5 breakout fantasy football stars to pick up for Week 13

Key running back injuries, along with a breakout from the Jets’ new starting quarterback, highlight this week’s top fantasy football pickups.

The fantasy football regular season is coming to a close with just two weeks left for most leagues before the playoffs start. Securing the right pickups can be crucial for teams on the bubble, so checking the wire every week to grab the best available players can not only help your team but block your opponents from getting the help they need.

As we do every week (with rostered percentages available based on Yahoo! leagues), let’s break down the top fantasy football pickups available for Week 13. Running backs were a big theme of Week 12 so let’s start with one that may be in for a bigger opportunity in New York.

5. Top Fantasy Football Pickups For Week 13 – New York Jets RB Zonovan Knight

The Jets’ offense exploded after Zach Wilson was benched for Mike White, who unlocked the talented skill position players that had been held back by the struggles of the No. 2 pick in the 2021 draft. One player who could emerge into a bigger role is rookie running back Zonovan “Bam” Knight, who was active Sunday after the team decided to make James Robinson a healthy scratch.

Knight showcased some burst for the Jets in Week 12, rushing 14 times for 69 yards in New York’s 31-10 win over the Chicago Bears. A big reason why Knight’s workload was so hefty was that Michael Carter, the Jets’ starter, suffered an ankle injury in the second half and did not return to the game.

If Carter misses time, that would open up a tremendous opportunity for Knight, who is available in over 99 percent of leagues, to assume a hefty portion of the carries in a run-first offense. There is a risk of Robinson and Ty Johnson, who scored in Week 12, getting involved to create a committee but Knight’s explosiveness makes him a worthy speculative pickup.