Fantasy takeaways: Week 13

By: Josh Frey-Sam

It’s time we talk about Lamar Jackson.

The player, nor the offence as a whole, has played particularly well as of late.

In fact, Lamar has lost you matchups for damn near a month now, and honestly, outside of four weeks, this entire season has been a disappointment.

Lamar was hot out of the gates, putting up 26+ points in each of the first three weeks. Then, he had a dud game and was hurt against Kansas City in Week 4. He was on your IR for a month after that, and delivered a classic Lamar game in his return in Week 9 against Miami.

Since then: 16.64 points, 4.72 points, 7.22 points (against the Jets!!), 6.54 points (against the Bengals!!).

This isn’t playable, and it’s time to bench Lamar until he proves he should be in your lineup.

The problem is multifold. For one, he’s not 100 per cent healthy, which is restricting his fantasy upside and limiting a Ravens’ offence that relies on him being Superman. Two, the lack of weaponry around him is glaring — no one is winning their routes quickly, and there are few easy throws for Lamar to make. And three, he’s missing the easy throws when they are there.

I get that there are going to be people who ride with Lamar until the wheels fall off, because they invested a second or third-round pick in him, but you’re better off streaming someone off the waiver wire for now. Don’t drop him, but don’t play him.

Let’s get into my other fantasy taekaways from Week 13.

Packers @ Lions

We’ll see how things settle when Jayden Reed gets back, but as it stands, Christian Watson is WR1 in Green Bay with a decent floor and high upside. A season-high 10 targets, and his third touchdown in as many weeks. In Detroit, Jameson Williams proved he can lead the air attack with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam Laporta out. Isaac TeSlaa is an important waiver target this week.

Chiefs @ Cowboys

For those in deeper leagues, keep an eye on RB Malik Davis. He showed his juice on a 43-yard touchdown run, and he could carve out a change-of-pace role down he stretch.

Bengals @ Ravens

Twenty-two opportunities for Chase Brown. He is all the way back.

Bears @ Eagles

D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai combine for 40 attempts and 255 yards rushing in a tough matchup. They should both be in your lineup. As much as it hurts, owners are almost forced to stick with Saquon. The schedule softens a bit, so there’s reason for optimism.

49ers @ Browns

There’s a clear lack of trust between Kevin Stefanski and Shedeur Sanders, which only bodes well for Quinshon Judkins. Another 26 touches and over 100 scrimmage yards on this day. Frankly, he’s the only Brown that should be in your lineup.

Jaguars @ Titans

Disappointing day for Travis Etienne from an opportunity and production perspective, but keep starting him. Brian Thomas Jr. returns — Parker Washington’s role reduces. One of the constants? Jakobi Meyers. He’s posted 10-140-2 over the last two weeks.

Texans @ Colts

Nico Collins remains an unquestioned WR1. Dalton Schultz’s targets since Week 7: 10, 3, 8, 11, 9, 4, 8. He’s become a player with a decent floor and is putting himself in the conversation for weekly starts. Bad news, Woody Marks owners: You were unlucky this week because the rushing touchdowns went to Nick Chubb and Collins. The good news: Marks remains the clear lead back — he outtouched Chubb 20-9.

Saints @ Dolphins

Fouteen carries, three receptions (should only go up) and 69 total yards. No, the final score didn’t blow you away, but the usage confirmed there’s still plenty of room for optimism around Devin Neal as long as Alvin Kamara is out. I’m still bullish on the idea that he could be a league winner. Devaughn Vele is worth a look as a waiver wire option — 15 targets over the last two weeks.

Falcons @ Jets

I get the feeling Adonai Mitchell (8-102-1) could end up being one of those not-so-sexy players who help a lot of people make deep playoff runs. The schedule going forward is favourable, too. Also, it’s hard being a Bijan Robinson owner.

Rams @ Panthers

Blake Corum reminds us that he is one of the top handcuffs in the NFL and should be rostered in all leagues. Not what Rico Dowdle owners wanted to see heading into the bye week — Chuba Hubbard logging 19 touches to Dowdle’s 20. I still think Rico is RB1 in the room. Jalen Coker is back on the fantasy radar after 4-74-1.

Cardinals @ Bucs

Emeka Egbuka has less than 10 points in six of his last seven games. Bucky Iriving (17-61-1) returned to his RB1 role and didn’t skip a beat. The playoff schedule is fantastic, too. Wheels up.

Bills @ Steelers

James Cook isn’t appreciated enough. Won’t ever be talked about being one of the best, but he’s got some of the best vision in the league, and his usage is elite. A monster day on Sunday — the Bills will continue to lean on him as their push for the AFC East crown and No. 1 seed continues.

Broncos @ Commanders

Terry McLaurin returns from a second injury stint with a 7-96-1 performance in a difficult matchup. He gets the Giants in W15 (first round of playoffs) and the Cowboys in W17 (championship), and Jayden Daniels should be back for both of those games.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh