Fantasy Football Week 14: 5 Matchups You Need To Know Before Setting Your Lineup

It's Week 14 of the 2011 fantasy football season, and that means that whether it's the last week of the regular season and you're fighting for a playoff spot or the second season has already begun, it's do-or-die time, with every game a one-week season all its own.

In that scenario knowing the matchups becomes all the more crucial if you're going to set the best possible starting lineup.

So, here are a handful of fantasy matchups that, for good or bad, should loom large in your mind while making lineup decisions for this week.

1. Washington Redskins Offense vs. New England Patriots Defense

The New England Patriots appear poised to claim yet another AFC East title, but precious little credit for that can be given their defense.

Their defense ranks dead last in the NFL in total defense and has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this year and has been the friendliest fantasy matchup in the NFL for opposing wide receivers.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers Offense vs. Cleveland Browns Pass Defense

The Cleveland Browns are suffering through yet another miserable season, but the blame for that can't be laid at the feet of the Browns pass defense.

It ranks eighth in the National Football League and has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks and fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers this year.

3. Atlanta Falcons Offense vs. Carolina Panthers Defense

Rookie quarterback Cam Newton has posted gaudy stats for the Carolina Panthers this season, but that has gone mostly for naught due to a leaky defense. 

The Carolina defense ranks 27th in the National Football League against the run, 21st against the pass and has allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs by a fairly significant margin.

4. Philadelphia Eagles Offense vs. Miami Dolphins Run Defense

No running back in fantasy football has amassed more fantasy points to this point in the 2011 season than LeSean McCoy of the Philadelphia Eagles.

However, the sledding may be surprisingly tough this week against a game Miami Dolphins team that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs in 2011.

5. Seattle Seahawks Defense vs. St. Louis Rams Offense

As has been the case for several years, the Seattle Seahawks are a tough team to play when in the confines of Century Link Field.

They showed that in last week's dismantling of the Philadelphia Eagles' third-ranked offense.

The going will likely be rough in Week 14 for a St. Louis Rams team that surrenders the most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses.