Fantasy Football Matchups We Love - Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Week 13 (2025)

Quincy's top fantasy football matchups for Week 13 of 2025. His favorite start 'em, sit 'em picks and predictions -- strong start/sit matchups that he loves.

The fantasy football regular season is almost over. Fantasy managers are now gearing up for a playoff run. These last few weeks of the regular season can be very important, depending on your record. Additionally, whether you are in a must-win situation or your playoff seeding is set, everyone likes to head into the playoffs strong.

Week 13 is one of the rare weeks where many of the solid matchups are not obvious for fantasy managers. There are several bad matchups this week, but good matchups are difficult to come by. Still, we are here to identify those matchups for you so that you are ready for your last push of the season.

With the NFL itself also heating up, we can be subjected to very exciting games in fantasy. Exciting games create fireworks that create a flow of fantasy points. Without further ado, let's dive in and see where you can find advantages or disadvantages for your fantasy squad in Week 13.

Quarterback Matchups We Love

Jalen Hurts - Philadelphia Eagles
Opponent: CHI
Opponent Rank vs. QB: 23rd

Jalen Hurts has enjoyed a couple of explosive fantasy outings this season, but he has not quite reached the peaks that we are accustomed to. Hurts has a chance to make his mark on Black Friday in Week 13. The Bears defense has been lucky in the turnover department, but their defense overall has been susceptible to all positions.

A.J. Brown TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/Abpd08AhTX

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 23, 2025

Hurts and the Eagles need to continue building momentum with their offense as we head toward the playoffs. That momentum should come against the Bears this week. While Hurts is already an every-week starter, be prepared for him to deliver a truly elite fantasy game in Week 13.

Bo Nix - Denver Broncos
Opponent: at WAS
Opponent Rank vs. QB: 29th

As a borderline QB1, Bo Nix has found himself on this list several times this season. Week 13 presents a fantastic opportunity for Nix to deliver in fantasy while playing the Washington Commanders. The Commanders defense has been unbelievably bad this season due to a combination of injuries and poor roster construction.

Nix has been the king of the fourth quarter this season. However, look for him to exit Denver's bye with some adjustments and some consistency. He can confidently be started as a QB1 in Week 13.

Quarterback Matchup to Temper Expectations

Daniel Jones - Indianapolis Colts
Opponent: HOU
Opponent Rank vs. QB: 1st

Houston has become a complete no-fly zone for fantasy football. This defense just held Josh Allen to single-digit fantasy points. Whether it be against the run or the pass, Houston is shutting down opposing offenses. However, it is especially good against opposing passing offenses.

Daniel Jones has struggled when matched up against top-tier defenses this season. Houston should have no problem forcing a few turnovers and containing the Colts' passing offense at large. This projects to be a low-scoring affair between divisional rivals who know each other well. Jones may be better left on your bench this week.

Running Back Matchups We Love

Kenneth Gainwell - Pittsburgh Steelers
Opponent: BUF
Opponent Rank vs. RB: 29th

Kenneth Gainwell has carved out a legitimate role for himself in the Steelers offense. As such, a matchup with a porous Buffalo Bills run defense is just the motivation we need to stick Gainwell into fantasy lineups.

Over the last two weeks, Gainwell has earned double-digit opportunities, which have translated to double-digit PPR fantasy points. He is coexisting with Jaylen Warren quite well in this backfield.

Huge gain for Kenneth Gainwell on the fake tush push

PITvsCHI on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/Dq3uwPLanU

— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2025

The Bills continue to be lit up by opposing running backs in fantasy. They are just two weeks removed from Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker running wild on them. Look for Gainwell to continue to thrive in his increased role. He should enjoy plenty of success on the ground and through the air.

RJ Harvey - Denver Broncos
Opponent: at WAS
Opponent Rank vs. RB: 27th

RJ Harvey is in a fantastic position to succeed with the Broncos coming out of their bye. J.K. Dobbins seems to be done for the season, and Harvey is the next man up. He has flashed excellent upside all season long, but he will lead this backfield for the rest of the season. The Commanders are extremely leaky up front, providing Harvey with a chance to make a mark as a rusher and a receiver.

Bye weeks often give rookies a chance to carve out a bigger role. Coaches are heavily focused on progressing the team without the need to game plan for an imminent opponent. As such, it is a perfect storm for Harvey heading into Week 13. He possesses RB2 upside this week.

Running Back Matchup to Temper Expectations

Rico Dowdle - Carolina Panthers
Opponent: LAR
Opponent Rank vs. RB: 2nd

Rico Dowdle has enjoyed solid success as the Panthers starting running back, but he is in for a challenge in Week 13. The Rams have been unstoppable on defense in 2025. They are especially stout against the running game due to their stellar defensive line. The Panthers are likely to have offensive troubles all game long, which will also limit Dowdle's opportunities.

Dowdle could, of course, make a living in the receiving game. He has been heavily involved as a pass-catcher this season, and that involvement could help support a flex-worthy day. However, do not enter this week expecting the RB1 type of output that Dowdle has been producing this season.

Wide Receiver Matchups We Love

Ladd McConkey - Los Angeles Chargers
Opponent: LV
Opponent Rank vs. WR: 28th

Ladd McConkey finds himself in the "love" category once again as we approach a juicy matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders defense has been completely inept this season. They have been especially susceptible to the pass. The Chargers have had two weeks to prepare for this game, given that they enjoyed a bye in Week 12. Los Angeles should be ready to dominate on Sunday.

McConkey has reestablished himself as the top target in this offense after a slow start to the season. With the target volume he is receiving, he should have no problem producing high-end fantasy numbers in Week 13. Look for McConkey to finish this week as a WR2 or better.

Wan'Dale Robinson - New York Giants
Opponent: at NE
Opponent Rank vs. WR: 21st

Wan'Dale Robinson just enjoyed a career day in Week 12 with quarterback Jameis Winston slinging the rock. Winston is known for his risk-taking, but Robinson continues to demonstrate that he is the best weapon left in the Giants offense. New England has a solid defense, but it can be beaten through the air.

Wandale Robinson's first quarter: 4 catches, 106 yards, TD

NYGvsDET on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/7fPOHSlgpf

— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2025

With Jaxson Dart set to return to the lineup for the Giants in Week 13, the gunslinging mentality of Winston may be lost, but the overall consistency of the offense should increase. Robinson should continue to deliver high-end flex to borderline WR2 numbers for fantasy. Start him with confidence on Monday night.

Wide Receiver Matchup to Temper Expectations

Deebo Samuel Sr. - Washington Commanders
Opponent: DEN
Opponent Rank vs. WR: 3rd

If you have been relying on Deebo Samuel Sr. this season, Week 13 may be the time to bench him. Samuel has performed admirably with quarterback Marcus Mariota under center. However, the Broncos defense is a different beast. They have been successful at shutting down just about every team's receiving corps.

The Broncos are particularly adept at stopping the No. 1 wide receiver of opposing teams. Even with Terry McLaurin expected back up in Week 13, Denver will likely key in on Samuel as the top option. Proceed with caution here despite Samuel producing WR2-level numbers all season.

Tight End Matchup We Love

Mark Andrews - Baltimore Ravens
Opponent: CIN
Opponent Rank vs. TE: 32nd

Despite a poor outing in Week 12 from Mark Andrews, look for a bounce-back game in Week 13. Cincinnati has been poor on defense against just about every position. However, it has been very susceptible to tight ends this season. Andrews has made his living on touchdowns in 2025, and he has as good a chance as ever to score in Week 13.

While Andrews may not be the player he once was, the Ravens are a great offense to bet on when presented with great matchups. Andrews can be deployed as a low-end TE1 in Week 13. He has solid upside for a 15-point-plus fantasy outing this week.

Tight End Matchup to Temper Expectations

T.J. Hockenson - Minnesota Vikings
Opponent: at SEA
Opponent Rank vs. TE: 29th

T.J. Hockenson has delivered minimal fantasy value this season. Even so, he continues to remain heavily rostered and even started in some leagues. This is not a week that you should start Hockenson. The Seahawks boast one of the truly elite defenses in the league. Additionally, they are very strong against opposing tight ends.

Seattle employs a rangy linebacking corps that is very adept at covering the middle of the field. The Seahawks are also likely to harass Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy all afternoon. TAs such, this game could be a disaster for the Vikings offense overall. At this point, Hockenson's fantasy roster status is in question.

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