NFL Start Em’ Sit Em’ Week 13 2018-2019
Another week of Football is finally here and that means Matt Bachota and I are here to bring you our starts and sits for the week. Maryland Sports Blog will be covering the Ravens-Falcons and Redskins-Eagles games for week 13. Credit to Matt Bachota for coming up with the players for the starts and sits.
Quarterbacks:
Start: Dak Prescott and Baker Mayfield
Dak Prescott is coming off a 27 point performance against the Redskins, who were once considered to have a top defense earlier this season. Prescott matches up against a Saints secondary that typically allows plenty of passing yards, however, expect Dak to be running away from the pass rush. Next, Baker Mayfield is a clear start, and despite playing an excellent Texans front seven, look for Mayfield to throw for over 300 yards and at least a pair of TD’s. Adding on, Mayfield has had 20+ point performance in his last two starts.
Sit: Matt Ryan and Carson Wentz
Matt Ryan faces a Ravens defense that surrendered less than 20 points for both Andy Dalton of the Bengals, and Derek Carr of the Raiders. Ryan will have trouble passing as he will face the likes of Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson, so avoid starting the Atlanta signal caller. Carson Wentz has reportedly never fully healed from his torn ACL injury, and recorded just 0.8 points against the Saints just two weeks ago. Wentz plays a solid Washington defense, and facing the likes of Josh Norman and HaHa Clinton-Dix, making him a sit.
Running Backs:
Start: Austin Ekeler and Josh Adams
Austin Ekeler will be filling in for Melvin Gordon this week as he battles an injury and is currently listed at doubtful for the this Sunday’s game. Ekeler recorded 16.30 non PPR fantasy points after replacing Melvin Gordon last week against the Cardinals, making him an automatic start. Josh Adams produced 16.40 fantasy points against the Giants defense last week, and look for the Eagles to continue to run the ball with him as Carson Wentz continues to struggle.
Sit: Carlos Hyde and LeGarrette Blount
Carlos Hyde faces a surprisingly decent Colts defense, with the quick emergence of Darius Leonard, and he will likely be splitting the workload with TJ Yeldon, making him a sit. LeGarrette Blount will also split carries with Theo Riddick, and the Lions will face a defense that is one of the best on paper in the Rams, who give up a ton of points to opposing teams. However, you will likely want to sit Riddick due to the superior Rams defensive line in Aaron Donald and Dante Fowler Jr.
Pass Catchers:
Start: Josh Reynolds and Tre’Quan Smith
Josh Reynolds replaced Cooper Kupp just a few weeks ago, and has already made a huge impact by scoring 14 point while having 80 recieving yards and a touchdown. Reynolds will face the weaker part of the Lions secondary, as Darius Slay will likely match up with Brandin Cooks, who is currently rostered as the Rams top Wide Reciever, making Reynolds a sleeper start. Tre’Quan Smith’s last start consisted of a huge day with 10 receptions, 157 yards, and a touchdown, so look for Smith to be a good flex start as Drew Brees will continue to spread the ball.
Sit: John Ross and Demaryius Thomas
John Ross faces a always tough Broncos defense and will play with a backup Quarterback in Jeff Driskel, who has most probably yet to learn the entire offense and develop chemistry with the pass catchers and running backs, making Ross a sit. Despite scoring 15.80 fantasy points last week, along with two touchdowns, Thomas is an aging Wide Reciever who faces a young and talented Browns defense who will look to shut him down. Avoid starting Thomas as he has been inconsistent thus far in the season.
Kickers:
Start: Cody Parkey and Mason Crosby
Both Parkey and Crosby face two struggling defenses, and look for both of their respective offenses to pour on points this weekend, giving them plenty of opportunities for fantasy points.
Sit: Chris Boswell and Dan Bailey
Chris Boswell is proven to be inconsistent this season, and despite throwing for a touchdown last week, look for Boswell’s opportunities to be raised high for touchdowns, but not a plenty for field goals as the Steelers high powered offense will be at work. Dan Bailey faces a Patriots defense that surrendered 13 points last week, and Bailey missed a Field Goal in the cold against the Bears just a few weeks ago.
Defenses:
Start: Packers and Titans
The Packers face an awful Cardinals team, and will likely shut them down through the air as they face a rookie Quarterback in Josh Rosen. The Titans face the Jets who scored just 13 points last week, and look for Tennessee to force turnovers throughout the game, as the Jets continue to struggle.
Sit: Chargers and Steelers
Both the Steelers and Chargers play against each other on Sunday Night Football, and look for this game to be a shootout as the game features stars such as Antonio Brown and Keenan Allen.
