Week 14 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Decisions for Fantasy Football Fringe Starters

Week 14 is likely to be a pivotal one for many fantasy football managers. The playoffs have already started in some larger leagues, and playoff spots will be on the line in several more.

Unfortunately, not all top-tier stars will be available. The injury bug isn't taking off for the postseason, and there's still one last round of byes to navigate.

The Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers will be off this week.

Here, you'll find some of the best and worst matchups of Week 14, along with some start/sit advice for fringe starters in point-per-reception (PPR) leagues.

Start: RJ Harvey, RB, Denver Broncos

AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough

The Denver Broncos allowed veteran J.K. Dobbins to lead their backfield for most of the early season. However, Dobbins is expected to miss the rest of the regular season with a Lisfranc injury, which should create some high-volume opportunities for rookie RJ Harvey.

After getting just eight fantasy points in his first start after Dobbins' injury, Harvey racked up 21.2 points against the Washington Commanders. He did benefit from two touchdowns, but he also had a strong role with 13 carries and three receptions.

Harvey should see a similar workload this week against a struggling Las Vegas Raiders defense. The Raiders have surrendered the 12th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

Other fringe starters to consider this week include:

Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns

Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks

Woody Marks, Houston Texans

Sit: Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Tony Pollard spent most of last season as a reliable flex starter, but he's struggled in a disastrous Tennessee Titans offense this year. The return of Tyjae Spears has further tanked Pollard's value and he's now only worth consideration in the most favorable of matchups.

Pollard hasn't reached double-digit fantasy points since Week 7, and he fell short of six points in two of his last three games.

This week, Pollard and the Titans will face a tough Cleveland Browns defense. While Cleveland has been susceptible to some high-end backs, it has also surrendered the eighth-fewest fantasy points to the RB position overall.

Other fringe backs to avoid this week include:

Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys

Zonovan Knight, Arizona Cardinals

Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs

Start: Jakobi Meyers, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

The Jacksonville Jaguars acquired wide receiver Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders at the trade deadline. The 29-year-old has seen growing production every week since.

Mayers tallied 11.4 fantasy points in his second game with Jacksonville, 15 points in his third and 21.3 points this past week. He's established himself as one of Trevor Lawrence's top targets, and he could have a big outing against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts and Jags are set to battle for the top spot in the AFC South, and the Indy defense has been susceptible to opposing receivers. The Colts have surrendered the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing WRs.

Other fringe receivers to consider this week include:

Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions

Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers

Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens

Sit: John Metchie III, WR, New York Jets

AP Photo/Nick Wass

The New York Jets added John Metchie III in a deadline trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. While the acquisition didn't generate a ton of attention at the time, it's looking like a smart pickup for the Jets.

Following a quiet Jets debut, Metchie tallied 13.5 fantasy points in Game 2 and 18.5 points in Game 3. However, he fell back last week, finishing with just 5.7 points.

Metchie isn't likely to establish himself as New York's new go-to target, even with Garrett Wilson sidelined. He can be avoided this week against the Miami Dolphins, who have surrendered the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.

Other fringe receivers to avoid include:

Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders

Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills

Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons

*Fantasy scoring information from FantasyPros.