It’s Week 13, and much like the Thanksgiving leftovers still clogging your fridge, the wide receiver options this week are abundant. The difference? These aren’t cold mashed potatoes. No, we’re talking sizzling, savory fantasy matchups and, unfortunately, a few bland sides you’ll want to leave untouched.
With no teams on bye for the first time since Week 8, fantasy managers finally have the luxury of options. But not all matchups are created equal. Some receivers are poised to feast like they’re first in line at the buffet, while others are destined for a plate of lukewarm green bean casserole.
Let’s dive into who’s hot, who’s not, and which wideouts will have you screaming at your TV this Sunday.
Start ‘Em: Week 13’s Wide Receiver All-Stars
Tank Dell, Houston Texans (at Jacksonville Jaguars)
Tank Dell isn’t just a cool name; it’s a fantasy football call to arms. Sure, his shine may have dulled slightly with Nico Collins back in action, but don’t sleep on the Texans’ No. 2 guy. Jacksonville’s defense has been more generous than your aunt who insists on sending you home with six pumpkin pies.
The Jaguars rank dead last in dropback success rate and near-last in fantasy points allowed to receivers over the last month. With C.J. Stroud spreading holiday cheer through the air, Dell’s ready to serve up a platter of fantasy points.
Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (at Atlanta Falcons)
Ladd McConkey, the name you still can’t believe is attached to a fantasy WR15, is here to make you question your league-mates’ roster decisions. Available in over 10% of leagues (what are we doing, people?), McConkey faces Atlanta’s defense this week—a unit so bad against receivers, they’re practically playing zone defense against ghosts.
Quentin Johnston’s drop issues have been about as reliable as a Black Friday printer deal, so expect Justin Herbert to look McConkey’s way often. Start him, and you might even get to brag about knowing his name before your friends.
George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers (at Cincinnati Bengals)
Cold weather? No problem. Snow? Problem—at least it was last week in Cleveland. But against the Bengals, Pickens and Russell Wilson (yes, that’s a Steelers QB joke) are ready to cook.
Cincinnati’s defense has been as sturdy as your uncle’s folding chair after three plates of turkey. Averaging nearly 34 fantasy points allowed per game to receivers, the Bengals might as well set up an express lane for Pickens in the end zone.
Sit ‘Em: Wide Receivers to Bench (Or Risk Ruining Your Week)
Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Arizona Cardinals)
Jordan Addison went from turkey day MVP to leftovers no one wants to touch. Last week’s WR1 performance against Chicago was a fluke, and this week, he’s up against an Arizona defense stingier than a Black Friday shopper clutching the last TV.
The Cardinals have allowed just one touchdown to wideouts since Week 6, and Justin Jefferson isn’t exactly going to share targets like it’s a potluck. Leave Addison on the bench unless you enjoy disappointment.
Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (at Green Bay Packers)
Waddle dazzled in Week 12, but don’t let one good game fool you—it’s a trap! This week, he’s up against the Packers, who’ve been locking down wideouts like they’re guarding the last cheese curds in Wisconsin.
Oh, and the weather? It’s Green Bay in December. Tua Tagovailoa in freezing temps has been as effective as Wi-Fi in a basement—0-7 with more interceptions than touchdowns. If you start Waddle, you’ll be waddling into Week 14 with regret.
Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills (vs. San Francisco 49ers)
Shakir had a nice little run before the bye, but this week he faces the 49ers, a defense that doesn’t just bend—it breaks wide receivers’ spirits. One touchdown allowed to a wideout in the last four weeks? Yeah, that’s enough to make anyone reconsider.
With other Bills targets like Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid potentially returning, Shakir’s chances of fantasy relevance this week are slimmer than your post-holiday wallet.
Final Takeaways
Fantasy football is about making tough calls, and Week 13 is no different. Start the right players, and you’ll be celebrating with leftover pie. Choose poorly, and you’ll be the one stuck washing dishes while your league-mates gloat.
So, set your lineups wisely, savor the matchups, and remember: there’s always next week—unless you’re already eliminated. Then, well, there’s always next year.
