Welcome to Fan Girl Football! With Week 13 upon us, it’s critical to refine your fantasy football roster as the playoffs loom closer. Judy and Lauren of Fan Girl Football have shared their insights on waiver wire pickups, injuries to monitor, and key streaming options to guide you through these crucial weeks. Let’s delve deeper into what was discussed and how you can apply these strategies to kickstart your run to the playoffs.
No Bye Weeks, No Problem
Week 13 comes as a relief to many fantasy football managers as there are no teams on bye. This means all your players are available, and squad depth can be maximized. However, strategic planning is still vital. As Judy and Lauren stress, it’s time to start planning for Week 14, which does have byes and could throw a wrench in your playoff aspirations if not properly prepared for.
Key Injuries to Monitor
Understanding team injuries and their implications are pivotal in fantasy football.
Running Backs Woes
David Montgomery (DET)
: He left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury but plans to play against his former team, the Bears. Monitor his status closely.
Washington Commanders
: A brutal week with both Austin Ekler and Brian Robinson Jr. suffering injuries. Ekler’s concussion could sideline him, while Robinson’s ankle injury, despite X-ray results permitting a return, should be monitored. Jeremy McNichols becomes a critical waiver add in this scenario.
Quarterback Dilemmas
Las Vegas Raiders
: With Gardner Minshew out for the season due to a broken collarbone and AOC sidelined with a thumb injury, Desmond Ritter steps in. This is hardly reassuring for fantasy managers, making it essential to look elsewhere for quarterback help.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Josh Downs (IND)
and
Ja’Tavion Sanders (CAR)
: Their injuries may open opportunities for others in their teams’ passing games. Downs has a shoulder issue, while Sanders’ severe neck injury and concussion take him out of play.
Waiver Wire Pickups
With the injury landscape shaping up, let’s explore the best pickups for Week 13.
Wide Receivers
Marquez Valdez-Scantling (NO)
: Returning from a bye, Valdez-Scantling has enticing matchups ahead. He’s risky but worth considering, especially against the Giants in Week 14.
Adam Thielen (CAR)
: Back in action and looking to reclaim his WR1 status. With favorable matchups against Tampa Bay and Dallas ahead, Thielen is a solid addition.
Keon Coleman (BUF)
: Emerging as a favorite target for Josh Allen, Coleman is worth adding for his upcoming high-stakes matchups against the 49ers and the Rams.
Running Backs
Jeremy McNichols (WSH)
: With both primary backs injured, McNichols is your best immediate plug-and-play. He has a favorable matchup against Tennessee this week.
Quarterbacks
Cooper Rush (DAL)
: If you’re in need, Rush’s upcoming games against the Bengals, Giants, and Panthers make him an intriguing option. If you’re desperate, he might just be your answer.
Tight End Targets
Noah Gray (KC)
: Benefiting from Patrick Mahomes’ diverse passing game, Gray has stepped up. With upcoming games against the Raiders, Chargers, and Browns, he’s a good streaming tight end option.
Streaming Defenses
Selecting a defense can be pivotal for those close contests.
Chargers Defense
: Facing an inconsistent Falcons offense, they could provide a decent return this week.
Cowboys Defense
: Against the struggling Giants led by Tommy DeVito, they offer a dependable defense pick for Week 13. What’s more, choosing a Thursday game leaves your options open if adjustments are needed through the weekend.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Week 13 marks a critical juncture in the fantasy football season. Leveraging the insights from Judy and Lauren at Fan Girl Football can help you make savvy moves to bolster your lineup and secure your path to the playoffs. With no teams on bye, focus shifts to strategic pickups and injury monitoring that could define your season’s outcome.
Good luck on the waiver wire, ladies and gentlemen, and a very Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the feast of four days of football, and may your fantasy scores be ever in your favor.
Feel free to join us on social media for more tips and tune in for our upcoming DFS contest and Thanksgiving special episode. Stay ahead, stay informed, and game on!
