Fantasy Football Report: Week 13

By - Tim Swift

Here's everything you need to know heading into Week 13.

1. Cautiously optimistic about Romo.

Photo by: Getty Images

Tony Romo is like a crazy ex that hasn't bothered you in a while, but you know the crazy is coming soon. That's how fantasy owners feel about him week-to-week, because you don't know if he's going to throw 4 picks in a game or throw for 400 yards. Over the last 4 weeks, Romo is averaging 321 yards per game to go along with 7 scores and just 2 interceptions. But, this is the same guy that had a 4 interception game against the Giants and a 5 pick game versus the Bears. The lack of a running attack is putting serious pressure on Romo, who has thrown the ball 112 times the last 2 weeks -- so he could earn you major points just on sheer volume alone. The schedule could also help moving forward, with matchups against the Eagles, Saints, and Redskins in the coming weeks, all of whom have suspect pass defenses.

2. The name is Cecil Shorts III.

Corners all across the NFL are now getting to know the name of Cecil Shorts. The second-year wideout from Mount Union is averaging an absurd 20.8 yards per catch with 6 touchdowns this year. Shorts has gone over 100 yards twice in the last 3 weeks, and is averaging around 20 fantasy points per game over the last 5. The strength of Shorts is his deep play ability, and it seems that he has found serious chemistry with new QB Chad Henne. The 2-9 Jags will probably be trailing in most games, so that should create even more targets for Shorts as we enter the homestretch of the season.

3. Beanie's back.

Beanie Wells had not seen any action since the first month of the season, but he managed 2 scores in his return in Week 12, so it looks like he'll go back to being Arizona's regular starting back. For those who picked up Wells a couple of weeks ago and stashed him, it could be a move that will help you win your league. The lack of depth at the RB position is obvious all over the NFL, and if you can still get Wells, he will help -- especially since he will probably get most of the goal line carries. Just know it won't be a cakewalk for him because of a suspect passing game and matchups with the Bears, 49ers, and Seahawks in the final month.

4. The Texans D is going backwards at the wrong time.

Most of this year, the Texans defense was a sure thing, scoring double-digits 6 times in their first 9 games. But the last 2 weeks have been an absolute disaster. Chad Henne and Matt Stafford lit Houston's defense up to the tune of 795 yards and 6 scores. If you were unfortunate enough to have played the Texans D over the last couple of weeks, they earned you -6 points. This week, they head to Tennessee, and if they give another sub-par effort, it's time to grab a second defense as a backup plan. Remember, there should be at least 10 defenses on the waiver wire every week, and at least one of them should get you positive numbers.

5. Division races could decide fantasy titles.

It happens every single season. Stars sit in Week 16 and 17 in anticipation of the playoffs, and fantasy footballers don't get to use the very guys that got them to that point. New England, Denver, Houston, Baltimore, and Atlanta all have sizeable leads in their divisions, and as we get into December, lots of big time stars will be sitting. If you're in a league that runs to Week 17, be sure to have a couple of backups ready to go just in case. Remember, guys like Matt Flynn and Ben Tate won leagues for many last year with their Week 17 performances.

Solid Week 13 Waiver Wire Pickups:

Chad Henne (QB), Jacquizz Rodgers (RB), T.Y. Hilton (WR), Dustin Keller (TE), Browns D/ST

The Underrated 15 For Week 13:

Quarterbacks:

1. Cam Newton
2. Andy Dalton
3. Matt Schaub

Running Backs:

1. Jonathan Dwyer
2. Ahmad Bradshaw
3. Beanie Wells

Wide Receivers:

1. Kendall Wright
2. T.Y. Hilton
3. Josh Gordon

Tight Ends:

1. Dustin Keller
2. Jermaine Gresham
3. Brandon Pettigrew

Defense/Special Teams

1. Cincinnati
2. Carolina
3. Cleveland

*Catch me on Fantasy Football Live every Sunday morning from 8:00-9:00, and on the Thom Abraham Show every Wednesday afternoon starting at 3:40 for even more Fantasy Football talk on Sports Radio 560 WNSR Nashville.