As NFL Week 13 concludes, fantasy football managers must make critical roster decisions ahead of the playoffs. Here are the top four takeaways from the week.
The Chicago Bears have revealed a formidable running back duo. Throughout the season, the fantasy community has debated the merits of D”Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. In a standout Week 13 performance, the two backs combined for 255 rushing yards and two touchdowns, with each player recording at least 19 PPR points. Over the past three weeks, Swift and Monangai have effectively split the backfield duties evenly, a strategy that Bears head coach Ben Johnson appears committed to maintaining as long as it proves effective. Both players are now considered viable RB2 options in fantasy leagues.
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is making a timely return to form. After a lengthy absence due to a leg injury, Godwin”s performance is beginning to pick up. Having played only 25 snaps in his return, he significantly increased his workload to 40 snaps in Week 13, where he caught three passes for 78 yards on five targets against the Arizona Cardinals. Godwin showcased a newfound explosiveness that could make him a valuable asset in the fantasy playoffs for those who remained patient during his recovery.
However, fantasy owners should exercise caution with New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson. Currently ranked as RB18 in total PPR points this season, most of Henderson”s production occurred while Rhamondre Stevenson was sidelined. Following Stevenson”s return from a toe injury in Week 12, he played only a fraction of the offensive snaps but managed to out-snap Henderson 38 to 32 in their matchup against the New York Giants in Week 13. With the Patriots on bye before the fantasy playoffs, it appears Henderson may have to share the backfield moving forward.
Lastly, Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle, once considered a potential league-winner, has returned to a timeshare situation with Chuba Hubbard. Dowdle had previously enjoyed three games this season with at least 28 PPR points, but his role diminished significantly in Week 13 as Hubbard outsnapped him 38 to 27. This marked the first time since Week 8 that Dowdle participated in less than half of the offensive snaps. With both running backs capable of making an impact, Panthers head coach Dave Canales will likely continue to utilize the hot hand approach, making Dowdle a risky start as fantasy playoffs approach.
