NFL Week 13 Optimal Flex Plays: DJ Moore has been brought back to life in the Bears’ new offense

At this point in the season, you can’t get too sweet (unless you’ve secured the No. 1 seed), but at the same time you have to take some risks and take a chance (if you haven’t). has secured this spot in the playoffs). Last week was about attracting solid players to your FLEX spot who you selected later in drafts but who exceeded their expectations. That was the case last week for players in this column like Bucky Irving (RB3), Kareem Hunt, Rachaad White (both tied for RB16), Courtland Sutton (WR2) and Ladd McConkey (WR20). Neither Josh Downs nor Austin Ekeler finished their games, but things didn’t look good for the latter in either case. This week is crucial as we have three Thursday games and we want you to enjoy your Thanksgiving with plenty of fantasy points. Let’s see what we have.

DJ Moore, WR, Bears at Lions

Since the Bears offense was freed from Shane Waldron’s shackles, Moore has caught all 14 of his targets for 168 yards and a touchdown in his last two games. In Week 12, he posted his best statistical performance (7-106-1, WR4) since Week 5 (8-105-2, WR6). The Bears made a concerted effort to get Moore to the ball through high-percentage throws, even giving him a carry (which he ran for 13 yards) in Week 12 against the Vikings. On paper and in the grand scheme of things, the matchup against the Lions in Week 13 is tough, but they just missed a WR16 day against Michael Pittman Jr., his best of the season. Expect Moore to get a lot of looks as the Bears are 10-point underdogs.

Rico Dowdle, RB, Cowboys vs. Giants

In Week 12 against the Commanders, Dowdle had his biggest field game (19-86-0) since Week 5 when he ran for 87 yards on 20 carries against the Steelers. Mike McCarthy let it be known a few weeks ago that Dowdle was undoubtedly the guy, and it showed. He’ll get a nice matchup on Thanksgiving Day against the Giants, a team that let Bucky Irving run wild (19 touchdowns for 151 yards) and even had Rachaad White contribute 11.7 fantasy points. The Giants are down at worst, while the Cowboys are firing on all cylinders after beating the Commanders in Week 12. Get Dowdle in your lineup as long as he has a good match.

Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Colts at Patriots

Well, what do you know? Another fantasy receiver from a quarterback who supposedly can’t throw the football well enough (wink wink). Listen, the reality is that the Colts will likely be without their top receiver Josh Downs in Week 13 and Pittman will benefit the most (unless the Colts get wise and start feeding Adonai Mitchell). In Week 12, Pittman had his best performance since Week 4, catching 6 of 7 targets for 96 yards and finishing as the WR16. In a Colts/Patriots matchup where these teams combined for 21 points in Week 12, the over/under of 42.5 is actually respectable. Pittman should once again slot into the Colts’ WR1 with no downs.

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Rachaad White, RB, Buccaneers at Panthers

I feel like bringing Bucky Irving here again might be cheating after last week’s game (as you can see his numbers above). That said, yes, you start him against the Panthers. However, I like White in this spot and he too will have a chance to reach the end zone for the third straight time. Despite only managing 37% of running back contacts (compared to Irving’s 52.7%), White was still able to finish as a top-20 back. The Panthers played well against the Chiefs despite a loss, but that didn’t stop Kareem Hunt from racking up 87 yards from scrimmage on 19 touches. There will be a lot to come from this Bucs running back duo.

Taysom Hill, TE, Saints vs. Rams

While the Saints had a bye in Week 12, we haven’t forgotten how Hill set the football world on fire by rushing for 188 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 15 touchdowns. The best thing about that game against the Browns was that he scored ten goals, leading the team by far in that category. He will continue to be used in the same manner while Chris Olave is out. It’s worth noting that the Rams’ defense ranks in the bottom eight against running backs and receivers And Tight ends when it comes to allowing the most fantasy points per game. These are all the positions Hill will play (with some quarterbacking) in the Saints’ offense. Hill will do it again.

Khalil Shakir, WR, Bills vs. 49ers

I’ll save the best for last, Football on Sunday evenings on NBC and Peacock. Even with the bye week, Shakir ranks in the top 15 in receptions with 56. He’s coming off a game against the Chiefs in Week 11 where he scored 30% of Josh Allen’s goals (12) despite Amari Cooper being back in the lineup. In his last four games, Shakir averaged 9.5 goals, 7.2 receptions and 71.2 yards per game. You will take this. Everyone trusts Shakir most in the passing game, and they will face a 49ers defense that has allowed either a 100-yard receiver or a receiving touchdown in each of their last four games. Regardless of the match, Shakir will, as always, play an important role.

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