NFL Week 13 signifies the start of crunch time for fantasy football players. With just a few weeks left on the schedule, points are precious and team owners can't afford mistakes with sit or start decisions. Here's a look at some players we project will boom or bust this week.
Week 13 Fantasy Football "Boom" Players
DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart: This is difficult because you never know which one of the two are going to get the carries, but when given the opportunity Williams and Stewart have both been fairly effective this season. Stewart averages 4.8 yards per carry and Williams 5.4. The Carolina Panthers are playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who are ranked 30th in the NFL against the run and have allowed 13 rushing touchdowns. Last week the Bucs allowed Chris Johnson, who has been terrible this year to rush for 190 yards on 23 carries.
Tim Tebow: I think this is going to be the breakout week fantasy wise for Tim Tebow. He's been solid across the board, but he has not had a monster game yet. The Denver Broncos take on the Minnesota Vikings who rank 29th against the pass. When the Vikings played against the Panthers earlier in the season Cam Newton led them in rushing with 53 yards and also threw for three touchdowns. 200 yards passing and 75 yards rushing is a reasonable expectation for Tebow this week.
Mike Wallace: The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver has slowed down after a fast start to the season. The last two weeks Wallace has eight receptions for 71 yards. The Steelers take on the division rival Cincinnati Bengals and with top corner Leon Hall out the Steelers should be able to take advantage of Wallace's speed over the top. I think Wallace gets back over the 100 yard mark with a touchdown.
Week 13 Fantasy Football "Bust" Players
Michael Bush: Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush has been one of the most prolific fantasy running backs in Darren McFadden's absence. This week the Raiders take on the improving Miami Dolphins who have been led by their defense. Last week Miami held Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray to 87 yards on 22 carries and the week before kept Buffalo Bills RB Fred Jackson in check to the tune of 17 yards.
Beanie Wells: After a monster week last week against the St. Louis Rams, I expect Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells to come back down to earth this week against the Dallas Cowboys. The Rams are 32nd in the NFL against the run; Dallas is tenth and only allows 100 yards per game. Beanie could still have a decent game, but don't get your hopes up for anything close to last week.
The Entire Minnesota Vikings Offense: As we mentioned earlier the Vikings are taking on the Denver Broncos. It sounds like the Minnesota will be without Adrian Peterson for a second straight week. Denver's defense has been spectacular the last three weeks giving up no more than 13 points. Denver will take away Percy Harvin and use their pass rush to frustrate rookie quarterback Christian Ponder. It could get ugly for the Vikings this week.