We’re closing in on the fantasy football playoffs, which makes every week a must-win for many fantasy managers. To help navigate these crucial times, we asked some of our experts to break down some of the matchups they’re monitoring heading into Week 13 of the NFL season.
Check out the rest of our weekly fantasy football advice 
Tyreek Hill vs. 49ers’ Pass Defense
With the calendar flipping to December, the Dolphins find themselves in a position to win the AFC East — something they haven’t done since 2008. The stretch run to that begins Sunday in San Francisco, where the Dolphins will face their stiffest challenge to date. For Miami to win, they will need Tyreek Hill to have a big game. Hill has had a tremendous year so far, breaking the 1,000-yard mark in Week 9. Since then, however, Hill has had a relatively quiet two games, totaling just 139 yards and a touchdown. Those are solid numbers but not his typical stat line, with a big part of the issue being that Miami got out to big leads and took their foot off the gas.
That shouldn’t be an issue Sunday against a 49ers team that ranks in the top 10 of the league in passing yards allowed, yards per catch allowed, touchdowns allowed and interceptions. Hill is an elite talent who hasn’t been slowed down in games in which Miami has been pushed. Assuming San Francisco keeps pace here, Hill should be in a position to see 10+ targets, making his matchup arguably the most important of the slate on Sunday.
– Jason Kamlowsky (@JasonKamlowsky)
Austin Ekeler vs. Josh Jacobs
There are two running backs averaging 19 or half-point PPR fantasy points per game this season: Austin Ekeler and Josh Jacobs. Not only are they the top two fantasy running backs this year, but they are facing each other this week. More importantly, the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders have two of the worst run defenses in the NFL. Which running back will have the bigger performance? Good luck to anyone facing both players in the same league this week.
– Mike Fanelli (@Mike_NFL2)
Christian Watson vs. Chicago Bears
Christian Watson quickly became the focal point of a Packers’ passing attack desperately looking for a playmaker on the outside. Watson has been a fantasy force with 265 receiving yards and six touchdowns in the last three games. He has emerged as an ultra-reliable big-play threat. In Week 13, Watson takes on the Chicago Bears, who just woke up the New York Jets’ passing attack with Mike White coming off the bench to throw for 315 yards and three scores. Regardless of who is behind center for the Packers, either Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love, I am locking in Watson in this tasty matchup and expecting the rookie wideout to produce another multiple-score game.
– Dennis Sosic (@CALL_ME_SOS)
Dameon Pierce vs. Browns’ Run Defense
Pierce has struggled the past two weeks against a good Washington run defense and an average Miami D. Has the rookie hit a wall? Are the Texans protecting him in a lost season? Or were these just tough matchups? This week should answer the question, as Cleveland and their 31st-ranked run defense come to town. This will be the Texans’ Super Bowl, as they will no doubt want to stick it to ex-QB Deshaun Watson in his first start as a Brown. If Pierce can’t get it done this week, it will be hard to trust him down the stretch, when he faces tougher defenses in Dallas, Kansas City and Tennessee.
– Scott Youngson (@jscottyoungson)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup, based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant – that allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and by how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.
