Week 13 Starts

Here are 5 guys with the best fantasy matchups this week and why they need to start … in two minutes or less.

QB: Bo Nix (DEN) @ WAS

Bo Nix has been all over the place this season, showing both sharp downfield throws and some chaotic moments in recent weeks, but he heads into Week 13 with a plus matchup against a Commanders defense that has been getting lit up through the air. Washington has allowed the 4th-most fantasy points to opposing QBs, including top-five marks in both passing yards and touchdowns allowed, and their recent blowout losses show that trend isn’t slowing down. So even with his volatility, this is exactly the kind of spot where Nix’s aggressive play can turn into real fantasy production, making him an easy start.

RB: Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) vs. BUF

Jaylen Warren may still get the majority of carries, but Gainwell has gone from complementary piece to highly involved weapon over the last two weeks. He ripped off 92 rushing yards on 10 carries and added six catches for 30 yards while essentially matching Warren’s snaps in Week 12, showing he can handle a full workload if Warren isn’t 100%. The Steelers leaned heavily on their backfield with their quarterback situation in flux, and Gainwell looked explosive and slippery throughout that game, not just on the long trick-play run. So with the Bills now giving up the 3rd-most fantasy points to opposing rushers and a league-high 14 rushing touchdowns to running backs, this is exactly the kind of matchup where that usage turns into real fantasy production. This week sets up perfectly for him to stay heavily involved and deliver as a fantasy starter.

RB: RJ Harvey (DEN) @ WAS

RJ Harvey hasn’t had the workload many drafters hoped for, with Denver limiting him to modest touches even after flashes like his Week 1 50-yard burst and his scoring run through Weeks 8 and 9. But JK Dobbins landing on IR finally removes the biggest barrier to meaningful volume, and Harvey just handled 38 snaps before the bye while still showing he can make plays in the passing game. The Commanders have been bleeding production to offenses lately, getting blown out by Detroit and Seattle and struggling to slow anyone through the air, which keeps Denver in scoring position. So with a clear path to touches and a defense that can’t keep opponents off the field, this is the week Harvey turns efficiency into a true breakout.

WR: Khalil Shakir (BUF) @ PIT

Shakir can make you want to pull your hair out at times, like with the Week 11 disappearing act. But just last week he turned it around and led the Bills with 8 catches and 110 yards on 10 targets in that tough loss to Houston, showing Josh Allen clearly trusts him when this offense needs answers. The Bills are coming off that frustrating setback and will be looking to get their passing game rolling again, so Shakir’s recent involvement puts him in a great spot to stay featured. Pittsburgh has quietly become a dream matchup for wideouts, allowing the most fantasy points to the position and struggling badly in coverage, so even if the usage swings, the matchup gives him a strong path to production in Week 13.

WR: Stefon Diggs (NE) vs. NYG

Stefon Diggs had a quiet Week 12 with just a few looks, but that game leaned heavily on tight ends and didn’t reflect his usual role as Drake Maye’s go-to possession option. He’s routinely followed slower outings with meaningful involvement, including recent stretches where he piled up catches and even posted a 100-yard performance when the offense featured him more. The Giants are allowing some of the highest production to opposing wide receivers this season, ranking among the worst in fantasy points allowed through the air, so this matchup sets up as a prime rebound spot where Diggs can get back to moving the chains and soaking up targets as Maye’s steady option.

So that’s the list. 5 players to put into lineups if you have them on your roster… as promised, in 2 minutes or less.

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See you tomorrow,

-Joe

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