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NFL: 15 Must Start Players In Fantasy Football For Week 13

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after defeating the Washington Football Team 20-16 at FedExField on September 12, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

QB: Justin Herbert, Chargers

With JK Dobbins out for this week and possibly more, look for the Chargers to rely on their short passing game. Herbert has also shown excellent mobility this season, running for 211 yards and 2 TDs. The Falcons have one of the worst pass rushers in the league, so Herbert should be able to take advantage in the Dome to the tune of 250+ passing yards and 2 TDs.

QB: Kyler Murray, Cardinals

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 31: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts to a touchdown pass during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Murray completely underperformed against Seattle in what was a critical game to take hold of the NFC West. Now he goes up against a Vikings defense that will want to blitz him on almost every dropback. If he can escape the pass rush, he should be able to find his receivers in man coverage, which could lead to some explosive plays. I am thinking 260 yards and at least 2 passing TDs and possibly a running one, too.

QB: Baker Mayfield, Bucs

TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Every game right now is a playoff game for the Buccaneers, as they cannot afford to lose. Carolina may have played better last week against Kansas City, but Tampa is still the more complete team. Baker should be able to go downfield using a lot of play-action and get about 260 yards passing and two touchdowns.

QB: Matthew Stafford, Rams

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks to pass during the first half of Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This should be a statement game for the Rams, who have their full offensive firepower at their disposal. Look for Stafford to throw for 300 yards and multiple touchdowns in the Superdome.

QB: Anthony Richardson, Colts

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 12: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass the ball during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

This is a must-win game for the Colts if they want to stay in the playoff picture. Richardson had an underwhelming performance in Week 12, but there’s still a lot of upside with his mobility, and he showed a great comfort level with Michael Pittman last week. Look for 200 passing yards from Richardson and at least 60 yards rushing and a rushing TD.

RB: Alvin Kamara, Saints

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 29: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

The Rams put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, so look for Kamara to be used as an outlet receiver who should get at least 5 or 6 catches for about 50 yards to go along with another 70 yards rushing. If he adds a touchdown, he should finish with about 23 to 25 fantasy points.

RB: Joe Mixon, Texans

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 04: Joe Mixon #28 of the Houston Texans runs the ball during Mandatory Minicamp at Houston Methodist Training Center on June 04, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Mixon had a bad game last week, and it felt like he had let his fantasy managers down. The good news is that he gets to play Jacksonville, who looks like they have given up on both sides of the ball. Look for Mixon to have about 80 yards rushing and another 25 yards receiving, plus a TD.

RB: Kyren Williams, Rams

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams runs with the ball during the first half of the game against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

There may be no better play on the slate than Williams. The Saints have let up over 5 yards per carry, which should allow Williams to get 100 yards rushing and potentially multiple touchdowns.

RB: Chase Brown, Bengals

CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 10: Chase Brown #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals carries the ball during the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Paycor Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Brown is getting terrific fantasy numbers based on the sheer opportunities that he’s getting now that Zach Moss is out. Look for this to continue even against the tough Pittsburgh defense. Brown should finish the game with at least 12 of the 14 fantasy points with a chance at 20 if he can find the end zone.

RB: Bucky Irving, Bucs

TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 10: Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Not only have the Panthers been a sieve to RB1, but they’ve also been extremely generous to RB2 as well. When the Buccaneers are winning, they tend to give the ball more to Irving, and considering I think they’re going to be winning this game throughout, Irving should have a really good chance at 100 all-purpose yards and a touchdown.

WR: Nico Collins, Texans

HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 03: Nico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Sometimes there are “you just have to have it weeks,” and this might be that week from Collins. He is the go-to guy for the Texans and he’s playing an awful Jacksonville secondary that is barely covering anyone. Look for Collins to have over 100 yards receiving and a touchdown.

WR: Cooper Kupp, Rams

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams makes a touchdown catch over Eli Apple #20 of the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Saints have been awful against opposing slot receivers, so look for Kupp to lead the team in receptions and yards and score a touchdown in a game that the Rams need to win very badly to stay in the race.

WR: Mike Evans, Bucs

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 24: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers completes a reception for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field on January 24, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

If Evans wants to continue his streak of 1000-yard seasons, he’s going to need to have a couple of huge weeks against the Panthers. I think he gets one of those typical Mike Evans games where he goes 8 for 160 and two touchdowns. He is a must in every fantasy lineup.

WR: Ladd McConkey, Chargers

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 15: Ladd McConkey #15 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

With Dobbins out, look for Herbert to rely on the short passing game and feed Ladd Mcconkey. McConkey is capable of double-digit targets, possibly double-digit receptions, and a 100-yard performance.

WR: Marvin Harrison Jr., Cardinals

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 25: (L-R) Marvin Harrison Jr. poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza on April 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

If Murray can escape the Vikings pass rush, he should be able to look downfield and find Harrison open in man coverage, which could lead to a huge day for the rookie. I think we see 6 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown for Harrison.

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