Week 14 is all about two things, the start of the fantasy playoffs and playing the matchups. All the best starts this week have excellent NFL matchups, while the must sits are frequently facing top-five opponents. To avoid an early exit from the postseason, here are the best starts and must sits for Week 14.
Start of the Week Quarterback – Derek Carr vs Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs’ secondary has collapsed this season. They allow the fifth most passing yards per game, and they have allowed opposing quarterbacks to top 20 fantasy points in 50% of their games this season. Carr had over 400 yards passing against the Chiefs earlier in the season. With both his wide receivers back this week, he is due for another big performance against a sloppy Chiefs defense.
Sit of the Week Quarterback – Kirk Cousins vs Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers defense has been one of the best in the NFL at limiting quarterbacks. Their secondary and pass rush is among the best in the league, leading them to be the third best team against quarterbacks this season. The Redskins have too many injuries to overcome. Last week the injuries showed versus the Cowboys. Against a strong erdefense like the Chargers, Kirk Cousins does not have the offensive line or the receiving options to have a good game.
Start of the Week Running Back – Alfred Morris vs New York Giants
Extra rest and a weak opponent make Alfred Morris the start of the week at running back. Morris is coming up a stellar game in Week 13, picking up 127 yards rushing and a touchdown against the Redskins. The Giants’ rushing defense has fallen off in the last five week. The Giants have allowed running backs to top 73 yards or score a TD in the last five weeks. With extra rest and a healthy offensive line, Morris is a great start in Week 14.
Sit of the Week Running Back – DeMarco Murray vs Arizona Cardinals
DeMarco Murray’s time as the lead back in Tennessee could be coming to an end. Derrick Henry is starting to see his role in the Titans offense expand and now Murray is seeing his yards and touches decrease. Murray has not topped 20 carries once this season and his last 100-yard game came back in Week 3. Against a bad rushing defense, it could be possible to start both. However, Arizona is a top-five defense against running backs this season, allowing only 75 rushing yards per game to the position. Murray ceiling is low in Week 14.
Start of the Week Wide Receiver – Josh Gordon vs Green Bay Packers
In his first game in nearly three years, Josh Gordon played surprisingly well, against a strong Los Angeles Chargers defense. He finished the day with four catches for 85 yards. This week, he faces a Green Bay Packers squad allowing the third most fantasy points to wide receivers. Playing at home for the first time since December 2014, Josh Gordon has the chance to go off for a massive game against a bad secondary.
Sit of the Week Wide Receiver – Doug Baldwin vs Seattle Seahawks
Doug Baldwin has the unfavorable task of playing the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road in Week 14. The Jaguars are the best team in fantasy against wide receivers, giving up just over 100 yards per game to the position. Baldwin will often line-up against Jalen Ramsey this week. Ramsey is arguably the best cornerback in the NFL this season. All signs point towards a down game for Baldwin.
Start of the Week Tight End – Austin Seferian-Jenkins vs Denver Broncos
All season long the Denver Broncos have struggled to stop tight ends. The Broncos allow 13.03 yards per reception to tight ends this season, third highest in the NFL. The eight touchdowns they have allowed is tied for third, and the 68.4 yards per game is only better than the New York Giants. Seferian-Jenkins has taken advantage of favorable matchups this season, scoring touchdowns against the Browns and Dolphins (who both rank in the bottom six for fantasy points allowed to tight ends). Look for him to take advantage of the Broncos for a good game on Sunday.
Sit of the Week Tight End – Eric Ebron vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
One of the biggest surprises this season has to be the Buccaneers ranking first against tight ends in fantasy. The Buccaneers have not allowed a touchdown to the position in six straight games. Four time the Bucs have limited to all opposing tight ends in a game to less than 25 receiving yards. Ebron’s production is very dependent on his matchup this season. As this is a very tough matchup, the best strategy is to avoid starting Ebron in Week 14.
Start of the Week Defense – Cincinnati Bengals vs Chicago Bears
Going into Week 14, the Bengals have an excellent matchup against the Chicago Bears. The Bears offense is last in the NFL in yards per game and second last in points per game. The Bears have allowed ten sacks in the over the previous four weeks and 20 sacks in the last seven. The Bengals defense is sixth in the NFL with 34 sacks. The Bears running game is faltering in the latter half of the season. This is leading to more passing plays for the Bears, which are resulting in more sacks and turnovers. The Bengals are a must start in Week 14.
Sit of the Week Defense – Denver Broncos vs New York Jets
The Denver Broncos defense is no longer worth starting in fantasy. The group has one double-digit point performance since Week 2. They are overly reliant on defensive touchdowns to salvage their fantasy performances. They have allowed 35 points or more in three of their last five games. The Jets have topped 27 points in three of their last four games. The Broncos’ season is over and it is time to move on to next year.
Start of the Week Kicker – Stephen Gostkowski vs Miami Dolphins
With Rob Gronkowski suspended in Week 14, the Patriots red zone offense will take a hit. However, this could benefit Gostkowski, as he may see more field goal chances than he would have if Gronkowski were playing. Gostkowski will benefit from kicking in sunny Florida, where the Dolphins are one of the worst teams at limiting field goals.
Sit of the Week Kicker –Nick Rose vs Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are one of the best teams in the NFL against opposing kickers. Only one kicker in the last eight weeks finished with more than nine points. Since the Redskins offense is expected to struggle in Week 14, leaving Nick Rose on the bench is a smart move.
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