RandBall's Week 13 Fantasy Football Challenge

Week 13 of the Page 2 Fantasy Football Challenge is upon us. Each week, a guest picker chooses a quarterback, wide receiver and running back. The only players off limits are those selected by the previous week's guest picker. The guest — Aaron Gleeman, who writes about baseball on NBCSports.com and writes about the Twins on AaronGleeman.com — will go head-to-head against Star Tribune writer Michael Rand, who is not allowed to pick anyone projected to score in the top 10 by NFL.com at their respective positions:

QB: Aaron Rodgers, Packers

NFL.com QB projection: No. 1

Matchup: Patriots

Rodgers is third in QB fantasy scoring this season, he doesn't have back-to-back poor games very often, and the Packers will probably need to score a whole bunch of points to beat the Patriots. Plus, my girlfriend has a "Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood" T-shirt with his face on it and I like her a lot.

RB: Le'Veon Bell, Steelers

NFL.com RB projection: No. 9

Bell had 200-plus rushing yards in his last game and the Saints gave up 200-plus rushing yards to the Ravens last week. That was enough to have me bypass DeMarco Murray. Also Le'Veon is a cool name

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WR: Demaryius Thomas, Broncos

NFL.com WR projection: No. 2

Matchup: Chiefs

MICHAEL RAND's WEEK 13 FANTASY PICKS

QB: Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins

NFL.com QB projection: No. 15

Matchup: Jets

The J-E-T-S are an M-E-S-S in almost every facet of the game, but particularly pass defense. Opposing teams are posting a 109.4 passer rating with 27 touchdown passes and three interceptions against the Jets. Tannehill is quietly having a nice fantasy season. I like where this is headed.

NFL.com RB projection: No. 11

Matchup: Patriots

I don't like picking Packers players, but I'm 2-10. Let's be realistic. Lacy is the best running back available to me, and he's been on a pretty good roll. Here's hoping for a couple of 1-yard plunges.

WR: Randall Cobb, Packers

NFL.com WR projection: No. 14

Again, this pains me. But this Patriots/Packers game could very well be a shootout, and I'm hoping Darrelle Revis spends most of his time with Jordy Nelson, leaving Cobb a better chance.

Winner: Wade Anderson — Peyton Manning (28.1), Matt Forte (23.2), Jordy Nelson (6.8). Total: 58.1.

Loser: Michael Rand — Jay Cutler (7.2), Marshawn Lynch (8.2), Michael Crabtree (5.8). Total: 21.2.

Overall standings: Guest pickers 10-2.