Week 14 Fantasy Football Rankings: Looking Ahead to the Best Matchups

With seasons on the line next week, the fantasy football playoffs will surely make for an interesting week.

That being said, fans across the country have to hope their teams put on a solid performance for any shot at winning it all.

And for those with the following players, get excited as they put on the best and most favorable matchups.

Maurice Jones-Drew: RB, Jaguars (vs Buccaneers)

Tampa Bay has the No. 27 and No. 29 ranked pass and rush defenses, respectively. So you know that Jacksonville RB Maurice Jones-Drew is going to have a field day.

MJD is easily the best player on the Jaguars and is one of the best backs in the game, not to mention his versatility. On the year, he has accounted for over almost 1,250 yards, scored five TDs and has a solid defense backing him up.

Here, Jacksonville's defense will shut down a weak Tampa Bay offense and win the field position battle. Therefore, although MJD's total yards won't be very high, you can still count on him scoring at least two TDs.

Plus, for the Jags to win, he needs to produce anyway, so expect Jones-Drew to roll once again.

Ray Rice: RB, Ravens (vs Colts)

The next player on the list goes to Baltimore RB Ray Rice. Last week, Rice gained over 200 rush yards against Cleveland and scored his ninth TD of the year.

This week, the Ravens host the 0-12 Indianapolis Colts, who allow over 380 total yards per game. As for Rice, he'll run through, over and around the Colts No. 30-ranked rush defense for close to 200 yards again.

Baltimore needs him at full force to get that top AFC seed, so don't expect them to let up. In addition, you know the Ravens will play well, as they don't want to be that team who loses to Indianapolis.

Now include the Colts No. 22-ranked pass defense, and Rice will see some targets on screens and check-downs. Any way you slice it, Ray Rice has a spectacular performance.

Calvin Johnson: WR, Lions (vs Vikings)

Just this past week, the Minnesota Vikings gave up 202 passing yards and two TDs to Tim Tebow and the Broncos. And yes, Tebow has been improving under center and with his mechanics, but the Denver passing game is nowhere near on the level of Detroit's.

That said, with the Vikings having the No. 26-ranked pass defense and the Lions ranking No. 5 in passing offense, WR Calvin Johnson will destroy them.

Minnesota may have a good pass rush with DE Jared Allen. However, as long as QB Matthew Stafford has 1.5 to two seconds to let Megatron get down field, no one in the Vikings secondary will match him, even in double coverage.

Surely we have to expect that Stafford will dish the ball elsewhere, and there will be plays designed to use Johnson as a decoy, but when it matters, Calvin's number will be called upon.

Detroit is desperate for a win and Johnson having a great game provides them with the best odds. Therefore, anticipate Megatron putting on one sweet air show in The Motor City.

Cam Newton: QB, Panthers (vs Falcons)

The last time Cam Newton played the Falcons, he had his worst performance this season. In the Georgia Dome, Newton threw three interceptions and failed to throw a TD.

Now, he did run for one, however, being balanced against Atlanta is key, much like the Texans did. At home this time, Carolina must establish some sort of ground game despite the Falcons being ranked No. 3 in rush defense.

As long as Newton doesn't make too many rookie mistakes, he will have an awesome performance. The Falcons pass defense is their weakness, and they don't have much of a pass rush, either.

Cam must be patient, and as long as he doesn't force any throws, the Panthers will be in a shootout. Plus, you know Newton is anxious to redeem himself after such a poor performance against Atlanta the first time.

Also, the Falcons are rather inconsistent in road games compared to playing at home. If Carolina can jump out early, watch out for Newton taking over as the game progresses.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27