Faux Football Preview - Week 13
Chew previews Week 13 in the NFL with some redraft and dynasty fantasy advice.
Week 12 is behind us, and we eye Week 13 as we inch closer to the fantasy playoffs. There were surprise boom weeks from Jameis Winston, Emanuel Wilson, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Hunter Henry; however, there were duds from J.J. McCarthy, D’Andre Swift, Stefon Diggs, and David Njoku. Let’s look ahead to a healthy, fantasy-point-filled Week 13.
Check out last week’s preview here to see how things shook out. As a reminder, both redraft and dynasty are considered in this weekly roundup, so without further ado, let’s get to it.
DYNASTY BUY/SELL
Once the NFL season starts, the dynasty mindset can take a backseat to the redraft mindset. Each week, I will highlight two players to buy and two players to sell in dynasty, providing examples for each. As always, the trades are taken from the dynasty-daddy.com trade database.
Buy #1 - JOHN METCHIE
After failing to make a mark in a crowded Philadelphia wide receiver room, John Metchie has done well through two starts with the Jets. The absence of Garrett Wilson most definitely affects Metchie’s opportunity, but his production is not a farce. With the Jets starting Tyrod Taylor to evaluate the rest of the offensive talent, Metchie posted two top-20 fantasy performances in Weeks 11 and 12, buoyed by a touchdown in each week. After a long journey for Metchie, both on and off the field, he finds himself in a receiver room rife with opportunity. Metchie offers a reliable receiving option as the Jets rebuild their offense, as well as their entire roster.
Trade #1: John Metchie ←→ ‘26 4th
Trade #2: John Metchie ←→ Jaylen Wright
Sell #1 - JACORY CROSKEY-MERRITT
There is plenty I have been wrong on, but I have Jacory Croskey-Merritt as the first repeat “sell” in this series, following my initial proposal in Week 1. JCM offers upside as a shifty runner that can get to the second level and break off big runs. After the trade of Brian Robinson to the 49ers, the expectation by some was that the rookie heart-throb would grab hold of the backfield. Unfortunately, even following a season-ending injury to Austin Ekeler, JCM still could not exceed his role as a runner exclusively. As the season has progressed, Chris Rodriguez has taken on a decent role, and Jeremy McNichols is firmly entrenched as the satellite back. JCM has a future, but I am not sure it is as rosy as optimists believed earlier this season.
Trade #1: Jacory Croskey-Merritt ←→ J.K. Dobbins
Trade #2: Jacory Croskey-Merritt + ‘26 4th ←→ Luther Burden
Buy #2 - EMANUEL WILSON
Fortunately, I started Emanuel Wilson in multiple redraft leagues, but he offers great upside as a high-end backup that can handle the workload vacated by the injured Josh Jacobs. Since joining the Packers, Jacobs has not missed much time, and MarShawn Lloyd may finally be getting healthy. So even if the Packers decide to go with Lloyd as Jacob’s backup, Wilson is a restricted free agent after the 2025 season. The Packers at least have the first opportunity to retain Wilson, which would indicate their willingness to involve Wilson as much as possible. But if Wilson were to hit free agency, I firmly believe he would have the market that would allow him to be a leader in a committee.
Trade #1: Emanuel Wilson ←→ ‘26 3rd
Trade #2: Emanuel Wilson ←→ Chimere Dike
Sell #2 - KEON COLEMAN
After finishing as the WR-2 in Week 1, it has not been smooth sailing for Keon Coleman in his sophomore season. The Bills have been looking for an outside receiver, and I’m afraid Coleman may not be the answer. After an up-and-down season, culminating in a healthy scratch in Weeks 11 and 12, Coleman appears to have fallen out of favor in Buffalo. I did not quite understand the early second-round draft capital by the Bills in 2024, and dynasty managers would be wise to sell Coleman for what they can. As a young receiver, Coleman may still retain value in some managers’ eyes, but I fear the project may not pan out as hoped.
Trade #1: Keon Coleman ←→ ‘27 3rd
Trade #2: Keon Coleman + ‘26 2nd ←→ Michael Pittman +’26 4th
HANDCUFF HIERARCHY
The running back position can be one of frustration in fantasy as we scour the bench and waiver wire to fill in when injuries and bye weeks strike. But since we are just now getting started with the NFL season, here is a look at the various tiers for all 32 backup running backs. As the season progresses, we will see players rise and fall amongst the tiers, so stay tuned!
*This list only includes each team’s RB-2; thus, if the RB-1 is injured, then the RB-3 will take the place of the RB-2 on this list.
STANDALONE VALUE
These players have flex appeal even with the RB-1 being healthy in Week 13.
David Montgomery, Kyle Monangai, Tyjae Spears, and Tyler Allgeier are squarely behind their backfield leaders, but with the right matchups, there is reason for optimism.
Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Gainwell have overshadowed their RB-1s at times and could usurp them in any given week.
Michael Carter is the RB-2 for now, which has value, but Bam Knight could be a backup to Trey Benson if he is to return in Week 13.
Bhayshul Tuten and Devin Singletary both have roles in their respective offenses; however, I am not optimistic about either being anything more than flex plays in Week 13.
Sean Tucker is expected to recede into the RB-2 role with Bucky Irving returning, but after a few impressive weeks, it is a wonder how involved Tucker will be.
SPOT STARTER
The initial RB-1 is injured, and everyone moves up the depth chart, or the player has a specific role.
Emanuel Wilson stepped up big in the absence of Josh Jacobs, but I expect the latter to return to a lion’s share of the touches in Week 13.
Jeremy McNichols, Dylan Sampson, Jaleel McLaughlin, Isaiah Davis, Ty Johnson, and Keaton Mitchell all have defined roles in their respective offenses and have upside depending on game script.
Chuba Hubbard, Blake Corum, Devin Neal, Brian Robinson, and Jordan Mason are squarely behind their RB-1s, but they still get touches that could warrant a deep flex play.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
If you are in a DEEP league, these are the rest of the bunch that you’re forced to pick from for Week 13.
This group is completely overshadowed by a bellcow back or limited by a woeful offense.
TIGHT END STREAMERS
Of all the fantasy-relevant positions, it’s the tight end that is my favorite to stream. If you were not fortunate enough to get one of the top few tight ends, it can be a futile process to find fantasy points at the tight end position. Here are three tight ends ranked outside the top 12 who are stream-worthy in Week 13.
A Look Back At Week 12 (If Top-12 ✅)
Juwan Johnson → 10.6 points ✅
Mark Andrews → 2.5 points ❌
A.J. Barner → 3.8 points ❌
Week 13
JUWAN JOHNSON (TE-13) v. MIA
The Saints are throwing to Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson, so as long as the latter is ranked outside the top-12 I will be picking him here. Johnson has seven top-12 finishes on the season, and in only three of those has it taken a touchdown to put him over the top. And in Week 13, there is reason for optimism with the Saints going up against the Dolphins’ woeful defense.
BRENTON STRANGE (TE-14) v. TEN
Brenton Strange returned from an IR stint and posted his best fantasy performance in Week 12. The Jaguars’ offense has been a rollercoaster in 2025, but Strange is a pass-catcher that I trust going forward. The Titans have been a so-so matchup to opposing tight ends; however, they have not given up a touchdown to the position for many weeks. Similar to Juwan Johnson, I trust Strange to garner enough targets, but what separates him is his ability to churn out yards after the catch. It will be close, but it appears that Strange’s injury is behind him, and the Jaguars’ offense needs him.
HAROLD FANNIN (TE-17) v. SF
Harold Fannin is no stranger to this list, but I am hoping he can get his fifth top-12 fantasy finish of his rookie season. Shedeur Sanders is set to make his second start, and he does so against a battered 49ers defense that had an easy matchup in Week 12 against the reeling Panthers. Before Week 12, the 49ers have given up multiple touchdowns to tight ends, and that has me optimistic about Fannin’s chances of catching his third touchdown in Week 13.
So you made it this far, and hopefully you enjoyed it (that’s what she said). If you wouldn’t mind sharing this in your group message with your fellow fantasy football degenerates, I would greatly appreciate it!
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