Sit/start questions dominate fantasy managers' brains all season. But in Week 13 these decisions matter to more people than probably at any other time. In most leagues about 30%-50% are still playing for something--whether a playoff spot or a first-round bye.
And it's the questionable tags that make this process so frustrating to so many. Here are a few guys headed toward game-time decisions. If you haven't made alternate plans, it's time to consider them.
I busted on Greg Olsen last week, believing that with no Kelvin Benjamin and no Curtis Samuel, Olsen was primed for a high-volume day on a team where only Devin Funchess and Christian McCaffrey were catching passes. Instead, Cam Newton completed only 11 of 28 passes and Olsen got re-injured. I still believe in a "healthy" Olsen as a top 6 fantasy TE down the stretch. But there's no point trying to force what isn't there: Until Olsen does get healthy, he's the ultimate boom-bust risk--and isn't worth the risk if you have a top 10 TE.
I mentioned Marshon Lattimore yesterday. He's a difference maker on New Orleans' defense. Last week I told podcast listeners that Cam was way overrated as the consensus #4 ranked QB. If Lattimore plays, Cam's consensus #6 ranking is once again misguided. This is a situation to watch closely if you're planning to start any Panthers.
Back to Carolina: McCaffrey is questionable but is expected to suit up. This is important because the Saints are weak against pass-catching RBs. As the consensus 9th ranked PPR RB, McCaffrey is perceived as a must-start RB. I believe 9th is too aggressive; he'll be a top 16-24 RB if he plays.
Adrian Peterson's neck injury creates a potential opening for Kerwynn Williams or D.J. Foster. We know what Williams has done this year (2.5 YPC). If AP sits, my money's on Foster as the higher-upside option. Obviously, he could bust with 20 total yards. But if you're desperate for an RB3/4 to round out your troubled late-season lineup, roll the dice on the versatile Foster if AP's sidelined. Desperation calls for upside potential, not settling for 3-6 points.
Obviously keep an eye on Aaron Jones, as I've mentioned before. Jamaal Williams is primed for either a big day or a risky RB2/3/4 today depending on Jones's availability and usage. This will be a hot-hand situation whenever they share the field. But with Ty Montgomery out for the year, Jones is a must-add.
Finally, Ameer Abdullah is questionable. You all should know my views on Abdullah by now: healthy or not, he's a very inefficient runner with a limited receiving role. The 25th highest scoring PPR RB, he'll end the season outside the top 30 and has some of the lowest upside of any starting RB in the league.
And it's the questionable tags that make this process so frustrating to so many. Here are a few guys headed toward game-time decisions. If you haven't made alternate plans, it's time to consider them.
I busted on Greg Olsen last week, believing that with no Kelvin Benjamin and no Curtis Samuel, Olsen was primed for a high-volume day on a team where only Devin Funchess and Christian McCaffrey were catching passes. Instead, Cam Newton completed only 11 of 28 passes and Olsen got re-injured. I still believe in a "healthy" Olsen as a top 6 fantasy TE down the stretch. But there's no point trying to force what isn't there: Until Olsen does get healthy, he's the ultimate boom-bust risk--and isn't worth the risk if you have a top 10 TE.
I mentioned Marshon Lattimore yesterday. He's a difference maker on New Orleans' defense. Last week I told podcast listeners that Cam was way overrated as the consensus #4 ranked QB. If Lattimore plays, Cam's consensus #6 ranking is once again misguided. This is a situation to watch closely if you're planning to start any Panthers.
Back to Carolina: McCaffrey is questionable but is expected to suit up. This is important because the Saints are weak against pass-catching RBs. As the consensus 9th ranked PPR RB, McCaffrey is perceived as a must-start RB. I believe 9th is too aggressive; he'll be a top 16-24 RB if he plays.
Adrian Peterson's neck injury creates a potential opening for Kerwynn Williams or D.J. Foster. We know what Williams has done this year (2.5 YPC). If AP sits, my money's on Foster as the higher-upside option. Obviously, he could bust with 20 total yards. But if you're desperate for an RB3/4 to round out your troubled late-season lineup, roll the dice on the versatile Foster if AP's sidelined. Desperation calls for upside potential, not settling for 3-6 points.
Obviously keep an eye on Aaron Jones, as I've mentioned before. Jamaal Williams is primed for either a big day or a risky RB2/3/4 today depending on Jones's availability and usage. This will be a hot-hand situation whenever they share the field. But with Ty Montgomery out for the year, Jones is a must-add.
Finally, Ameer Abdullah is questionable. You all should know my views on Abdullah by now: healthy or not, he's a very inefficient runner with a limited receiving role. The 25th highest scoring PPR RB, he'll end the season outside the top 30 and has some of the lowest upside of any starting RB in the league.