Fantasy Football Week 14: Everything You Need to Know for Sunday's Action

The fantasy football postseason is here, at least for leagues with 12 or more teams. Are you ready?

Hopefully, you've already won a bye. If so, feel free to skip ahead to the DFS portion of this column. If you find yourself in a battle to get to the semifinals, though, click through to find this week's rankings, injury updates, sleepers, busts and more.

Week 14 Rankings

Bill Wippert/Associated Press

Check out this week's rankings.

The 100

Rank	Player	Opponent
1	Cam Newton, QB, CAR	vs. Atl
2	Doug Martin, RB, TB	vs. NO
3	LeSean McCoy, RB, BUF	at Phi
4	Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR	vs. Atl
5	Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN	vs. Oak
6	A.J. Green, WR, CIN	vs. Pit
7	Lamar Miller, RB, MIA	vs. NYG
8	Todd Gurley, RB, STL	vs. Det
9	Odell Beckham Jr., WR, NYG	at Mia
10	Thomas Rawls, RB, SEA	at Bal
11	Jarvis Landry, WR, MIA	vs. NYG
12	Charcandrick West, RB, KC	vs. SD
13	Andy Dalton, QB, CIN	vs. Pit
14	Chris Ivory, RB, NYJ	vs. Ten
15	DeAngelo Williams, WR, PIT	at Cin
16	Antonio Brown, WR, PIT	at Cin
17	Matt Forte, RB, CHI	vs. Was
18	Travis Kelce, TE, KC	vs. SD
19	DeAndre Hopkins, WR, HOU	vs. NE
20	Allen Robinson, WR, JAC	vs. Ind
21	Shaun Draughn, RB, SF	at Cle
22	Devonta Freeman, RB, ATL	at Car
23	Mike Evans, WR, TB	vs. NO
24	Russell Wilson, QB, SEA	at Bal
25	T.J. Yeldon, RB, JAC	vs. Ind
26	Greg Olsen, TE, CAR	vs. Atl
27	Brandon Marshall, WR, NYJ	vs. Ten
28	Darren McFadden, RB, DAL	at GB
29	Sammy Watkins, WR, BUF	at Phi
30	Alshon Jeffery, WR, CHI	vs. Was
31	Jeremy Hill, RB, CIN	vs. Pit
32	Julio Jones, WR, ATL	at Car
33	Latavius Murray, RB, OAK	at Den
34	Jeremy Maclin, WR, KC	vs. SD
35	Brandin Cooks, WR, NO	at TB
36	Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT	at Cin
37	Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, TB	vs. NO
38	Ronnie Hillman, RB, DEN	vs. Oak
39	Julius Thomas, TE, JAC	vs. Ind
40	Martavis Bryant, WR, PIT	at Cin
41	Frank Gore, RB, IND	at Jac
42	Eric Decker, WR, NYJ	vs. Ten
43	Javorius Allen, RB, BAL	vs. Sea
44	Calvin Johnson, WR, DET	at Stl
45	Jordan Reed, TE, WAS	at Chi
46	Danny Amendola, WR, NE	at Hou
47	Dez Bryant, WR, DAL	at GB
48	Randall Cobb, WR, GB	vs. Dal
49	Eddie Lacy, RB, GB	vs. Dal
50	T.Y. Hilton, WR, IND	vs. Jac
51	DeMarco Murray, RB, PHI	vs. Buf
52	Doug Baldwin, WR, SEA	at Bal
53	James White, RB, NE	at Hou
54	Emmanuel Sanders, WR, DEN	vs. Oak
55	Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB	vs. Dal
56	Delanie Walker, TE, TEN	vs. NYJ
57	Vincent Jackson, WR, TB	vs. NO
58	Giovani Bernard, RB, CIN	vs. Pit
59	Allen Hurns, WR, JAC	vs. Ind
60	Amari Cooper, WR, OAK	at Den
61	Ben Watson, TE, NO	at TB
62	DeSean Jackson, WR, WAS	at Chi
63	LeGarrette Blount, RB, NE	at Hou
64	Michael Crabtree, WR, OAK	at Den
65	Ameer Abdullah, RB, DET	at Stl
66	Gary Barnidge, TE, CLE	vs. SF
67	DeVante Parker, WR, MIA	vs. NYG
68	Anquan Boldin, WR, SF	at Cle
69	Marvin Jones, WR, CIN	vs. Pit
70	Golden Tate, WR, DET	at Stl
71	C.J. Spiller, RB, NO	at Jac
72	Spencer Ware, RB, KC	vs. SD
73	Stefon Diggs, WR, MIN	at Ari
74	Antonio Gates, TE, SD	at KC
75	Tom Brady, QB, NE	at Hou
76	Tyrod Taylor, QB, BUF	at Phi
77	Donte Moncrief, WR, IND	at Jac
78	Brandon LaFell, WR, NE	at Hou
79	Danny Woodhead, RB, SD	at KC
80	C.J. Anderson, RB, DEN	vs. Oak
81	Blake Bortles, QB, JAC	vs. Ind
82	Jameis Winston, QB, TB	vs. NO
83	Brian Hartline, WR, CLE	vs. SF
84	Jeremy Langford, RB, CHI	at Was
85	Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, TEN	vs. NYJ
86	Scott Chandler, TE, NE	at Hou
87	Kamar Aiken, WR, BAL	vs. Sea
88	Drew Brees, QB, NO	at TB
89	Ryan Mathews, RB, PHI	vs. Buf
90	Ted Ginn, WR, CAR	vs. Atl
91	James Starks, RB, GB	vs. Dal
92	Travis Benjamin, WR, CLE	vs. SF
93	Jordan Matthews, WR, PHI	vs. Buf
94	Richard Rodgers, TE, GB	vs. Dal
95	Theo Riddick, RB, DET	at Atl
96	Ryan Tannehill, QB, MIA	vs. NYG
97	Alfred Morris, RB, WAS	at Chi
98	Jacob Tamme, TE, ATL	vs. Car
99	Davante Adams, WR, GB	vs. Dal
100	James Jones, WR, GB	vs. Dal

Injury Update

Brad Penner/Associated Press

Probables

Quarterbacks

• Matt Hasselbeck, Indianapolis Colts (shoulder): It seems Matt Hasselbeck has crashed back to earth.

Running Backs

• Ryan Mathews, Philadelphia Eagles (concussion/groin): After a few weeks off, Ryan Mathews should be back this week.

Wide Receivers

• Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons (knee): Jones was questionable until the end of the week, so it's good to see him upgraded to probable here. Unfortunately, he checks into The Bates Motel this week as he faces cornerback Josh Norman.
• DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans (hamstring): Hopkins has been rather disappointing the past couple of weeks, perhaps as a result of a balky hamstring. Hopefully, it doesn't slow him down for a third consecutive week.
• Phillip Dorsett, Indianapolis Colts (ankle): After missing the last several weeks, speedy wideout Phillip Dorsett makes his return against the Jacksonville Jaguars. How much he sees the field is a mystery, although Donte Moncrief has done little to state he should keep his job lately.
• Willie Snead, New Orleans Saints (calf): Now that Brandin Cooks has cleared precautionary concussion testing, quarterback Drew Brees should have a full complement of pass-catchers this week.

Tight Ends

• Maxx Williams, Baltimore Ravens (concussion): This would barely rate a mention here except Maxx Williams is in line for a start this week with Crockett Gillmore likely out.
• Charles Clay, Buffalo Bills (knee): Clay had a huge week against the Texans last week, but the Eagles pose a much tougher matchup.
• Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals (neck): It was a pleasant surprise to see Tyler Eifert upgraded to probable.

Risks

Matt Schaub, QB, Baltimore Ravens (shoulder)

We are so close to a Jimmy Clausen start this week. Ironically, that might be worse for anyone starting the Seattle defense—the Schaub-six isn't in play if he is off the field.

But seriously, a Clausen start is a blight on the entire NFL, not just the Ravens offense.

Zach Miller, TE, Chicago Bears (ribs)

It would be a shame if Zach Miller were to miss this week considering he will be the starter from here on out. Martellus Bennett is out for the season, and Miller has had some big games in limited action.

It looks like Miller will play based on the fact he practiced in limited fashion this week, but keep an eye on his status Sunday morning.

Travis Benjamin, WR, Cleveland Browns (shoulder)

Brian Hartline, WR, Cleveland Browns (hip)

Gary Barnidge, TE, Cleveland Browns (ankle)

Johnny Manziel won't be devoid of weaponry this week as all three of these guys are expected to play. Whether Manziel is able to take advantage of said weaponry is another story.

Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions (ankle)

There is a rich history of Calvin Johnson missing practice in the middle of the week with some ailment, only to play Sunday. The problem is he used to be far more successful doing this than he has over the past couple of seasons.

Johnson doesn't have a great matchup either—the Rams have given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season.

Jarvis Landry, WR, Miami Dolphins (knee)

Jarvis Landry has been a regular on the injury report in recent weeks, though it was the offense as a whole that let fantasy owners down last week.

Danny Amendola, WR, New England Patriots (knee)

Scott Chandler, TE, New England Patriots (knee)

The Patriots seem to be back to their obfuscating ways on the injury report. Both Danny Amendola and Scott Chandler made it through last week's game without incident, but they are listed as questionable heading into Week 14. 

They should be just fine.

Doubtful or Out

Karlos Williams, RB, Buffalo Bills (shoulder)

Without Karlos Williams to steal touches this week, LeSean McCoy becomes an even more enticing start this week against his old team.

Stevie Johnson, WR, San Diego Chargers (groin)

Dontrelle Inman, WR, San Diego Chargers (neck)

Soon quarterback Philip Rivers will play in an offense consisting solely of Antonio Gates and a stable of ineffective running backs.

Kendall Wright, WR, Tennessee Titans (ribs)

Kendall Wright's impending absence along with Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis' return spells doom for the Tennessee offense.

Injury updates courtesy of Rotoworld unless otherwise noted.

Sleepers and Busts

Ben Margot/Associated Press

Sleepers

Tim Hightower, RB, New Orleans Saints

Would you believe this is 2015 and Tim Hightower is fantasy-relevant?

Mark Ingram is done for the year, which leaves Hightower and C.J. Spiller to man the backfield. The latter will probably be more coveted given his ever-elusive potential, but Hightower could wind up getting more touches.

Owen Daniels, TE, Denver Broncos

Owen Daniels was the first tight end to post a dud against the Oakland Raiders this season. To that point, others at his position had torched the Raiders to the tune of 18.7 standard points per game (PPG). Daniels scored exactly zero points.

Granted, he was a batted ball away from nabbing a touchdown, and the offense has been a bit better without Peyton Manning at the helm. 

Busts

Michael Crabtree, WR, Oakland Raiders 

He may have a shiny new contract, but Michael Crabtree won't be living up to it this weekend.

It won't be for a lack of effort or ability—it's not his fault the Denver defense is so good. The Broncos have given up exactly one touchdown to wide receivers this season. Oakland amassed eight receptions for 101 yards combined the last time it faced the Broncos defense.

Things aren't going to get much better in Denver this week.

Start 'Em

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With or without Rob Ryan, the New Orleans defense has been awful—especially in recent weeks. Cam Newton just torched that unit for five passing touchdowns a week ago.

Jameis Winston is next in line for a huge game.

Ameer Abdullah, RB, Detroit Lions

Whereas the Rams have been stingy to opposing quarterbacks for much of the year, running backs have had little trouble scoring fantasy points against that defense.

Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Denver Broncos

Fantasy owners may have some frayed nerves thanks to Emmanuel Sanders in recent weeks. With just two double-digit fantasy scores—and just one touchdown—in his past five outings, the speedy wideout has been rather boom-or-bust as of late.

Don't fret, however—the Oakland Raiders and that sieve of a defense are coming to town.

Sanders nabbed nine catches for 111 yards the last time these two teams met, though that was with Peyton Manning throwing the football. Brock Osweiler is no pre-old-age Manning by any stretch of the imagination, but the tallest quarterback in the league has been more effective this season than the future Hall of Famer.

That's good news for Sanders, who should team up with Demaryius Thomas to wreak havoc on the Raiders secondary.

Zach Miller, TE, Chicago Bears 

Martellus Bennett is out for the year, which opens up the door for Zach Miller to become a full-time fantasy stud...if only he can stay healthy.

San Francisco 49ers D/ST

The 49ers defense is a shell of what it once was, but it has been playing better as of late. With Johnny Manziel at the helm on the other side, San Francisco could have a surprising week in the fantasy realm.

Sit 'Em

Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

The Rams defense has gotten a bit softer lately, but it has still given up the fifth-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing quarterbacks on the year.

C.J. Spiller, RB, New Orleans Saints

There is no clarity in the New Orleans backfield now that Mark Ingram is sidelined for the rest of the year. C.J. Spiller is the big name, and he will tempt many fantasy owners heading into the first round of the playoffs.

Amari Cooper, WR, Oakland Raiders

We have already counted the ways this was a bad matchup for Michael Crabtree. All those apply to Amari Cooper.

Charles Clay, TE, Buffalo Bills 

Up until last week the Philadelphia Eagles had given up just two touchdowns on the season. Scott Chandler wound up doing a nice Rob Gronkowski impression and scoring during garbage time, though it wound up being a furious rally that fell short. 

Spearheaded by speedy Kiko Alonso, the Eagles linebacker corps has done a fine job of covering tight ends all year long. That's why they have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy PPG to the position.

Miami Dolphins D/ST

The Schaub-six is no longer in play for the Dolphins, who could be involved in a shootout against the Giants this week.

The DraftKings Scoop

Here is the Week 14 rundown for DraftKings, if you are of that persuasion. 

The Chalk

chalk (n.)—a player considered to be a consensus pick or a “must-start” option for a given DFS contest, especially in cash games.

C.J. Spiller, RB, New Orleans Saints ($3,000)

Just because C.J. Spiller is probably going to be a bust this week doesn't mean other fantasy owners will stay away. At $3,000, the Saints back is going to be enticing, particularly because of his pass-catching ability.

Spiller won't need to do too much to meet value, either—a few catches here, some rushing yardage there and he would get to double digits with some touchdown potential. If he doesn't get there, you will probably be in the same boat as many other fantasy owners.

Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers ($8,900)

Coming off a massive performance on national television during which he ate cornerback Vontae Davis' lunch, Antonio Brown is going to be in the hearts and minds of many fantasy footballers this week. 

The Bengals and Steelers are slated to score a lot of points if Vegas oddsmakers have anything to say about it, and that means plenty of opportunity to score a lot of fantasy points for Brown and others.

Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks ($4,500)

Doug Baldwin has been on a tear in recent weeks. Whether that has anything to do with Jimmy Graham's departure is another conversation, but what does it mean for the wideout's fantasy value going forward?

The fifth-year receiver is getting a ton of targets, and quarterback Russell Wilson is playing out of his mind. The Ravens present a good matchup for the passing game, and Baldwin's price is nice to boot. 

All that adds up to fantasy owners being unable to resist sticking him into lineups this week.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($2,700)

Looking at his near-minimum price, fantasy owners are going to be hard-pressed to keep Austin Seferian-Jenkins out of their lineups this week.

The big tight end saw his first action in half a season against the Falcons last week and posted just three receptions for 31 yards. That only served to keep his price down as he heads toward a matchup against the woeful Saints defense.

LeSean McCoy, RB, Buffalo Bills ($6,100)

Take a walk down narrative street, where the people tell a tale of spiteful vengeance.

LeSean McCoy will hardly be the first player to take on an old team he hates, and many of his predecessors have smoked the competition. The Eagles aren't exactly a defensive juggernaut, and the extra motivation could propel McCoy to his biggest game of the year.

Whatever happens, you will probably share the same fate as many other fantasy owners.

The Cash Plays

cash game (n.)—a contest in which at least 40 percent of the entrants earn a prize. High-floor players are desirable in cash games.

Sammy Watkins, WR, Buffalo Bills ($6,100)

Given his numbers in recent weeks and the matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sammy Watkins is practically a chalk play.

Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($6,200)

Another week, another showing for Doug Martin here.

The artist formerly known as Muscle Hamster has proved to be reliable on a weekly basis, and he gets a nice matchup against the awful New Orleans defense this week. If the Buccaneers get out to a big lead, Martin will tote the ball upwards of 20 times.

As well as he has been playing, Martin will put up some big numbers with that kind of workload.

The Stacks

stack (v.)—rostering two to three players from the same NFL team with the hope that if one player performs extremely well, then the other one to two players will also benefit.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB ($5,200) and Brandon Marshall, WR ($7,600) 

The Titans have given up the fourth-most fantasy PPG to opposing quarterbacks over the past five weeks. Blake Bortles napalmed that pass defense last week, tossing five touchdowns in a losing effort.

Ryan Fitzpatrick and Co. could get roped into a shootout at home, which would be great for the passing game. A fantasy feast is marinating at MetLife Stadium this week, and Brandon Marshall can smell what's coming.

Jameis Winston, QB ($5,500) and Mike Evans, WR ($7,200), Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE ($2,700) or Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($4,200)

Just about any Buccaneer seems to be a great option this week, so why not combine them all into a super stack?

According to Vegas oddsmakers, Tampa Bay is slated to score nearly 28 points this week thanks to that porous New Orleans defense, so there should be plenty to go around.

Russell Wilson, QB ($6,300) and Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks ($4,500)

The Seahawks are on fire offensively, and the Ravens aren't likely to put them out.

Seattle boasts the most robust offense this side of the Arizona Cardinals thanks in large part to the emergence of receiver Doug Baldwin. He could hook up with quarterback Russell Wilson for another big game in Baltimore this week. 

Andy Dalton, QB ($6,600) and A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals ($7,900)

There weren't many fantasy fireworks the last time the Bengals and Steelers met. A 16-10 offensive stinker sunk many battleships that day.

Have no fear, though—Vegas doesn't. These two teams have an over-under set at 50 points and climbing, and it's no wonder—both offenses are firing on all cylinders right now, while the defenses are dinged up or just plain awful.

The latter describes Pittsburgh's pass defense as the Steelers have given up the most fantasy PPG to receivers and fifth-most to quarterbacks over the past five weeks. A.J. Green managed 118 yards and a score in that low-scoring affair last time out; just imagine what he might do in a shootout.

The GPP Plays

GPP (n.)—stands for “Guaranteed Prize Pool.” It is a type of tournament for which the daily fantasy sports site promises a specific prize pool amount to be divided among the winners regardless of entry count.

Allen Hurns, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars ($5,500)

He's coming off an injury, but Allen Hurns could be a huge difference-maker for the Jaguars this week. With the Colts likely focusing their efforts on stopping Allen Robinson, Hurns might be in for another trip to the end zone.

Ryan Mathews, RB, Philadelphia Eagles ($3,400)

DeMarco Murray is practically in the doghouse. Ryan Mathews is coming back from injury. Darren Sproles had a huge game against the Patriots.

What's not to like?

Other than the matchup, Mathews is stepping into a good situation. At $3,400, he makes for a nice GPP option at the very least.

Daily fantasy definitions courtesy of Cracking DraftKings over at FootballGuys.com.

Last-Minute Waiver-Wire Pickups

Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

Tim Hightower, RB, New Orleans Saints

Some opportunistic league-mate might have scooped him up by now after news of Mark Ingram's injury broke, but Tim Hightower could just as easily be available if everyone's attention turned toward C.J. Spiller.

Hightower is going to get touches this week. How effective he will be with those touches is another matter, but he could well outscore his counterpart in that Saints backfield.

Blaine Gabbert, QB, San Francisco 49ers

If you are looking to Blaine Gabbert to save your fantasy season, you might be in trouble. But the 49ers quarterback has been a nice surprise in the fantasy realm after taking over for Colin Kaepernick, and he has a good matchup to boot.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Perhaps half your league has fallen into despair and abandoned the waiver wire altogether. If so, you might find yourself staring at Austin Seferian-Jenkins.

You may have no need for the big tight end on your roster, but he would certainly make for a nice benchwarmer at the very least. If you are looking for a spot starter in desperation this week, you could do far worse than Seferian-Jenkins.

What Other Experts Are Saying

Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images

Matthew Berry loves Blake Bortles in his Love/Hate column over at ESPN.com:

"

Start your studs in the playoffs, they say. And guess what? Blake Bortles is a stud. Yeah, he is. He's got as many 20-plus-point games in ESPN standard scoring as Carson Palmer and Cam Newton. Since Week 5, only Tom Brady has more passing touchdowns than Bortles, whose five 300-yard passing games since then are tied for the most in the NFL. Going against the team that has allowed the most pass plays of 20-plus yards, it's worth noting that no quarterback has more yards via the deep pass than Bortles. Easy top-10 play for me this week.

"

We haven't discussed Eddie Lacy at a, but Yahoo's Brandon Funston likes him this week:

"

Call me crazy, but I'm backing the big lug this week despite his doghouse-aided dud (5 carries, 4 yards) in Week 13, brought about by Lacy missing curfew the night before Thursday's showdown with Detroit. Before that, though, Lacy was forcing his way back into our good graces with back-to-back 100-yard efforts, including a season-best 139 total yards and a TD against Chicago in Week 12. This week, Lacy and head coach Mike McCarthy had a kumbaya moment, talking through their issues. And McCarthy said that Lacy looks "rejuvenated" in practice this week, while also stating that the Green Bay backfield lead is wide open for the taking. Translation: step to the plate, Mr. Lacy, and take advantage of the opportunity. I think he'll do just that against a Dallas defense that has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to the RB position.

"

All fantasy rankings and statistics courtesy of FFToday.com. Snap count data is courtesy of FootballOutsiders.com. Las Vegas odds courtesy of OddsShark.com.