Fantasy game-by-game previews: Week 13

By RotoExperts.com Staff Writers

Jason Avant might get another chance to showcase his TD dance against the Falcons' beleagured secondary in Week 13. AP

The RotoExperts Staff looks ahead to Week 13, with lineup recommendations in every game capsule.

Philadelphia at Atlanta

With DeSean Jackson (concussion) likely out this week, Donovan McNabb will spend more time targeting speedy rookie Jeremy Maclin (33 targets in his last four games) and veteran receiver Jason Avant, who's seen 22 targets in his last four -- compared to just 20 in the first eight games of 2009. Atlanta's corners (rookie Christopher Owens and Chris Houston) just don't have the chops to keep those two off the board all day. Insert Maclin as a WR2 and Avant as a WR3 with plenty of upside. Brian Westbrook has been ruled out of Sunday's game -- the third straight game he's missed after suffering his second concussion of the season -- giving capable RB2 LeSean McCoy another start. Since the Falcons are one of the worst teams in football at defending opposing TEs, another excellent option is Brent Celek, who should be recovered from last week's sprained thumb (which caused him to drop four passes). There's not much to like about Atlanta's overall offense this week, but a healthy Jerious Norwood is worth a shot at RB3 or FLEX with Michael Turner (ankle) likely out and Jason Snelling resuming a backup role. Roddy White is worth a start if you're not concerned about Matt Ryan's replacement, Chris Redman, throwing him the ball (they hooked up late for the game-winning score last week). The Eagles front four and secondary are both good enough to hold the Falcons' skill position players to average numbers, but Tony Gonzalez should surpass his normal stat line since the Philly linebackers (down to second and third-string guys due to injuries and ineffectiveness) have struggled the past few weeks. -- Antonio D'Arcangelis

Standout Starts: McNabb, Maclin, Celek, Gonzalez

Banish to the Bench: Snelling, Redman

Tennessee at Indianapolis

This is a pivotal game for the surging Titans and could be a trap game for the dominating Colts, who are running away in the race for AFC home field advantage. Vince Young will be tested in a shootout that will show us exactly how far he's come this season. While it's tempting to give him a shot in deeper leagues, he's probably still a QB2 with upside, and desperation QB1 in 12-team leagues. Chris Johnson, on the other hand, is a must-start, and is probably having the best season of any all-purpose back since Marshall Faulk lit up the turf in the late 1990s. Electric rookie Kenny Britt could post solid WR3 numbers, while it's better to stay away from Nate Washington and the rest of the Titans receivers unless it's a super-deep league. The Colts three biggest offensive stars -- Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark -- won't get off as easily as they would have in September against Tennessee, whose defense has tightened up as key members of the secondary have healed and congealed into an effective unit. While all three are no-brainer starts, it's likely a score or two will be stolen by effective No. 2 WR Pierre Garcon and rookie slot star Austin Collie. Manning is smart and patient, so expect the ball to be spread around among all the receivers and a big day for the veteran. Joseph Addai is an okay RB2, but he'll have trouble finding room against the Titans run defense and could be a major disappointment. It's also possible a few third-down tosses to Donald Brown in the flats produce enough yardage to warrant a FLEX play in deeper formats.

Standout Starts: Garcon, Britt

Banish to the Bench: Addai, Young, Washington

Denver at Kansas City

When these teams lock horns, things can get a little crazy. This week, the Chiefs have a shot at a big upset, but they'll need epic days from Matt Cassel, Jamaal Charles and Chris Chambers to do it. Cassel and Chambers have developed a nice rapport, but Cassel could be in trouble if the line can't protect him from Denver ROLB Elvis Dumervil, who already has 14 sacks on the season. His constant disruption could force a few turnovers and turn the tide in favor of the visiting Broncos. Charles and the Chiefs' strong side must attack the Denver 3-4 at its weakest point -- the triangle of NT Ryan Fields, LDE Ryan McBean and LOLB Mario Haggan -- a group that was thrashed by the Steelers right side a few weeks ago. The Broncos do have one key strength, and it's Brandon Marshall. There's nobody on the Chiefs who can stop him, so expect a huge day from "Baby TO" and decent numbers from Kyle Orton. Knowshon Moreno (wrist) and Correll Buckhalter could cannibalize some of each other's production into a weak RB2 and deep-league-only RB3, respectively. Looking for an interesting sleeper play? Tony Scheffler had four catches for 53 yards last week and could find the end zone against a Chiefs defense that's very kind to opposing TEs.

Standout Starts: Charles, Marshall

Banish to the Bench: Cassel, Buckhalter

Houston at Jacksonville

Steve Slaton owners in PPR leagues have been able to live with his performance over the past two weeks, but Chris Brown's 22 carries over that span makes Slaton a risky start against Jacksonville's 10th ranked rush defense. With Owen Daniels sidelined for the season, Kevin Walter has stepped up as the Texans No. 2 receiving option opposite Andre Johnson. Walter, a big body who can handle crossing routes, has 16 catches for 189 yards since the Daniels injury. With the Jaguars allowing over 240 passing yards per game, Walter will post stats worthy of a WR3/Flex play. David Garrard passed for 214 yards with no touchdowns in the first meeting against the Texans. Owners should expect something similar this time around. Outside of Maurice Jones-Drew, who leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns, Mike Sims-Walker is the only other Jaguar worth your consideration. He's caught six of Garrard's eight passing touchdowns, and should find a way to hit double-digit fantasy points. -- Chris Ryan

Standout Starts:Walter, Sims-Walker

Banish to the Bench: Slaton, Brown, Garrard

Detroit at Cincinnati

The Bengals lead the NFL in scoring defense at 15.8 points a game, and rank third in rushing yards allowed, significant numbers if you're contemplating starting Kevin Smith this week. Don't count on anything more than 80 combined yards and a minimal chance of finding the end zone. Calvin Johnson practiced this week and should be in uniform come Sunday. He must be started if he's healthy, but don't be surprised if the Bengals hold him under 50 yards. He's no more than a borderline WR2 in this matchup. With Cedric Benson unavailable against the Browns, Cincinnati turned to Bernard Scott and Larry Johnson to carry the load, and the duo combined for 40 handoffs and 194 yards, although neither found the end zone. With Benson back in the fold, the Bengals will disperse the carries among the three backs, leaving Benson as no better than a RB2 despite the great matchup. Until we see how they'll be used, bench Johnson and Scott (who probably won't play because of turf toe). With the Lions surrendering the most passing yards and passing touchdowns in the league, Carson Palmer has a great shot of notching his first 300-yard game, and Chad Ochocinco should be viewed as potential top-5 performer at the position. -- C.R.

Standout Starts: Palmer, Ochocinco

Banish to the Bench: Scott, Johnson

Tampa Bay at Carolina

Josh Freeman's thrown a touchdown in each of his first four starts, and was nearly perfect in his latest outing, completing 20-of-29 passes for 250 yards with two scores and no interceptions. Unfortunately, Carolina possesses one of the better pass defenses in the league, making the rookie an option in only the deepest of leagues. Kellen Winslow's been his favorite target, averaging 5.7 catches and 67.5 yards with Freeman as the starter. He'll once again lead the Buccaneers in receiving, and is a no-brainer fantasy start. Neither Cadillac Williams nor Derrick Ward has done anything lately to warrant a starting look. With Jake Delhomme sidelined with a broken finger, Matt Moore gets the nod at quarterback for the Panthers. He's yet to convince the coaching staff he's a solid decision-maker, so look for John Fox to rely heavily on DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to power his squad to victory. Williams is nursing an ankle injury that could limit him on Sunday. He still has to be started against Tampa's leaky defensive front, but expectations should be lowered. Think somewhere around 60 yards a score. With Williams hobbled, Stewart becomes the best play in the Carolina backfield, and he's a strong candidate to record the fourth 100-yard game of his career. Wideout Steve Smith will continue to disappoint owners with Moore at the helm. He's a WR3 at best. -- C.R.

Standout Starts: Winslow, Stewart

Banish to the Bench: Freeman, Ward, Williams

Oakland at Pittsburgh

Bruce Gradkowski brought minimal potency to the Raiders offense, but against Pittsburgh's stifling defense (1st against the run, 13th against the pass), not a single Oakland player is useable. Not even Zach Miller, who's finally started to show a little consistency over the past two weeks, should see fantasy daylight. Pittsburgh's too good and too desperate for the lowly Raiders offense to generate significant numbers. With Ben Roethlisberger coming off the head injury, and the Raiders secondary ranking among the best in the league, it's a safe bet to assume Rashard Mendenhall will see plenty of action. He's averaging 123.7 yards in the four games in which he's received 20-plus carries, and owners should expect right around those stats on Sunday. In the passing game, Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes can both be started as borderline WR2 players, but if you have another option, don't be afraid to bench either. Heath Miller should bounce back from his one catch performance last week. Five catches and 50-plus yards is a reasonable estimation. -- C.R.

Standout Starts: Mendenhall, Miller

Banish to the Bench: All Raiders