Week 13 — a bringer of many different scenarios for the fantasy kin. Some owners are sitting pretty up on a pedestal with a clinched playoff berth, and perhaps even a bye, in their back pockets. Others, sharing a similar fate to Life Alert’s poor Ms. Fletcher, have fallen and they simply cannot get up.

But for others still, the remainder of their seasons hangs in the balance of Week 13. With the majority of postseason action starting up next week, it’s either win or go home for many owners. Given the stress of such a high-pressured environment, managers lacking cojones often stick with a ”what’s gotten me here so far” approach, even in the face of difficult matchups, only to succumb to a seventh-place finish.

Don’t let this happen to you. Play the matchup card and reap the benefits. For some owners, like those with Michael Vick facing Houston, or Adrian Peterson (if he plays, and it sounds like he will) against Buffalo, this is easy. But for others, benching a rock in your lineup for a lesser name can be a tough pill to swallow.

Now, I’m not suggesting you bench the elite performers — they generally find a way to produce regardless of who they’re lined up against. But if you’re not sure on a player and have another option on the bench or waivers, it might be time to roll the dice. And even if you’ve clinched or have no shot, revel in the feeling of knocking out an opposing foe. Below are some guys I believe could be that wild card to lead your team to the most glorious time of the year: fantasy playoffs.

QUARTERBACKS

Matt Cassel (Chiefs) vs. Broncos

After spending the majority of his college and pro football career riding the pine, Cassel finally received a full-time job with the Chiefs last season. Though his first year with the Chiefs was forgettable, Cassel’s second year couldn’t be better. Now that he’s fully adapted to the nuances of Charlie Weis‘ creative offense, Cassel has been arguably the hottest signal caller in the league. In his past seven games, the former USC backup has thrown for an insane 18:1 touchdown to interception ratio in his last seven contests, good for a 112.2 quarterback ranking — the best in the league over that span. Cassel’s ensuing fantasy production was equally impressive, as his 24.5 points per game trail only Vick.

Despite the bench being a thing of the past for Cassel in real life, he still inexplicably remains planted there in numerous leagues. Doing so this week against a weak Broncos defense would be a huge mistake. Over the past five weeks, Denver has surrendered 301.5 ypg, and a 12:1 touchdown to interception ratio through the air — good for nearly 29 points a game. Moreover, in the teams’ last meeting, Cassel posted an amazing fantasy day with  an absurd, career-high 469 yards and four touchdowns. Though those totals would be near impossible to repeat, a 250-yard, three-touchdown effort isn’t hard to see. Don’t hassle the Cassel, get him in your lineup!

Sam Bradford (Rams) at Cardinals

A severely limited cast hasn’t been able to slow down Bradford in his last four games. Despite throwing to household names such as Michael Hoomanawanui, Billy Bajema and Danario Alexander, the rookie quarterback has thrown for 245.8 yards per game and an 8:1 touchdown to interception ratio. He hasn’t posted under 15 fantasy points in that span, and is coming off his best outing as a pro (308 yards and three TDs against the Broncos). Imagine what this kid could do with some legitimate weapons around him. Plus, a date with the 25th-ranked Cardinals pass defense this week should only allow him to add to those totals. Granted, Arizona is even worse against the run and Steven Jackson will likely be the focal point of the game plan. But another multi-TD effort shouldn’t be hard for the Oklahoma product to reach.

Others to consider: Hate to say it, but Mark Sanchez (Jets) at Patriots, Josh Freeman (Bucs) vs. Falcons, Kerry Collins (Titans) vs. Jaguars

RUNNING BACKS

Felix Jones (Cowboys) at Colts

Under new head coach Jason Garrett, Jones has experienced a fairly significant workload increase, averaging 112 total yards and 17 touches per game over the past three weeks. His role and production should only increase further now that the plodding Marion Barber should be out of his way for at least a week or two. Jones has been a tease for the majority of this season and his career, with occasional  flashes of brilliance being severely outweighed by mostly subpar efforts. But a full workload against the 29th-ranked Colts run defense should lead to one of those explosive games for the back out of Arkansas. Backs have averaged 4.9 yards per carry and 156.2 total yards per game and scored 12 touchdowns against the Colts, equal to the eighth-most fantasy points allowed and complementary to Jones’ versatile strengths. Tashard Choice will likely steal 10-15 touches and looks at the goal line, but Jones should still see the bulk of touches which should allow him to bust off at least one long gainer.

Jonathan Stewart (Panthers) at Seahawks

Anyone who spent an early round pick on the Stew has largely been burnt. But if you’ve stuck it out with him this long, at least give him one last chance to make it up to you. Against the abominable Seahawks, he surely won’t disappoint. Yes, his inconsistent health and stagnant offense have been boons, as has his surprisingly bad offensive line. But last week, Stewart finally looked to be fully healthy, rumbling for 98 yards on 12 carries — good enough for 8.2 yards a pop. His line also did an admirable job creating space, highlighted by a 31-yard scamper. If that wasn’t enough to earn Stewart’s forgiveness, then a date with the Seahawks should put you over the edge.  In the past five games, only the Cardinals have been worst against the run, as Seattle has given up a ridiculous 5.0 yards per carry, 219 total yards per game and seven touchdowns. With his IR backfield mate DeAngelo Williams set to be a free agent, Carolina will likely load up Stewart’s plate to see if he can take over. The bulldozing back came up huge late last year, and eclipsing the century mark and finding the end zone shouldn’t be a problem for him come Sunday. Expect the clutch once again.

Others to consider: Thomas Jones (Chiefs) vs. Broncos, Brandon Jacobs (Giants) vs. Redskins, Tashard Choice (Cowboys) at Colts, Mike Goodson (Panthers) at Seahawks

Note: If Peterson can’t go, Toby Gerhart (Vikings) vs. Bills becomes a high-end RB2 and better play than any listed above.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Jason Avant (Eagles) vs. Texans

Don’t let last week’s shutout against the Titans fool you. That was just Rusty being Rusty. Very Rusty. As has been discussed here and at least a few other times on the site, the Texans secondary is still horrificly terrible. Coming to town is the Vick Express, and Avant should just be one of many to ride his gravy train. Last week, the veteran displayed his sticky-hands, catching everything in his radius en route to his best performance since Week 10 of last year (eight catches for 83 yards). Though Houston consistently gets beat over the top, they Texans likely will play deep to stop the explosive combo of DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, giving Avant plenty of room to work underneath. When in doubt, bet against Houston’s secondary. It will only let you down if you’re name is Rusty.

Johnny Knox (Bears) at Detroit

Though Knox hasn’t been the sure-fire, fantasy sleeper of the year in Mike Martz‘s system that many experts forecasted, he hasn’t been exactly terrible, either. The speedy second-year receiver has posted 740 yards, exactly double of Devin Hester, the Bears second leading ball catcher. Plus, his 18.5 yards per catch show he’s been doing just fine in Martz’s deep strike system. Lately, he’s been especially useful in PPR leagues, nabbing at least five balls in four of his last six games. The end zone is the only place Knox’s game has really lacked this season, but a match up the Lions could change all that. As Tom Brady showed on Thanksgiving, this secondary can be carved up more easily than a hot turkey. Detroit has surrendered a whopping 14 70-yard efforts and 14 touchdowns to wide receivers on the season, equal to the 11th-most fantasy points allowed. Knox should easily add to those totals come Sunday.

Others to consider: Danario Alexander (Rams) at Cardinals, Austin Collie (Colts) vs. Cowboys (if he does not play, roll with Blair White), Randy Moss (Titans) vs. Jacksonville