**Fantasy Football Week 13: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Decisions and Key Matchups**

As Thanksgiving week rolls around, fantasy football managers face a unique schedule, highlighted by a game on Black Friday. With several games occurring before Sunday, critical decisions must be made early in NFL Week 13, alongside vigilant monitoring of injury updates. For those on the cusp of their fantasy playoffs, making the right calls this week is crucial.

**Early Week 13 Matchups: Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions**

The Chicago Bears, who have lost five straight games, visit the Detroit Lions with no significant injuries on their offensive roster. However, the Lions are dealing with injuries to key wide receivers: Kalif Raymond is on injured reserve, and Amon-Ra St. Brown has been limited in practice with a knee issue. Fantasy managers should consider starting Jahmyr Gibbs, who has been stellar at home, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. In contrast, Jared Goff, though leading a powerful offense, faces a tough Chicago defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season.

**Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants**

The New York Giants are likely to start Tommy DeVito, who is questionable with an arm injury. The Cowboys could be without tight end Jake Ferguson due to a concussion but expect wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to play despite back and foot issues. Rico Dowdle emerges as a strong start given the Giants' poor run defense. Fantasy managers should also consider the Cowboys' defense, which had a standout performance recently and faces a struggling Giants offense.

**Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers**

Star receiver Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins, though nursing a wrist injury, is expected to play. For the Packers, wide receiver Romeo Doubs is in the concussion protocol. In the anticipated cold weather of Green Bay, Josh Jacobs of the Packers could be pivotal in a ground-heavy game against the resilient Miami run defense.

**Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders**

The Raiders face significant injuries, with quarterback Gardner Minshew II out for the season and key players like Zamir White and Alexander Mattison dealing with injuries. The Chiefs, meanwhile, anticipate the return of running back Isiah Pacheco. Patrick Mahomes is set for a rebound game against a Raiders defense that is 10th in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. The Chiefs' defense also stands out as it faces a Raiders offense that has struggled, providing an excellent opportunity for fantasy points.

**Los Angeles Chargers vs. Atlanta Falcons**

The Chargers, missing running back J.K. Dobbins due to a knee injury, may lean more on the passing game with tight end Will Dissly continuing his recent form. On the flip side, Atlanta's Bijan Robinson draws a tough matchup against a strong Chargers run defense.

**Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals**

Both teams are relatively healthy. Fantasy managers should consider starting Russell Wilson, who faces a weak Bengals pass defense, though Najee Harris might struggle against a strong run defense. Pat Freiermuth could be in for a big game given the Bengals' poor record against tight ends.

**Other Key Matches**

The Houston Texans face the Jacksonville Jaguars, with C.J. Stroud looking for a bounce-back game against a Jaguars defense that has been generous to quarterbacks. Indianapolis Colts' Michael Pittman Jr. may benefit from injuries to his fellow wide receivers, making him a valuable start. In the Eagles versus Ravens game, Dallas Goedert might see increased targets if DeVonta Smith remains sidelined.

As fantasy football managers navigate this peculiar schedule, the correct start 'em, sit 'em decisions and staying abreast of injury news will be paramount. With playoff spots on the line, each move could be the difference between a winning and losing week.