Fantasy Football start, sit down: Will Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa continue to struggle with cold weather in Week 13?

There are only two games left in the fantasy football regular season, and in Week 14, six NFL teams will be eliminated. This week’s fate could change the fate of your league.

Whether you’re fighting for a playoff spot or trying to be a spoiler, here’s what to do with a few players you might be hesitant to add to your Week 13 lineup.

Quarterback

Starter: Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers at Falcons / 1 p.m. ET on Sunday

Herbert made one of the biggest steals at the quarterback position in fantasy drafts. Herbert has done quite well without longtime WRs Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, while doing well with his new pass catchers. Herbert is one of the so-called QB6 overall since Week 7, throwing for 1,589 yards during that period, fifth largest in the NFL league.

Although he only had 218 passing yards and no touchdowns during the game in Los Angeles 30-23 After a home loss to Baltimore in Week 12, Herbert is in a good position to rebound from the loss against Atlanta. So far this season, the Falcons’ defense, which has collected a league-worst 10 sacks, has allowed quarterbacks the seventh-most fantasy points (211.18), so Herbert should have no problems scoring another 20 points.

Other starts: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions; Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

Location: Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

Dolphins at Packers / 20:20 ET on Thursday

The Pro Bowl signal-caller has four touchdowns against the lowly Patriots, which secured him AFC Offensive Player of the Week crown. Tagovailoa has been on a tear since returning from a concussion in Week 8, although this week’s game against Green Bay is a concern. The Packers boast one of the best defenses in the NFL, ranking seventh in steals (11) while holding opposing quarterbacks to 13.4 fantasy points per game, sixth-most among teams.

This undoubtedly poses a problem for Tagovailoa, although his noted struggles in cold weather likely pose a greater threat to his fantasy. As noted by Rotoworld Football’s Kyle DvorchakTagovailoa is averaging 218.9 passing yards and 1.2 touchdowns in games where the temperature is 55 degrees or lower, equating to just 13.7 fantasy points. According to AccuWeatherthe temperature is expected to be 27 degrees at kickoff for the Thanksgiving game, potentially setting Tagovailoa up for another poor game late in the season.

Others sitting: Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons; Drake Maye, New England Patriots

Running back

Starter: Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers at Bengals / 1:00 PM ET on Sunday

Last week, Najee Harris outperformed Warren 24-19 loss on the road to Cleveland, but he still outperformed his defensive teammate, posting a season-high 15.4 PPR rating. After completing as upper-25 Returning to action in each of the last three games, Warren has established himself as a viable fantasy option and should start the game with confidence against Cincinnati’s porous defense. And since Pittsburgh is listed as A worse result by 2.5 pointsWarren has seen an increase in the number of jobs being received, which has raised the ceiling on the number of former free agents who have not been drafted into the military.

Other starts: Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys; Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks

Sitting: James Conner, Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals at Vikings / Sunday at 1:00 PM ET

Conner, a true workhorse, ranks 13th in carries this season (166). That number of games makes it difficult to leave him on the bench, even though he scored just 9.9 fantasy points in last week’s away game against Seattle. Still, Conner’s upcoming matchup against Minnesota’s stingy defense is terrifying.

The Vikings have allowed the second fewest rushing yards this season (685) and saw their run defense hit another level during their four-game winning streak. During this time, Minnesota allowed the fewest rushing yards (235) and yards per carry (three) in the NFL. Additionally, none of the running backs scored at least 10 PPR points in the game against the Vikings, and it is possible that Conner will fall victim to the same fate.

Other spots: Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants; Ameer Abdullah, Las Vegas Raiders

Wide receivers

Starter: Davante Adams, New York Jets

Seahawks at Jets / 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday

While Adams only achieved average 12 PPR points since debuting for the Jets in Week 7, he quickly became QB Aaron Rodgers’ favorite target again. In such a short period of time, the six-time Pro Bowler became a target ninth highest rate among NFL wide receivers, scoring at least 11 goals in two of the last three games.

The matchup with Seattle isn’t particularly exciting, as the Seahawks have allowed wide receivers to score the 16th fewest fantasy points per game (20.6). Still, given his high target share, Adams should enjoy his most productive outing since Week 9, especially since this contest will likely be the start of Rodgers’ last dance in New York.

Other starts: DJ Moore, Chicago Bears; Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts

Location: Deebo Samuel Sr., San Francisco 49ers

49ers at Bills / 20:20 ET on Sunday

Samuel, the WR42 overall, has been a disappointment this season, especially since fellow 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 7. Former first-team All-Pro selection 62 he has ranked among wide receivers in PPR points per game in his last four contests, and he has failed to gain 23 receiving yards in either of his previous two appearances.

Buffalo is already allowing the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers (17.4), and QB Brock Purdy’s status is still up in the air, so Samuel is too risky to trust this week.

Others sitting: Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns; Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers

Tight ends

Beginning: Zach Ertz, Washington’s commanders

Titans in Commanders / Sunday at 1:00 PM ET

Ertz has proven to be a reliable target for rookie QB Jayden Daniels, and their strong connection has been on full display lately, with the 12-year veteran scoring touchdowns in each of the last two games. Even though Tennessee is allowing the fewest passing yards per game this season (185/09) and gave up the sixth-most receiving yards in tight situations (434), Ertz should be in line for another strong performance.

Washington’s average this season ranks sixth in rushing per game (30.67), but he should throw the ball more often in this matchup. This isn’t because the team might get blown out, but rather because its two best running backs – Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler – is struggling with injuries and will probably miss the game.

Other starts: Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints; Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Privateers

Sitting: Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens

Eagles at Ravens / 16:25 ET, Sunday

Given the lack of quality options at tight end, you may be reluctant to bench Andrews, who scored 15.6 PPR points in Monday’s win over the Chargers. However, while not a must-see, it may be wise to temper your expectations for Andrews this week as he may cost you the matchup.

Philadelphia – the winner of the last seven games – has not only allowed the team with the third-fewest fantasy points (46.6) to a draw this season, but its defense has come out on top in recent weeks. In the last three games, the Eagles simply gave up 44 pointsfourth largest among teams. Considering Andrews has been largely touchdown dependent and hasn’t scored double-digit fantasy points in games where he hasn’t found the end zone, don’t be surprised if he disappoints against the Eagles.

Other incumbents: Noah Gray, Kansas City Chiefs; Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills