Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 14: Debating Difficult Fantasy Football Lineup Decisions
For many fantasy football leagues, Week 14 marks the end of the regular season. A win or a loss could be the difference between a manager making it into their league's playoffs or missing out and heading to the consolation bracket (where nobody wants to end up).
Thirty NFL teams are in action this week, including the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, who faced off on Thursday night in a game that the Pats won 21-18. There will be 12 games on the Sunday slate, followed by a pair of Monday night matchups.
With the conclusion to the fantasy regular season near, here's some start/sit advice for the upcoming Week 14 matchups.
Start 'Em: Zack Moss, RB, Indianapolis Colts
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Jonathan Taylor will be out of action again in Week 14 following thumb surgery, so Zack Moss is set to be the lead running back in the Colts' offense for the second straight game. Last week, Moss didn't capitalize on the opportunity, as the 25-year-old averaged only 2.7 yards per carry (19 attempts for 51 yards) against the Tennessee Titans.
Moss had greater success when he started in place of Taylor earlier in the season, and the Utah product could get back to that form on Sunday, when Indianapolis will go on the road to face the Cincinnati Bengals. It should be a good matchup for Moss, as the Bengals are allowing 133.9 rushing yards per game (sixth most in the NFL).
Fantasy managers should trust Moss, who will likely get plenty of work in a possible win for the Colts. And expect him to get into the end zone for the first time since Week 8.
Sit 'Em: Gus Edwards, RB, Baltimore Ravens
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It's been difficult to trust Ravens running backs of late, as the team is using a three-headed rushing attack on offense. Gus Edwards, Justice Hill and rookie Keaton Mitchell are all staying involved, meaning Baltimore could go with the hot hand at any time.
Edwards had been getting in the end zone quite frequently, scoring nine touchdowns over five games from Weeks 7-11. But the 28-year-old had only eight carries in the Ravens' Week 12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, finishing with only 26 rushing yards and an 11-yard reception.
The Los Angeles Rams are allowing the eighth fewest fantasy points per game to RBs (per NFL.com), so their defense could be tough on Baltimore's ground game on Sunday. Because of that, it might be best to leave Edwards on the bench for managers who have other options.
Start 'Em: Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
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In recent weeks, rookie Rashee Rice has become much more of a factor in the Chiefs' passing attack. The 23-year-old has been targeted 19 times over Kansas City's past two games, notching 16 catches for 171 yards and a touchdown during that span.
Rice set a career high with eight receptions vs. the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12, then matched that total against the Green Bay Packers in Week 13. With the Chiefs taking on the Buffalo Bills in Week 14, it should be another busy day for Rice on Sunday.
Kansas City and Buffalo each has a high-powered offense, and there could be plenty of points from both sides. Rice is a safe play this week, considering Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will likely be airing it out throughout the contest.
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Sit 'Em: Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks
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Tyler Lockett has been on a bit of a cold streak of late, as the Seahawks wide receiver hasn't scored a touchdown in three straight games. Over that span, the 31-year-old hasn't recorded more than five catches or greater than 51 receiving yards in a contest.
It could be tough for Lockett to get back on track in Week 14, as Seattle is going on the road to face the NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers. In Week 12, Lockett had only three catches for 30 yards in the Seahawks' home loss to the Niners.
Seattle isn't likely to have a huge offensive showing this week. So it's best to leave Lockett on the bench in place of a WR with a more favorable matchup.
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