Week 14 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: The Scoop on Matthew Stafford and Other Must-Starts

In Week 14 of the NFL season, the following are players you must start on your fantasy football roster:

Matthew Stafford, Lions

Did you see what Tim Tebow accomplished against the Vikings secondary last week? Now add a guy that can throw the ball downfield with accuracy and a receiver that leads the NFL in touchdowns.

That's the formula you get this week for Stafford. He'll have huge numbers.

Tony Romo, Cowboys

The Giants defense played better last week against the Packers, but Aaron Rodgers still had 369 yards and four scores. A week earlier, Drew Brees went for 363 and four.

I don't think Romo gets into that stratosphere of numbers, but you can expect him to play well against a suspect New York pass defense. 

Michael Bush, Raiders

Darren McFadden may still play this week, but Bush is a good start regardless. The Packers defense has had trouble with big backs all season long and A.J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop may miss a second straight game.

If Bush gets the carries, he'll produce.

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers

Several factors go into a running back hitting 200 yards, including the blocking, play calls and running back. But a factor that will carry over this week for Mendenhall is the Browns run defense, which allowed 204 to Ray Rice last week.

Expect the Steelers to exploit what's ailing Cleveland's defense on Thursday night.  

Reggie Bush, Dolphins

A hot running back meets a struggling defense, and that could mean another big day for Bush. Over his last five games, Bush has scored five times and went over 90 total yards in four.

The Eagles are fresh off getting gashed by Marshawn Lynch. Good matchup here for Bush.

Dez Bryant, Cowboys

Bryant hasn't had that one signature fantasy day yet this season, but it might be coming this week. The Giants allowed three scores to Bryant last season, and we've already documented some of the troubles of their secondary.

Sunday might be the day where everything comes together for Bryant. 

Michael Crabtree, 49ers

Are Crabtree and Alex Smith finally establishing some chemistry? The numbers suggest so. Over the past three games, the combo has hooked up 17 times for 270 yards and a score.

The Cardinals secondary (No. 25 fantasy defense against the pass) can be had through the air, too.