If you are fighting for a playoff spot in your fantasy league this week, every decision matters. Most of these picks are less obvious choices, but they have the potential to save your season.
Quarterback
Start: Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) – Big Ben was surprisingly good against Seattle last week, and I would expect him to continue his great play against the Colts. Indiananapolis has not been bad against pass, but the level of competition hasn’t seemed to matter for Roethlisberger.
Ryan Tannehill (MIA) – The Ravens have been awful against the pass all year, and Tannehill has been pretty good lately. He has thrown 7 touchdowns in three games, and should be able to spread the ball around on Sunday.
Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ) – The Harvard scholar had his best game as a Jet last week, throwing four touchdowns and getting close to 30 fantasy points. The Giants have given up the second most passing yards this year, so Fitz might have two straight great games.
Sit: Phillip Rivers (SD) – Rivers has been great all year, leading the league in completions. However, even the best QB’s have struggled against the number one defense in the league: the Denver Broncos.
Jameis Winston (TB) – The rookie has looked great some weeks, and then looks pretty bad in other games. The Falcons have given up the second fewest points to opposing QB’s, and basically shut down Famous Jameis in their last meeting.
Running Back
Start: C.J. Anderson (DEN) – Anderson finally looked like the back we expected him to be last week, rushing for 150 yards and two scores. This week, he plays the Chargers, who have given up the most points to RBs this year.
David Johnson (ARI) – Johnson has earned the number one RB spot due to injuries to both Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington. He has been an effective third down back all year, and now gets the chance to get action every down.
Javorius Allen (BAL) – Since Justin Forsett was hurt, Allen has amassed two double digit  fantasy performances against solid defenses. The Ravens go up against the Dolphins, who give up the second most rushing yards, on Sunday.
Sit: Melvin Gordon (SD) – Running back committees have recently found success against the Broncos, scoring a touchdown in four of the last four weeks. However, most of the fantasy points has come from receiving yards and scores, which favors Danny Woodhead more than Gordon.
Frank Gore (IND) – The seasoned veteran has been very inconsistent all year, and there is no reason he should start in a terrible matchup against the Steelers. They have only given up three touchdowns to opposing running backs all year, and Gore hasn’t reached the end zone in three weeks.
Wide Receiver
Start: Devante Parker (MIA) – The rookie from Louisville finally caught his first touchdown pass last week, and has a great opportunity to get his second one this week. The Ravens have given up the second most TD to receivers, and Rishard Matthews is out, all the more reason to start Parker.
Anquan Boldin (SF) – Boldin has looked better with Blaine Gabbert and, oddly enough, has exactly 93 yards in the last two games. The Chicago Bears have had injuries and poor play all throughout their secondary. He is also a free agent in almost half of ESPN Fantasy Leagues, so he might be the last pick up you need to make the playoffs.
Brandon LaFell (NE) – LaFell is Brady’s last fully healthy WR, and should be an automatic start. Danny Amendola should play, but is not at full speed. The Eagles have given up an unbelievable 11 touchdowns to opposing receivers this year. Brandon is almost a lock to get his first of the year.
Sit: Stefon Diggs (MIN) – Diggs has fallen off after great games earlier in the year. There is no reason to believe he will turn it around this week against the Seahawks. The Steelers receivers were very good against Seattle last week, but this only gives them more motivation to shut down the Vikings’ passing game.
John Brown (ARI) – Brown has found some success lately after coming back from an injury, but he should not be started in week 13. The Rams defense does not allow too much time for opposing quarterbacks to throw. If anyone does anything good, it will be Larry Fitzgerald, not Brown, running short routes.
Tight End
Start: Scott Chandler (NE) – The 6’7″ Chandler took advantage of his opportunity last week against the Broncos, and should do so again this week. Brady will find the open man, and there aren’t too many men left on the Patriots to throw to. The Eagles have been good against tight ends, but they haven’t played Brady yet.
Sit: Jason Witten (DAL) – Tony Romo is out again, this time for good, and the Cowboys season is essentially over. The Redskins have only given up two touchdowns to TEs this year, so Witten is not in line for a good day.