Week 13 is upon us and there are NO BYES (but per usual, there are injuries). These next couple of weeks are the final push to make the playoffs. If you are still in it, congratulations! If you’re on the cusp, let’s try to get you through this final push over the next couple weeks. And if you’re out already, better luck next year (keep an eye out for some way-too-early mock drafts on our YouTube channel).
What’s a 2025 fantasy football season without another week of injuries? JJ McCarthy left last week’s game with a concussion and is unlikely to play Week 13. Tee Higgins is also in concussion protocol and has already been ruled out for their Thanksgiving game. Baker Mayfield suffered an AC joint sprain, thankfully on his non-throwing arm, and will be out at least Week 13. Alvin Kamara has a MCL sprain, and that’s typically a multi-week injury.
So who is going to get you to the playoffs? Hopefully some of these guys will get you that edge.
Quarterbacks
Jacoby Brissett (QB – ARI): 12.8% Rostered | Last Week: QB8
We said last week that Jacoby Brissett is matchup proof at this point, and we’re doubling down on that. While I don’t think he’s going to get you monster games, he can provide you with a very high floor. If you need to replace an injured QB or you’re planning ahead for your Week 14 bye, Jacoby Brissett is defitely at the top of the list. He’s thrown for at least one touchdown in every start this season, and he’s averaging 43.5 attempts per game.
CJ Stroud (QB – HOU): 37.6% Rostered | Last Week: N/A
CJ Stroud has a chance to come back in Week 13. Davis Mills has been more than serviceable in his absence, but this is still Stroud’s team. Before he got injured, Stroud was 9th in fantasy points per game from weeks five through eight. I think I would still prefer the consistency of Brissett, but with the possible return of Kyler Murray (at some point), you might want to put your money on Stroud.
Running Backs
Devin Neal (RB – NO): 5.1% Rostered | Last Week: RB22
With Alvin Kamara going down with a knee injury, Devin Neal has a real opportunity to step into the RB1 role for New Orleans. Last week he had 7 rushes for 18 yards and 5 receptions for 43 yards. Neal is a true every-down back like Kamara, and he’s got a great matchup to showcase his ability with the Dolphins up next. In Week 13, this is your chance to grab an RB1!
Chris Rodgriguez (RB – WAS): 18.1% Rostered | Last Week: BYE
The Washington backfield fog has finally lifted, revealing Chris Rodriguez as the clear RB1. Over the last three games, Rodriguez has had 33 carries and two rushing touchdowns. Last week he led the team with a season-high 15 carries for 79 yards, plus one reception for six yards. As I said with Neal above, if you have a chance to grab an RB1 in Week 13, DO IT!
Wide Receivers
Chimere Dike (WR – TEN): 16.2% Rostered | Last Week: WR10
With Calvin Ridley done for the season, and Elic Ayomanor out again in Week 13, Chimere Dike is emerging as a must-add. Last week he had five receptions on seven targets for 44 yards and a touchdown (two including the special teams touchdown). Over the last five weeks, Dike has been the team’s leading receiver three times, and he has a great matchup against a beatable Jaguars secondary.
Jayden Higgins (WR – HOU): 22.7% Rostered | Last Week: 23
Jayden Higgins has finally emerged as the Texans WR2 behind Nico Collins. He’s had at least seven targets in five of the last six games, the one miss being against Denver. He’s also had three touchdowns in his last five games, and a team high six end zone targets. This past week he had four receptions on nine targets for 38 yards and a touchdown. Higgins might be my top WR add this week.
Parker Washington (WR – JAX): 20.5% Rostered | Last Week: 12
Parker Washington led the team with five receptions on seven targets for 71 yards and a touchdown. Over the last four games, he’s had 18 receptions on 24 targets for 213 yards and two touchdowns. He has become Trevor Lawrence’s favorite target, and he’s an intriguing pickup this week.
Tight Ends
Brenton Strange (TE – JAX): 18.7% Rostered | Last Week: TE4
In his first game backfrom IR, Brenton Strange had five receptions on five targets for 93 yards on just 71% of snaps. He looks like he’s picking up where he left off, and he should get more play time as he gets healthier. With Brian Thomas Jr. still out and Travis Hunter done for the season, Brenton Strange and Parker Washington look to be picking up the pieces. They get the Titans up next, so this should be a great time to add Brenton Strange to your lineup.
Other Players to Consider
Isaiah Hodgins; Andrei Iosivas; Mitch Tinsley (Higgins out Week 13); Bam Knight; Dylan Sampson (handcuff); Brian Robinson (handcuff); Gunner Helm
Other Injuries to Watch
Aaron Rogers (broken wrist); Josh Jacobs (knee); Omarion Hampton(designated to return); Isaiah Pacheco (team announced he will play Week 13); Jaxon Dart (concussion; no word yet on whether he will return Week 13); Joe Burrow (set to return Week 13); Bucky Irving (could return Week 13); Darren Waller (should return in time for playoffs)
