RotoExperts.com delivers all the important player news with in-depth fantasy analysis for Week 13.
Quarterbacks
» Jake Delhomme (finger) is out for Week 13. QB Matt Moore will start in his place but should not be used in most fantasy leagues.
» Kyle Orton (ankle) was a full participant in practices and will start for the Broncos. He's a sound starting choice this week and should throw for multiple touchdowns against Kansas City.
» Ben Roethlisberger (head) was a full participant in practices and is expected to start against the Raiders. It's uncertain how effective he will be, however, and the Steelers could take a conservative approach in the passing game. Keep Roethlisberger reserved and scout him to see how he fares in his return to action.
» Matt Ryan (toe) is out for Week 13. QB Chris Redman will start in his place, but the journeyman backup is not a recommended fantasy starter in most formats.
» Kurt Warner (concussion) was limited in practices and will likely be a game-time decision against the Vikings. Fantasy owners should play it safe and keep Warner reserved, as he might not be highly productive if active. QB Matt Leinart has yet to prove he can be trusted and should not be used in a very critical fantasy week.
Running backs
» Cedric Benson (hip) is listed as probable and will start in Week 13. Fantasy owners should start him with confidence, especially against Detroit. RB Bernard Scott (toe) is out, so RB Larry Johnson should get some mop-up work if the Bengals run up a lopsided score.
» Donald Brown (chest) has been declared out. RB Chad Simpson will back up Joseph Addai (knee), who was a full participant in practices.
» Ryan Grant (shoulder) was limited in practices this week but should still start on Monday night. He faces a Ravens defense that could hold him down, though, as Grant's north-south running style isn't going to help him roll up big yardage numbers against a physical front seven.
» Tim Hightower (thumb) was limited in practices throughout the week. He has a difficult matchup against Minnesota, so only use him as a flex player if your other choices are of lesser value.
» Steven Jackson (back) was not able to practice again this week and is listed as questionable to face the Bears. He seems like a good bet to play again, but be sure to monitor gameday reports on his status. If he's active, you almost have to start him.
» Julius Jones (chest) is expected to play against the 49ers, but it's difficult to envision him playing a major role against the 49ers. The Seattle Times reports that RB Justin Forsett suffered a late-week quadriceps injury and is listed as questionable, so monitor his status.
» Jamal Lewis (head) is out for the remainder of the season, so RB Chris Jennings (shoulder) is expected to start in his place. Jennings was limited in practices and is unproven with not much surrounding help on offense, so do not consider using him in Week 13.
» The Houston Chronicle reports that RB Steve Slaton (neck) is not expected to play against the Jaguars. He has numbness in his arms, related to a prior shoulder problem. RB Chris Brown will likely be the lead back for the Texans this week, but he might not offer much in terms of yardage production. RB Ryan Moats could be in line for more playing time, yet he is not a reliable source of fantasy production and would be a risky flex play.
» Pierre Thomas (wrist) and Mike Bell (knee, neck) are both listed as probable in Week 13, while RB Reggie Bush (knee) is questionable. Thomas should get most of the regular work this week and is a sound starter, but Bell could steal some short-yardage work. Bush was deactivated last week, so his owners should keep him reserved.
» Michael Turner (ankle) is not expected to play this week against the Eagles. RBs Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling will share the workload in his absence, though the latter is the better inside runner and goal-line option. He's also a better choice as a flex player.
» Danny Ware (concussion) is out, and RB Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle, foot) was limited in Friday's workout. RB Brandon Jacobs should get the majority of the carries against Dallas, and is a quality No. 2 fantasy back who will post at least respectable totals.
» DeAngelo Williams (ankle) was not able to practice and is listed as questionable for Week 13. RB Jonathan Stewart (Achilles) has been able to consistently play through his injury and is a very nice starting option against a Tampa Bay run defense. Williams should be reserved if you have another respectable starting choice at running back. Even if he can play, it is uncertain how effective he'll be in the contest.
Wide receivers
» DeSean Jackson (concussion) is out for Sunday's game in Atlanta. WR Jeremy Maclin (foot) was a full participant in practices and will continue to start. With Jackson out, however, he could draw more defensive attention and is not a solid fantasy starter. WR Jason Avant might also be less productive without Jackson in the mix.
» Calvin Johnson (knee) was a full participant in practices and is expected to start in Week 13. He has a challenging matchup against the Bengals, but cannot be benched in most matchups. He should still provide owners with decent numbers even if he does not have an outstanding game.
» Mike Sims-Walker (knee) was a full participant in practices by Thursday. He should produce good numbers against Houston, as the Jaguars won't get much pass pressure on QB David Garrard. That will give him time to locate his top pass-catcher.
» Roddy White (knee) and WR Michael Jenkins (ankle) are listed as questionable. Both are expected to play, but White is the only recommended fantasy player of the two. He should still produce at least adequate totals with Redman at quarterback.
Tight ends
» Visanthe Shiancoe (ribs) is listed as questionable for Week 13. He was limited in late-week workouts, so add another tight end as insurance and monitor his status.
» Jeremy Shockey (elbow) is listed as probable and will start against the Redskins. He has been able to consistently play through the injury, so keep him active.
» Kellen Winslow (knee) was able to return to full practices by Thursday and will start in Carolina. He should deliver good numbers against a Panthers defense that will be vulnerable over the middle.
» Jason Witten (foot) was a full participant in practices for the Cowboys. He is a strong starting option as a frequent target for Romo against the Giants.
Scott Engel is Managing Director and Senior NFL Editor at www.rotoexperts.com. Watch more of his Week 13 Fantasy tips on FANTASY PLAYBOOK, available on demand now at www.ubatv.com.
