GLENDALE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 07: Wide receiver Michael Wilson #14 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 21-20. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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As always, we’ll be going over eight start or sit decisions for your fantasy football leagues. In order to go beyond the obvious, there are a few requirements for how these players are selected.
All running backs and wide receivers in the start section need to be ranked outside the Top 18 in Fantasy Pros Week 13 expert consensus rankings (PPR). For quarterbacks, tight ends, and defenses, they must be ranked outside the top eight. Then for the sit of the week, that player must be QB8/RB18 or above.
One last thing to note is that when talking about fantasy points allowed, that’s in terms of 0.5 PPR scoring but the general idea still applies here.
Breakout Wide Receiver: Michael Wilson (WR19 – Start)
In the last two weeks, Michael Wilson has had a combined 33 targets and 55.3 points (PPR). Regardless of whether Marvin Harrison Jr comes back or not, it’s tough to look at these stats and bench Wilson.
Although Wilson hadn’t done much before Week 11, he’s clearly built good chemistry with Jacoby Brissett, and the former day two NFL draft pick has passed the eye test for me. With Wilson taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an above-average matchup (12th most PPG to wide receivers this year), you can throw him into your FLEX spot in Week 13.
Sit Wide Receiver: Emeka Egbuka (WR17 – Sit)
This one is tough because there aren’t a lot of players within the top 18 that need to be benched. However, this week is a time when it would make sense to go with a player like Wilson over Emeka Egbuka.
Despite having an awesome start to the year, Egbuka has been a bit disappointing since suffering an injury in Week 6. From Week 7 to Week 12, Egbuka has only scored over 10 points once.
Egbuka isn’t a must sit because he had 23.5 points in Week 10, and he’s also had at least eight targets in every game during that stretch. However, of the eligible wide receivers, Egbuka taking on the Arizona Cardinals in a blow average matchup (20th most PPG to wide receivers) is my sit of the week.
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 16: RJ Harvey #12 of the Denver Broncos runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High on November 16, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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Breakout Running Back: RJ Harvey (RB19 – Start)
The RJ Harvey breakout is coming in Week 12. In Week 11, we saw Harvey have 38 snaps and 11 carries compared to Jaleel McLaughlin with eight and six (per PFF).
Harvey was the 60th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the talent is clearly there based on what we’ve seen this year. Despite only scoring 11 points in Week 11, now Harvey gets to take on the Washington Commanders, who have allowed the 4th most PPG to running backs this year.
Sit Running Back: Javonte Williams (RB18 – Sit)
Although Javonte Williams is averaging 16.2 PPG on the year, he hasn’t been great recently. In the last three weeks, Williams has gone under 11 points twice and under 13 every game.
Now, Williams takes on the Kansas City Chiefs, who have allowed the 29th most PPG to running backs this year. It’s not time to panic on Williams for the fantasy football playoffs, but this may be yet another underwhelming week for him.
Breakout Tight End: Theo Johnson (TE13 – Start)
It’s tough to pick a tight end you love starting, but if you need a sleeper, Theo Johnson is your best bet. In the past four weeks, Johnson has had at least 10 points in three of them.
When watching Johnson play, it’s evident that he’s very athletic and can make explosive plays with the ball in his hands. While the targets aren’t very consistent, he’s had at least five in three of the last four weeks.
With Johnson taking on the New England Patriots in an above average matchup (11th most PPG to tight ends), he’s a strong start if you don’t have a reliable tight end.
Sit Tight End: Oronde Gadsden (TE8 – Sit)
Oronde Gadsden is a very talented player, but it’s tough to rely on him every single week. In a game where Gadsden has a tough matchup, it makes sense to leave him on your bench.
Gadsden takes on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 13, who have allowed the 28th most PPG to tight ends this year. Not only that, but Gadsden has failed to crack seven fantasy points in either of his last two games.
Gadsden still has value, but it’s unlikely the turnaround happens in Week 13 as he heads into an extremely tough matchup.
Breakout Quarterback: Bo Nix (QB11 – Start)
The last two weeks were disappointing for Bo Nix, but he’s in a perfect bounceback spot. On the year Nix is still averaging 18 PPG, and you should expect him to outperform that mark in a good matchup.
Nix and the Denver Broncos take on the Washington Commanders, who have allowed the 5th most PPG to quarterbacks this year. Expect Nix to have at least 20 points with the potential for an even bigger game.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 14: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks to pass during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Sit Quarterback: Joe Burrow (QB8 – Sit)
It’s tough to sit Joe Burrow, but of the eight quarterbacks listed, he’s the one with the most concerns. Burrow is a great player, but we’ve only seen him play in one full game this year.
In a week where fantasy teams need a win, Burrow could look rusty, and his floor should be lower than normal. On top of that, it’s not as if the Baltimore Ravens are a phenomenal matchup, allowing the 15th most PPG to quarterbacks this year.
Breakout D/ST: Miami Dolphins (D/ST9 – Start)
If you’re new to this series, the way you find sleeper defenses is by only focusing on the matchup. Despite the fact that the Miami Dolphins have only scored four PPG this year, they take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 13.
The Saints have allowed the 5th most PPG (9.7) to opposing defenses this year, which is a great mark. Although the Saints have made a quarterback change in going from Spencer Rattler to Tyler Shough, it’s been a rough year regardless.
Coming off a Week 12 loss where the Saints scored just 10 points, the Dolphins are a sleeper pick at defense this week.
Sit D/ST: Houston Texans (D/ST7 – Sit)
On the flip side, you’re going to see a good defense, such as the Houston Texans, here. The Texas have scored 10.7 PPG, but each week is so different depending on the matchup.
For the Texans, they have to play the Indianapolis Colts, who have allowed the least PPG to defenses this year at 2.4. When deciding to start or sit a defense, matchup should be more important than past production, as crazy as that may sound.