Last week was a good one, as usual, with a few huge performances from the greats, and some big days for guys like Doug Baldwin and Sammy Watkins (yes, Marcus Wheaton went off too, but I think Markus Wheaton’s cousin was only one that started him). Week 13 marks the first time in a long time that we have a full NFL slate to choose from, so there are a lot of great plays out there. I’ll go through one of my favorite GPP lineups below.
Quarterback
Matt Ryan $7,400
Atlanta has looked really bad for several weeks in a row after starting 6-1. This week, they’ll be on the road against a Tampa Bay team that beat them 23-10 just 4 weeks ago. Matt Ryan has thrown 5 interceptions in his last 2 games, and Julio Jones hasn’t caught a touchdown in 3 weeks. So, I’ll bet on Ryan and Jones to turn it around against a Tampa Bay Bucs side that gives it up to opposing offenses. The Bucs offense seems to improve each week, and the Falcons’ defense doesn’t scare anyone. I’m hoping to get a big game out of Ryan here, and hopefully, take advantage of a low owned stack here.
Running Back
Todd Gurley - $8,400
Gurley’s point totals have been in steady decline for several weeks now as teams realize the Rams passing attack deserves no respect. Arizona looks like it will be playing the Super Bowl but we’ve seen them lose to the Rams in week 4. Gurley posted 146 yards in that week 4 victory, and I am betting on a bounce-back week for one of the most talented young backs in the league.
DeAngelo Williams - $7,200
The Steelers offense is one of the best in the NFL, and they’ll be hosting the Indianapolis Colts this week on Sunday Night Football. The worst thing that could have happened to the Colts was for Pittsburgh to lost to Seattle last week, and for Antonio Brown to be held in check. This week, I think we’ll see Pittsburgh exact their revenge on a Colts side that just can’t keep up with this kind of offense. I’m betting the farm on the over in this one, and think DWilly has a big day.
Wide Receiver
Julio Jones - $9,200
Pairing Julio and Matt Ryan here, I don’t think Julio will continue to be held out of the end-zone, and I think the Falcons are a better team than the Bucs. The hope here is that Julio’s talent shines through here, and we get to play Ryan and Julio when the go off, and are low owned.
John Brown - $6,000
Arizona travels to St. Louis to face the Rams this week, and I think John Brown will continue to give us a nice return for a value price. Another week of treatment for his hamstring injury, and uncertainty in the Cardinals backfield both bode well for Brown this week. Each week he has the potential to hand in a league winning performance, crossing my fingers that he does it against a division rival here in week 13.
DeVante Parker - $5,200
When you spend up everywhere else, you need a guy like Parker to give you some relieve. Starter Rishard Matthews will be out with fractured ribs this week, and so Parker will have a full game to show us why he was the Dolphins first round pick this year. Against an injury riddled Raven’s squad, and at home, we’ll see if Parker can make a statement while Miami plays out the string. I expect Matthews will be one of the highest owned players this week for good reason.
Tight End
Greg Olsen - $6,600
Olsen is the highest priced TE this week (save Gronkowski) for the Panthers V New Orleans game. Olsen continues his steady production in a relatively docile Panthers offense. When Cam and Co. face off against the Saints, I’m hoping we see the Old Greg come away with a touchdown to go with his 6 catches for 80 yards.
Kicker
Graham Gano - $5,000
Finding a couple of cheap options at wide receiver left me flush with budget for kicker. I’ll take a shot with Gano kicking inside against a Saints team that is moving in the wrong direction.
Defense
Houston Texans - $4,900
Of course, if you’re starting the Texans this week you’re praying that Justin James Watt will be a full go against the Bills here. The Bills are playing a lot better than I thought they would heading in to the season, but they have their flaws, and their skill position guys are getting beat up. Taylor can really light it up, but he can throw picks and take sacks with the best of them as well. I believe the Texans pass rush makes it a long day for Rex Ryan and Co. this week, and a good pass (Watt) rush begets nice fantasy days from DSTs.