The season races toward Week 17 and fantasy championships (yes, I know, some use Week 18 because change is hard). That’s just five weeks away, and most fantasy leagues will begin their playoffs in either Week 15 or 16. For those of you in large contests, it probably starts in Week 14 so this is the final week of your regular season.
We’ve seen plenty of transition through the year and by this point, there aren’t many (any?) players new to starting that will make a difference. Your waiver wire is likely exhausted, and by this point, you’re swapping kickers and defenses just because it feels like you need to always upgrade.
Let’s take a look at six items for Week 13.
1.) RB Leonard Fournette (BUF) – I discussed him a few weeks back when he landed on the practice squad for the Bills, who wanted to get him into shape and versed in the offense. James Cook and Latavius Murray are currently splitting the workload, and adding Fournette may just reduce everyone’s fantasy value. But – if any player suddenly appeared on the scene and made a difference, it would be Fournette as a productive veteran landing in a capable offense. HC Sean McDermott said he didn’t elevate him last week because they needed other players against the Eagles. The Bills are on bye this week, and Fournette could get the call up for Week 14 at home against the Rams.
2.) QB Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) – The almost-starting quarterback for the Jets has nursed his torn Achilles and said that it was “possible” that he could return in the coming weeks. He was designated to return from injured reserve and that opened his 21 days to be activated or he must remain on IR for the balance of the season. He could play in Week 16 if it happens, but the Jets are 4-7 with a slate of ATL, HOU, and @MIA before Week 16 against WAS. Even if he did, he would carry no fantasy reliability but could potentially help Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson right when you need them most. That seems overly optimistic, but the Jets wouldn’t have activated him if they hadn’t thought he had a chance to play. They must end the season on a high note, no matter what.
3.) Those amazing rookies – The 2023 class of wide receivers wasn’t considered a top class, and there were no drafted until the 1.20 pick. There were 14 taken over the first two days (Rounds 1-3). And 17 were taken in 2022 during those rounds, and six were selected before the 1.20 pick. That was considered a great class for wideouts and three went on to be Top-40 last year – worthy of being a fantasy starter. This year? There are SEVEN wideouts currently in the Top 40. That’s more than one-in-six top wideouts who are rookies from a “weaker” class.
4.) QB Joe Flacco (CLE) – Dorian Thompson-Robinson has a concussion and may not be cleared in time to play the Rams. If he cannot play, Joe Flacco will take the start. That would change the offense dramatically. Flacco will not be running. He is a pocket passer, and he’ll probably get hurt if he leaves the safe pocket protected by the Browns’ formidable O-line. The 38-year-old veteran is drawing raves from Amari Cooper on the quality of his passes. Imagine the Browns’ passing game with a passer who won’t take off on a run and who started three games for the Jets last year with 285+ yards in each. He could boost the receiving stats for several players.
5.) WR Noah Brown (HOU) – The veteran wideout has been out with a bruised knee since Week 10 when he posted a career-best 172 yards on seven receptions at the Bengals. Brown had limited practices to start the week and should be on track to return this week. His last two games helped C.J. Stroud throw for 470 yards and five scores versus the Bucs, then 356 yards and two touchdowns against the Bengals. The Broncos this week will be a bigger challenge but the trio of Brown, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell has been devastating.
6.) Packers passing game – There’s been an upturn in stats for Jordan Love and the wide receivers. He threw for 322 yards and two scores against the Chargers and then 268 yards and three touchdowns on the Lions. Christian Watson and Jayden Reed scored in both games. This week they face the Chiefs and their challenging defense. If the Packers can show continued improvement against the Top-5 pass defense of the Chiefs, the Packers have a very advantageous remaining schedule.
About Last Night…
Seattle 35, Dallas 41
Well. Thursday night games are typically sloppier and lower scoring than Sunday games. Not this week, apparently the sloppy play was limited to the defenses.
The Cowboys were favored by eight points and had held visitors to Dallas to under 20 points. But the Seahawks led 21-20 at the half thanks to DK Metcalf scoring twice. The Cowboys had to settle for four field goals because they had a problem punching in touchdowns, and the Cowboys were on the Seattle 20-yard line or closer on every kick. The Seahawks led 35-27 to start the fourth quarter before the Cowboys posted 17 unanswered points to win.
No one expected Geno Smith to throw for 334 yards and three scores – by far the best passing performance allowed by the Cowboys this year. It helped that DK Metcalf (6-134, 3 TD) opened the game with a 73-yard touchdown. No opposing wideout had scored more than once against that defense. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (7-62) and Tyler Lockett (5-47) chipped enough to keep the stocks moving. Zach Charbonnet ran for 60 yards on 19 carries and rushed in a touchdown while catching a 39-yard pass. The Seattle offense was far better than expected and couldn’t quite hang on for a win.
The Cowboys posted very similar stats. Dak Prescott passed for 299 yards and three touchdowns with CeeDee Lamb (12-116, TD) as the top receiver and he also ran for 30 yards on two rushes. Jake Ferguson (6-77, TD) and Brandin Cooks (4-45, TD) were the only other receivers with more than 17 yards. Tony Pollard ran for 68 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries and added three receptions for 15 yards. It was shockingly high-scoring and a treat to see on a Thursday.
