Fantasy Football Week 13: These 4 players should be in your starting lineup

Week 12 is over and in the books, and it concluded with a Chicago Bears victory … in the NFC North! Sure, it was ugly, but a win is a win, especially against the Minnesota Vikings.

It was nice to see the Bears close out a chaotic, fun-filled holiday weekend of football with a lights-out defensive performance and a game-winning drive from Justin Fields.

Now, the Bears catch their bye week at a nice time in Week 13, allowing other teams to duke it out in the wide-open NFC.

Playoff slots are up for grabs, and don’t look now, Bears fans, but Chicago is almost in the hunt. The fact they’re just two games back from an NFC wild card spot tells you all you need to know about how important the next few games are.

And just like the mayhem ensuing on the field, Fantasy Football is getting rocked by unanticipated player performances. It will only get crazier as we hit the home stretch, kicking off with Week 13.

Here’s who to play.

QB: Derek Carr (NO) vs. DET (“Under the Radar” Selection of the Week)

You’re screaming at me. You think I’m crazy. But let me explain myself.

The quarterback position in Draft Kings is like buying stadium concert tickets through Ticketmaster. If you want a good seat, you have to overpay. And even then, it’s a total risk on how the performance will go (weather, crowd, traveling, etc.).

Instead, it’s better to go for a cheap night out with “entertainment” that can get the job done. That’s Derek Carr when he faces the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

I’m not sure if I trust Carr more than I doubt the Lions, but Detroit certainly does not look like the NFC-contending team we once thought they were. Carr threw for over 300+ yards against a Falcons team that has looked more impressive recently, and I think he finds the end zone once or twice with the Saints being back in the Superdome for the first time in three weeks.

I like the upside with Carr against a Detroit team that would be on a losing streak right now if the Bears knew how to finish in Week 11.

RB: Bijan Robinson (ATL) vs. NYJ

I’d say it’s pretty safe to play pretty much anyone against the Jets, and the fact that Bijan Robinson is becoming more prominently featured in the Falcons’ offense bodes well for quality production in Week 13.

Robinson is coming off a 91-yard and one-touchdown Week 12 performance, and he’ll look to continue that against New York.

Robert Saleh’s Jets defense may be the team’s strength, but I see the now division-leading Falcons taking over this game with their rushing attack and never letting up. Robinson will come with a high price tag, but I think spending Draft Kings dollars here will pay off.

WR: Deebo Samuel (SF) vs. PHI (“Gamble of the Week”)

This is (by far) the “Game of the Week,” and Deebo is already stirring the pot by hurling “trash” comments at Eagles cornerback James Bradberry.

It’ll be a hostile and aggressive game, and I think the 49ers win easily.

Philly’s 10-1 record is loaded with narrow escapes from defeat, and I think Deebo impacts the game with roughly 80 receiving yards. He’ll find the end zone, too. Start Deebo Samuel in Week 13.

TE: Pat Freiermuth (PIT) vs. ARI

So, the Steelers dump Matt Canada, and all of a sudden Pat Freiermuth looks like an elite tight end? Yep. That pretty much sums it up.

Nine receptions for 120 yards in Week 12 is a pretty stellar performance to prove that your former offensive coordinator was, in fact, the problem.

Freiermuth will look to continue his ascension against the struggling Arizona Cardinals. This one is a no-brainer and one of the most “assured” tight end selections of the season so far.

Add him in Yahoo leagues and pick him up in DraftKings. No question.