Fantasy Football Week 13 Sleepers: Rookie Javonte Williams gets chance to break out of tag-team touches

Melvin Gordon is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game at Kansas City with a hip injury, and he isn’t expected to play. That bodes well for Javonte Williams, who moves into must-start territory in all leagues. He has top-10 upside as the lead running back in Denver.

We’ve seen Williams start to play better recently, scoring at least 11 PPR points in two of his past three games. His best outing this season was Week 12 against the Chargers with 14 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown, as well as three catches for 57 yards on four targets.

Williams has six games this season with at least three catches, and he should be heavily involved in the passing game this week if the Broncos are chasing points at the Chiefs. There’s the chance for 20-plus touches, and that would be exciting.

Now, the Chiefs run defense has been solid of late. Kansas City hasn’t allowed a running back to score a touchdown since Week 4, but a running back has scored at least 12 PPR points against the Chiefs in eight of their last nine games.

Mike Boone will have a role in tandem with Williams, which could be another detractor. But we’ve been waiting for this moment for Williams to be the lead back in Denver, and now it’s here.

I consider Williams a No. 1 Fantasy running back this week. Under the circumstances with Gordon being listed as doubtful Friday, Williams is a sleeper with significant upside.

Editor’s Note: Projections are provided by CBS Sports and not Jamey Eisenberg. Projected points are for PPR leagues.

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Week 13 Sleepers

DraftKings

QB: Kirk Cousins (at DET) $6,500

RB: Alexander Mattison (at DET) $7,600

RB: Elijah Mitchell (at SEA) $6,000

WR: Justin Jefferson (at DET) $8,200

WR: Hunter Renfrow (vs. WAS) $5,800

WR: Brandon Aiyuk (at SEA) $5,600

TE: Foster Moreau (vs. WAS) $2,700

FLEX: Sony Michel (vs. JAC) $4,300

DST: Dolphins (vs. NYG) $3,300

This lineup is filled with chalk, but I’ll see if the guys I put around Mattison, Moreau and Michel (if he starts in place of Henderson) can deliver a strong performance. And it starts with Cousins and Jefferson in what should be a rebound game after both struggled in Week 13 at San Francisco.

Renfrow is going to be popular also, but his worth is based on his upside. And Aiyuk should also draw plenty of interest with Deebo Samuel (groin) out. 

I also love Mitchell with his matchup against Seattle, which is why he’s the Start of Week. This should be a fun matchup.

FanDuel

QB: Derek Carr (vs. WAS) $7,500

RB: Joe Mixon (vs. LAC) $9,400

RB: Sony Michel (vs. JAC) $5,300

WR: Chris Godwin (at ATL) $7,600

WR: Jaylen Waddle (vs. NYG) $6,900

WR: Hunter Renfrow (vs. WAS) $6,400

TE: Foster Moreau (vs. WAS) $5,000

FLEX: James Conner (at CHI) $7,300

DEF: Colts (at HOU) $4,500

The Raiders should have the chance for a big week against Washington, and I’m excited for Carr to connect with Renfrow and Moreau, who’s starting for an injured Darren Waller (knee).

Mixon should dominate the Chargers, and I’ll play Michel in this lineup as well if Henderson is out. And Conner should have a huge game against the Bears in Week 13 with Chase Edmonds (ankle) out for at least one more week.

I love Godwin against the Falcons and Waddle against the Giants, and both receivers should be exceptional. This should be a fun lineup with plenty of potential.

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