We are now approaching the tail end of the NFL regular season, with Week 13 of fantasy football in the books. Some players are disappointing fantasy managers, while others are having breakout performances. Let’s take a look at some players that are rising and falling in the rest of the season rankings.
Risers and Fallers – Week 13 Fantasy Football
RISERS
Bucky Irving – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucky Irving has been a revelation in recent weeks. The rookie running-back out of Oregon exploded again in Week 13, carrying the ball 25 times for a career-high 152 rushing yards. Irving has finished as a top-six RB in each of the last three games, completely taking over Tampa Bay’s backfield.
The Buccaneers are also competing for top spot in the NFC South and will likely lean on their newly found star down the stretch. Irving’s rest of season schedule is also favorable for the fantasy playoffs, as he will play the Cowboys and Panthers again in Week 16 and 17. Having been drafted outside the top-50 running-backs, it’s safe to say Irving is one of the biggest league winners in fantasy football this year.
Bryce Young – Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young has looked impressive over the second half of the season. The former number one pick threw for 298 yards and a touchdown in a narrow overtime defeat to the Buccaneers. While his rookie campaign was nothing short of disastrous, Young is starting to show his composure and ability as an NFL quarterback.
The Panthers rebuild appears to be going to plan on offense, as they’ve kept things competitive in recent games. While Young is mostly off the fantasy radar in one-QB leagues, he offers solid superflex value and his overall outlook is on the rise.
D.J Moore – Chicago Bears
D.J Moore is starting to return to form after a disappointing first half of the season. Moore has been extremely involved since the Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Moore has had at least seven receptions and over 90 receiving yards in each of the last two games under the new offensive play-calling.
It’s nice to see the Bears making an effort to get the ball in the hands of their number one receiver, and Moore is taking full advantage. Moore is back to being a top receiving option for fantasy managers and will look to keep rolling against the 49ers in Week 14.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine – Tennessee Titans
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has been a massive redzone threat in recent weeks. Westbrook-Ikhine scored 19.6 fantasy points in Week 13, scoring two touchdowns on three receptions. The Titans wideout has scored a touchdown in seven of the last eight games, acting as Will Levis’ primary deep ball option.
Only three wide receivers have more touchdowns this season than Westbrook-Ikhine. While this pace is likely unsustainable, fantasy managers seeking a flex option with upside should grab Westbrook-Ikhine off of waivers for the last few weeks of the season.
FALLERS
D.K Metcalf – Seattle Seahawks
D.K Metcalf had an underwhelming outing in Week 13 fantasy football, catching only four of his nine targets for 66 yards. Metcalf did have to be helped off the field due to a knee injury, but was cleared to return shortly thereafter. It’s evident that Metcalf’s knee isn’t fully healthy, having missed two games this season due to an MCL sprain.
While this could be impacting his production, he hasn’t surpassed his weekly projection in any of the last three games. Additionally, the emergence of second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba hinders Metcalf’s opportunities. Fantasy managers can view Metcalf as a low-end WR2 heading into a Week 14 matchup against the Cardinals.
Kareem Hunt – Kansas City Chiefs
Kareem Hunt has been one of the best waiver wire pick-ups this season. The veteran ranks as the RB16 in fantasy points per game this season after taking over the Chiefs’ backfield in Isiah Pacheco’s absence. Nonetheless, Pacheco returned from a broken fibula in Week 13, as Hunt saw seven carries for 15 yards and scored only 2.5 fantasy points.
While the 11-1 Chiefs will likely ease Pacheco back into action, this backfield is now a running-back committee at best. Hunt has proven that he’s still a capable NFL running-back, but his days of being a viable fantasy option this season are all but over.
Cade Otton – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After a very productive three-week stretch, Cade Otton has been disappointing lately. Otton hasn’t surpassed double-digit fantasy points since Week 9, as he has recorded less than 35 receiving yards in three straight games. Additionally, the return of star receiver Mike Evans further limits Otton’s volume.
While Otton is still the clear number two option for Baker Mayfield, the Buccaneers are leaning more on their rushing attack with the emergence of rookie Bucky Irving and Rachaad White’s steady play. Fantasy managers should view Otton as more of a streaming option rather than a top-12 tight end moving forward.
Darnell Mooney – Atlanta Falcons
Darnell Mooney has been quiet lately, failing to record over 30 receiving yards in the past two games. Mooney was on track for a career year in 2024 but has shown a low floor due to Kirk Cousins’ woeful quarterback play. The Falcons may opt to bench Cousins in the wake of a three-game losing streak, which would put Mooney’s value up in the air. Fantasy managers who are holding Mooney should tempter expectations until the Falcons’ offense starts to show signs of consistency.
