Fantasy Football Avoids: Brock Bowers, Rico Dowdle among players to consider avoiding in Week 13

Welcome to Week 13 of our fantasy football cautionary picks! Im Matt Okada, guiding you through a selection of players who may underperform this week. These are the athletes you might want to reconsider starting depending on your roster and waiver options.

Quarterback: Sam Darnold

Though not widely relied upon, Darnold is a reasonable candidate to fade in redraft leagues and daily fantasy sports. Despite optimistic projections for Seattle's offense, he has posted single-digit fantasy points in three of his last five games. Against red-tier defenses, Darnold has averaged only 9.97 points per game, with three touchdowns and six interceptions. This week, he faces the Vikings after a narrow win over the Titans.

Recommendation: Avoid starting Darnold outside of 2QB leagues or urgent situations. Consider streaming quarterbacks like Jacoby Brissett, Trevor Lawrence, or C.J. Stroud instead.

Running Back: Rico Dowdle

Dowdle has been a rollercoaster this season, with three games scoring 27+ fantasy points. However, his recent performance has dipped, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry in the last three weeks and failing to surpass 55 rushing yards in any of those games. The Rams have allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards per attempt and only two rushing touchdowns all season.

Recommendation: Dowdle remains playable in full PPR formats but is closer to a low-end RB2. He may not be the best option for DFS lineups this week.

Running Back: Devin Neal

Neal saw significant snaps due to Alvin Kamaras injury, but his long-term fantasy outlook is limited. New Orleans plans to activate other backs, and Taysom Hill will continue sharing touches. The team has struggled offensively this season, with no RB scoring more than 13 points in a single game. Neal faces a Dolphins defense that has limited top backs since Week 8.

Recommendation: Neal is an RB3 at best, with a low ceiling and floor, making him a risky start.

Wide Receiver: Terry McLaurin

McLaurin returns from a three-week absence and the Washington bye, but he has only scored double-digit points once this season. He faces a tough Broncos secondary and will play with Marcus Mariota. Historically, Denver has suppressed top-tier receivers.

Recommendation: Do not start McLaurin this week. Stash him on the bench if desired.

Wide Receiver: Michael Pittman Jr.

Pittman has been consistent, scoring 11+ points in eight of 11 games. However, against a strong Texans secondary, he may struggle to maintain his high floor. Limited targets and a potential uncomfortable matchup with Daniel Jones under pressure reduce his ceiling.

Recommendation: Play Pittman only in deeper leagues or as a flex. Consider alternatives like WanDale Robinson, Khalil Shakir, or Troy Franklin.

Tight End: Brock Bowers

Though still a starter in most redraft leagues, Bowers recent output has been uneven. In two of his last three games, he has failed to meet elite expectations. He faces a Chargers defense strong against tight ends, limiting his ceiling despite a stable target share.

Recommendation: Start Bowers in redraft leagues but manage expectations and avoid him in DFS lineups this week.

Author's Analysis: Week 13 Fantasy Football Cautionary Picks

The Week 13 fantasy football landscape presents a few potential pitfalls for managers. While some players have been solid contributors all season, others may underperform due to tough matchups or recent trends. Based on current form, here’s a quick dive into the athletes to avoid, especially in DFS and redraft leagues.

Quarterback Sam Darnold: While Darnold may seem like a low-risk option, his recent performances have shown otherwise. Averaging under 10 points in three of his last five games and facing a stiff Vikings defense, Darnold is likely to underperform. If you're in need of a QB, there are better streaming options available this week. Consider sitting him unless you're in a 2QB league or in dire straits.

Running Back Rico Dowdle: Dowdle's recent inconsistency is a red flag. After a few high-scoring games earlier in the season, his rushing yards have been underwhelming, and the Rams' defense has been stifling against running backs. While Dowdle can be used in full PPR formats, his recent struggles make him a risky play in DFS.

Running Back Devin Neal: Despite a heavy workload due to Alvin Kamara's injury, Neal's fantasy outlook remains limited. The Saints’ backfield is crowded, and the Dolphins have been tough on top-tier running backs. This week, Neal should only be considered a low-end RB3, with a low ceiling and floor.

Wide Receiver Terry McLaurin: After returning from injury, McLaurin faces a difficult matchup against the Broncos' defense, which has shut down many top receivers this season. Playing with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota doesn't help his case. McLaurin is better left on the bench this week as a precaution.

Wide Receiver Michael Pittman Jr.: Pittman has been steady this season, but the Texans’ secondary poses a significant challenge. With limited targets and an uncertain quarterback situation, his ceiling is lowered. Consider starting him in deeper leagues but look for alternative flex options if you can.

Tight End Brock Bowers: Bowers has been a steady presence in redraft leagues, but his recent performances have been less than stellar. The Chargers' defense has proven difficult for tight ends, and despite a stable target share, Bowers' upside is capped this week. Start him but temper expectations.

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• Fantasy Football Fades: Brock Bowers, Rico Dowdle among players to consider staying away from in Week 13