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Danny Boily looks at fantasy football landmines, busts, and avoids for Week 13 of 2024. Given these Week 13 fantasy situations, consider benching these players.
As we approach the home stretch of the fantasy football regular season, Week 13 presents a critical juncture. With no byes cluttering your decision-making process, and the playoffs just two or three weeks away, every lineup choice could determine your postseason fate.
While the temptation to start household names remains strong, sometimes the better strategy is to bench them when the matchup or circumstances dictate it. This week, we’ll dive into five players across key positions who are poised to disappoint relative to their typical fantasy output.
If you’ve got options, now’s the time to exercise them. Let’s dig into the landmines to avoid for Week 13.
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Kyler Murray, QB, vs. Minnesota Vikings
Kyler Murray’s fantasy season has been a rollercoaster since his midseason return. While his dual-threat ability makes him enticing on paper, Week 13’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings should give managers pause. The Vikings have quietly turned their defense into a quarterback’s nightmare over the last month.
They rank sixth in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to QBs over that span, surrendering a mere 12.7 points per game. Moreover, their 17.9 points per game allowed (fifth in the league) reflects their overall defensive dominance.
Murray’s Week 12 performance against the Seahawks was an unmitigated disaster. Despite a respectable 285 passing yards, his zero touchdowns, one interception, and meager nine rushing yards resulted in just 11.3 fantasy points—his third-lowest output of the season.
The Vikings’ complicated blitz package is relentless, and their secondary has allowed only three passing touchdowns in their last four games. Unless you’re desperate, let Kyler ride the pine this week.
On 4th and 1, Coby Bryant picks off Kyler Murray for a 69-yard TD return. Devon Witherspoon was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, and the added yardage contributed to a missed PAT. Seahawks lead 13-3 with 7:12 left in Q3 pic.twitter.com/UYXKsAZ5Mz
— The Seahawks Wire (@TheSeahawksWire) November 24, 2024
Nick Chubb, RB, vs. Denver Broncos
It’s tough to sit a name as big as Nick Chubb, especially after a two-touchdown performance in Week 12. But don’t be fooled by last week’s box score—this version of Chubb isn’t the same elite rusher we’ve come to know.
Since returning from a major knee injury, he’s managed just 222 yards on 74 carries, a paltry 3.0 yards per attempt. Outside of Week 12’s spike, he’s averaged a forgettable 6.22 fantasy points per game.
The Broncos’ defense presents an imposing roadblock. Denver ranks sixth in rushing yards allowed per game (96.2) and has given up just six rushing touchdowns all season. Their 16.8 points per game allowed (second in the NFL) is a testament to their ability to control opposing offenses.
With the Browns' struggling and Denver’s suffocating run defense, don’t expect Chubb to replicate last week’s heroics. If you have other RB options, it’s time to pivot.
NICK CHUBB REVENGE GAME ❄️❄️❄️ pic.twitter.com/rSaXfDJEhL
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) November 22, 2024
Darnell Mooney, WR, vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Darnell Mooney has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers this season, sitting as the WR19 in PPR formats. But the wheels have started to wobble, and his Week 13 matchup against the Chargers is about as unforgiving as it gets.
Coming off an embarrassing six-point performance in Week 11 against the Broncos (Atlanta had a Week 12 bye), Mooney’s two-catch, 27-yard effort left managers with more questions than answers.
The Chargers’ defense has allowed just 203.9 passing yards per game (ninth in the NFL) and has conceded only 14 passing touchdowns all season. Their secondary has excelled at neutralizing opposing wideouts, and with an NFL-best 15.9 points per game allowed, the Chargers stifle scoring opportunities.
He may still see targets, but efficiency and scoring opportunities will likely be lacking. Consider benching him for a more favorable matchup.
Zach Ertz, TE, vs. Tennessee Titans
Zach Ertz has emerged as a favorite target for rookie QB Jayden Daniels, but Week 13 offers a tough challenge in the form of the Tennessee Titans. While Ertz’s Week 12 line of six catches for 38 yards and a touchdown was encouraging, the Titans are a top-tier defense against tight ends, ranking eighth in fantasy points allowed to the position.
Even more concerning is Tennessee’s league-best pass defense, surrendering just 169.6 passing yards per game. Their linebackers and safeties are particularly adept at bottling up tight ends in the short-to-intermediate range, limiting big-play opportunities.
While Ertz has been reliable, his ceiling is capped this week. Unless you’re desperate at tight end, look for other streaming options with a softer matchup.
TE Zach Ertz (WAS): Old man Ertz has been a model of consistent play at TE this season. He has 7 TE1 weeks this year. He caught 6 of 8 targets for 38 yards and a TD. Jayden Daniels looks to him as a safety valve, and he’ll continue to produce. pic.twitter.com/YlgBrWRTW0
— Joshua Cho (@jbchoknows) November 26, 2024
Javonte Williams, Flex, vs. Cleveland Browns
If you’ve stuck with Javonte Williams this far, congratulations—you’ve shown impressive patience. Unfortunately, Week 13 is shaping up to be another frustrating outing for the Broncos’ lead back. Williams is coming off a dreadful performance against the Raiders in which he managed negative rushing yards (-2) on eight carries (he did lead the Broncos in carries).
His season-long struggles, including a 3.7 yards per carry average and zero receiving touchdowns, suggest he’s far from the dynamic playmaker we saw as a rookie.
The Cleveland Browns’ defense is unlikely to be the remedy for Williams’ woes. They rank seventh against running backs in fantasy points allowed and have bottled up runners all year with their stout front led by Myles Garrett. Williams is a risky play in any format - it’s better to take a chance on a higher-upside flex option in Week 13.
Final Thoughts
With no bye weeks and the fantasy playoffs looming, Week 13 is all about maximizing every lineup spot. It’s easy to be seduced by big names like Kyler Murray or Nick Chubb, but football is a matchup-driven game, and sometimes even the best players are set up to fail.
The Vikings, Broncos, Chargers, Titans, and Browns all defenses capable of neutralizing stars, making this a treacherous week for some household names.
If you’re lucky enough to have alternatives, take advantage of them. Fantasy football championships aren’t won by starting a struggling name out of loyalty—they’re won by making cold, calculated decisions. Stay vigilant, stay flexible, and sidestep these Week 13 landmines on your way to fantasy glory.
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