8 Big-Name Players You May Want to Avoid in Week 13

Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

I hate that I've recommended fading him so many times this season, but we're back here again. I am a Russell Wilson fan, and I have him on two teams this year, but I won't be starting him in Week 13 if I can help it. The old stats resurface: Wilson's passing numbers continue to be suspect, and he plays in a remarkably conservative offense. The only bright spot to his production versatility this coming week is that he finally passed for over 200 yards against the tough Arizona Cardinals defense. Still, I just can't shake the notion that a player with this kind of currently lopsided production will fall through at some point.

This week may be that week. The Seahawks' opponents are the stout San Francisco 49ers, who have remained an extremely productive defense by our Net Expected Points (NEP) metrics. The Niners rank second in the NFL in Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP, which means that any forward strides Wilson made with his arm this week might be for naught. I wouldn't be surprised to see another sub-200 yard passing day (maybe even around 150), and the rushing production may suffer as well; the Niners rank 13th in the league in Adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP.

I could see the Seahawks' offense stymied, as a classic NFC West defensive struggle seems to be on tap here. I've been wrong on him before, and I hope I am now, but Wilson seems to be the most likely victim of facing the top-ranked defense against fantasy quarterbacks. Bench him this week.