Some upsets, one tank, and plenty of uber highs and painful lows sum up Week 13's Sunday games. As always, here's the most notable fantasy impact of each contest:
Falcons vs. Saints -- Todd Gurley's plummet continues, though in fairness the offensive line hasn't helped--though in fairness Ito Smith has looked better. Gurley has cleared 2.8 YPC only once in his last six games (3.3 last week). He shouldn't be taking up space anymore. Ito gives this team a better shot at being competitive, and I'd be shocked if Gurley earns a majority of carries the rest of the way. And Taysom Hill looked much better his second time around against Atlanta. Admittedly, I though Jameis Winston would be a better fantasy QB in this offense, but it's hard to argue with Hill's versatility.
Bears vs. Lions -- I'll keep pounding the pavement on David Montgomery, though now I shouldn't have to. He's now 9th in RB fantasy points per game and has a terrific remaining schedule. This is why I was crushed my opponent drafted him one pick before my turn in the sixth round. And what a comeback for Detroit, which somehow is tied with Chicago at 5-7. Former second-rounder Kerryon Johnson squandered another opportunity and probably won't get another chance to prove himself this year, as he'll slide back into an irrelevant #3 role when D'Andre Swift returns.
Titans vs. Browns -- Game flow forced Ryan Tannehill to throw and Derrick Henry to mostly watch. And it was Anthony Firkser--not my flyer pick Geoff Swaim--who dominated tight end targets. Looks like Firkser will remain on top-16 streaming radars as long as Jonnu Smith is out. And Cleveland's office has looked better and better the past few weeks. Nice to see Rashard Higgins return from oblivion. When KhaDarel Hodge returns, it will be interesting to see now much those two cancel each other out fantasy-wise.
Dolphins vs. Bengals -- While DeVante Parker got ejected in the fourth, he wasn't going to do much more had he stayed in, and is now (almost) safely droppable in many leagues, because stashing non-startable WRs doesn't make sense--and definitely doesn't make sense in the fantasy playoffs. For Cincy, Gio Bernard also can be dropped in many leagues. Whoever is quarterbacking this team next week, game flow won't benefit Gio.
Vikings vs. Jaguars -- Someone asked me yesterday if it was safe to start Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen "because they're on the same team." My response was that they're both WR1s, period. With the league's top RB and two premier receivers, Minnesota will be deceptively tough if they claw their way into the playoffs. Fortunately for fantasy managers, all three guys--plus my favorite underappreciated quarterback--are playing for something these final weeks. And just like Parker, D.J. Chark is likely droppable. A sad state of affairs, but not unexpected when a backup-caliber QB takes over.
Jets vs. Raiders -- Jamison Crowder returned to prominence after taking a backseat for many weeks. Just as interestingly, Frank Gore's concussion paved the way for Ty Johnson. Remember, though: Based on his college career and previous NFL chances, Ty probably isn't "the answer" in New York and would be a risky RB3 if he's named the Week 14 starter. And the Jets gifted the Raiders that miracle touchdown to keep their #1 seed, which was good news for those who took a chance on Derek Carr and/or Henry Ruggs. Darren Waller dominated, so I have to mention him. And Nelson Agholor couldn't do much with 11 targets and, in my opinion, is at risk of losing target share to his talented teammates.
Texans vs. Colts -- Keke Coutee came through. He's legit. All he's needed is health and opportunity, and now he's got both. For Indy, Jonathan Taylor is the David Montgomery of the AFC. I've urged patience with him, and it's paying off.
Cardinals vs. Rams -- I honestly thought Arizona would take this. The former 6-3 Cardinals are now 6-6, and they would have been 4-8 if not for two miraculous late wins against Seattle and Buffalo. Kenyan Drake continues his second-half surge, holding off Chase Edmonds and remaining a must-start RB2+. And Cam Akers' long-expected backfield takeover is now complete: 21 carries compared to three each from Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown.
Seahawks vs. Giants -- Seattle's worst defeat in a long time. Has Russell Wilson ever lost to a backup QB? Colt McCoy was atrocious, but credit the Giants' defense for keeping Wilson off-balance. Most notably, Chris Carson is healthy again and out-touched Carlos Hyde 16-5. So this backfield is predictable again--for now. And Wayne Gallman is almost single-handedly carrying the formerly 1-7 Giants. If Devonta Freeman hadn't gotten hurt, this team probably wouldn't be atop the NFC East.
Packers vs. Eagles -- Allen Lazard took another step in solidifying his #2 WR status in this offense. That's not saying much, but it matters in deeper leagues. And the long-anticipated Jalen Hurts era has begun. I think Carson Wentz needs a change of scenery. A monumental collapse for a franchise quarterback. Unfortunately for Philly, it might be too late this year. Like the Bears, this team has plenty of offensive talent, but they're not capitalizing on it.
Chargers vs. Patriots -- I know Bill Belichick has a record of dominating rookie QBs, but I thought Justin Herbert and company would be ready. I was wrong. One takeaway, though, is my believe that Mike Williams would get going. He earned nine targets yesterday and should continue to be involved on a team that will be playing catchup most weeks. And not much to say about New England, which didn't have to do much. Damien Harris ran well and got a catch--only his fourth of the year. If he can turn into a 30-40 reception back instead of a 10-reception back, his value obviously would spike.
Chiefs vs. Broncos -- Le'Veon Bell was adequate enough in a spot start. We'll see if it's enough to earn a greater share of touches when Clyde Edwards-Helaire returns. And Tim Patrick had his seventh double-digit effort in his last nine games. Have to admire that consistency in the face of bad QB play.