FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast
Episode: Week 13 Fantasy Football Reactions & Injuries + Early Week 14 Waiver Wire (Ep. 1871)
Hosts: Seth Woolcock & Tara Roberts
Date: December 1, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode dives into Week 13 fantasy football reactions, focusing on major injuries to key players, immediate implications for fantasy lineups, early waiver wire recommendations for Week 14, and in-depth evaluations of trending players. Seth Woolcock is joined by Tara Roberts for targeted, expert advice, panic meter assessments, and actionable insights to help managers navigate the playoff push.

Key Injury Updates and Fantasy Implications

1. Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET, WR) – Low Ankle Sprain

• (01:24–03:31)

• Suffered injury on Thanksgiving Day; likely a one-week absence.

• Even if he plays, expect reduced targets for 2–3 weeks post-injury.

• Seth: “Reports are suggesting that he is going to push through to play next week... but most likely not the outcome we see.”

• Impact: Jameson Williams (JMO) becomes a strong start if St. Brown sits. Went for 26.9 FP in Week 13.

  Tara: “Jameson will definitely be rising up the rankings this week.” (03:31)

2. Kyren Williams (LAR, RB) – Ankle Injury

• (03:51–04:52)
• Returned after exit; likely plays Week 14 but may see decreased touches.
• Blake Corum (12.6% rostered in ESPN) shined with 81 yards and a TD – a top handcuff priority, especially for Kyren managers.
  • Tara: “Blake Corum is a high priority elite handcuff that is worthy of being on benches heading into the fantasy playoffs.” (04:52)

3. Parker Washington (JAX, WR) – Hip Injury

• (05:36–07:08)

• Injury details pending; probable multi-week absence.

• With Washington out, Brian Thomas Jr. is a "potential flex," but a wait-and-see approach is advised.

• TE Brenton Strange could be a safe play for 10+ PPR FP given depleted receiving options.

  Tara: “Do I feel comfortable starting him over some of our more solid wide receiver twos? Absolutely not.” (06:17)

4. Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI, WR) – Heel Injury

• (07:08–08:48)
• Most likely a heel contusion. Team expected to be cautious; may rest him.
• Impact: Michael Wilson and low-end flex Craig Dortch are lineup-worthy if MHJ sits.
  • Tara: “It puts Michael Wilson back on the table, and it boosts up Craig Dortch if you need a low-end flex... We’re back in on Cardinals pass catchers,” (08:20)

5. Trey Benson (ARI, RB) – Knee Issue

• (08:48–10:24)

• Two consecutive DNPs raise doubts about his Week 14 status; team may shut him down for the season.

• Impact: Bam Knight (14.8 average FP last 3 weeks) becomes a volume low-end RB2 with friendly playoff schedule.

  Tara: “We're full stream ahead here on Bam Knight. He makes Bam Night very much so on the table as a reliable low-end RB2.” (09:35)

6. Bucky Irving (TB, RB) – Return From Injury

• (10:24–11:28)
• Dominated Tampa backfield touches on return, relegating Sean Tucker to drop territory.
  • Tara: “This year was a pleasant surprise... I definitely would rank him, you know, top 15, I think is where I would feel comfortable.” (11:28)

Week 13 Fantasy Storylines

1. Davante Adams’ Hot Streak

• (14:14–16:53)
• Now with 14 TDs, scoring in six straight games, consistently outpacing Puka Nakua.
• Averaging 17.1 FP/game; currently fantasy WR8.
  • Tara: “Find yourself somebody that loves you the way that Matt Stafford loves Davante Adams in the red zone. It’s insane...” (15:43)
• Top 5 ROS Option? Tara prefers Puka Nakua slightly on age/upside.

2. Rookie WR1 Debate: Tet McMillan vs. Emeka Abuka

• (16:53–18:30)
• T-Mac has edge in TDs, yards, and receptions but has Week 14 bye.
• With Chris Godwin surging, McMillan is slightly preferred for stretch run.
  • Tara: “I think it does tilt towards McMillan... I’m okay with it rest of season with him. I’m starting to feel good about it, comfortable.” (17:38)

3. Panthers Backfield: Rico Dowdle vs. Chuba Hubbard

• (18:30–21:14)
• Chuba has out-snapped/outperformed Dowdle recently; Rico remains the preferred start, but value is trending closer.
  • Tara: “It does push [Rico] back a little bit...the hot hand version of Rico’s hand, not so hot right now.” (20:18)

4. Trevor Lawrence Heating Up

• (21:14–24:47)
• Three top-12 finishes last four weeks; increased rushing upside key for fantasy value.
  • Tara: “It’s really the rushing upside that’s added that little bit...he’s succeeding despite not getting massive volume.” (23:06)
• Schedule friendly down stretch; slightly favored over Daniel Jones.

5. Early Week 14 Waiver Wire WRs

• (25:03–27:33)
• John Metchie, Chimney DK: Both disappointed despite opportunity; Metchie still seeing volume but caution warranted.
• Devin Vele (NO), AD Mitchell (NYJ), Isaac Tesla (DET): Waiver names to target if opportunity aligns.
  • Tara: “With AD Mitchell, I’m just concerned there...but he also has the same, it’s the same thing with DK—quarterback inconsistency.” (26:29)

Panic Meter – Week 13: Notable Players

Scale: 1 (No Panic) to 10 (Full Panic)

| Player | Panic Level | Rationale | Timestamp | |-------------------|-------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Lamar Jackson | 7 | Offense struggling, not healthy, unreliable weapons. | 30:43 | | Josh Allen | 1 | Occasional down week, but overall not concerned. | 30:43 | | Woody Marks (RB) | 5–6 | Volume there but lacking upside/TDs; shifting to flex territory. | 32:31 | | Justin Jefferson | Major | Volume/targets lacking, unreliable QB play, now just a low-end flex play. | 34:44 | | Emeka Abuka | 2–3 | Not 100% healthy; schedule concerns, but still a startable low WR2/flex. | 36:35 |

Memorable moment:
Tara on JJ: "There are quite a few wide receivers that you need to be looking for over Justin Jefferson at this point. This is major panic, unfortunately." (34:44)

Notable Quotes

• “Find yourself somebody that loves you the way that Matt Stafford loves Davante Adams in the red zone.” – Tara (15:43)
• “It does push [Rico] back a little bit...the hot hand version of Rico’s hand, not so hot right now.” – Tara (20:18)
• “There are quite a few wide receivers that you need to be looking for over Justin Jefferson at this point. This is major panic, unfortunately.” – Tara (34:44)
• “We’re back in on the Cardinals pass catchers outside of Marvin Harrison Jr.” – Tara (08:20)
• “We're full stream ahead here on Bam Knight... makes Bam Night very much so on the table as a reliable low-end RB2.” – Tara (09:35)

Strategic Waiver Insights

• RB handcuffs are critical heading into playoffs; prioritize players like Blake Corum and Bam Knight, especially for injury-prone starters.
• WR spot starts: Isaac Tesla gains immediate value with Amon-Ra St. Brown unlikely and Devin Vele’s emergence as Saints’ #2.
• Monitor injury reports for shifting opportunity, especially among ambiguous backfields and WR units.

Listener Q&A Highlights

• Debo Samuel vs. Slayton (PPR): Go Debo; more stable volume, TD upside. (38:38)
• Concern for Justin Jefferson/Emeka Abuka: JJ is purely a flex now. Abuka is mid/low WR2/flex; monitor schedule/corner matchups. (34:44, 36:35)
• Rashad White, Sean Tucker, Bucky Irving situation: Sean Tucker is droppable; Bucky is a locked-in RB2.

Closing Notes

• Tara and Seth encourage listeners to utilize the Discord community and FantasyPros app for direct advice.
• Both hosts will be live throughout the week on various social and streaming platforms to help as teams battle for playoff spots.

Summary:
This episode delivers detailed Week 13 reactions, injury updates, waiver targets, and honest “panic meter” recalibrations for slumping fantasy stars. Advice is actionable, with a focus on bench/waiver stashes and short-term lineup adjustments as the fantasy playoffs approach. Tara and Seth’s conversation is rich with data, but approachable, with practical insights for team managers in crunch time.