Fantasy football advice, Week 13: Who to start/sit for Texans vs. Bills
Two teams going in opposite directions face off Sunday.
A few weeks ago, the Buffalo Bills looked like strong playoff contenders, while the Houston Texans were contenders only by virtue of playing in a soft AFC South. Lately, though, the tides have turned; the Texans have won four in a row to climb from 2-5 to 6-5, while the Bills have lost two in a row for four of six to fall below .500. Sunday, the two play each other, with the loser doing some serious damage to its playoff chances.
The Texans should have running back Alfred Blue and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins on the field Sunday despite both players appearing on the injury report. The Bills, meanwhile, will be without running back Karlos Williams with a shoulder injury, but quarterback Tyrod Taylor should be fine despite a shoulder problem of his own.
The Bills host the Texans Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, and here’s a look at the fantasy names to consider:
TEXANS
Start ‘em: Perhaps no one’s Week 12 performance was more disappointing than that of DeAndre Hopkins, who put up only three fantasy points despite a dream matchup. Still, he’s had as good a season as anyone, and needs to be in all lineups. ... The Texans’ defense is rolling, with 10-plus fantasy points in four straight games and five of six.
Start ‘em?: That's two straight games of double-digit fantasy points for Alfred Blue, who is shaping up to be a decent flex option and is the only Houston running back worth rostering. ... Cecil Shorts III has fully become the team's No. 2 receiver. He's a very dicey flex option.
Sit ‘em: Every quarterback who has faced the Saints this year has seen his fantasy numbers fall off in a big way the next week. Brian Hoyer faced the Saints last week. ... With Shorts back in the fold, Nate Washington has seem his numbers mostly evaporate. ... Ryan Griffin had a big Week 12 and has been getting more looks, but we need to see at least one more big game before he can crack lineups. ... Nick Novak hasn't reached double-digit fantasy points even once all season.
BILLS
Start ‘em: With Karlos Williams out this week, the last tiny obstacle is out of the way for LeSean McCoy. He's my No. 2 running back across the league this week.
Start ‘em?: Right when we were all giving up on Tyrod Taylor, he responds with Week 12's 291 yards and three passing touchdowns. He's a QB2, but with big upside. ... You never really know what to expect out of Sammy Watkins. He's played eight games this season. Four times, he has three or fewer fantasy points. Twice, he has 10-12. And twice, he has 22-27. He's as high-variance as any receiver in the game. ... Dan Carpenter has been very up-and-down this year, but in a pinch, he's a fine kicker. ... The Bills' defense has not been the stout unit it was expected to be, but it's reached double figures three different times, which is good for any defensive unit.
Sit ‘em: Watkins' presence has Robert Woods out of any real fantasy consideration. ... Charles Clay's early-season performance has all but evaporated; he's averaged 2.4 fantasy points a game since Week 4.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: DeAndre Hopkins, Houston defense, LeSean McCoy
Start if you're desperate: Alfred Blue, Cecil Shorts III, Tyrod Taylor, Sammy Watkins, Dan Carpenter, Buffalo defense
Bench: Brian Hoyer, Nate Washington, Ryan Griffin, Nick Novak, Robert Woods, Charles Clay
