Deebo Samuel Fantasy Week 13: Injury Update and Outlook

As Week 13 approaches, fantasy football managers are evaluating the latest updates to make the best decisions for their lineups. One player who has been a topic of discussion this week is Deebo Samuel, wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers.

Known for his versatility and explosive playmaking ability, Samuel has had a somewhat unpredictable 2024 season.

This article breaks down his injury status, provides insights on whether he should be started or sat, and offers projections for his fantasy points in the upcoming matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

Deebo Samuel’s Injury Status for Week 13

Heading into Week 13, Deebo Samuel is fully healthy and has not been listed on the injury report. This suggests that barring any unforeseen setbacks, he will be active for the 49ers’ game against the Buffalo Bills.

Although it’s always wise to keep an eye on the latest injury updates, all signs point to Samuel being available this week. Be sure to check back for updates leading up to game time, as last-minute changes can still occur.

MUST READ: NFL TV Coverage Map Week 13: Full Broadcast Schedule for FOX, CBS & More

Should You Start Deebo Samuel in Week 13?

For fantasy managers who rely on Deebo Samuel, Week 13 might be one of those tough decisions. Over the past few years, Samuel’s performance has fluctuated significantly, making it difficult to rank with confidence. Here’s a look at how he’s performed in the past few seasons:

• 2021: Exceeded expectations with a 37.6% production boost
• 2022: Underperformed with a 13.7% production dip
• 2023: Exceeded expectations again, with a 35.2% production boost
• 2024: So far, he’s underperformed by 10.2%

One major factor to consider is Samuel’s decreasing role in the 49ers’ offense.

His rushing opportunities have dropped dramatically since Christian McCaffrey took over the backfield, leaving Samuel with fewer ways to contribute outside of his receiving role. Additionally, Samuel’s target share has been on a downward trend since 2021:

• 2021: 25.5% target share
• 2022: 25.1% target share
• 2023: 23.4% target share
• 2024: 20.5% target share

Despite his reduced involvement, Samuel remains a dangerous playmaker in the open field, and his ability to break tackles makes him a threat in space.

However, the Bills’ defense has been decent at limiting red-zone opportunities, which could make it challenging for Samuel to score touchdowns. While he’s still capable of making explosive plays, it’s safer to view him as a Flex option for Week 13 rather than a must-start WR1 or WR2.

Fantasy Projections for Deebo Samuel in Week 13

Looking at Deebo Samuel’s projections for Week 13, he’s expected to score around 13.8 fantasy points in PPR formats. The breakdown of this projection includes approximately:

• 3.6 receptions
• 56 yards
• 0.3 touchdowns

This projected line reflects his moderate involvement in the 49ers’ passing attack, though his limited target share and scoring opportunities reduce his upside. While he can still deliver a solid fantasy day, his ceiling is capped by the current state of his role within the offense.

Understanding the Buffalo Bills’ Defense

To better assess Deebo Samuel’s potential for Week 13, it’s important to look at the Buffalo Bills’ defense. After a dominant stretch over the past few seasons, the Bills’ defense has dropped out of the top 10 rankings in 2024, but they remain a solid unit overall. Here are some key defensive stats to consider:

• Turnovers: The Bills have been strong at forcing turnovers, ranking second in the league.
• Run Defense: Buffalo continues to excel against the run, which will likely impact Christian McCaffrey’s usage more than Samuel’s.
• Pass Defense: The Bills have been more vulnerable to the pass, making it a possible opportunity for Deebo Samuel to make plays downfield.
• Red-Zone Defense: Despite being vulnerable in some areas, the Bills are solid in the red zone, allowing only 51.3% of red-zone trips to result in touchdowns. This means Samuel may face challenges getting into the end zone.

In summary, the Bills’ defense can be exploited, especially in the passing game, but their red-zone defense could limit the number of scoring opportunities for Deebo Samuel in Week 13.

Conclusion

Week 13 brings a mixed bag for Deebo Samuel and his fantasy football owners.

While Samuel has immense upside thanks to his ability to break tackles and create big plays, his reduced involvement in the offense this season, coupled with the tough matchup against the Buffalo Bills, makes him a bit of a gamble.

For fantasy purposes, he is best considered as a Flex option, where his floor is safer, and the potential for a big game is still there.  Keep an eye on any last-minute injury updates, but unless you have better options, Samuel remains a solid but risky start.

People May Ask

Is Deebo Samuel healthy for Week 13?

Yes, Deebo Samuel is not listed on the injury report and is expected to play in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills, barring any last-minute setbacks.

Should I start Deebo Samuel this week?

Deebo Samuel is best suited as a Flex play this week. While he still has explosive potential, his reduced role in the offense and the Bills’ strong defense make him a riskier option as a top wide receiver.

What are Deebo Samuel’s fantasy projections for Week 13?

Deebo Samuel is projected to score 13.8 fantasy points in PPR formats for Week 13, which includes 3.6 receptions and 56 yards, along with a small chance of scoring a touchdown.

How has Deebo Samuel performed in 2024?

Deebo Samuel’s 2024 season has been a bit disappointing compared to his past performances, with a 10.2% underperformance relative to expectations. His role in the offense has decreased, and his target share is down to 20.5%.

How does the Buffalo Bills defense impact Deebo Samuel?

While the Buffalo Bills have been strong against the run and have a good red-zone defense, they have struggled more against the pass. This presents a potential opportunity for Deebo Samuel, although his scoring chances could be limited in the red zone.

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