NFL Fantasy 2024: Higher or Lower? Predicting Week 13 Outperformers and Underperformers
As the NFL regular season approaches its thrilling conclusion, fantasy football managers are eagerly preparing for the crucial Week 13 matchups. With playoff berths on the line, every decision becomes paramount, including which players to start and sit. To help navigate the fantasy landscape, we present our projections for players who will exceed or fall short of expectations in Week 13.
Higher Than Projected:
Quarterbacks:
* **Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars:** Lawrence has been on a tear in recent weeks, throwing for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns in three straight games. Facing the porous Houston Texans defense, he’s poised to continue his hot streak.
* **Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings:** Cousins has been a steady performer all season and is due for a breakout game. The Vikings face the struggling New York Jets, who have allowed the third-most passing yards in the league.
Running Backs:
* **Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints:** Kamara returned from injury in Week 12 and looked impressive, rushing for 120 yards and a touchdown. He should have another big day against the Carolina Panthers, who have allowed the second-most rushing touchdowns.
* **Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks:** Walker has emerged as the lead back for the Seahawks and has averaged over 100 yards per game in his last three outings. He’s a safe bet to exceed his projections against the Los Angeles Rams.
Wide Receivers:
* **Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals:** Higgins has been a consistent target for Joe Burrow this season and has averaged over 100 receiving yards in his last four games. He’s a safe bet to put up big numbers against the Kansas City Chiefs.
* **Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings:** Jefferson is one of the most dangerous receivers in the league and is due for a huge game. The Jets defense has been torched by opposing receivers all season, making Jefferson a must-start.
Lower Than Projected:
Quarterbacks:
* **Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers:** Rodgers has been struggling all season and is facing a tough matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have allowed the fewest passing touchdowns in the league and are likely to make life difficult for Rodgers.
* **Justin Fields, Chicago Bears:** Fields has been a bright spot for the Bears, but he’s facing a formidable challenge against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles defense has been dominant all season and is likely to limit Fields’ production.
Running Backs:
* **Saquon Barkley, New York Giants:** Barkley has been inconsistent all season and is facing a tough matchup against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders defense has been stingy against the run and is likely to limit Barkley’s production.
* **Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders:** Jacobs has been a workhorse for the Raiders, but he’s facing a tough matchup against the New England Patriots. The Patriots defense has allowed the fewest rushing yards in the league and is likely to shut down Jacobs.
Wide Receivers:
* **Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders:** Adams has been a disappointment in Las Vegas this season and is facing a tough matchup against the Patriots. The Patriots defense has been particularly good at limiting top receivers, making Adams a risky start.
* **Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams:** Kupp is one of the best receivers in the league, but he’s facing a tough matchup against the Seahawks. The Seahawks defense has been playing well in recent weeks and is likely to make life difficult for Kupp.
Remember, these are just projections, and anything can happen on any given Sunday. However, by considering these factors, fantasy managers can make informed decisions and increase their chances of success in Week 13.