Your complete fantasy football guide to Week 13
For the first time in 201 regular season games, Eli Manning won't be starting at quarterback for the New York Giants. The team is struggling and the two-time Super Bowl champion apparently isn't part of the future.
Fantasy owners have to make similar decisions when a former star just isn't getting the job done. But it isn't easy to make changes on the final week of the fantasy football regular season.
If you need some help sorting everything out as you look to secure a playoff berth, or just want to build an optimal daily fantasy lineup, we have assembled all our best offerings of the week into one location.
Let’s start with the one thing most fantasy owners want to know ...
Who should I start?
The most basic question of them all. The best thing to do is check our updated Week 12 rankings, courtesy of FantasySharks.com.
Fantasy football rankings: Week 13
Who’s in?
-- Geno Smith. The Giants have turned the offense over to the former Jets quarterback -- who has 30 NFL starts under his belt, but only one since 2014. One positive development: Smith should have top receiver Sterling Shepard back this week after a two-game absence due to migraines.
-- Devonta Freeman. Back from a two-week absence due to a concussion, the Atlanta Falcons running back is ready to resume his starting job. Tevin Coleman should continue to see plenty of touches after rushing for three touchdowns in the two games Freeman missed. Look for the workload to be split almost evenly against the Minnesota Vikings.
-- Jay Cutler. The Miami Dolphins quarterback also cleared the concussion protocol this week and will start at home against Denver. The Broncos pass defense is still a strength so don't expect much out of Cutler or his receivers. Downgrade Kenny Stills, who seems to do better when Matt Moore is under center.
Who's out?
-- Amari Cooper. The Oakland Raiders will be without both of their top wideouts at home against the New York Giants. Quarterback Derek Carr could spend a lot of time handing off to Marshawn Lynch. There's also a good chance Jared Cook sees more targets since the Giants are the worst in the NFL at covering tight ends.
-- Nick Novak. The veteran kicker has been limited by a back injury and the Los Angeles Chargers elevated Travis Coons from the practice squad on Saturday so he can handle the kicking chores on Sunday. Coons should have ample opportunities vs. Cleveland, but fantasy owners may want to look elsewhere.
Who’s questionable?
-- Antonio Brown. This could be nothing ... or it could be very big. Brown was added to the injury report when he missed Friday's practice with a toe injury. It looks like fantasy's No. 1 wide receiver may not know his status until he can test things in pregame warmups. Unfortunately, the Steelers don't play until Monday night, so Eli Rogers or the Bengals' Brandon LaFell may be among the few backup options available.
-- Greg Olsen. He returned from injured reserve last week because he experienced soreness in his surgically repaired foot. The Panthers kept him out of practice all week, but there's still a chance he could play at New Orleans on Sunday. It's a late afternoon kickoff so Olsen may be only an option for desperate owners.
Every week, we highlight the top injury concerns fantasy owners are facing. But remember, everything is subject to change, so be sure to make one final check before kickoff.
The best thing to do is keep an eye on Paste BN Sports' NFL home page and follow Paste BN Fantasy Sports on Twitter.
Where’s the extra edge?
– Still torn over which borderline players to sit or start? Marc Caviglia of Bruno Boys Fantasy Football examines some of this week’s tough calls.
Start or sit: Is Carson Wentz now matchup-proof?
– Meanwhile, For The Win's Charles Curtis has a look at this week's best, worst and sneaky good fantasy plays.
Studs, duds, sleepers: Mixon doesn't have staying power
-- If you're looking for some players who could emerge unexpectedly this week and be worth starting in deep leagues ... or who could put you over the top in daily fantasy, check out these deep sleepers from Jamal Murphy of Ourlads.com.
Week 13 deep sleepers: Raiders need a receiver to step forward
-- We'll also answer your questions on Sunday morning before the games start on Facebook Live and in our weekly chat. Keep an eye on our fantasy sports home page for the chat link, which will be posted on Saturday evening, and get your questions in early.
How's the weather?
The conditions can have a major impact on how each game unfolds, especially at this point in the season. Keep up-to-date in real time with NFLWeather.com.