Start 'Em Sit 'Em Week 14: Making the Call on Fantasy Football Fringe Starters

By now, you've probably submitted your waiver claims and are ready to set your lineup for the fantasy football playoffs. This is the make-or-break time of year, so you'll have to come out with the optimum lineup to advance to the next round.

Your stud starters are locked in. But what do you do with those fringe players? Fear not, we are here to help. Let's take a look at a few players you should look to get into your lineup and a few who could use a week off.

Start 'Em: Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants

If you have multiple quarterbacks and one of them is Eli Manning, consider giving him the nod. Manning has the good fortune of being able to throw to Odell Beckham Jr., who has the ability to take the top off of a defense at a moment's notice.

In addition, Manning has a favorable matchup this week. The Giants are playing the Miami Dolphins, who rank 21st against opposing fantasy quarterbacks this season in ESPN leagues. Considering the Giants have a pretty woeful pass defense themselves (29th against opposing QBs), this game could turn into a shootout, leading to more opportunities for Manning through the air.

Of course, Manning is always at risk of throwing a two- or three-interception game. But with the Giants in need of a win to stay in the NFC East race, Manning could have a big game Monday night.

Sit 'Em: Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints

Being involved in a high-powered offense usually merits consistent play on a week-to-week basis. And since Mark Ingram is coming off a game in which he netted 79 total yards and a touchdown against a stingy Carolina Panthers defense, it's easy to want him in the lineup next week.

However, Ingram will have his work cut out for him again in Week 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who rank eighth against running backs this season. Divisional road games are always tough, too, and since the Bucs are still hanging around in the playoff conversation, they're likely to come out ready to play.

And by the way, the Bucs haven't allowed a rushing touchdown to a running back since Week 3. Because of that, Ingram is a desperation play at best.

Start 'Em: James White, RB, New England Patriots

As a player who can probably be had on the waiver wire (26.6 percent ownership in ESPN leagues), James White is someone you could sign off waivers and insert directly into your starting lineup.

White is coming off his best game as a pro, and he did most of his damage catching passes out of the backfield. White snagged 10 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. 

With a nice matchup against the Houston Texans—who have surrendered 8.7 yards per catch to running backs this year—the Patriots could keep White heavily involved in the passing game. Considering Tom Brady has few other options on offense right now, he will likely rely on White to move the ball through the air.

Sit 'Em: Tavon Austin, WR, St. Louis Rams

Perhaps the poster child for boom-or-bust potential, Tavon Austin has been more of a "buster" than a "boomer" lately.

While he did rack up 63 yards and a touchdown on the ground in Week 12, Austin hasn't amassed more than 33 receiving yards in a game since Week 8. Austin also has a less-than-ideal matchup against the Detroit Lions, who rank 13th against opposing wideouts.

Austin is also part of one of the worst passing offenses in the league by most statistical measures. Case Keenum will be the starter for the Rams this week, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com, which shouldn't inspire much confidence in Austin's prospects.

Unless Austin is able to break off a long touchdown run, don't expect him to do much damage this week.