Week 13 Fantasy Football: Navigating the Murky Waters with Mooney, Pitts, and the Jakobi Meyers Standard

As the fantasy football season hurtles towards the playoffs, every lineup decision becomes critical. Managers are constantly searching for players who offer a reliable floor or explosive upside. However, not all receiving options are created equal. While athletes like Jakobi Meyers in Las Vegas have often provided moments of solid, if not spectacular, production, the situation for Atlanta Falcons’ pass-catchers Darnell Mooney and Kyle Pitts presents a stark contrast, mired in inconsistency and troubling usage patterns.

Following a recent victory over the New Orleans Saints, both Mooney and Pitts enter Week 13 with significant question marks surrounding their fantasy viability. Despite their potential, the underlying data suggests caution. Let’s break down why these Falcons might be best left on your bench, even as you eye other opportunities on the waiver wire or from your existing roster, perhaps from players with more consistent roles like Meyers.

The Mooney Mirage: A Touchdown-Dependent Trap

Last week, Darnell Mooney rewarded a lucky few fantasy managers with an unexpected 16.4 points. If you were among them, congratulations on a daring escape! However, this seemingly impressive output masks deeply concerning usage patterns that should worry anyone considering him for future weeks.

For three quarters against the Saints, Mooney had accumulated a mere two catches for 25 yards. His fantasy day was entirely salvaged by a single 49-yard post route touchdown from quarterback Kirk Cousins early in the fourth quarter. Without that one explosive play, Mooney would have posted a dismal three fantasy points, extending a streak of single-digit performances. This occurred despite Drake London’s absence, which theoretically should have created more targets.

The notion that Mooney benefits from increased volume when London is sidelined simply isn’t supported by actual game data. He saw a mere three targets against New Orleans. Neither Cousins nor offensive coordinator Zac Robinson have shown any inclination to force-feed Mooney when their WR1 is unavailable. This makes Mooney a highly touchdown-dependent dart throw with an alarmingly low floor, a far cry from the more consistent target shares seen by players with clearer roles.

Kyle Pitts’ Persistent Plight: Talent Unfulfilled

Kyle Pitts, the former fourth-overall pick, was initially targeted heavily by Kirk Cousins against the Saints, receiving five targets on the game’s opening drives. Unfortunately, execution failures continue to plague his season, dooming any chance at fantasy production. Cousins completed 16 of 23 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, but Pitts only managed two catches for 25 yards.

Perhaps most concerning, Pitts also dropped two targets, a recurring issue that has undermined his immense physical tools. His combination of an inability to consistently create separation and unreliable hands creates an impossible situation for fantasy purposes, irrespective of target volume. These struggles aren’t new; Pitts has failed to reach 8.0 fantasy points in four consecutive games. His best outing all season yielded 18 fantasy points, and he’s only exceeded double-digit scoring four times across 11 contests. These numbers reflect a player performing well below his draft capital and physical potential.

While Pitts appears more comfortable with Cousins than with his previous quarterback, increased opportunity means little when execution remains so poor. Managers hoping for a late-season breakout are likely to be disappointed, as his performance profile lacks the consistency seen in top-tier tight ends, or even reliable options at other positions like a well-utilized slot receiver.

Atlanta’s Ground-Centric Game Plan: A Passing Game Purgatory

The Atlanta Falcons’ offensive approach is perhaps the biggest hurdle for their pass-catchers. With Kirk Cousins now fully under center, and following the devastating ACL tear to his former QB, the Falcons have little interest in a pass-heavy attack if they can avoid it. Cousins completed just 16 passes last week in a game Atlanta controlled throughout, relying heavily on their run game featuring Bijan Robinson.

Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has emphasized that Cousins operates best from under center with play-action opportunities, rather than in spread formations designed for high-volume passing. This ground-first identity, paired with game environment factors, works against passing volume expectations for Mooney and Pitts.

Atlanta opened as 2.5-point road favorites against the New York Jets, with a low total sitting at just 39.5 points. The 2-9 Jets possess minimal offensive firepower, making it highly unlikely they’ll force the Falcons into a shootout scenario. This setup reinforces Atlanta’s commitment to their run-first approach, further suppressing opportunities for their receivers and tight ends.

The Week 13 Verdict: Sit Both Mooney and Pitts

Given the confluence of factors – Mooney’s touchdown dependency and low target volume, Pitts’ execution failures and limited scoring upside, and Atlanta’s run-first offensive philosophy – fantasy managers should confidently leave both Darnell Mooney and Kyle Pitts on their benches for Week 13.

Neither player possesses sufficient talent or favorable usage to consistently overcome their challenging offensive environment and usage constraints this week. While searching for sleepers or high-upside plays, it’s often wiser to prioritize players with clearer roles and more consistent target shares, echoing the stability that a player like Jakobi Meyers, when healthy and targeted, can sometimes offer in a dynamic passing game. Look for safer alternatives elsewhere in your lineup.

For More Fantasy Insights:

• Check out official NFL stats for player performance.
• Visit ESPN Fantasy Football for additional start/sit advice.
• Explore player news and updates on the Atlanta Falcons official site.