Week 14 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Fantasy Football Stars to Play and Bench
Week 14 is already upon us, which means the final week of NFL byes, and in many fantasy leagues, the final week before the postseason.
It is, obviously, a critical week for managers looking to make that final playoff push. Relying on top stars, however, may not be an option for all, as six teams will be on bye this week. Some of the fantasy stars who will be in action won't have the most favorable of matchups.
Here, you'll find a look at some of the tougher matchups of Week 14, along with start/sit recommendations based on past production and projected roles.
All picks and analysis are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.
Start: Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers
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Unlike last week, there will only be one early-week game, but it's a good one. The 9-3 Green Bay Packers will visit the 11-1 Detroit Lions on Thursday night.
Packers running back Josh Jacobs has remained a fairly consistent fantasy option this season, but he faces a tough defensive front in a very hostile environment. The Lions have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.
However, there are a couple of reasons to trust Jacobs here. One is his receiving value. Jacobs is a capable dual-threat, and while he isn't heavily targeted every week, Green Bay knows how to deploy him as a pass-catcher.
The 26-year-old only rushed for 43 yards in Week 13, but he added another 74 yards on four receptions.
Secondly, the Lions recently lost standout linebacker Alex Anzalone to a broken forearm, so Jacobs may find a bit more running room than other backs have this season—and he tallied 95 rushing yards in his last meeting with Detroit.
Sit: Gus Edwards, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
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Calling Gus Edwards a fantasy star might be a bit of a stretch, but he was a popular waiver-wire pickup after the Los Angeles Chargers placed J.K. Dobbins on injured reserve.
Dobbins, after all, had become a high-volume, dual-threat back and a fairly reliable weekly starter.
However, Edwards simply doesn't carry the same value. Los Angeles moved to more of a committee approach in Week 13, and Edwards didn't exactly maximize his opportunities. He did average 5.3 yards per carry, but he only ran the ball six times. His lone reception went for a single yard.
According to Pro Football Reference, Edwards played just 52 percent of the offensive snaps against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13.
With Kimani Vidal and Haasan Haskins in the backfield rotation, it's impossible to trust Edwards to deliver in any matchup. This week could be a struggle for all Chargers backs, as L.A. will visit the Kansas City Chiefs, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024.
Start: Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
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Last Sunday night, the Buffalo Bills flat-out embarrassed the San Francisco 49ers. This week, they'll get to battle another NFC West team, the Los Angeles Rams.
Buffalo is cruising, but the Rams are simply struggling to stay in the playoff hunt. This shouldn't be a trap game for the Bills, though, as they are firmly focused on claiming the AFC's No. 1 seed.
It could end up being a rough night for several Rams stars, but we're inclined to trust No. 1 wideout Puka Nacua. Buffalo has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers, but Nacua's target share should allow him to overcome.
The Rams faced a similarly tough matchup a few weeks ago when they hosted the Miami Dolphins, who have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers. Nacua still caught nine passes for 98 yards on 14 targets—and that was a low-scoring game.
Buffalo's offense is potent enough to keep Matthew Stafford and the Rams chasing throughout Sunday's game. Nacua should see double-digit targets again, and his PPR floor is too high to ignore.
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Sit: Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers
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Speaking of the 49ers, they're set to host the Chicago Bears in a matchup that is suddenly less than ideal. Chicago has found an offensive spark since the firing of coordinator Shane Waldron, and it could find a similar boost from the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus.
This is also a tough matchup for 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who simply hasn't produced consistently in fantasy this season. The Bears have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers, and they may be primed to put extra focus on defending the pass.
San Francisco placed running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason on injured reserve this week.
Samuel may have some low-end flex value in standard leagues because he may see some usage in the 49ers' backfield. However, Jauan Jennings has emerged as Brock Purdy's favorite wideout in recent weeks, so Samuel's PPR floor is limited.
Though he still carries name recognition in fantasy, Samuel isn't the dependable star he once was. He hasn't topped 21 scrimmage yards in any of his last three games, and he hasn't found the end zone since early October.
*Fantasy scoring information via FantasyPros.
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