Go here for this week's Rushing Matchups.
Top 5 Passing Matchups
Philadelphia at Baltimore
The Eagles continue their dominant run behind the dual-threat brilliance of Jalen Hurts. Over the past two months, few quarterbacks have been as efficient, with Hurts completing 71% of his passes for a stellar 9.2 yards per attempt since Week 7. While his recent production has come against a soft schedule of pass defenses, that trend continues this weekend in a highly favorable matchup. Hurts wasn't asked to do much in last week's easy win over the Rams thanks to Saquon Barkley's elite rushing performance, but even in games with unfavorable game scripts, he's consistently shown the ability to create big plays with both his arm and legs. A.J. Brown remains the focal point of Hurts' passing attack, commanding nearly a third of the targets and averaging an elite 13.0 yards per target and 91 yards per game. Brown's role doesn't change much, regardless of DeVonta Smith's availability. Smith missed Week 12 with a hamstring issue and is questionable again this week. If Smith sits, tight end Dallas Goedert could step into an expanded role. Goedert has been quiet since returning from injury but showed his ceiling earlier in the season with a massive Week 3 performance (10 catches, 170 yards) when Brown was limited.
The Ravens' pass defense has shown improvement on paper, holding three of their last four opponents under 225 passing yards. However, the context paints a different picture. Two of those games were against the run-heavy Broncos and Steelers, while last week's win over the Chargers featured several drops and pass interference penalties that masked defensive vulnerabilities. Baltimore's secondary remains a liability, especially when opponents can neutralize their pass rush, which ranks fifth in sacks but only 28th in hurry rate. Top cornerback Marlon Humphrey remains a standout, but the rest of the unit is inconsistent. Brandon Stephens continues to struggle, and rookie Nate Wiggins has been wildly up-and-down. Safety Marcus Williams, once a dependable force, has been benched due to recent poor performance as he was replaced by Ar'Darius Washington. These issues leave Baltimore's defense vulnerable, especially against a deep and explosive Eagles offense. With Hurts playing at an elite level and supported by weapons like Brown, Goedert, and potentially Smith, the Eagles are well-equipped to exploit the Ravens' secondary mismatches and continue their offensive surge.
Houston at Jacksonville
The 2024 season has been challenging for C.J. Stroud, who has yet to take a significant step forward in his sophomore campaign. Through 12 games, he has surpassed 250 passing yards only five times, reflecting inconsistencies both in his play and within the Texans' offense. A key factor has been the instability of his supporting cast, as injuries have sidelined some of his top receiving options at various points. However, there are reasons for optimism heading into Week 13. Nico Collins returned to form last week, catching five passes for 92 yards, including a 56-yard one-on-one deep-ball win. Tank Dell, who had been in a slump for much of the season, also contributed 72 yards, indicating he may be rounding into form. Perhaps most crucially, Stroud should benefit from significantly less defensive pressure this week against the Jaguars. Jacksonville ranks 31st in pressure rate, offering Stroud a reprieve from the constant harassment that has plagued him this year. Many of his mistakes have come under duress, and the lack of pressure should allow him more time to read the field and connect with his talented, though inconsistent, receiving corps. This could help the Texans stabilize their passing attack and take advantage of Jacksonville's weaknesses.
The Jaguars' pass defense has been one of the worst in the league all season and is coming off a disastrous Week 11 performance. Detroit shredded them for 449 yards and four touchdowns on 27-of-33 passing, underscoring their struggles. Jacksonville has allowed an average of 290 passing yards per game, and seven quarterbacks have thrown multiple touchdowns against them. Even in games where opponents haven't needed to throw often, efficiency has remained high. Injuries and underwhelming performances in the secondary have compounded Jacksonville's issues. While Tyson Campbell has returned from injury and played well, rookie Jarrian Jones has been a liability in the slot, and safety Andre Cisco continues to struggle in downfield coverage. Tight ends have especially exploited this group, averaging 18.3 PPR points per game over the last six weeks. This lack of cohesion and depth in the secondary leaves the Jaguars vulnerable, particularly when their pass rush fails to disrupt the quarterback.
LA Rams at New Orleans
The Rams disappointed in their Sunday night loss to the Eagles, with Matthew Stafford delivering a solid stat line but struggling to keep up with the Eagles in the second half due to being sacked five times. Despite the recent stumble, Stafford has been one of the league's most effective passers over the last two months. He had thrown for 260+ yards in five of his previous six games, operating within a relatively high-volume offense that emphasizes getting its playmakers involved. The offense runs through Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, two elite slot receivers who excel at methodically moving the chains. While neither is a true deep threat, Nacua has shown flashes of explosiveness when given the chance. Stafford's production remains somewhat touchdown-dependent as most non-mobile quarterbacks are, but this matchup against the Saints should offer him ample opportunities to find the end zone.
Once a hallmark of the team's success, the Saints' pass defense has fallen into disarray. After finishing 2023 ranked ninth in pass defense, allowing just 222 yards per game, they've plummeted to 29th this year, surrendering 271 yards per game. Opponents have topped 300 yards against this secondary in six of their 11 games, with another posting 279 yards and yet another held back only by garbage time. This defense, clearly in a rebuilding phase under a new coaching staff, has already shed Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore and lost Paulson Adebo for the season. The remaining secondary hasn't held up well. Alontae Taylor, the top cover man still standing, has regressed significantly in 2024, frequently beaten on deep routes. Last month, Ladd McConkey burned him for a 60-yard touchdown, and Jerry Jeudy followed suit last week with an 89-yard score. The slot has been equally problematic, as tight ends like David Njoku (9 catches for 81 yards) and Ja'Tavion Sanders (4 catches for 87 yards) have exploited soft coverage up the seams. This aggressive but undermanned unit takes risks but lacks the talent to recover, making them vulnerable to methodical, high-volume passing attacks like the Rams'.
Arizona at Minnesota
Kyler Murray has evolved into one of the NFL's most unpredictable quarterbacks. In 2024, he has alternated between brilliance and mediocrity, posting four games with a passer rating over 100 and four games under 80. Week 13 offers an enticing opportunity for him to land on the higher end of that spectrum, thanks to a favorable matchup and expected game script. Murray's passing game leans heavily on short, quick throws, but he's beginning to trust rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. to win on deep balls and contested sideline catches. Harrison continues to showcase his elite ability to beat cornerbacks, particularly in the red zone, where he has been a reliable weapon. While Harrison is still acclimating to the NFL, tight end Trey McBride has emerged as a centerpiece of the Cardinals' offense. McBride's 29% target share over the past six weeks is truly elite, and he has averaged 85 receiving yards per game during that span, making him one of fantasy football's most coveted tight ends. Murray's reliance on these two playmakers gives Arizona a chance to exploit the numerous vulnerabilities in the Vikings' pass defense.
The Vikings have managed to string together tough wins, but their pass defense has been a glaring weakness. After starting the season strong, this unit has struggled mightily, allowing six of the last seven regular starting quarterbacks they've faced to post 275+ yards. That list includes established veterans like Jordan Love and Matthew Stafford, but also Will Levis and Caleb Williams, both of whom had their best games of the season against Minnesota over the past two weeks. The Vikings' secondary is in desperate need of reinforcements. Top cornerback Byron Murphy II Jr. has been inconsistent, and veteran Stephon Gilmore, at this stage of his career, is a shadow of the player he once was. Safety Harrison Smith, tasked with patrolling the slot and deep zones, has been a liability at 35 years old, often caught out of position or unable to keep pace. As a result, Minnesota has allowed 11 pass-catchers to surpass 75 yards this season, with seven breaking the 100-yard mark.
Carolina vs Tampa Bay
Bryce Young has shown steady improvement in his second stint as the Panthers' starting quarterback in 2024. After a dismal start to the season that saw him rank among the league's worst passers, Young has elevated his play to a more respectable 6.4 yards per attempt. His Week 12 performance against the Chiefs was arguably his best as a pro, throwing for 263 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers. That marked his second consecutive game without an interception, a small but notable step forward. While the bar remains low for this Panthers offense, Young's improving efficiency and decision-making could translate to meaningful fantasy contributions, particularly against the struggling Buccaneers defense. Wide receivers Xavier Leggette and Adam Thielen are both viable flex options this week, with Leggette offering more upside after hauling in two long passes in Week 12.
The Buccaneers' pass defense, one of the league's weakest units, presents an ideal matchup for Young to continue his upward trend. Tampa Bay benefited from facing Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito in Week 12, but in the six games prior, they allowed five opposing quarterbacks to exceed 270 passing yards and throw multiple touchdowns. The lone exception was Saints backup Spencer Rattler. Despite blitzing at one of the league's highest rates, this defense has consistently failed to disrupt opposing passers. While they generate average pressure and sack numbers, the aggressive scheme often leaves their secondary exposed. Cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum form a decent duo on the perimeter, but they receive little help from the safety group. Antoine Winfield Jr., while a standout in the box, isn't as effective in deep coverage. This lack of support has allowed speedy wide receivers like Darnell Mooney, Rashod Bateman, and Jameson Williams to exploit the Buccaneers for big plays. With Tampa Bay's secondary frequently left on an island, Young and the Panthers' passing game have a prime opportunity to capitalize. If Young can sustain his recent progress, this matchup could significantly boost his numbers and make Leggette a sneaky upside play for Week 13.
Bottom 5 Passing Matchups
Baltimore vs Philadelphia
Lamar Jackson continues to perform at an MVP level, but Week 13 presents his most challenging test of the season. This matchup marks his third consecutive game against an elite pass defense, and recent results show the impact. Over the first 10 weeks, Jackson completed 69% of his passes at an impressive 9.3 yards per attempt. However, those numbers dipped significantly to 58% and 7.0 yards per attempt against the Steelers and Chargers. Top wideout Zay Flowers has also seen a decline, managing just 135 yards over the last three games. While the Ravens' heavy use of three-tight end sets helps maintain their versatility, it limits the upside for Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. Despite these challenges, the Ravens' offense remains dynamic, and none of their key contributors are candidates for the bench. However, the matchup against Philadelphia's suffocating pass defense is daunting, and fantasy managers should temper expectations.
The Eagles have been the league's premier pass defense over the past seven weeks. Opponents are averaging just 5.4 yards per attempt and 168 passing yards per game during this span. No quarterback, including stars like Matthew Stafford, Joe Burrow, or rookie sensation Jayden Daniels, managed to eclipse 250 passing yards against this unit. Philadelphia's success is built on a dominant secondary. Darius Slay Jr. remains a top-tier cover corner, while rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have exceeded expectations. Mitchell, who lines up on the outside, and DeJean, who excels in the slot, have helped neutralize elite receivers. In recent weeks, they've limited CeeDee Lamb (21 yards), Terry McLaurin (10), Brian Thomas Jr. (22), and Ja'Marr Chase (4.9 yards per target) to pedestrian outputs. While the Eagles' pass rush isn't as overwhelming as during their 2023 Super Bowl run, it's still effective, with 33 sacks (eighth in the league) and a knack for converting on third downs. When paired with their dominant coverage unit, the defense doesn't rely heavily on constant pressure to succeed. For Jackson and the Ravens, this matchup demands near-perfect execution against one of the NFL's most suffocating defenses.
Washington vs Tennessee
Jayden Daniels was always likely to regress after his blazing start, and the past few weeks have underscored that reality. Over his first six games, Daniels was electric, completing 75% of his throws at 8.5 yards per attempt. Since then, however, his efficiency has plummeted to 60% and 6.6 yards per attempt, with the increased passing volume failing to offset the decline. He struggled mightily against the elite defenses of the Eagles and Steelers and threw two critical interceptions last week against the Cowboys in a favorable matchup. Mental mistakes and misfires defined his performance, which raise questions for this season whether they will be able to course correct. Daniels has consistently looked uncomfortable under pressure, and his supporting cast doesn't do much to help. Terry McLaurin remains the focal point of the passing game, commanding 22% of the team's targets. While McLaurin is a dynamic weapon, the options behind him—Zach Ertz (20%) and Noah Brown (17%)—lack the explosiveness to elevate the offense.
Despite the 3-8 record, the Titans remain one of the league's best defenses in 2024. They've led the league in pass defense for most of the season, allowing just one quarterback, MVP candidate Josh Allen, to surpass 250 passing yards. This group has been impressively resilient despite losing top offseason acquisition L'Jarius Sneed, who started the season poorly and has been sidelined since Week 6 with a quad injury. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. has stepped up admirably in Sneed's absence, while Darrell Baker Jr. has emerged as a rising star over the past month. It's worth noting that free safety Amani Hooker missed Week 12 due to illness, and his absence was felt against Houston, as Nico Collins and Tank Dell found success downfield. However, Hooker is expected to return this week, further bolstering an already tough secondary. While Tennessee's pass defense isn't entirely impenetrable, it's been extremely difficult for opponents to find consistent success through the air. For Daniels and his limited arsenal, this matchup represents another uphill battle.
Cleveland at Denver
Jameis Winston has brought a degree of stability to the Browns' quarterback position after replacing Deshaun Watson, showcasing his ability to be prolific in spurts. Jameis has thrown for over 300 yards twice in his four starts but failed to top 220 yards in the other two starts. Compared to Watson, who failed to top 200 yards in all seven starts for Cleveland, it is a vast improvement, yet you'll get week-to-week volatility with Winston. Winston's well-documented issues with accuracy and decision-making often lead to head-scratching plays, exacerbated by the Browns' shaky offensive line, which struggles to provide consistent protection. Jerry Jeudy leads the Browns in targets and appears rejuvenated, but he's the only Cleveland receiver averaging more than 7.0 yards per target. While Jeudy is a reliable option, Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman have struggled to generate consistent separation, raising doubts about their ability to produce against Denver's elite secondary. This lack of explosive weaponry compounds the challenge of facing one of the league's best pass defenses.
The Broncos' resurgence has largely been attributed to rookie quarterback Bo Nix, but their defense deserves significant credit. Denver's pass defense ranks among the league's best, allowing just 221 yards per game despite facing a tough slate of quarterbacks. The key to their success has been a dominant pass rush that leads the NFL with 44 sacks. Remarkably, this production comes from a group without traditional star power, featuring Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, Jonathon Cooper, and John Franklin-Myers, who have combined for 27 sacks. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph enhances this unit with a relentless blitzing scheme, the third-highest rate in the league, creating consistent pressure from all angles. This pass rush alleviates pressure on a secondary still finding its footing. Patrick Surtain II remains one of the league's premier cornerbacks, effectively locking down his side of the field. However, Riley Moss and Ja'Quan McMillian have been inconsistent, leaving the unit somewhat vulnerable at times. Even so, with Surtain anchoring the group and the pass rush thriving, Denver's defense has consistently frustrated opposing quarterbacks. Against this relentless unit, it's difficult to envision Winston finding the time or rhythm to consistently move the ball. Denver's ability to generate pressure and shut down passing lanes makes this a tough matchup for the Browns' volatile aerial attack.
Chicago at Detroit
Caleb Williams continues to show progress as he settles into his role, highlighted by a strong performance last week against the Vikings. Williams completed 32 of 47 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns, nearly leading an upset. However, this highly touted "super-offense" is still a work in progress. Prior to last week, Williams had gone four straight games without throwing a touchdown, averaging just 175 yards and 10.4 fantasy points per game. While his breakout game is promising, he'll need to string together multiple solid outings to fully erase the memory of his earlier struggles. Notably, Williams also excelled against the Jaguars before falling into that slump. The receiving trio of DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Keenan Allen remains heavily reliant on Williams' weekly form. None of the three consistently produced during that four-game stretch, with only one surpassing 65 yards in a single game. This week's matchup against the Lions doesn't do them any favors. Detroit's tendency to control games and dominate opponents often disrupts game flow, which could make it difficult for Williams to find his rhythm. Tight end Cole Kmet might emerge as a checkdown option, but beyond that, opportunities for the passing game could be limited.
The Lions' defense, once maligned earlier in the season, has transformed into a formidable unit. While early shootouts skew their season-long numbers, Detroit has allowed the third-fewest passing yards in the league over the last three weeks, behind only the Eagles and 49ers. The loss of Aidan Hutchinson was initially concerning, but the Lions have maintained their defensive intensity due to the acquisition of Za'Darius Smith, ranking third in pressure rate this year thanks to their well-designed scheme. Detroit's secondary, a weakness in 2023, has become a strength. The addition of Carlton Davis has been a game-changer. While not a traditional shadow corner, Davis brings aggression and reliability to his side of the field. On the opposite side, rookie Terrion Arnold has shown flashes of immense potential, and Brian Branch continues to emerge as a versatile playmaker in the slot and deep coverage. This young, aggressive group poses significant challenges for opposing quarterbacks and has become one of the toughest secondaries to face. For Williams and the Bears' offense, this matchup presents a daunting challenge, with Detroit's ability to pressure the quarterback and lock down receivers likely to limit opportunities for big plays.
Buffalo vs San Francisco
Josh Allen remains a must-start in fantasy football, regardless of matchup, thanks to his ability to produce with both his arm and legs. His rushing upside always boosts his floor, but fantasy managers should prepare for a potentially low-volume and low-efficiency week through the air. The Bills are facing a formidable 49ers pass defense, and their run-heavy tendencies suggest they may lean on the ground game more than usual. When Allen does pass, projecting where his production will go is increasingly difficult. The Bills lack a true alpha receiver to rely on, with Amari Cooper primarily serving as a clear-out specialist and seeing just 10 targets over the past three games. Last week, slot receivers Khalil Shakir and Curtis Samuel accounted for 18 of Allen's 38 targets, with Shakir's role heavily focused on short throws—his average depth of target (aDOT) is just 3.6 yards, lower than even some tight ends and running backs. This lack of vertical production limits Allen's passing ceiling and floor, making him more of a mid-range fantasy starter than his usual top-tier option in this matchup. The Bills may be without Dalton Kincaid again this week, but it looks likely that they will get Keon Coleman back from injury. Coleman has missed the last two weeks and would provide a much-needed deep threat, as he is averaging 19 yards per catch.
The 49ers have faced a gauntlet of elite quarterbacks this season, including Patrick Mahomes II, Matthew Stafford, and NFC passing leader Geno Smith (twice). Despite the tough schedule, they've allowed just two quarterbacks to exceed 250 passing yards yearly. One of those performances came from Smith in Week 6, when he threw 52 passes in desperation mode. Overall, San Francisco ranks in the top 10 across most yardage and touchdown metrics and continues to excel at limiting opposing passing games. This defensive success comes despite a handful of absences among their stars. Nick Bosa remains sidelined as he recovers from oblique injuries, but the secondary has held strong. Top cornerback Charvarius Ward is expected to return this week, solidifying a group that has played impressively over the past month. Deommodore Lenoir has emerged as a breakout slot corner, while veteran Isaac Yiadom provides reliable depth. This secondary, combined with San Francisco's disciplined scheme, leaves few exploitable holes for opposing quarterbacks.
