Fantasy Football: Week 13 Quarterback Rankings

MIAMI, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Do you have the guts to bench a proven gunslinger for a streaking fantasy football star?

You might have some tough decisions to make down the stretch as the fantasy football season comes to a close.

Breakout studs like San Francisco 49ers' Colin Kaepernick are proving that you don't have to be a good real-life quarterback to put up solid fantasy stats. Be on the lookout for quarterbacks who have good matchups during the playoffs, for your own purposes and to keep them away from your opponents.

To help you figure out who to sit or start at the position, take a look at my top 20 quarterbacks for Week 13. You can also view my add/drops for the week and more positional rankings in the links below.

TOP SHELF

Drew Brees is my No. 2 quarterback for Week 13. The New Orleans Saints gunslinger gets a matchup against a Detroit Lions secondary allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Brees has accounted for multiple touchdowns in 10 of his 11 starts this season. He has thrown for more than 300 yards and at least three touchdowns in three of his last four games. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan comes in at No. 5 for me this week with a matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are tied for giving up the seventh most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Ryan has formed a bond with Taylor Gabriel as a trustworthy secondary option to Julio Jones and has thrown 10 touchdown passes in his last four games.

SNEAKY PLAYS

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson looked lost in a Week 12 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I think he gets back on track in Week 13 against a Carolina Panthers defense also tied for seventh in fantasy points allowed to the position. Wilson failed to throw a touchdown pass last week, but his 80 rushing yards were an encouraging sign for his health. I expect him to run around on the Panthers, while finding his speedy pass-catchers when plays breakdown. Philip Rivers makes my top 10 this week against a Buccaneers secondary that has allowed 20 touchdown passes. Rivers has thrown multiple touchdown tosses in four consecutive contests.

LONGSHOTS

Buccaneers gunslinger Jameis Winston is a QB1 in deeper leagues for Week 13. Winston battles the San Diego Chargers, a unit allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Winston has thrown for more than 300 yards and/or thrown multiple touchdown passes in every game since his Week 6 bye. Sammy Watkins' return gives a huge boost to Tyrod Taylor's stock. The Buffalo Bills quarterback is worth a look as a streaming option this week against the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Taylor's mobility has helped him score five rushing touchdowns this season.