NFL Week 14 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Santana Moss and Others To Start

With the fantasy football playoffs coming up this week in most leagues, deciding which players to start/sit can become increasingly difficult for those in the postseason.

Obviously everyone has their studs to start and notable backups to sit, however, there are players on the fence that can be the difference between moving on and the season ending.

That said, here are four players to start in Week 14.

Santana Moss: WR, Redskins (vs. Patriots)

Redskins WR Santana Moss is a tough start, but if you need to put someone in the No. 3 WR or flex position, he's not a bad idea.

On the year Moss may only have 34 receptions for 372 yards and two TDs, but if Washington wants any shot at upsetting the Patriots at home, he needs to be a part of their game plan.

As we all know, New England has the NFL's worst pass defense and will give up yards to any offense, regardless of how ineffective they've been. The Redskins, however, have shown signs of brilliance this season and need that even more this week.

For one, it's without question that the Pats will shred the Redskins defense. If the far less prolific offenses can move the ball against Washington, so will New England.

That's where the Redskins offense comes into play. Moss may be a possession WR, but he's the most experienced and reliable target for Rex Grossman.

New England isn't going to double-team him and they don't have a good pass rush either. Grossman will have enough time to be patient and throw so Moss will see numerous targets.

And with the Pats stiffening up when their backs are near the goal line, look for Moss to be sitting in the zone across the middle (right behind and in between the LBs), as that's where New England's been the most susceptible.

Jake Ballard: TE, Giants (at Cowboys)

Jake Ballard has come on strong this season for the New York Giants and their No. 4-ranked passing offense. Along with Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, Ballard has played an important role in keeping the Giants offense effective.

That said, he has compiled 537 yards on 33 receptions and scored three times. So, although the numbers aren't big, he has been reliable.

Against the Cowboys this week in Dallas, Ballard will be especially important because of Big D's pass rush.

You can expect sack-master DeMarcus Ware to be in Eli Manning's face quite often as no one is good enough to block Ware one on one. Add in the Cowboys' explosive offense against a vulnerable Giants pass defense and a shootout game is evident.

As for Ballard, with Manning under duress he'll need to constantly be the safety outlet. We're talking multiple quick passes, nothing more than a five-step drop and the ole TE pop-pass dumped right over the LBs 10 yards downfield.

In turn, that will slow the Cowboys pass rush and open up their ground game. The Giants need a win and although Ballard won't have 100 receiving yards, he should get you one TD and about 50 to 60 yards.

James Starks: RB, Packers (vs. Raiders)

At Lambeau Field in Week 14 you can expect the Oakland Raiders to do what the Giants did in consistently playing heavy pass coverage to have numbers against the Packers.

Therefore, if Green Bay wants to be effective and draw up the Oakland defenders they must run the ball.

That's where James Starks comes in.

Starks may only have 565 rush yards on the year, but he also has 210 receiving yards. So, his versatility will come into play against the Raiders. Another reason why Green Bay needs to pack the Cheese on the ground (cheesy pun) is because Oakland ranks No. 28 in rush defense.

On the year, the Silver and Black have allowed an average of just over 140 rush yards per game, so this is also a great time for the Cheese to work on buffing out the rough spots in the ground game.

As we all know, that will come in handy once the weather breaks come time for the playoffs.

So, start Starks this week (at least at the flex spot) because Green Bay needs to establish a rushing attack and he is their guy to get the job done.

Plaxico Burress: WR, Jets (vs. Chiefs)

Mainly because of his fade threat in goal-line situations, Jets WR Plaxico Burress should get a start this week.

The Kansas City Chiefs may have the No. 12-ranked pass defense, but they don't have anyone who can jump with Burress for the rock. Also, if the Jets want any chance to keep their playoff hopes alive, continuing to improve their passing game is crucial.

In addition, Burress leads the Jets with seven receiving TDs and 32 of his 37 receptions being for first downs. Therefore, not only is he Mark Sanchez's go-to target on second and third down, but also in the red zone.

Much like TE Dustin Keller being Sanchez's favorite target, Plaxico is Sanchez's most reliable in clutch situations. When the Jets need him to do produce he does just that.

So, if you have him on your team and want to win in the postseason, Plaxico can be your reliable receiver also.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27