“Start, Sit & Seth” is the original column of In-Between Media, bridging feel-good lifestyle advice with redraft fantasy football analysis. Consistently following Seth Woolcock’s journey as a young creator, this series is now in its fifth season. Join him in this edition as he takes the time to slow down during the busiest time of year. He also walks through his start/sit selections for Week 13, including Zonovan Knight, Aaron Rodgers and more.
What I would do to have a conversation with the kid in the Jeff Gordon jacket.
So young but still ready to grow up – I didn’t know how valuable that time was as a little blonde-haired, blue-eyed kid.
But do we ever?
We didn’t realize that the backyard football game we were playing was our last as teenagers. Or that one night in college, smoking darts on the front porch, we might soon have to part ways.
Like too many, I was always racing through life. When I have “X” or when I accomplish “Y,” that’s when I’ll be happy. Sure, I took my time to do more than smell the roses. But I can’t feel that a part of me was always looking forward and another was looking back.
Slow & Steady Staying Present Wins the Race
Being present is an art form. One that has becomes rarer and rarer as days go by. When you have a mind like mine – often filled with racing thoughts – it’s even tougher.
I pose for a picture with my former college roommates, Jack and Trace, at a Penn State tailgate on Oct. 22.
But I don’t want to race anymore. Time won’t stop, but I can do a better job of making myself. Maybe then I can be more appreciative of my prime and the opportunity to build a career and company from the ground up.
There’s no real snap of the fingers to make it easier to live in the now. But I can take steps – beginning now by keeping this week’s column trim.
Instead of searching for someone who has effectively mastered this rare art form of being present, I’ll practice it myself. I’ll try to wrap up shop early, making time for the girl I love, our kitten and friends.
And, of course, fantasy football. Despite my poor showing in some of my favorite annual leagues, I won’t race through the rest of the season. I’ll enjoy what remains of this anything-but-ordinary 2022 fantasy football season, one week at a time.
And as for you, my faithful reader. I know it won’t be easy. But whether you aim to be more present while taking in the sport you love or the life you live, I hope you try to do the same.
After all, we only get to do it once.
Alright, and here we go.
The following start/sit selections are based on stats, trends and film research, reflecting value in Points Per Reception (PPR) Redraft Leagues.
Quarterback I’d Start in Week 13:
Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay): Aaron Rodgers is 23-5 all-time vs. the Bears. He said he’ll be out there on his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” Rodgers is one of the gutsiest players in today’s game, and I expect him not to allow his thumb or ribs injuries to keep him from dismantling the Bears for old times’ sakes.
Though he hasn’t had a ceiling this season, Rodgers was the QB7 in the month before last week’s injury. Plus, he’s looked as good as he has all season Sunday in Philadelphia before getting hurt.
Despite Bears’ rookie head coach, Matt Eberflus, supposedly being a defensive mastermind, the Bears allow exactly 350 total yards per game and the sixth-most points per game. They’ve also allowed the sixth most fantasy points to opposing QBs across the last month – further opening the door for Rodgers.
Quarterback I’d Start in Week 13:
Derek Carr (Las Vegas): Death, taxes and sitting Derek Carr vs. the Chargers. Since 2020, the Raiders’ signal-caller has averaged 11.7 fantasy points in their five matchups. For whatever reason, this division rival has his number – at least in the statistical department.
In addition, Carr remains without two of his best pass-catchers, Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller, further lowering his ceiling. With Josh Jacobs coming off a 40-touch, 300-plus yard game vs. the Seahawks, it’s hard to see the Raiders getting too far away from him. Stay away from Carr this week unless you’re looking for a floor play with little upside.
Running Back I’d Start in Week 13:
Zonovan Knight (New York Jets): It feels right to have a rookie Jets RB back as my start selection again. No, Breece Hall didn’t return. I’m talking about undrafted rookie Zonovan Knight.
With James Robinson a healthy scratch and Michael Carter suffering a low ankle sprain, the North Carolina State product made his pro debut last week. And did he ever. Knight rushed for 69 yards on 14 carries and added three receptions on three targets for 34 yards.
QB Mike White has a trigger-happy history of throwing to RBs. Their opponent, the Minnesota Vikings, has been the sixth-best matchup for RBs over the past month. They’ve allowed six total touchdowns and an average of 56.5 receiving yards per game to the position during that span.
Running Back I’d Sit in Week 13:
Raheem Mostert (Miami): Raheem Mostert logged another limited practice today and is on track to suit up Sunday. Even if he is active for NFL Week 13, he’s on the latter side of my start/sit selections.
Mostert is having a fine season, and I won’t take that away from him. However, he’s now the clear second fiddle to Jeff Wilson Jr., who’s had 50 touches in his three weeks as a Dolphin. While Mostert saw 12 touches his last time out, I expect Wilson to carry the bulk of the work, with Miami having Super Bowl aspirations. I expect Wilson Jr. to shoulder the load in a revenge game for both backs and their head coach, Mike McDaniel.
I don’t want to play the smaller side of a timeshare this week against the 49ers. San Francisco has been the third toughest matchup for RBs over the past month and has allowed just one total TD to them during that span.
Wide Receiver I’d Start in Week 13:
Allen Lazard (Green Bay): Answering listener questions last week, I consistently found myself advising people to continue rolling Christian Watson out on his hot steak. This week, I’m reminding people to stick by Allen Lazard despite an ugly performance last week.
Lazard ran 100 percent of snaps but caught just two of three targets for 24 yards. However, he is healthy, and Rodgers will be out there. And they have the pleasure of taking on the Chicago Bears, who just lost star safety, Eddie Jackson, for the season.
Even with Jackson, the Bears’ defense has been the fifth-friendliest matchup for RBs over the past month. They’ve allowed six touchdowns to the position during that run and an average of 15.7 Yards Per Reception (YPR). This plays in Lazard’s favor being a higher YPR receiver throughout his career.
Wide Receiver I’d Sit in Week 13:
Michael Gallup (Dallas): Things aren’t going Michael Gallup’s way this week. He’s missed two straight practices with an illness and has an incoming tough matchup against Indianapolis.
The Colts’ defense has rose above adversity this past month, holding opposing WRs to the fifth-least PPR points per game. With their premier slot cornerback Kenny Moore seen getting around on a scooter this week, he’s likely out for Sunday. I expect this translates to a sound day for CeeDee Lamb, who’s run 241 slot snaps this season, fourth most amongst WRs. Gallup has run just 23, setting him up for perhaps another quiet day.
If you have a feel-good story that you would like to share for an opportunity to be featured in an upcoming edition of “Start, Sit & Seth,” please reach out.
And for more fantasy football and uplifting content, especially start/sit advice, you can find me on Twitter @Between_SethFF.