Darnell Mooney or Tank Dell: Week 13 Fantasy Football Start 'Em Sit 'Em advice and picks

Fantasy football managers choosing between Falcons' Darnell Mooney and Texans' Tank Dell at the wide receiver spot in Week 13 have a decision to make between a solid floor and a high ceiling. With playoff implications on the line, every start matters, and these two receivers present intriguing options for managers looking to gain an edge.

Darnell Mooney's return from a hamstring injury brings some excitement. Despite missing part of Week 11, Mooney leads the Falcons in receiving yards with 711. His full practice Thursday suggests he's ready to take on the Los Angeles Chargers, a matchup that could prove favorable.

Mooney key stats:

• 21.3% overall target share
• 2.09 yards per route run (YPRR)
• Seventh in deep targets among wide receivers

NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Atlanta Falcons - Source: Imagn Dallas Cowboys v Atlanta Falcons - Source: Getty nter caption

Mooney's YPRR is 2.71. This makes him a strong strategic play against the Chargers, who use a 60.8% two-high safety rate.

Consistency makes him an attractive option, especially against a LA secondary that has shown vulnerabilities in recent weeks. The team's defensive performance—ranking 18th in receiving yards per game—creates an opening for Mooney to exploit.

While Mooney offers stability, Dell presents a tantalizing alternative for risk-taking fantasy managers. Since Nico Collins' return, Dell has accumulated 12 targets across two games, indicating a potential uptick in his involvement. His matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars—who rank last in pas defense—adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Mooney's safe bet or Dell's potential explosion

Houston Texans v Dallas Cowboys - Source: Getty

For managers weighing their options, the choice comes down to risk tolerance. Darnell Mooney provides a safer floor with his consistent target share and established role in the Falcons' offense. His projected 13.1 fantasy points in PPR formats—including 4.7 receptions for 62.6 yards—represent a solid, predictable performance.

Dell offers a higher-risk, higher-reward scenario. With a 19% target rate on routes, he has the potential for a breakout game against a weak defense. He could be the difference-maker for managers needing a playoff push. However, he might also be left out if Collins or Joe Mixon become more involved in the game. If the Texans pull away from the Jaguars, the game script might mean less passing and in turn, less targets for Dell.

Start Mooney if you need a reliable WR2 with a proven track record. Consider Dell if your fantasy matchup demands a potential game-breaking performance.