Week 13: Fantasy Football Starts and Sits

Starts:

QB - Ryan Fitzpatrick, NYJ (@ NYG)

The Fitzmagic was real last week when the Jets quarterback pulled four passing TDs out of his hat. As for his opponent, the Giants secondary has allowed at least 300 passing yards in three of the past four games. As for Fitzpatrick's consistency, he has thrown at least two touchdown passes in three of his last four contests.

Other notables: Alex Smith (KC), Kirk Cousins (WAS), Jay Cutler (CHI)

RB - C.J. Anderson, DEN (@ SD)

If you drafted CJA in the first round of your 2015 fantasy draft and then dropped him after his slow start, don't read this portion. Anderson had the best game of the season last week against the Patriots (113 yards and two TDs). In the snow, Anderson was the Rudolph to Gary Kubiak's sleigh. As for the Chargers, the defense has allowed an opposing running back to tally at least 23 fantasy points in two of the past three games.

Other notables: LeGarrette Blount (NE), David Johnson (ARI), Shaun Draughn (SF)

WR - T.Y. Hilton, IND (@ PIT)

Thankfully, Andrew Luck missing more games didn't seem to impact Hilton last week. Against the Buccaneers, Hilton was targeted a team-high 12 times and caught six passes for 95 yards with two touchdowns. Also, in the past six games, the Steelers have allowed an opposing wide receiver to produce at least 17 fantasy points. While Donte Moncrief could be that guy in Week 13, I think Hilton has the edge. Possibly both, too.

Other notables: Jeremy Maclin (KC), Kamar Aiken (BAL), Doug Baldwin (SEA)

TE - Julius Thomas, JAC (@ TEN)

It was the Thursday night game against the Titans where we heard the news that Jacksonville would incorporate Thomas more in the red zone. That night, he made five receptions and scored a TD. Last week, Thomas caught nine passes for 116 yards and a TD. With Allen Hurns likely sidelined, Thomas will get a big boost in the rankings (as will Allen Robinson).

Other notables: Scott Chandler (NE), Delanie Walker (TEN), Kyle Rudolph (MIN)

Sits:

QB - Tyrod Taylor, BUF (vs. HOU)

It seems to be three TDs or bust for T-Mobile this season. In every start, Taylor either accrues three passing touchdowns or is forced to settle for one (he was also saddled with a zero-TD game in Week 11). This week will likely be a bust for Taylor. The Texans have only allowed one passing TD since Week 7.

Others include: Philip Rivers (SD), Jameis Winston (TB), Teddy Bridgewater (MIN)

RB - Lamar Miller, MIA (vs. BAL)

As much as it pains me to put Miller's name on this side of the start/sit list, it must be done. Last week, he recorded five carries (two yards). Two weeks ago, he notched seven rushing attempts (44 yards). Sure, Bill Lazor has finally been relieved of his duties as the offensive coordinator, but I need to see results before I get fooled again. Also, the Ravens haven't allowed more than 13 fantasy points to an opposing running back since Week 7 (Chris Johnson).

Others include: Latavius Murray (OAK), Frank Gore (IND), Duke Johnson Jr. (CLE)

WR - Stefon Diggs, MIN (vs. SEA)

Antonio Brown, one of the most explosive receivers in the game, was held to only 51 receiving yards last week while under Richard Sherman's thumb. Diggs will likely draw that type of attention this week. However, I don't expect Jarius Wright to have a Markus Wheaton-type game with Diggs buried by Sherman.

Others include: Markus Wheaton (PIT), James Jones (GB), Willie Snead (NO)

TE - Charles Clay, BUF (vs. HOU)

Ever since his hot start in the first four weeks of the season, Clay has been ceramic (sorry). In his last five starts, Clay has compiled over 50 yards only once. We already established the fact that the Houston defense is stingy. When it comes to opposing TEs, they are even tougher. Only two TEs have scored against the Texans this season (Travis Kelce and Julius Thomas). Don't expect Clay to join that short list.

Others include: Clive Walford (OAK), Jordan Cameron (MIA), Heath Miller (PIT)