Lineup Prep: Week 13

Wed Nov 27 10:11am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Irving is red hot right now


This is always my favorite Lineup Prep to write for the season. I write about all the things I’m thankful for, fantasy edition. Before getting to that, I want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you have a great day and all your fantasy players score big for you.

Now for all the fantasy things I’m thankful for. . . . .

I am thankful to be able to tape a weekly video with my son, Henry. It is awesome he shares the same passion as I do for fantasy football. He knows his stuff and is a great player. His future is very bright in the fantasy world.

Sometimes it is a little information overload, but I’m thankful for X. You can so much football information so quickly these days. It helps make waiver wire moves, lineup decisions and anything else fantasy related that much easier. I remember when I first started in the industry I would scour the local newspapers to write notes from each NFL team beat writer. Wow, times have sure changed.

I am thankful that rookie tight ends are able to produce big these days. The thought used to be rookie tight ends have a steep learning curve and huge seasons are a big stretch. Well, the last two seasons are proving that wrong. We would have a rookie tight end lead in fantasy scoring two straight seasons. Craziness. This sure helps deepen the player pool at what is normally a thin position. Who will be the next great rookie fantasy tight end next year?

I am thankful that Saquon Barkley landed in Philadelphia. I’m not an Eagles fan but I’m a Barkley fan. It is great to see him on a team that can really utilize his amazing skillset. He is having an unbelievable season. Barkley is so talented and fun to watch. Enjoy the ride.

I’m not sure people appreciate Lamar Jackson enough. Patrick Mahomes gets more of the headlines because he wins the championships, but Jackson is playing at some kind of special level right now. He leads all fantasy quarterbacks in scoring with 333.55 fantasy points, being ahead of second-play quarterback Joe Burrow by 57.75 points. Jackson is some kind of player and is on a special run for the Ravens and his fantasy owners.

I am thankful that Courtland Sutton is finally having that huge season. I feel like I draft him every year and he disappoints. Well, that isn’t the case this year with Bo Nix on his side. Sutton is 10th overall in fantasy receiver. He is ahead of some big-time players right now. Sutton has been so consistent, having 15-plus fantasy points six games. Sutton has arrived.

I am thankful that betting has been legalized in nearly every state. It is about time, right? You all need to be responsible but it is great to finally have that right to bet in your home state. I’m just not sure why it took this long. Get with the times politicians.

I am so thankful and blessed to work in the fantasy industry. I started 20 years ago in a field I never thought I would get into. But here I am. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I still have fun working every day. There aren’t many people that can say that about their job. I don’t take that for granted and appreciate the opportunity I have to write about fantasy sports for a living.

And I am so thankful for all of you. Without you reading or watching my weekly content, I couldn’t do this for a living. I have so much fun interacting with everyone in the RTSports community. This truly is the best fantasy community around. I have gotten to know so many of you through the years and really do enjoy my time with you all. Here is to wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

News and Notes: Tight end Greg Dulcich was claimed off waivers on Tuesday by the New York Giants. The Broncos recently released the tight end, who will try to find a fresh start with his new team. . . . .The Eagles claimed defensive end Charles Harris off waivers on Tuesday. He gives the team some depth after having to place defensive end Brandon Graham on Injured Reserve.

HOT PLAYS

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs. Mahomes is showing some signs of life, having two straight three-touchdown games. He topped 30 fantasy points for the first time this season in Week 12. He has three-touchdown games three of four games. Look for him to hit that mark again this week against the Raiders, a team that allows the eighth most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Mahomes topped 20 fantasy points against the Raiders in Week 8.

Joe Mixon, RB, Texans. Mixon had his worst game of the season last week, rushing 14 times for just 22 yards. It was an unexpected showing for Mixon, who had 16-plus fantasy points six straight games before last week’s dud. The positive for Mixon last week was he had five receptions, which was a season high. The receptions really help his fantasy floor. We like him to get catches and the rushing yards this week against the Jaguars. Jacksonville allows the second most fantasy points to running backs and is 26th overall against the run.

Bucky Irving, RB, Bucs. Irving has emerged as the lead back for the Bucs. He has played great in recent weeks, rushing for a season-high 87 yards last week. He also scored a season-best 27.1 fantasy points. Irving has 15-plus fantasy points five of six games. His consistency has been off the charts for his fantasy owners. Irving can top 15 fantasy points once again in Week 13, playing the Panthers. Carolina allows the most fantasy points to running backs and is dead last against the run, allowing 160.5-rushing yards per game.

Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers. McConkey was iffy to play last week but played and played well once again. He had six receptions for 83 yards. He has 11-plus fantasy points four of five games. He is the favorite target of Justin Herbert. And with JK Dobbins getting hurt last week, the Chargers could rely more on the passing game this week. This is good news for McConkey, especially against the Falcons this week. Atlanta allows the fourth most fantasy points to receivers.

D.J. Moore, WR, Bears. The Bears are making it a point to get Moore more involved offensively. He has seven receptions each of his last two games. Moore had double-digit fantasy points each of his first five games before going south after that. But his good ways have returned. Plus, Caleb Williams is playing better, which is encouraging for Moore. The Bears get the Lions this week, a team that is very good against the run but will struggle against the pass. Detroit is 25th against the pass compared to fifth against the run.

COLD PLAYS

Jordan Love, QB, Packers. Love played a good game last week but managed just 16.35 fantasy points. His fantasy numbers have been down in recent weeks, having fewer than 17 fantasy points three of four games. His numbers have not been great this season for fantasy owners, posting up and down numbers. Love could have another down game this week against the Dolphins, a team that allows the second fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks and rank eighth overall against the pass.

James Conner, RB, Cardinals. Conner had his worst game of the season last week, rushing seven times for just eight yards. It wasn’t the first time he laid an egg, though. He has fewer than 25-rushing yards three games this season. Conner is having another fine year as the starter but isn’t immune to the bad game. And another down showing could happen this week against a great Vikings rush defense. Minnesota allows the third fewest fantasy points to running backs and is first overall against the run, allowing just 74.7-rushing yards per game.

D’Andre Swift, RB, Bears. Swift was iffy to play last week because of a groin injury. He played but wasn’t great, rushing 13 times for just 30 yards. He failed to hit double-digit fantasy points for the second time in three games. It wasn’t a great showing for Swift. He might struggle again this week against the Lions. As mentioned earlier, the Lions are really good against the run. Detroit allows the second fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders. McLaurin has 100-yard games three of five. But the games in between those have been really bad, getting fewer than 20 yards. He has been a little boom or bust lately. It would not surprise to see him have another bust game this week against a very good Titans secondary. Tennessee allows the third fewest fantasy points to receivers and has shutdown cornerback L’Jarius Sneed patrolling the opposing No. 1 receiver. This does not bode well for McLaurin to have one of his huge games.

Jaylen Waddle, WR, Dolphins. Waddle had his best game of the season last week. He scored 28.4 fantasy points and finished with eight receptions for 144 yards. This was his second 100-yard game of the season. Waddle has only reached double-digit fantasy points two times all year, though. He has fewer than 60 yards all but two games. Waddle has been a lot more bad than good. We are encouraged by last week but aren’t just plugging him into the lineup on a weekly basis, especially this week against the Packers. Green Bay is 11th overall against the pass and allows the seventh fewest fantasy points to receivers.

SLEEPERS

Bryce Young, QB, Panthers. Young is playing much better football since returning to the lineup in Week 8. He has kept his team in games and is not turning the ball over, going without a turnover two straight games. Young threw for a season-high 263 yards last week against a good Chiefs defense. We think he can get his first 20-plus fantasy point game of his season this week against the Bucs. Tampa allows the second most fantasy points to quarterbacks and 29th overall against the pass. Young could be worth a spot start in this one.

Rico Dowdle, RB, Cowboys. Dowdle had one of his better games of the season last week, finishing with 98 total yards on 22 touches. He topped double-digit fantasy points after failing to hit that mark two straight games. It was his second game of the season with 85-plus rushing yards. Dowdle gets the Giants this week, a team he scored 13.1 fantasy points against in week 4. New York allows the sixth most fantasy points to running backs and ranks 30th overall against the run.

Michael Pittman, WR, Colts. Pittman is finally starting to get some more looks. He has 15 targets his last two games, catching 11 passes for 142 yards. He scored 15.6 fantasy points last week, his highest total since Week 4. Pittman is getting on the same page with Anthony Richardson. Pittman can keep up his strong recent play this week against the Patriots. New England has struggled to stop the pass, allowing the ninth most fantasy points to receivers.

Pat Freiermuth, TE, Steelers. Freiermuth had a season-high 59 yards last week. He has 9-plus fantasy points two of three games. He isn’t having quite the fantasy season many hoped but had some good games along the way. We like him to produce well this week against the Bengals, a team that struggles to stop the tight end. Cincinnati allows the second most fantasy points to tight ends.

Michael Wilson, WR, Cardinals. Wilson has actually played the most snaps at receiver for the Cardinals this season. His numbers have been up and down, but been pretty good at times. He has four games with double-digit fantasy points. Wilson is a big-play threat in this offense and can do well in the red zone. Look for him to take advantage of that this week against the Vikings. Minnesota is very good against the run but struggles against the pass, allowing the second most fantasy points to receivers. Minnesota ranks just 28th overall against the pass.

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High Scoring Games: Texans/Jaguars, Eagles/Ravens, Rams/Saints, Dolphins/Packers.

Low Scoring Games: Giants/Cowboys, Colts/Patriots.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14

Player Notes
Caleb Williams Dec 3 10:10pm CT
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown, who has been promoted to offensive coordinator and now head coach this season, will be considered among the candidates for the permanent job in January, according to two team sources. The Bears also hope to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who interviewed for Chicago's offensive-coordinator position last offseason before they gave the job to Shane Waldron. Brown's role in the development of first overall pick Caleb Williams has been noticeable. Since Brown took over Waldron's job in Chicago on Nov. 12, Williams has five touchdown passes the last two games after nothing throwing one in the previous four contests. The young QB also hasn't thrown a pick in 232 pass attempts, which is the longest streak by a rookie in NFL history.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Dec 3 10:00pm CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio said "absolutely not" when asked if the team was considering replacing offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik as the play-caller. Caserio also said that he thinks Slowik is a "great coach." Quarterback C.J. Stroud has regressed in his sophomore season under Slowik, and the Texans offense in general has looked sluggish in recent weeks. Houston has just one win all year against team with a winning record and will be fighting for a postseason spot down the stretch despite starting the year 5-1. Stroud specifically has really struggled under pressure and has seen his accuracy decline from what was a very impressive rookie season. The Texans' offense currently ranks 20th in EPA per play, which will need to improve drastically. The good news is Houston will look to work on their offensive inefficiencies on bye this week.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Dec 3 9:40pm CT
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) said on Tuesday that he's still dealing with concussion symptoms from the team's Week 12 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. Ekeler does not remember walking off the field until getting into an ambulance to take a trip to the hospital. It's similar memory loss that he experienced after a Week 3 concussion he suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals. In addition to his concussion symptoms, he has neck pain, which led to the team putting him on Injured Reserve. Ekeler has yet to pass the concussion protocol but hopes to clear that hurdle soon and is staying positive through his recovery. With Ekeler not eligible to come off IR until the Week 18 regular-season finale, he effectively becomes useless to fantasy managers that have their championship matchups in Week 17.

From RotoBaller

Sincere McCormick Dec 3 9:00pm CT
Sincere McCormick

Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick has been signed off the practice squad on Tuesday. The undrafted back couldn't be sent back to the practice squad after being elevated three times. The Raiders are banged up with Alexander Mattison (quad) and Zamir White (quad) missing each of the last two games. That being said, the Raiders decided to sign McCormick to the 53-man roster. He has been operating as the No. 2 back over the last two games. He rushed 12 times for 64 yards during last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He figures to get a decent look down the stretch of the season with the Raiders not playing for much right now.

From RotoBaller

DJ Turner Dec 3 9:00pm CT
DJ Turner

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (knee) has been placed on the injured reserve on Tuesday. Turner suffered a knee injury during last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The severity of the knee is unknown, but it appears to be enough to force Turner to miss the next four games. The 27-year-old has put together a fairly quiet season with 16 receptions for 158 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. His absence should mean that Terrace Marshall Jr. gets more snaps on offense. However, Marshall probably won't see enough playing time to warrant rostering in any fantasy formats. Tre Tucker could benefit with a few more targets, but he has been boom-or-bust this season.

From RotoBaller

Carlton Davis Dec 3 8:40pm CT
Carlton Davis

Detroit Lions defensive back Carlton Davis III (knee) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice session. This is good news to see Davis getting upgraded to full in practice ahead of Thursday's game against the Green Bay Packers. It appears Davis is on track to return from his one-game absence after suffering a knee injury during the Week 12 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Davis has been an important piece to the secondary with 51 tackles, 10 passes defended, and two interceptions this season. Davis should be ready to go, barring any setbacks ahead of Thursday's game.

From RotoBaller

Riley Patterson Dec 3 8:30pm CT
Riley Patterson

Atlanta Falcons kicker Riley Patterson was elevated to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Patterson was added to the roster as insurance in case Younghoe Koo (hip) was unable to play. Koo ended up being able to play through the issue and appears to be fine going forward. That being said, the Falcons have decided to release Patterson on Tuesday. This does make sense considering there really is no need to keep another kicker on the roster with Koo healthy. Patterson has only played in one game this season and made all three of his extra point attempts during his lone game with the New York Jets. He'll look to catch on elsewhere as the 25-year-old should be able to find another spot.

From RotoBaller

Jaire Alexander Dec 3 8:20pm CT
Jaire Alexander

Green Bay Packers defensive back Jaire Alexander (knee) was a limited participant once again during Tuesday's practice. This is now back-to-back limited sessions for Alexander ahead of Thursday's game against the Detroit Lions. Alexander has missed three of the last four games due to a partially torn PCL. Despite that, Alexander appears to have a chance at playing in this important divisional contest. The All-Pro defensive back would give this defense and especially this secondary a huge lift. His participation during Wednesday's practice will go a long way to determining his status for Thursday's game.

From RotoBaller

Azeez Al-Shaair Dec 3 7:17pm CT
Azeez Al-Shaair

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is being suspended three games for his illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) in the Week 13 win on Sunday. Al-Shaair was ejected from the game after the hit on Lawrence, who was giving himself up on a slide in the middle of the field before Al-Shaair came in hard with a forearm to his helmet that left him concussed. Lawrence stayed on the ground before eventually being carted off, and he could miss the rest of the season because of his head injury. The 27-year-old Al-Shaair was also fined back in Week 2 for punching Bears running back Roschon Johnson, so it's not his first offense in 2024. He also had a late hit on Titans RB Tony Pollard out of bounds in Week 12. Al-Shaair is appealing the suspension, but if it is upheld, he won't be eligible to return until Week 18 against the Titans. Houston is on their bye in Week 14.

Christian McCaffrey Dec 3 6:43pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (knee) was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Fantasy Spin: This was the expected move, and it's likely McCaffrey will miss the rest of the season. With Jordan Mason (ankle) also expected to land on IR, Isaac Guerendo will take the reins as San Fran's lead back and is a must-add player this week. The rookie has proven to be an explosive weapon in limited work and could be a solid RB2.

From TheHuddle

Dallas Goedert Dec 3 6:13pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert (knee) is considered week-to-week and could go on injured reserve but the injury isn't season-ending, per source on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Fantasy Spin: If placed on injured reserve, Goedert would be eligible to come back by Week 18, although that doesn't do much good for fantasy owners. At the very least, it looks like Goedert is going to miss time, which means Grant Calcaterra will get more run, and it's possible C.J. Uzomah, who is on the practice squad, will get some playing time. However, neither is a suggested lineup option.

From TheHuddle

Brandin Cooks Dec 3 6:10pm CT
Brandin Cooks

The Athletic's Saad Yousuf does not believe that veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks will return to the team in 2025. Cooks is a strong presence in the locker room, but his production the last two seasons has fallen short of expectations as the No. 2 behind CeeDee Lamb. If the Cowboys also feel the same way about Cooks' future, they could give more playing time to rookie Ryan Flournoy and recent acquisition Jonathan Mingo for the rest of the season. Dallas sent a fourth-round draft pick to the Carolina Panthers for Mingo and might want to get a head start on evaluating him for their 2025 roster. The 31-year-old Cooks has six 1,000-yard seasons in his 11 NFL seasons, but he's slowed down the last two years in Dallas and has also played in only five games in 2024 due to injury. If the Cowboys move on from Cooks after this year, they could look to replace him with another veteran pass-catcher.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Dec 3 5:50pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (calf) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Tuesday for the second straight day this week. There's been no indication that Jacobs' calf injury will put him in danger of sitting out of Thursday's divisional clash against the Detroit Lions, but we'll have a more clear picture after Green Bay releases their final injury report for the week on Wednesday. As of now, fantasy managers should plan on keeping the 26-year-old lead back in their starting lineups for Week 14 action. In his first year with the Packers, Jacobs has been money for fantasy managers as an RB1 with 192.2 total half-PPR points, which ranks him as the RB7 heading into Thursday's game against Detroit. The two-time Pro Bowler has at least 15 touches in each of the team's last eight games, and although the Lions aren't the greatest matchup, Jacobs did go for 95 yards against them back on Nov. 3.

From RotoBaller

John Ross Dec 3 5:40pm CT
John Ross

The Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday released veteran wide receiver John Ross (undisclosed) from their practice squad. Ross was active for one game with the Eagles this year and caught one of his two targets for a six-yard pickup and had been on the practice-squad injured list due to an undisclosed ailment since Oct. 21. The 29-year-old speedster will now go back on the open market and he's unlikely to sign with another team with only five weeks remaining in the 2024 season. The former ninth overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals back in 2017 out of Washington played in 10 games (one start) with the New York Giants back in 2021 and had 11 receptions on 20 targets for 224 yards and one touchdown. Ross did have seven scores in his second season in 2018 with Cincy and had a career-high 506 receiving yards the following year, but that was the extent of his production in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Mike Edwards Dec 3 5:40pm CT
Mike Edwards

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Mike Edwards (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, according to a source, and is expected to be out for a week. Edwards suffered the injury in the Week 13 overtime win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers and is now likely to miss the Week 14 contest this Sunday against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders. The 28-year-old defensive back will get treatment with his eyes set on returning for a Week 15 tilt versus the Los Angeles Chargers. With Edwards' injury in mind, Tampa added Kaevon Merriweather off the Detroit Lions' practice squad on Tuesday. Christian Izien is expected to start at safety alongside All-Pro Antoine Winfield in the Bucs' secondary this Sunday if Edwards is indeed ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Israel Abanikanda Dec 3 5:30pm CT
Israel Abanikanda

The San Francisco 49ers claimed running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets on Tuesday and also signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn to their practice squad, according to a source. In corresponding moves, the Niners officially placed both Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) on Injured Reserve, meaning they'll be out for at least the next four games. CMC has a PCL sprain and will need six weeks to recover, so his season is essentially over unless the Niners make a run to get into the playoffs. Abanikanda didn't play in a single game for the Jets this year but could serve as the team's No. 3 down the stretch behind rookie Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor. Vaughn also hasn't seen the field in 2024 after averaging 3.7 yards a carry in four previous seasons with Tampa. They can both stay on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Dec 3 5:30pm CT
Josh Reynolds

The Denver Broncos waived wide receiver Josh Reynolds (hand) on Tuesday as they head into their bye week, according to the team. Reynolds has been on Injured Reserve since Week 5 and had his 21-day practice window opened ahead of the team's Week 11 win over the Atlanta Falcons. He has been practicing over the last three weeks and looked ready to return from his hand injury, but now he'll be on the open market and will be looking to latch on with another team with the 2024 campaign in the home stretch. Before his injury, Reynolds caught 12 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown in five games in Denver, back when rookie quarterback Bo Nix was struggling to move the offense consistently. With Reynolds now out of the picture for the rest of the year, it's good news for rookies Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr. and Lil'Jordan Humphrey behind WR1 Courtland Sutton.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Dec 3 5:10pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

The San Francisco 49ers officially placed running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, which means he'll be forced to miss at least the next four games. However, McCaffrey suffered a PCL sprain in his right knee in the Sunday night loss to the Buffalo Bills and is expected to need at least six weeks of recovery time. It means that unless the 49ers pick things up and make a run to the postseason, CMC's injury-plagued 2024 campaign will come to an end. Jordan Mason (ankle) is also on IR with a high-ankle sprain, which will force rookie Isaac Guerendo into the team's lead-back role for at least the next four weeks. With CMC officially on IR, fantasy managers can drop him in redraft leagues. The 28-year-old was a huge bust for fantasy managers this year. He didn't make his season debut until Week 10 due to bilateral Achilles tendonitis and ended up playing in just four games in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Deon Cain Dec 3 4:43pm CT
Deon Cain

Buffalo Bills WR Deon Cain was released from the practice squad Tuesday, Dec. 3.

From TheHuddle

John Ross Dec 3 4:13pm CT
John Ross

Philadelphia Eagles WR John Ross was released from the practice squad on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

From TheHuddle