Welcome to Blitz Sports Media’s Fantasy Football “Panic Meter” for Week 13. Each week, we will identify some of the disappointing performances from the prior week to determine if it is time to panic about said player.
Week 13’s panic meter is more about patience than panic. Big names remain trustworthy, but managers should stay alert to usage trends and be ready to pivot at QB or WR2/Flex spots. Compared to running backs that usually get enough volume, there aren’t that many droppable names to truly panic on, as managers should still stash handcuff-worthy backups/ fringe starters with injuries still running rampant weekly.
Panic Meter: 1
Jameson Williams (WR) Detroit Lions
While Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown feasted this past week, after three straight great games, Jameson Williams busted and had a donut on the stat sheet for the Lions. He had one before the bye week as well, as it will be tough to trust Jamo as anything more than a desperation flex (regardless of matchup) and hope he doesn’t hurt your chances in these pivotal fantasy weeks ahead. In Week 13, he gets the Packers at home, potentially laying the way to a shootout on Thanksgiving.
Panic Meter: 2
Lamar Jackson (QB) Baltimore Ravens
It is clear Lamar Jackson isn’t healthy, as his running has been limited, and it’s obvious when he’s out of the pocket. It is also affecting his usage scheme-wise, as his rush attempts have been way down this year. While he can rebound against a better matchup, unless he needs to, the Ravens will try to game-manage his multiple injuries while trying to win games.
The only way Jackson matches QB1 numbers is as a passer, but we have seen him do it previously in certain games. A Thanksgiving night game at home against the Bengals could be the chance to do that.
Panic Meter: 3
Saquon Barkley (RB) Philadelphia Eagles
Besides Week 8, Saquon Barkley hasn’t been anything more than an RB2. He is just not the same player as last year, and even with the Eagles‘ blocking not being the same, Barkley isn’t playing well in general. Although the usage could be increased, Tank Bigsby has played well when he’s been there, spelling Barkley when he was out, but also together. Even in good matchups like against the Bears on Black Friday, this offensive scheme hasn’t taken advantage and is barely a starter in fantasy.
Cut List | Panic Meter: 4
- Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings
- Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons
Even if J.J. McCarthy is out this week, I don’t have high hopes with Max Brosmer under center for the Vikings to support Jordan Addison (hasn’t caught more than 3 passes since Week 8), along with Justin Jefferson, especially who has been more of a WR2 this year. Although Baker Mayfield’s injury wasn’t too severe, the Buccaneers‘ offense is stagnant without its key players healthy. This has also affected Emeka Egbuka, as he has fallen down to earth the past few weeks.
There are other options on waivers from previous weeks that might be better starting options till we see the Bucs back in business fully, but early-season Tampa might be over. Kyle Pitts had a nice run with Kirk Cousins earlier in the season, but it seems he is just not the focal point of this struggling offense in Atlanta. Pitts has had four bad games back-to-back and isn’t better than a waiver option at tight end at this point.
