With the fantasy football playoffs approaching, managers are looking for reliable starters and potential breakout players for Week 13. This week’s recommendations focus on athletes who may be on the bubble between starting and sitting, as well as a spotlight on Atlanta Falcons players at each position.
Among running backs, Kareem Hunt is highlighted for his performance with Kansas City in Isaiah Pacheco’s absence. He has finished as a top 20 running back in four consecutive games and faces Dallas this week. RJ Harvey is noted for his increased snap count with Denver and faces Washington, while Kenneth Gainwell of Philadelphia is coming off two strong performances ahead of a matchup against Buffalo. Bhayshul Tuten is recommended as a waiver option due to expected opportunities against Tennessee.
For the Falcons, Bijan Robinson continues to be a reliable choice. “Robinson is the RB5 this season, and he should continue that production in a matchup that favors the Falcons on Sunday.”
At wide receiver, Zay Flowers could benefit from Cincinnati’s defense after scoring only one touchdown so far this season. Troy Franklin is cited for his previous high-scoring performance against Dallas and now faces Washington. Keenan Allen returns from a bye week and will play Las Vegas; he previously scored 61 yards and a touchdown against them earlier in the season. Jayden Higgins emerges as a potential waiver wire addition before Houston faces Indianapolis.
The Falcons’ Darnell Mooney may see increased targets depending on Drake London’s availability. “It remains to be seen what Drake London’s status will be for Sunday, but Mooney rekindled his connection with Kirk Cousins against the Saints and vaulted back on the fantasy radar with three catches for 74 yards and a touchdown.”
In the tight end category, Mark Andrews has excelled when scoring touchdowns and plays Cincinnati this week. Theo Johnson of New England benefits from quarterback Jaxson Dart’s presence, while Dallas Goedert faces Chicago after recent struggles but has favorable matchups ahead. Isaiah Likely offers upside as another option against Cincinnati.
Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts remains involved but has struggled recently: “Pitts has had his opportunities, but he’s struggled to catch the football of late. It remains to be seen if that has damaged the confidence of his quarterback and coaching staff. The volume should be there for Pitts, but he needs to do more with it.”
Quarterback suggestions include Bo Nix facing Washington after their defense allowed significant points to opposing quarterbacks; Jacoby Brissett playing Tampa Bay following four straight top-10 finishes; Joe Burrow returning from injury against Baltimore; and Trevor Lawrence facing Tennessee as a waiver possibility.
Kirk Cousins represents the Falcons in this section: “His numbers weren’t overly impressive from a fantasy standpoint, but Cousins still finished as the QB14 last weekend. Against a Jets defense that has allowed at least 27 points seven times this season, Cousins is worth a look if you’re in a tight spot.”
As league playoffs near, these recommendations aim to help fantasy managers optimize their lineups during an important stretch of the season.
