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With just two weeks remaining in the fake regular season for most leagues, we can’t afford to make decisions based on nostalgia, or players who we think are automatic starters. Sometimes we need to sit those high-draft picks or at least have a humbler outlook for their output.
Here are five players who could come up short this week based on matchups or other variables.
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals vs. LA Chargers
I’m well aware that there are probably no fantasy managers out there that would bench Chase on any given week, but expectations should be lowered for Week 13. The Bengals are clearly committed to the run as shown by Joe Mixon’s 32 touches last week, and 301 total rushing attempts by the backfield this season.
Chase gets a Chargers secondary this week that is allowing the second-fewest receiving yards (1.440) and touchdowns (5) to WRs, along with the fewest targets (188) and receptions (123) to the position through 11 contests. Chase could still end up putting up a decent line, but it may not be the WR1 numbers we’re used to from the rookie.
Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots
It’s highly unlikely that Diggs will be benched and I get it, but this column is here to at least get you to think about his potential for a dud this week. New England’s defense is playing lights out and if I were to tell you to sit or lower expectations for Emmanuel Sanders or Cole Beasley then it wouldn’t really be a risky take.
The Patriots are surrendering just 24 total half-PPR points to opposing WR corps this season, and Diggs hasn’t exactly been the most consistent producer among the elite WRs, only topping 100 receiving yards twice in 2021. I’m not telling any of you to actually not start Diggs, but be mentally prepared for a possible WR2 week.
Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants @ Miami Dolphins
You finally have him back and probably don’t even want to think about not using Barkley this week, but it should at least be a thought. He did show some of his old elusiveness last week with a 32-yard run, but the Giants offense isn’t making much happen in recent contests and could falter in Week 13 in Miami.
The Dolphins are only granting 18.7 half-PPR points to entire backfields in 2021, which is the fifth-fewest among NFL defenses. The Giants are road dogs in the matchup and could find themselves having to throw more if they fall behind to a Dolphins team that seems to be heading in the other direction. Barkley could still produce, but expect RB2 numbers from the NY back.
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Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers
There are several things going against Wilson this week, making him a tough start. Since returning from finger surgery, the Seattle QB is averaging a brutal 11.2 fantasy points per game which puts him at WR30 over the past three weeks.
He’s coming off a short week and gets a San Francisco defense that is allowing the third-fewest passing yards and air scores per game. I know we are short four signal callers this week, but it may be a good idea to find another QB to roll with in formats that only start one.
T.J. Hockenson, TE, Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
The 24-year old has been hit or miss this season, but is still the TE8 in half-PPR points per game in 2021 due to what a cesspool the position has been. Benching Hockenson is probably not in the cards, but it could be a down week for the Detroit TE this Sunday.
The Vikings have been playing stout against opposing TEs, surrendering a mere 6.7 half-PPR points per tilt to the position this season. Hockenson’s volume has been spotty as well in recent weeks, which doesn’t help his outlook. Going backward, he’s seen three, eight, and one target in the last three weeks. If you can find a better option at TE it could be to your benefit, otherwise consider Hock a low-end TE1 to TE2 this week.
