X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Key Starters and Tough Calls - Lineup Spotlights for Week 13

Scott Engel breaks down his Week 13 fantasy football lineup rankings, spotlighting key NFL players to start and tougher lineup start/sit decisions to make.

Welcome to Week 13, RotoBallers! Below you will find some of my spotlight plays and tough lineup decisions for the upcoming week of the fantasy football season.

These player selections are based on my Premium Weekly Lineup Rankings, available as part of the RotoBaller's NFL Premium Pass. Enter promo code KING at checkout for a 10% discount and get access to all of my ranks in all formats, plus a full roster of tools and analysis for the rest of the 2019 season. The Premium Pass is already at a slashed price for your playoff push!

Note that all skill position picks and analyses here are based on my PPR ranks.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Spotlight RB Starters for Week 13

Benny Snell Jr. vs. CLE: He was a surprise lead RB for the Steelers last week and will play that role again. Pittsburgh is making more changes on offense and was not getting enough rushing production out of Jaylen Samuels. Continued increased opportunities will at least lead to respectable production this week.

Darrel Williams vs. OAK: He should be the No. 1 Fantasy producer at RB for the Chiefs this week. Williams is a hard-nosed runner who displays versatility. He is a worthy low-end RB2 and ideal flex play against the Raiders.

Ronald Jones II vs. JAC: He is a nifty flex play for Week 13. Over the past month, the Jaguars have allowed the most fantasy points per game to running backs. Jones has rarely displayed his home run hitting ability so far in the NFL, but he could rip off a long scoring run this week and is a good bet to get into the end zone. Give Jones flex consideration for sure this week.

 

Spotlight WR Starters for Week 13

Devante Parker vs. PHI: The Eagles pass defense has been performing better recently and they can conceivably double Parker to limit his production. But he has played too well overall to be benched in a very important fantasy week. Parker is a must-start fantasy WR3.

Alshon Jeffery vs. MIA: He will return from yet another injury this week, but should immediately be re-inserted into your lineups. Jeffery will be a top target for Carson Wentz, who desperately needs the veteran WR back to help pump life into a sagging passing game. The matchup is ideal for Wentz and Jeffery to rediscover each other.

Robby Anderson vs. CIN: He is a major risk and a huge upside play. No WR in the fantasy game may have less of a floor and a higher ceiling than Anderson. Heck, he really has no floor at all. He can provide downright ugly numbers that should be buried in the earth at times. But he has significant promise this week in an obviously friendly matchup, and Sam Darnold is playing well and will take some deep shots to Anderson.

 

Spotlight TE Starters for Week 13

Dallas Goedert vs. MIA: Wentz may have to turn to Goedert even more this week as Zach Ertz deals with a hamstring injury. The Eagles do not want to squander away a gimme matchup after the Cowboys lost on Thursday. Goedert is gonna score.

Tyler Higbee vs. ARI: With Gerald Everett out, this becomes a prime play in seasonal and DFS against the most notoriously generous defense against TEs. Jared Goff has not thrown a TD pass in November but Higbee will help him end the embarrassing drought.

 

Spotlight QB Starters for Week 13

Sam Darnold vs. CIN: The numbers have been impressive the last two weeks and he is starting to take advantage of friendly matchups. He is a top 10 fantasy QB this week and gets Miami in his next matchup. He will keep up the momentum for two more games.

Carson Wentz vs. MIA: This is the week when he shakes off the doldrums. The Eagles need this win and cannot let it slip away, and Wentz wants to put a very bad Week 12 behind him.

 

Tough Lineup Decisions

Joe Mixon over Mark Ingram: Both of these guys face teams that can stop the run, and Ingram is the better choice as a fantasy player overall. But Mixon is playing with a lot of pride as he tries to help the Bengals nail their first win. Having Andy Dalton will increase his TD chances, too. I see a bit more upside for him than Ingram, who I still endorse as an RB2 this week.

Carlos Hyde over Miles Sanders: The rookie has an obviously more appealing matchup. By miles. But as much as I have backed Sanders this year, I am not convinced he can fully take advantage of a prime opposing draw. There is more upside for him this week, but Hyde has been the better runner recently and I don’t believe he is going to back down against New England.

Robert Woods over Adam Thielen: Woods does not have a TD reception this year and the Rams offense is looking downright limp. But the Arizona matchup does present a get-right opportunity for the Los Angeles offense, and I do not trust Thielen at all after he suffered another reported “scare” related to his lingering hamstring issue this week.

James Washington over Deebo Samuel: The 49ers rookie has come on strong recently, but with George Kittle and Emmanuel Sanders rounding back into better form health-wise Samuel could become more of a secondary target again. Meanwhile, injuries have pushed Washington into more of a featured role in the Pittsburgh passing game.

Tyler Higbee over Jacob Hollister: I am facing this important decision in one of my own leagues this week. Hollister has already proven he is a worthy starter, but Higbee does have an established rapport with Goff and will take advantage of the matchup.

Kirk Cousins over Nick Foles: I just cannot endorse starting Foles based on a matchup over Cousins, who is simply playing much better. It’s not as tough a call for me as it may be for you. Give me the better fantasy QB who is performing better over the mediocre guy with a more attractive opposing draw. I just do not want to chance it with Foles in such an important fantasy week, not over a proven passer who is playing at a higher level.

More Weekly Lineup Prep




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Austin Riley

Leaves Game Early on Friday With Abdominal Tightness
Kon Knueppel

Struggles in Summer League Win
Rafael Devers

Dealing With Back Inflammation
Walter Clayton Jr.

Plays Well on Friday Night
Cody Williams

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Leads the Way on Friday Night
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Returning on Friday
Sauce Gardner

Wants to be Highest-Paid Cornerback
Rhamondre Stevenson

Heading into an Important Season
Minnesota Vikings

Josh Metellus, Vikings Have Mutual Interest in Extension
Tua Tagovailoa

2025 Could be Tua Tagovailoa's Last Season in Miami
Rashawn Slater

has "Full Confidence" a Deal Will Get Done
Byron Buxton

Returns on Friday
Isaiah Jackson

Signs Three-Year Extension
Jake Meyers

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Calf Strain
Brandon Lowe

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Tightness
Kodai Senga

Reinstated to Start on Friday
Alex Bregman

Officially Activated and Starting on Friday
Marvin Bagley III

Joining the Wizards
Herbert Jones

Signing Extension with Pelicans
Jacob Toppin

Returning to Hawks
Chicago Bears

Bears Extend General Manager Ryan Poles
Dalton Knecht

Avoids Serious Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

in a "Much Better Spot" Heading Into Training Camp
Javon Small

Signs Two-Way Deal
Dustin Hopkins

Browns Still Counting on Dustin Hopkins
Demarcus Robinson

Sentenced to Three Years of Probation
Jalen Nailor

In Line for WR3 Role in Minnesota
Andrew Thomas

Could Miss Start of 2025 Season
Alex Bregman

Expected to Return on Friday
Julio Rodríguez

Julio Rodriguez Won't Suit Up for Midsummer Classic
Trey Smith

Chiefs, Trey Smith Expected to Work Out Long-Term Extension
Bernhard Raimann

a Candidate for an Extension This Summer
C.J. Stroud

Could Sign Multi-Year Deal Before 2026 Season
Kyle Juszczyk

Says Christian McCaffrey Looks Healthy, Explosive
Kyren Williams

Showing Improved Explosiveness
Christian Barmore

"Dominant" this Spring
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Pete Crow-Armstrong

Homers Twice, Drives in Three
Brice Matthews

Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF