Fantasy Football Week 13 Duds You Shouldn’t Overreact To

Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season delivered more blowouts than closely contested games, creating unusual fantasy football outcomes. While lopsided contests can sometimes produce unexpectedly high point totals for certain players, they can also result in disappointing performances when games are decided early. For fantasy managers, understanding the context behind these duds is critical.

As the fantasy playoffs loom just one week away, it is particularly important not to overreact to one poor showing from superstar players. A single underwhelming performance does not define the trajectory of a season.

Several high-profile players fell short in Week 13, leaving fantasy managers scratching their heads. But digging into the reasons behind those results reveals that most are situational rather than reflective of long-term issues.

Below, we examine three notable Week 13 fantasy duds and explain why they should not cause panic heading into the final stretch of the season.

1. JSN’s Quiet Game Was a Product of Game Script

On paper, Jaxon Smith-Njigba appeared primed for a big outing against the Minnesota Vikings. Seattle cruised to a 26-0 victory, and fantasy managers might have expected ample offensive opportunities for the wide receiver. Instead, JSN managed only two receptions for 23 yards. The disappointing stat line was less about his talent or the quarterback situation and more about the unique game script of a blowout. The Seahawks’ defense dominated, forcing one fumble and four interceptions, including a pick-six. Those defensive scores, combined with four field goals, accounted for most of Seattle’s points. The offense simply didn’t need to generate much yardage. Fortunately for fantasy managers, JSN has a favorable matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14. This appears to be an isolated anomaly rather than a trend, making him a safe play heading into the playoffs.

2. Matthew Stafford’s Fluke Performance Against Carolina

Matthew Stafford has been a frontrunner for NFL MVP in 2025, ranking among the league’s best with 3,073 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. He has been a reliable fantasy option all season. Yet Week 13 saw Stafford uncharacteristically throw two interceptions against the Panthers, including a pick-six, leading to an unexpected Rams loss. This performance stands out because it is not reflective of his overall season-long excellence. Looking at the matchup objectively, Carolina’s victory was a statistical outlier. If this game were played multiple times, Stafford would likely have prevailed in most scenarios. With matchups against the Cardinals in Week 14 and the Lions in the first week of the fantasy playoffs, Stafford remains a top-tier starting quarterback. Fantasy managers can approach him with confidence, knowing this week’s performance was an exception.

3. David Montgomery and the Lions’ Offensive Limitations

David Montgomery has been a consistent fantasy producer for Detroit, but the Green Bay Packers have repeatedly limited his impact this season. In Week 13, Montgomery posted modest numbers with 20 carries for 68 yards and three receptions for 18 yards. While the running back did not produce any explosive plays, he remained a central part of the Lions’ game plan. His workload ensures a solid floor, particularly in PPR formats where receptions add value. Montgomery’s talent and role in the offense make him a reliable fantasy option, even in challenging matchups. His ability to score from anywhere on the field gives him high upside despite limited statistical output in individual games. Detroit’s upcoming fantasy playoff schedule, which includes matchups against the Rams, Steelers, and Vikings, positions Montgomery as a must-start. Managers can trust him to contribute consistently and potentially deliver game-changing plays.