As Week 13 of the NFL season approaches, fantasy football managers are faced with crucial start-sit decisions. Among the key players to consider is Rico Dowdle of the Carolina Panthers, who remains a viable fantasy starter despite a challenging matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Meanwhile, the situation for the Minnesota Vikings suggests benching most of their receivers, with the exception of Justin Jefferson, as they likely turn to undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer.
Rico Dowdle has shown potential this season, particularly during Weeks 5 and 6 when he accumulated 389 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns while Chuba Hubbard was sidelined due to injury. Recently, the Panthers returned to a committee approach in the backfield, but Dowdle has consistently handled a significant workload. In Weeks 9 to 11, he averaged 19.5 PPR points per game, ranking him among the top running backs.
Against the Rams, concerns arise about Dowdle’s touch volume. The Rams have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season, giving up an average of 102.7 rushing yards per game and just four rushing touchdowns, the lowest in the league. Despite this, it is anticipated that Dowdle will still receive enough opportunities, likely around 15-20 touches, to position him as a high-end RB2 in fantasy lineups.
Vikings’ Receiver Dilemma
The Minnesota Vikings face a difficult situation as they prepare to start Max Brosmer. This development negatively impacts the fantasy outlook for receivers Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, who have struggled to deliver substantial fantasy value recently. With Brosmer at the helm, both players might find it challenging to produce against their opponents.
To aid fantasy managers in making informed decisions, insights were gathered from the PFF Discord and Bluesky platforms, where users expressed uncertainty about various players. Rankings were compiled based on these discussions, helping managers prioritize their starters. For those players not included in the rankings, they are generally considered close in value, with external factors like injuries or weather conditions potentially influencing their performance.
As always, managers are encouraged to consult the weekly PFF fantasy rankings for the latest updates and strategic advice leading up to game day. This resource provides a comprehensive overview of players, ensuring that fantasy football enthusiasts make the best choices for their lineups.
In summary, Week 13 presents both opportunities and challenges for fantasy football players. As the season progresses, staying informed about player performances and matchup dynamics is crucial for success.
