Week Thirteen Fantasy Football Picks

Recorder Sports Staff

 

In what is likely the last week of your league’s regular season, here is The Recorder sports staff’s take on the week 13 landscape.

Who is your sure thing for the week?

Daniel Fappiano- Layout Editor: Andrew Luck (QB, Indianapolis Colts)- Despite playing what should be a tough Jags defense, Luck has been on a roll, throwing for at least three touchdowns in each of the last eight games. That streak will continue in a win on Sunday.

Patrick Gustavson- Sports Editor: Eric Ebron (TE, Indianapolis Colts)- Ebron saw seven targets in the Colts’ Week 12 win against the Dolphins and with fellow tight end Jack Doyle expected to be placed on injured reserve, he is a top-five tight end for the playoff run.

Ryan Jones- Assistant Sports Editor: Aaron Jones (RB, Greenbay Packers)- The 23-year-old has made the most of his new role as the lead back in Greenbay. Jones leads the league in rushing yards per attempt (six) and takes on a Cardinals defense that has allowed the most touchdowns (14) and total yards (1,454) to opposing running backs.

Who is your sleeper for the week?

Fappiano: Marcell Ateman (WR, Oakland Raiders)- Ateman saw 10 targets against the Ravens week 12 and take on a questionable Kansas City defense. Likely playing from behind, the Raiders will have to throw the ball to someone.

Gustavson: Austin Ekeler (RB, Los Angeles Chargers)- Though he was out-carried by Justin Jackson last week, Ekeler appears to be in line for the bulk of the carries with Melvin Gordon out with an MCL injury. He should also be heavily featured in the passing game, as Phillip Rivers targeted him a whopping 10 times.

Jones: Tyler Lockett (WR, Seattle Seahawks)- Lockett had another strong showing against the Panthers in week 12, setting a season-high of 107 yards. He goes up against the 49ers this week, who gave up 116 yards to Mike Evans last week and have allowed the fourth most touchdowns to wide receivers this season (14).

Who is going to bust this week?

Fappiano: James Conner (RB, Pittsburgh Steelers)- Conner only had 13 rushes against an inferior Broncos run defense and failed to find the end zone. He now takes on Chargers defense on the rise. Expect a down week for the Steelers back.

Gustavson: LeGarrette Blount (RB, Detroit Lions)- Despite finding the end zone twice on Thanksgiving, Blount was averaging under two yards per carry in his four previous games. Faces a stout Rams front seven, expect Blount to come back to earth.

Jones: Rob Gronkowski (TE, New England Patriots)- In his first week back from injury, Gronk was able to find the end zone against a struggling Jets team. Despite this, he was still limited to just three receptions on the day (none coming in the second half) and faces a Vikings defense that have given up only three touchdowns to tight ends this season.