Week 13: Deep League Start 'em

As we approach week 13 of the NFL regular season, teams are jockeying for their final positions as the playoffs inch closer. Here are my picks for Week 13 that could have a positive impact on your fantasy team if you are in a deep league and in need of an emergency start.

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF

If someone came up to me and asked if Ryan Fitzpatrick would be worth considering for the starting lineup, I would probably initially laugh and shake my head. But after looking into it a little, the journeyman quarterback may actually be worth starting this Thursday against the New York Jets. In his last start against the Dolphins, Fitzpatrick showed that he is fully capable of playing at the highest level by completing 17-of-26 passes for 246 yards and a touchdown and rushing 7 times for 50 yards and a rushing score. Week 13 the Bills will travel to the Meadowlands and look to carry their momentum forward. The Jets' defense has struggled lately and if the weather is not a factor, there is no reason Fitzpatrick should not duplicate his statistics from last week. Expect another 250 yards and two -- possibly three -- total touchdowns.

QB Matt Leinart, ARI

Believe it or not, Leinart will have a relatively solid game against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday. It looks more and more like starting QB Kurt Warner will miss his second consecutive game after suffering a concussion. Leinart filled in nicely last week, only to have QB Vince Young lead a late 4th quarter comeback. The Minnesota Vikings are one of the most solid defenses in the league, but can be subject to surrendering a lot of passing yards based on the stout run defense doing it's job. If the Cardinals are going to have a chance, Leinart is going to have to rely on WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Expect 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns from Leinart in a losing effort.

RB Chris Brown, ---

As most all fantasy managers know, RB Steve Slaton has had a fumbling problem this season, losing five of his seven fumbles. When the problem was arising, RB Ryan Moats came out of nowhere and scored three touchdowns against a soft Buffalo defense. Fantasy managers treated Moats like a savior, when in reality he did not really pan out. I believe RB Chris Brown will be that running back that "pans out". Brown started the last game against the Indianapolis Colts, and actually scored the game's first touchdown (from inside the 5-yard line). Slaton entered the game on the second play from scrimmage. Look for this trend to continue the rest of the season. Brown may only get 10-12 carries, but 50 all-purpose yards and a goal-line touchdown is not out of the question. For week 13, Brown is projected 6 carries for 25 yards. Look for those numbers to double.

RB Shonn Greene, NYJ

RB Shonn Greene has shown some potential this season, but for the most part he has not been a factor on offense with the exception of the game against the Oakland Raiders a few weeks back. This week, the New York Jets host AFC East rival Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. RB Thomas Jones will get the bulk of the carries, but remember who the Jets are playing. The Bills, the softest run defense in the league. Greene is only projected to gain 30 all-purpose yards, but those projections are a joke. Unless the Jets need Jones' services through the 4th quarter, Greene should enter the game sometime in the second half and should get some nice garbage time. With his speed and elusiveness, Greene could even take one to the house. I am calling for 80 all-purpose yards and a touchdown from the rookie this Thursday night.

WR Davone Bess, MIA

The Miami Dolphins' offense has been forced to adjust with the loss of RB Ronnie Brown. The team still uses an effective wildcat offense, but the loss of Brown has really forced other players to step up. While RB Ricky Williams has already stepped in just fine, players like WR's Davone Bess and Ted Ginn Jr. must do the same. This week the Dolphins host the New England Patriots, who will be looking for a bounce back win. Expect Bess to get his number called on a handful of screen-type plays; something in the 5-catch-for-50-yard range seems likely.