Week 13 FanDuel Picks
Top Plays for FanDuel Cash Games and Tournaments
Here are the guys I’m considering for FanDuel Week 13:
Cash Game Quarterback
Justin Herbert, Chargers ($7,900) at Falcons
The Chargers should continue leaning on the passing attack – especially with J.K. Dobbins sidelined. Their pass rate over expected has been creeping up and now ranks in the top half of the league.
The Falcons are coming out of a bye but will be without starting CB Mike Hughes.
Tournament Quarterback
Anthony Richardson, Colts ($7,800)
Richardson sits fourth on the slate in QB ceiling projection. He's tenth in salary, signaling some value for tournaments.
You know the wild ride you’re taking with Richardson. But his combo of rushing upside and matchup makes him tough to ignore. The Pats have allowed the fourth-most passing scores to enemy QBs, while Richardson has hit double digit carries in three of his past four.
Also in my player pool: Joe Burrow, Matthew Stafford, Sam Darnold
Cash Game Running Back
Chase Brown, Bengals ($7,400) at Steelers
Coming off a bye, Brown remains underpriced for his current role. He sits atop our RB dollar per point ranks on the strength of a 21-touch projection.
Chuba Hubbard, Panthers ($7,400) vs. Buccaneers
As expected, Hubbard retained his lead back role in the debut of Jonathon Brooks. In fact, his 89% carry share from Week 12 marked his second highest total of 2024.
The Bucs enter this one down a couple of defense starters. Tampa Bay’s performed as a neutral matchup this season.
Also in my player pool: Bijan Robinson
Tournament Running Back
Alvin Kamara, Saints ($8,300) vs. Rams
Kamara exits a bye week to face a Rams rush D that was just embarrassed by Saquon Barkley and the Eagles. They’re a neutral matchup on the year, but a reasonable price on Kamara helps boost his tournament appeal.
James Cook, Bills ($7,800) vs. 49ers
The Bills are installed as 6-point home favorites against a banged-up 49ers defense.
We learned this week that stud LB Fred Warner is playing through a broken bone in his ankle. DE Nick Bosa, meanwhile, has already been ruled out of Sunday’s game.
Cook has scored in all but three appearences this season and remains a solid bet for volume.
Also in my player pool: Kyren Williams, Bucky Irving, Jaylen Warren
Cash Game Wide Receivers
Ladd McConkey, Chargers ($6,300) at Falcons
McConkey tallied 6-83 Monday night vs. Baltimore. The late kickoff for that game likely explains his discounted price tag, as there’s nothing wrong with the Atlanta matchup.
In fact, the Falcons are a slightly positive fantasy matchup for slot WRs. Plus, McConkey enters with at least a 20% target share in all but three games.
Khalil Shakir, Bills ($6,200) vs. 49ers
The 49ers will be without ace slot CB Deommodore Lenoir.
Shakir should continue seeing favorable short-range targets, especially with Dalton Kincaid sidelined. Buffalo’s also implied for a solid 25.25 points.
Also in my player pool: Puka Nacua, A.J. Brown, Jauan Jennings (if Brock Purdy is in)
Tournament Wide Receivers
Justin Jefferson, Vikings ($8,900) vs. Cardinals
Sure, he’s in a funk. Jefferson hasn’t scored since Week 7. And he’s been held under 50 yards in two of his past three games.
But here’s why I’m optimistic for a turnaround…
For starters, he’s not hurt. Jefferson isn’t listed on the Week 13 injury report.
Despite the lack of recent end zone trips, Jefferson still ranks eighth at the position in red zone target share. It’s not like he’s been phased out of those critical touches.
Teams have dared other pass catchers to beat them, and they have in recent weeks. But I expect a good chunk of product to shift back to Jefferson this week following a 2-catch outing at Chicago. The Cardinals sit a mid-pack 17th in PFF’s coverage grades; 14th in pass defense DVOA.
A.D. Mitchell, Colts ($5,000) at Patriots
The Colts will be without WRs Josh Downs and Ashton Dulin, putting Mitchell in line for a larger role. Alec Pierce missed practice earlier this week but returned on Friday. (He's listed as questionable.)
If he sees anything close to a full-time role, Mitchell’s certainly underpriced against New England. The Pats have allowed the sixth-most yards to enemy WRs.
Also in my player pool: George Pickens, Tee Higgins, Calvin Ridley, Davante Adams, Brian Thomas Jr.
Cash Game Tight End
Hunter Henry, Patriots ($5,100) vs. Colts
Henry pops as our top dollar per point value at TE.
He draws a Colts pass D that’s bottom-ten in fantasy points allowed to the position. The veteran has drawn 8+ targets in three of his past four outings.
Also in my player pool: Zach Ertz
Tournament Tight End
T.J. Hockenson, Vikings ($6,500) vs. Cardinals
Hockenson gets a small value boost with backup TE Josh Oliver remaining out.
Beyond that, it’s encouraging to see Hockenson’s usage tick up last week as he works back from an ACL tear. Week 12 turned up season highs in route rate (84%) and target share (29%).
Also in my player pool: Evan Engram, Dawson Knox
Defense
Cincinnati Bengals ($3,400) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Also in my player pool: Patriots, Colts