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
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Sneaky Starts, Pivot Plays and Post-Waiver Pickups for Week 13

taylor heinicke fantasy football rankings news NFL DFS lineup picks

Craig Rondinone's sneaky fantasy football starts, pivot plays and post-waiver waiver pickups for Week 13 lineups. Start 'em as under-the-radar fantasy sleepers.

Week 13 might be the unluckiest week for fantasy football general managers.

Forget about the history of the number 13. Forget about the fact four more teams are on bye. Week 13 could be the unluckiest for fantasy footballers because it is one of the most crucial weeks in fantasy since the playoffs start in Week 15 or 16 in most leagues. So if you use a banged-up player who ends up not being able to suit up on Sunday, you may ruin your postseason hopes and championship dreams.

Without further ado, here are my sneaky starts, pivot plays and post-waiver pickups for Week 13 and the questionable superstars who you might need to replace at the last minute in your fantasy lineup:

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

 

Sneaky Wide Receiver Pickups and Starts for Week 13

If Arizona’s DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring) is ruled out again before Sunday’s kickoff, you could pick up and play…

DeSean Jackson, Las Vegas Raiders (WR) vs WAS

Father Time has not sucked all the life out of Jackson’s legs yet. Jackson returned from the fantasy dead to rack up 102 receiving yards and a Turkey Day touchdown against Dallas on Thanksgiving. Due to the release of Henry Ruggs, the knee injury to tight end Darren Waller, and the inconsistency and ineffectiveness of other Raiders receivers not named Hunter Renfrow, Jackson has been handed a golden goose of an opportunity on a silver platter. He just needs to stay healthy and keep his legs fresh and quarterback Derek Carr, the league leader in passing yards, should be able to find him downfield.

Jackson will be running deep routes against Washington’s 30th-ranked pass defense this weekend. While Washington’s defense has steadily improved in recent weeks and has shored up some spots, WFT’s pass rush is not the same without defensive stalwart Chase Young anchoring the front seven. Jackson should have plenty of time to run long and Carr should have plenty of time to throw long. I think Jackson will be motivated against one of his former teams to have another long gainer and finish with 100 yards and a TD for the second game in a row.

If Chicago’s Allen Robinson (hamstring) cannot find the field this Sunday, you could pick up and play…

Josh Reynolds, Detroit Lions (WR) vs. MIN

Reynolds was not able to scratch the fantasy surface during his short stint in Tennessee this season even though Julio Jones could not stay on the field due to his hamstring troubles. Yet it only took Reynolds two games to find a new fantasy life in Detroit, of all places. Since the Lions receiving corps has been a season-long dumpster fire, Reynolds was able to walk in off the street and catch three passes for 70 yards and a score on Thanksgiving against the Chicago Bears.

Minnesota head honcho Mike Zimmer might be a defensive genius, but the Vikings pass defense has been underwhelming all season long. Over the two weeks the Vikes have allowed San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk and Green Bay’s Marquez Valdes-Scantling to post season-highs in receiving yards against them. In a game this weekend that the Lions will likely be losing from start to finish, the game script will work out perfectly for Reynolds. He should be able to add some garbage-time yards and receptions and be a nice buy-low candidate for fantasy managers either in standard leagues or DFS contests.

 

Sneaky Quarterback Pickups and Starts for Week 13

If Arizona’s Kyler Murray (ankle) is forced to stay on the sideline Sunday, you could pick up and play…

Taylor Heinicke, Washington Football Team at LV

I know Heinicke has a weak arm and cannot make all the passes an NFL quarterback should make. I also know he has failed to throw for multiple touchdowns in six of his last seven starts. Even his rushing yards have gone kaput as he has only scampered for 57 yards over his past four games after dashing for 95 yards against Green Bay in Week 7. The guy has more going against him than Neo did when he was fighting a room full of Agent Smiths in The Matrix Reloaded.

Heinicke will be throwing against a Las Vegas defense that is reeling. The Raiders have allowed 106 points over their last three games and let both Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes (406 passing yards) and Dallas’ Dak Prescott (375 passing yards) rip the secondary apart like a muscle man rips apart phone books. I believe Heinicke is due to for a two-TD game where he also runs for 30 yards, and this matchup screams for it to happen this weekend. Tight end Logan Thomas is back and gives Heinicke another top target to throw to. Pick up Heinicke and he should cushion the blow of not having mainstay Murray for another week if he bows out.

 

Sneaky Tight End Pickups and Starts for Week 13

If Chicago’s Cole Kmet (groin) misses his matchup on Sunday, you could pick up and play…

Jack Doyle, Indianapolis Colts (TE) at HOU

It was only a few weeks ago that Doyle looked like Indianapolis’ No. 2 tight end while Mo Alie-Cox was running around the field with his wide-receiver-like skills catching Carson Wentz’s passes. That is why Doyle is available in 96 percent of leagues. However, Doyle has been looking like Dallas Clark lately. The longtime veteran is coming off his best game of the season against Tampa Bay (6-81-1) and has scored three touchdowns over his past five games.

Doyle has a date with a Houston defense that is average against the pass but below-average in most other categories. The Texans have lost 9 of their last 10 contests and are in full-free-fall mode.  All signs point to Doyle riding his recent wave of newfound success to another solid start this Sunday. Do not bank on Doyle topping the 80-yard mark again, but five receptions for 45 yards and a TD is reasonable.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Will Smith

Scratched With Hand Soreness on Wednesday
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Brock Purdy

"a Long Shot" to Play on Sunday
Aaron Rodgers

Dealing With Back Tightness
Dallas Goedert

Questionable for Week 2 at Chiefs
Anthony Rizzo

Retires
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Jadeveon Clowney

Visiting With the Cowboys on Wednesday
Masyn Winn

Will Require Offseason Knee Surgery
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

Future in Philadelphia in Doubt
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Helps Greece Reach Semis at EuroBasket
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Posts Historic Triple-Double
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For 15 at Wyndham Championship
Bud Cauley

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for Seventh at Tour Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 25th at Tour Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 19th at Tour Championship
Keith Mitchell

Misses Cut at Wyndham Championship
Ben Griffin

Finishes Tied for 10th at Tour Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for Second at Tour Championship
Gary Woodland

Could Hang Around at Procore Championship
Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Strikes Out 12, Earns 12th Win on Tuesday
Karl Vilips

Ready for Napa Valley This Weekend
Taylor Montgomery

Heating Up at the Right Time
Jackson Koivun

May Be a Little Rusty at Procore Championship
Doug Ghim

Looking to Rise Up at Napa Valley
Christian Watson

Agrees to One-Year Contract Extension
Josh Giddey

Re-Signs With Bulls for Four Years
Shakir Mukhamadullin

Joins Informal Skate
William Eklund

Skates With Sharks
Owen Power

Back at 100 Percent
Tyler Seguin

Cleared for Action
Mathew Barzal

Good to Go for Season Opener
Will Smith

Returns to Dodgers Lineup on Tuesday
Dustin Wolf

Signs Seven-Year Extension
Kyle Stowers

Dealing With Strained Side
Kyle Tucker

Placed on Injured List With Calf Strain
Jauan Jennings

Considered Day-to-Day, has a Chance to Play in Week 2
Jalen Carter

Receives One-Game Suspension, Will be Eligible for Week 2
Bo Bichette

Goes on Injured List With Knee Sprain
George Kittle

Placed on Injured Reserve
Tyreek Hill

Accused of Domestic Violence
Jauan Jennings

Avoids Serious Shoulder Injury
Garrett Crochet

Shuts Out the Athletics
Royce Lewis

Launches Two Homers Monday Night
NBA

Mason Jones Takes His Talents to Australia
NBA

Talen Horton-Tucker Joins Reigning EuroLeague Champions
New York Knicks

Malcolm Brogdon on Knicks' Radar
Andrew Wiggins

Attracting Interest From Lakers
Miami Heat

Heat Interested in Reunion With Precious Achiuwa
Tyler Glasnow

Fans 11 in Seven No-Hit Innings Monday
Slade Cecconi

Takes No-Hitter Into Eighth Inning Monday
Max Muncy

Batting Cleanup in Return to Dodgers
New York Knicks

Ben Simmons Reportedly Declined Knicks' Contract Offer
Younghoe Koo

Falcons Auditioning Kickers, Could Replace Younghoe Koo
Denver Broncos

Sean Payton Says Broncos Need to be Better With Run-Pass Balance
Tank Bigsby

Eagles Acquiring Tank Bigsby From Jaguars on Monday
George Kittle

Likely Out 3-5 Weeks, Could Land on Injured Reserve
Chase Burns

to be Activated on Friday
Brock Purdy

Dealing With Multiple Injuries, Could Miss Week 2
Tyler Glasnow

Cleared to Start on Monday
Logan O'Hoppe

Placed on Concussion Injured List
Christian Yelich

Returning on Monday
Elias Pettersson

Feeling "Good" Ahead of Season
NHL

Alex Formenton Rejoins Swiss Team
NHL

Grigori Denisenko Heads Back Home
CAR

Kevin Labanc Joins Hurricanes for Tryout
Ross Colton

Healthy for Start of Season
Daniel Palencia

Cubs Place Daniel Palencia on Injured List With Shoulder Strain
Pete Crow-Armstrong

Returning on Monday
Sean Murphy

Done for the Year With Hip Labral Tear
Alec Bohm

Lands on Injured List With Cyst in his Shoulder
Brock Bowers

Considered Day-to-Day With Knee Injury
Jonathan Taylor

is "Good" After Taking a Hit to his Neck in Week 1
Caio Borralho

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Nassourdine Imavov

Extends Win Streak
Mauricio Ruffy

Gets Submitted
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Taps Out Mauricio Ruffy
Russell Wilson

Remains the Giants Starter
Paul Craig

Retires After UFC Paris Loss
Denny Hamlin

Earns his First Cup Victory at Gateway
Kyle Larson

Damage Ruins Kyle Larson's Chance At a Top Finish at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Scores his Third Top-10 Finish at Gateway
Joey Logano

Maintains his Perfect Top-Five Streak at Gateway
Ryan Blaney

Struggles and Recovers for a Top-Five Finish at Gateway
Modestas Bukauskas

Scores First-Round Knockout
Bolaji Oki

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Xavier Worthy

Week-to-Week with Dislocated Shoulder
Mason Jones

Scores Comeback Win
Rhys McKee

Suffers Third-Round TKO Loss
Axel Sola

Successful In His UFC Debut
Robert Ruchała

Robert Ruchala Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
William Gomis

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Derrick Henry

Scores Twice but has Costly Fumble on Sunday
Lamar Jackson

Shines With Three Total Touchdowns in Loss to Bills
Chase Elliott

Gets Lucky but Still Has Best Run at Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wins Stage 2, but Was Let Down by Strategy
Tyler Reddick

Despite Bad Luck, Tyler Reddick Does What he Needed to Do
Chase Briscoe

Recovers from Incident with Daniel Suarez to Finish Second
William Byron

Late Caution Foils William Byron's Shot at Gateway Victory
Jayson Tatum

"Moving Around Way Better"
Ryan Blaney

Should Contend at Gateway
Denny Hamlin

Fastest in Qualifying, the Favorite to Win at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption at Gateway
Joey Logano

Has Been Elite at Gateway
Austin Cindric

Should Be On Your Radar at Gateway
AJ Allmendinger

Could Be a Sleeper Again at Gateway
Tyler Reddick

Southern 500 Near-Miss Makes Tyler Reddick a Stronger Option for Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace a Likely Gateway Contender
Alex Bowman

a Long Shot to Advance in Playoffs
Austin Dillon

Richard Childress Racing Looks Slower at Gateway, Which Will Hurt Austin Dillon
Shane Van Gisbergen

Starts 18th in Gateway Debut
Jeremy Swayman

Ready to Get Back on Track
Connor McDavid

Aiming for More Goals
NJ

Luke Glendening Signs Tryout Deal With Devils
Dylan Harper

Hoping to be Ready for the Opener Versus Dallas
EDM

Derek Ryan Retires From Hockey
Connor Zary

Agrees to Three-Year Deal With Flames
Caio Borralho

Set For A Title Eliminator Bout
Nassourdine Imavov

Looks To Earn A Title Shot
Mauricio Ruffy

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Set For UFC Paris Co-Main Event
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Paul Craig

In Dire Need Of Victory
Mason Jones

Set for Main-Card Bout
Bolaji Oki

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Rhys McKee

Set To Open Up UFC Paris Main Card

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP