another quiet game and should probably be on benches in Week 14, with hopes of a fantasy playoffs bounceback.
• Jake Ferguson had his biggest game in a month after a short lull in scoring and should be in consideration as a starting fantasy tight end against the Eagles in Week 14 and going forward.

IND @ TEN

• Gardner Minshew had a solid game thanks to a couple of quality bombs to Alec Pierce and a steady dose of targets to Michael Pittman, who caught the overtime game-winner. Minshew is at least good injury depth for the fantasy playoffs. Pierce is rosterable as a what-the-heck flex injury depth.
• Zack Moss wasn't that productive for fantasy, but seeing this offense become multi-dimensional should pay off for his fantasy teams in the long run. He's still worth an RB2 start against Cincinnati.
• Josh Downs was quiet after getting 13 targets in Week 12. He's only injury depth for now and might be droppable in short bench leagues with Pierce coming on.
• Will Levis was good enough as a passer to get DeAndre Hopkins back in lineups against the Dolphins in Week 14 despite the tough matchup against the Dolphins' corners. Miami's defense is still a must-start against the Titans' crumbling offensive line.
• Derrick Henry scored twice and had 17 carries in the first half before a concussion check ended his afternoon. He was not diagnosed with a concussion and should be good for Week 14. Tyjae Spears was excellent in relief of Henry, and he is one of the most valuable #2 backs to carry for the fantasy playoffs.
• Chigoziem Okonkwo's snaps and productivity are trending in the right direction. He's a fine waiver wire add if you need coverage for Trey McBride's bye in Week 14.

ATL @ NYJ

• Drake London was blanketed by Sauce Gardner and did little, as the Falcons didn't have to press the issue on offense to win in this game.
• The Jets also contained Bijan Robinson and should still be considered a limiting factor for opposing offenses after wilting against the Bills and Dolphins in Weeks 11-12.
• Kyle Pitts had a decent stat line of 4-51 in a good matchup for opposing tight ends, but third-stringer Mycole Pruitt caught the only touchdown of the game in the latest twist for Pitts' fantasy teams.
• Tim Boyle was bad enough that the Jets turned to Trevor Siemian and later released Boyle. Apparently, the team wants to go back to Zach Wilson in Week 14, but he might not be willing to play.
• Garrett Wilson was quiet in this one, outproduced by UDFA rookie even though Falcons shutdown corner A.J. Terrell left with a concussion. We might lose trust in Wilson by the time we get to the fantasy playoffs after he scratched out WR3 value with Aaron Rodgers sidelined.

DET @ NO

• Sam LaPorta dominated and could be on his way to breaking the rookie tight end receptions record. He's a top-five option going forward.
• Jahmyr Gibbs had a long run early but wasn't a big factor the rest of the way. He's closer to a flex option than the RB1 he looked like the first two weeks after David Montgomery returned to the lineup.
• Amon-Ra St. Brown and the rest of the passing game didn't do much as the Lions jumped out to a 21-0 and made it hold up despite a furious Saints comeback to get to 33-28. Jameson Williams did show the blistering speed that made him the #12 overall pick in 2022. Williams should be carried on fantasy benches while we wait to see if his role can grow in the fantasy playoffs.
• Derek Carr left with a concussion and rib injury. He's unsure for Week 14. Jameis Winston was unimpressive in relief, and his biggest play was a ball two defenders could have intercepted. Taysom Hill could have an even bigger role if Carr is out vs. Carolina after getting 13 carries, a score on the ground, and two receptions in this game.
• Alvin Kamara was predictably the 1A receiving ability, along with Chris Olave, who cleared concussion protocol in time to play. None of the secondary WR/TE stepped up, and Juwan Johnson had an early drop that turned into an interception. He didn't catch either one of the two targets he got after that. Johnson can be dropped if you picked up him hoping he could fill some of the void left by Rashid Shaheed and Michael Thomas's injuries.

DEN @ HOU

• The Broncos offense wasn't that effective, but Russell Wilson was productive enough as a runner to have a decent fantasy day despite throwing three picks. Wilson is worth carrying as injury depth for the fantasy playoffs.
• Tank Dell left with a broken fibula and is out for the season. Noah Brown should have a bigger role in the passing game going forward.
• Brevin Jordan had a few big gains as a Dalton Schultz replacement and could be good Trey McBride bye week coverage in Week 14 if Schultz (hamstring) is out again.
• Dameon Pierce got more touches and the rushing touchdown over Devin Singletary, who at least got more snaps. Neither back is a clear fantasy start, but both are worth carrying in typical leagues.

LAC @ NE

• Austin Ekeler was contained easily yet again and is more low-ceiling RB2 than the elite RB1 we drafted him to be.
• Quentin Johnston was more consistent and could be building confidence. He is worth an add in deeper leagues and a potential what-the-heck flex start against the Broncos.
• Rhamondre Stevenson was lost for at least a few weeks, if not the rest of the season, with a high ankle sprain. Ezekiel Elliott was productive enough in relief to be the top waiver add of the week if he's out there.
• DeVante Parker has a good connection with Bailey Zappe and will be worth rostering in very deep leagues as long as Zappe is the starter, which he should be on Thursday against the Steelers.