Happy Thanksgiving week, which means we have football on Thursday, Black Friday, Sunday and Monday. It’s a fun and busy weekend, as Week 13 gets you one step closer to the fantasy football playoffs.

Reminder! I always have some fun ranks! This can be anything from cartoons to players from the 80s to things not to do when you’re over 30 — feel free to suggest yours. And, I try to answer as many comments as humanly possible… however… if it’s a simple WDIS within a position or “Who should I trade for?” type question, those are 99% covered with the ranks and link to the trade charts. Let’s duckin’ go!

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Week 13 Waiver Wire
Week 13 SOS Ranks (APA)
Fantasy 101 (weather, start/sit, trading, more)
🎙️All in Fantasy Podcast🎙️

WEEK 13 FANTASY FOOTBALL PREVIEWS

BYES: NONE

Bears at Lions, Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET

• The Caleb Williams fun hits a potential speed bump this week. The Lions have the least-favorable APA for QBs and third-worst for WRs.
• On the positive side — albeit a small sample — since the Shane Waldron firing, Williams has 31.8% TD+1D/ATT (touchdowns plus first downs per attempt) when blitzed compared to 12.8% with Waldron.
• Sam LaPorta has a crazy man/zone split this year with 14.9 YD/REC against zone coverage and 9.7 against man coverage — the Bears have the 10th-highest zone use at 72.6%.

Giants at Cowboys, Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET

• Tommy DeVito might not start, and while Drew Lock would be a slight boost, it’s not enough to warrant risking anyone for the Giants but Malik Nabers in a full NFL week. Nabers would go from WR3 to WR2 status if it’s Lock.
• The Cowboys are a huge 2024 disappointment, but the Giants run defense is among the worst, and they have the fourth-best APA for RBs, putting Rico Dowdle in the Flex conversation.

Dolphins at Packers, Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET

• Tua Tagovailoa when playing outdoors and 40+ degrees temperature: 68.2 Comp%, 2.4 TD/INT, 15.7 FPPG and 0.12 EPA/DB. When it’s sub-40 degrees: 55.6 Comp%, 0.8 TD/INT, 12.5 FPPG and -0.28 EPA/DB. The temperature is expected to dip below 30 degrees on Thursday in Green Bay.
• TmTGT% for Packers without Romeo Doubs this year and with Christian Watson healthy: Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft are all dead even with 16.0% (per TruMedia).

Raiders at Chiefs, Friday, 3:00 p.m. ET

• As mentioned in waivers, I don’t care who is/isn’t active at running back for the Raiders. I’m not starting any of them against a Chiefs defense that’s allowed just four double-digit fantasy scores (non-PPR), all coming with touchdowns, as no running back has rushed for 60 yards against them.
• Also mentioned in the waiver column, DeAndre Hopkins had just a 44.7 Route%, last on the team. You can’t trust any Chiefs receiver as more than a boom/bust play.
• Same as last week: If Isiah Pacheco returns (have him in the ranks to start), he ranks slightly higher than Kareem Hunt. If not, Hunt is a must-start again.

Chargers at Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

• The Falcons use Cover-3 the second-most (46.1%), and Justin Herbert has the second-highest TD+1D/ATT against it at 27.0% (13.6% against all other coverage), and the highest TD/ATT (6.7%).
• And, yes, I’m giving Quentin Johnston another chance. First, this is what WR4s are — boom/bust — but also, Johnston has the 11th-best YPRR (3.08) against Cover-3, ahead of names like CeeDee Lamb, Mike Evans, Tyreek Hill and George Pickens. It’s still boom/bust, but a bit more boomy this week.
• If Darnell Mooney is out, Ray-Ray McCloud would jump into DeMario Douglas-like WR4/5 value.

Steelers at Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

• George Pickens would have seen a Top 10 finish if not for the miscommunication on a potential touchdown in Week 12, as it wasn’t the weather’s fault. So keep him in all of your lineups, especially since the Bengals are one of the best matchups — six double-digit WR scores allowed in the past three games.
• Tee Higgins goes from 1.98 YPRR against all coverage that isn’t Cover-1 to 3.85 against it — the Steelers use Cover-1 the second most in the league. Meanwhile, Ja’Marr Chase goes from 2.67 to 1.67 against Cover-1.
• Chase Brown’s RBTouch% in each game since Zack Moss’ injury: 100%, 100%, 100%. He’s also third in RB FPPG (19.6), first in targets, second in receptions, and second in receiving yards despite playing one fewer game than the leaders — De’Von Achane (receptions) and Saquon Barkley (receiving yards).

Cardinals at Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

• The Vikings are the zone-heaviest team in the league, and Kyler Murray has the third-highest TD+1D/ATT against zone (21.4%), behind only Lamar Jackson and Anthony Richardson.
• James Conner has been quiet of late, and it’s a tough week to rebound — the Vikings as the worst APA RB matchup, narrowly ahead of the Chiefs.
• The past two games were only the sixth and seventh time in his career Justin Jefferson had 3+ RZ targets and didn’t catch a touchdown.

Colts at Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

• Back to that zone/man matchup we covered above with Kyler Murray — the Patriots use zone the second-lowest percentage (55.0%), and Anthony Richardson has the sixth-lowest TD+1D/ATT against man coverage (13.0%).
• On the positive side, Richardson has the fifth-highest TD+1D/ATT when not pressured (23.6%), and the Patriots have the third-lowest pressure rate (29.3%).
• If Josh Downs plays, he’s one of two Colts I’d risk — the other being Alec Pierce for his boom/bust upside. If Downs is out, and regardless of the status of Michael Pittman Jr., Pierce is an even more attractive WR4 upside gamble.

Seahawks at Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

• Geno Smith has a 17.7% TD+1D/ATT against all coverages that aren’t Cover-1, but his mark against Cover-1 is just 12.3% (31st), and the Jets use it fourth-most (just 27.3%, but they could ramp it up).
• Additionally, DK Metcalf has just 1.59 YPPR against Cover-1 compared to 1.95 against all other coverage schemes, which isn’t huge, but it’s the difference of 27th to 59th, and he’s the worst of the top three Seahawks receivers against Cover-1.

Titans at Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

• If Brian Robinson Jr. somehow plays, he’s an RB2, as it would make sense for the Commanders not to risk him with the bye next week. Assuming he’s out, Jeremy McNichols would step up in a tough matchup, with the uncertainty of sharing with Chris Rodriguez Jr. (if they bring him back). McNichols is no more than a risky RB3.
• Terry McLaurin had 5 targets for 4-16-0 before the 86-yard, garbage-ish, touchdown in Week 12. Without that play, McLaurin would have finished with no more than 19 yards in three of the past four games. I’m not taking it away overall, but adding context for what is a semi-tough matchup.

Texans at Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

• The Texans have the best QB APA matchup and second-best WR matchup.
• If Tank Bigsby returns, the backfield is a near must-fade. Travis Etienne Jr. is only an RB2/3 with a bell-cow workload.
• Tank Dell is better with Nico Collins than without him. Despite his higher target share without Collins, Dell averages 38.1 YPG, 10.9 TD/TGT% and 7.5 FPPG with him versus 20.9 YPG, 1.8 TD/TGT% and 3.3 FPPG (without Stefon Diggs in the mix too for equitable comparison).

Rams at Saints, Sunday, 4 p.m. ET

• Only Christian Watson (4-4-150-0) had fewer targets than Marquez Valdes-Scantling (7-5-196-3) in Weeks 10-11 for receivers with 45.0% or more of their team’s air yards. Everyone else had at least 15 targets.
• Taysom Hill’s past three games: 14.0, 6.0 and 37.5 fantasy points on 9, 6 and 15 touches.

Buccaneers at Panthers, Sunday, 4 p.m. ET

• Even with Bucky Irving taking the lead, both Bucs RBs are in play given the matchup (best APA for RBs).
• Bryce Young has the second-best QB matchup of the week — good news for potentially continuing his improved play.
• Back to that Cover-3 conversation with the Chargers, Mike Evans is 16th (2.62) and a must-start.

Eagles at Ravens, Sunday, 4 p.m. ET

• I’ve mentioned a few times how the Eagles secondary has been terrific since their bye, and now they are the worst APA matchup for wide receivers at -1.3 lower than the second-worst Steelers at 23.1.
• Week 12 was Derrick Henry’s first game without a touchdown, and yet, it was just his fourth-lowest fantasy tally (14.0) — he’s hit double-digits in every game.
• If DeVonta Smith is a go, he’s more of a WR3/4 this year, even against the Ravens defense… which has been a bit better the past two weeks (relatively speaking). I noticed a bit more of a “shell” coverage/strategy and talked to Jeff Zrebiec. He confirmed that after the Bengals game, changes were needed, and that the Ravens started focusing on keeping things in front and avoiding big plays allowed. That included benching Marcus Williams, releasing Eddie Jackson, playing Kyle Hamilton deeper and rotating more defensive backs, including first-round pick, Nate Wiggins. So, Smith isn’t a lock given these changes.

49ers at Bills, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

• There is hope for Christian McCaffrey to have his best game yet. The Bills allow the fourth-most yards before contact at 1.93, and the 49ers average the third-highest at 1.89. However, they need OL Trent Williams, as they average 1.97 YPC with him compared to 0.92 without (since the start of 2023), and that 0.92 mark would rank last behind the Titans at 1.03.
• If Keon Coleman returns, Khalil Shakir is the safest Bills receiver, with Coleman and Amari Cooper as high upside/risk plays. Cooper could be fully integrated and a top-two option, or he could still play second fiddle to Coleman, who was breaking out before his injury.
• The ranks are with Brock Purdy in, but if we don’t have word by Saturday, all 49ers will take a tick down on the risk that it’s Brandon Allen.

Browns at Broncos, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

• Concern for Nick Chubb repeating anything close to Week 12 is warranted. He’s averaging just 0.41 YBC (80th of 84 RBs), and the Broncos have allowed the second-lowest YBC (0.99, behind the Dolphins’ 0.57 mark).
• While Bo Nix has been borderline great since Week 6, he hasn’t seen much improvement while under pressure — just 11.1% TD+1D/ATT (20th) while under pressure, and his 3.7 TD/ATT% is 24th. The Browns lead the league in QB pressure when rushing just four (46.4%) and have the highest overall QB pressure at 44.5% (Bears second at 39.3%).

WEEK 13 SLEEPERS

QUARTERBACK

• C.J. Stroud, HOU — See above. It’s been a down year, but there is no better opponent to help Stroud get on track.
• Russell Wilson, PIT — The Ravens game was the only one Wilson hasn’t thrown for a touchdown or scored 13.8+ points.

RUNNING BACK

• Rachaad White, TB — As mentioned, even though Bucky Irving is the lead, White is still in play given his workload and the matchup.
• Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG — Down to sleeper status after last week’s usage shift, but it’s the Cowboys defense.

WIDE RECEIVER

• Xavier Legette, CAR — Best matchup of the week, and Bryce Young has made improvements.
• Tank Dell, HOU — See above (again). Between the matchup and improved performance when Nico Collins is out there with him, Dell is a nice upside gamble.
• Quentin Johnston, LAC — Once again, see above, and also, you can feel free to mock me next week if Johnston… drops… a goose egg on you.

TIGHT END

• Will Dissly, LAC — Another matchup chase, and Dissly has just one terrible game since Week 7.

FUN WITH RANKS

Thanksgiving is here, so it’s food time! Before we settle into football watching and carb comas between the afternoon/evening games, it’s time for the Top 10 best — and worst — Thanksgiving sides.

Best Thanksgiving Sides

1. Crescent rolls — Breads in general. Hate it all you want, but when do you eat it? With the food… on the side. I could crush an entire basket of them and not blink — warm, fluffy, dripping with butter… drool
2. Sweet potato… something — I’m not sure what to call it, but thinly sliced, baked in this syrup/brown sugar glaze — candied yams maybe? Sweet potato casserole is a good backup.
3. Stuffing — Homemade!
4. Mashed potatoes
5. Mac and cheese — I can see arguing it’s not a real Thanksgiving dish, and my family doesn’t do it, but if I’m somewhere with it being offered for consumption, you know I’m having some
6. Stuffed mushrooms
7. Roasted potatoes (red skin) or potatoes au gratin (not going to lie, I had to look up the spelling)
8. Cornbread — and NO, cornbread should NOT have actual corn pieces in it
9. Antipasto salad — Many variations, but my family’s is pepperoni, soppressata, cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, artichoke and an Italian dressing
10. More rolls and stuffing! — Seconds of these are better than anything else you could add to your plate.

Worst Thanksgiving Sides

1. Ambrosia salad — I don’t know what unicorn fairy banished to hell thought of this, but this fruit stuff is nightmare fuel.
2. Salad salad — A salad? Who’s trying to eat healthy on Thanksgiving or wants to waste time with a salad to start? Just get to the good stuff!
3. Premade veggie tray — Laziest side dish — aka, your lame friend who spent five minutes (and dollars) bringing their “contribution to the party”… which they don’t even eat while gobbling down all the good stuff — and you have this.
4. Coleslaw — I love coleslaw, but it has no place or relevance with Thanksgiving.
5. Kale — This “superfood” is super disgusting no matter how many times your friends want to ramble on about it while showing you IG photos of their CrossFit classes, 20-mile hikes and hemp shoes.
6. Creamed spinach — Is this a dip? It’s not a side dish, that’s for sure. It’s more like when my dog ate pieces of a green toy and puked it up.
7. Soup — Like salad, why are we wasting time with pre-meal items? No one is sick. Keep your water food away from Thanksgiving!
8. Corn/peas/canned stuff — Really, any canned vegetable is lame, tasteless and left for the kiddie table.
9. Cranberry sauce — This will get the most hate because I know many who absolutely love this red, Jell-O-like, glop of “fruit.”
10. Green bean casserole — How can we make green beans even worse? Put soup on them! Creamy — often mushroom — soup stuff and crunchy onions make them better? Bleh.

Best Thanksgiving Desserts (New for 2024)

1. Pumpkin Swiss Roll — While I’m not the biggest pie person (mostly about the crust), I will destroy any Swiss roll out there
2. Apple crisp — Better than apple pie — more cinnamony-sugar goodness and no pie crust (I’m just so meh on pie crust)
3. Spice cake — Specifically, this apple spiced cake with cream cheese icing my family makes
4. Pumpkin cheesecake — I am a sucker for a good cheesecake
5. S’mores pie or cake — Can go either route, as both are delicious
6. Sweet potato cupcakes — Not a huge sweet potato pie person, but these cupcakes? Yes!
7. Triple pie bars — I’m not a huge pecan pie person, but these pecan/pumpkin/apple bars are GOOD
8. Brownies — Staple of any holiday
9. Apple pie — I like mine with thin and small apple slices, not the thick slices/chunks
10. Pumpkin pie — Has to make the list, but again, I’m more of an “other things” person

WEEK 13 FANTASY FOOTBALL PROJECTIONS

🚨 HEADS UP 🚨 These can differ from my rankings, and MY RANKS are the order I’d start players outside of added context, such as, “Need highest upside, even if risky.” Also, based on 4-point TDs for QB, 6-point rest, and Half-PPR

Download Link Added Thursday

WEEK 13 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS

🚨 HEADS UP 🚨

• There is no perfect widget out there, sadly, still. I know many view this on your phone, but 1) use the rankings widget on a PC/laptop/etc. if possible or 2) open in your phone’s browser, especially for Android users, to get the scrolling to work (or Android people can try a two-finger scroll).
• ECR = “Expert” Consensus Ranking (which isn’t updated by everyone consistently, so take with a grain of salt).
• Updated regularly, so check up to lineups locking.

(Top photo of Tank Dell: Luke Hales/Getty Images)