In the unpredictable realm of fantasy football, Week 13 presents itself as a crucial juncture for managers seeking to secure a playoff spot. With injuries affecting key players, the quest for reliable flex options capable of finding the end zone becomes paramount. This week’s article delves into intriguing choices for your fantasy lineup, focusing on players poised to make a touchdown impact. From the versatile Taysom Hill to emerging names like Justin Watson and Josh Downs, we explore potential flex gems who could tip the scales in your favor during this crucial fantasy weekend.
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Week 13 Fantasy Football Flex Starts Based on TD Opportunity
Taysom Hill – TE – New Orleans Saints
Fantasy managers rarely know when to start Taysom Hill, but this weekend is an exception. Both Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are not expected to play this weekend after suffering injuries in Week 12. With both out, Hill should resume a huge role this weekend. He’s not only a top-10 start but also a borderline top-5 start this weekend in a positive matchup against the Detroit Lions.
While the Lions’ defense looked much improved to start the season, they have fallen flat. They have given up the eighth-most points per game in the NFL, particularly struggling over the last three weeks. Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Tucker Kraft were all able to come down with touchdowns in Week 12 as well. Expect Hill to be the priority red zone option and be a must-start option. The only question will be whether or not he is eligible to start at TE, depending on a league’s platform.
Justin Watson – WR – Kansas City Chiefs
Rashee Rice has been a frequent name on this list throughout the season. However, following his breakout performance, he is an easy decision to start and is no longer eligible. Enter Justin Watson, who emerged this weekend as a starter in two wide receiver sets opposite Rice. Watson has found the end zone in two straight performances and has a great chance of scoring once again in Week 13.
Fantasy Managers staring at their lineups featuring Justin Watson, Greg Dortch, AT Perry and Tyler Conkin this week during Byemaggedon. pic.twitter.com/8Bp835OqlZ
— TheOGfantasyfootball (@TheOGfantasy) November 29, 2023
The Packers have been solid against opposing wide receivers, but with six teams on bye, many fantasy managers will be reaching this weekend. The Chiefs’ offense isn’t what it once was, and Watson isn’t a very talented player. Nonetheless, he is playing a huge role and has become a preferred option for Patrick Mahomes in the red zone. Expect two to three touchdowns from Kansas City this weekend, giving Watson WR3 upside.
Josh Downs – WR – Indianapolis Colts
Josh Downs was off to an incredible start to his rookie season; however, a knee injury has slowed his progress. After playing in a reduced role for several weeks, Downs was able to play the majority of snaps following Indianapolis’ bye week. He garnered 13 targets but wasn’t particularly efficient. Despite the high volume, Downs was only able to haul in five receptions for 43 yards.
Finally beginning to look healthy, I expect him to get back on track this weekend in a matchup against Tennessee. The Titans are in the bottom half of the league in fantasy points and touchdowns given up to the wide receiver position. While the rush defense is strong, their secondary has struggled to contain wide receivers this weekend. Downs is going to have a great game and is a strong flex option regardless of whether or not he scores.
George Pickens – WR – Pittsburgh Steelers
Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada was fired before Week 12, and Pittsburgh’s offense looked much better overall. While that didn’t result in the breakout performance George Pickens’ fantasy managers were waiting for, he did have his best performance since Week 7. Pickens has always been a fantastic receiver, ranking No. 6 in yards per reception. Unfortunately, their former offensive coordinator has had Pickens running exclusively post routes for most of the season.
Everybody is high on Dionte Johnson and Taysom Hill this week – Personally, I’m on George Pickens and Juwan Johnson! 👀💁🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/4MxpBtUaFu
— JB Barry (@FantasyCoachJB) November 30, 2023
Pickett hasn’t been anywhere near accurate enough to connect with Pickens on these routes, either. This has resulted in him disappointing for fantasy purposes for most of the season. With a fresh start, Pickens is due for that breakout performance against the Cardinals. Arizona has given up the second-most points per game in the NFL. If Kenny Pickett can’t succeed in this matchup, he never will. Pickett and Pickens should be able to find a connection on a few deep routes, one of which will find the end zone.
Jayden Reed – WR – Green Bay Packers
Jayden Reed remains on the injury report and didn’t practice as of Thursday. However, reports are that he will suit up as he was able to play through the injury in Week 12. If he can suit up, he is a must-start option and is undervalued on many websites that have him outside their top 30 receivers. Reed is the WR30 on the season but has finished in the top 25 fantasy receivers in five of his past six games.
More importantly, he has scored a touchdown three straight weeks and is No. 16 in red zone targets. Kansas City will represent a tough matchup, though, and they rank in the top 10 against opposing wide receivers. Regardless, the Packers have given Reed opportunities through the air and run game. He is a preferred option near the goal line and will receive plenty of designed plays when the Packers are in a position to score.
