Week 14 Start'em/Sit'em
This is the Fantasy Football Nerd's look at the best and worst matchups for Week 14 of the 2020 NFL season. Analysis is aggregated from multiple sources including FFN. FFN rankings are based upon PPR (point per reception) scoring. Given the known conditions, these matchups are the ones to watch and/or avoid.
Please Note: This list does not generally include the elite players that you are going to start regardless of matchup. You don't need us to tell you to start Alvin Kamara, Travis Kelce, or Davante Adams. Instead, we take a look at other players on your team that we believe either have great matchups or should be avoided for multiple reasons. Factors like opposing defense, performance trending, and peer comparisons may influence our decisions.
Start 'em Justin Herbert (LAC, QB)He may have been disappointing the past few games, but don't put Herbert on your bench just yet. He comes into this week's rankings at #5 facing an Atlanta defense that is giving up the third-most yards through air and more fantasy points to QBs on the season than any other team. He'll redeem himself this week.
Start 'em Taysom Hill (NO, QB)There are some reports that Drew Brees could be back in Week 15. Until then, keep rolling with Hill. We saw him finally throw some touchdowns and he was able to add 83 yards on the ground. While Philly's D is better than Atlanta's, Hill can still put up points against them - especially with his legs.
Start 'em Matt Ryan (ATL, QB)Matty Ice has largely been cold to fantasy owners this year (13th overall fantasy QB on the season), but this is a week where he can heat things up. The Chargers have not given up a ton of yards through the air, but quarterbacks have still found fantasy success against them. Cam Newton has been the 16th-best fantasy QB on the season, and he put up 23.56 fantasy points against them last week.
Start 'em David Montgomery (CHI, RB)Squeaking into our Top 10 this week is David Montgomery with an outstanding matchup against the Texans. Houston is giving up the 2nd-most fantasy points to running backs this year including 22.5 to Jonathan Taylor last week and 17.5 to Adrian Peterson the week prior.
Start 'em D'Andre Swift (DET, RB)The Packers have been very generous to running backs this season. Even though he missed action last week due to non-COVID illness, he has already put in limited practices this week suggesting that he'll suit up. Hopefully he will return to the volume that we saw in the two games prior to his concussion where he averaged 15 carries and 5 targets per game.
Start 'em Giovani Bernard (CIN, RB)Joe Mixon has already been ruled out for Week 14, so while Gio Bernard hasn't done much in his absence, this is a great matchup with positive upside. Not only does Dallas give up more yards on the ground than anyone else, they give up the 5th-most fantasy points making Bernard a low-end RB2.
Start 'em Jamison Crowder (NYJ, WR)Crowder has struggled the past several weeks with three or fewer catches every game since Week 6. Fortunately, we saw him return with two trips to the endzone last week and his targets equaled Perriman and Mims combined. This is a favorable matchup as Seattle routinely gives up a ton of yards and fantasy points - especially to slot receivers.
Start 'em Robby Anderson (CAR, WR)Robby Anderson comes into our rankings this week at #16 now that D.J. Moore has been placed on the IR/COVID list. He's been the most targeted player on the team and that should continue leaving him with a safe floor and great upside. His last game prior to the bye, he went 4-94 with a trip to the endzone. Even in a tough matchup, his volume should help carry him through.
Start 'em Corey Davis (TEN, WR)Both AJ Brown and Corey Davis fall into that must-start category this week with a plus matchup against Jacksonville. The Jaguars are giving up the 7th-most fantasy points to receivers on the year. Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, another dynamic WR-duo, just put up an average of 24.4 fantasy points against them last week.
Start 'em Robert Tonyan (GB, TE)We weren't sure who was going to catch Aaron Rodgers' 400th-career touchdown pass. Adams or Tonyan. In the end, it was a storybook finish as Adams caught it to go along with Rodgers' 200th TD pass back in 2014. In the end, it didn't matter to fantasy because Tonyan still found his way into the endzone on a wide-open pass. Tonyan's volume is back with three straight games of 5 targets and at least 4 catches. He put up 10.5 points against the Lions back in Week 2 and could be in for a repeat.
Start 'em Eric Ebron (PIT, TE)While Buffalo's defense has been pretty solid all year, they have been pretty generous to tight ends giving up the sixth-most fantasy points to them on the season. That's good news for Eric Ebron who has become more of a fixture in Pittsburgh's passing game as of late.
Start 'em New Orleans Saints (NO, DEF)Our #1 ranked defense this week gets to face a rookie QB that has completed just eight passes all year. The Eagles have been a favorable matchup for opposing DSTs all season, and the Saints should get a boost in points this week.
Start 'em Younghoe Koo (ATL, K)No surprise here as fantasy's top kicker comes into our rankings at #1 facing a Chargers team giving up the 9th-most fantasy points.
Sit 'em Jalen Hurts (PHI, QB)Carson Wentz was benched during last week's game in favor of Jalen Hurts, and Week 14 will see Hurts get the start. There will be plenty of time for fantasy owners to bask in his fantasy goodness, but a matchup with the Saints is going to delay that. New Orleans is giving up the 6th-fewest fantasy points to QBs on the season.
Sit 'em Baker Mayfield (CLE, QB)Baker Mayfield had more fantasy points in the first half of last week's game than he has had for any full game...in his career. Don't let recency bias influence your sit/start decision here. The Ravens have been very tough on QBs all season including keeping Baker to just 9.86 fantasy points back in Week 1.
Sit 'em Derek Carr (LV, QB)Ranked 21st this week among his peers is Derek Carr fresh off a big game against the Jets in Week 13. Unfortunately, this week's competition gets much more difficult as the Colts give up the 4th-fewest points per game.
Sit 'em Todd Gurley (ATL, RB)Gurley is obviously dealing with knee issues and that is problematic for fantasy owners. He comes into our rankings at #29, enough for potential flex consideration, but too difficult to start as an RB2. His volume and usage are going to remain question marks. Falcons OC Dirk Koetter indicated that Gurley would be used strictly on 3rd down and inside the red zone. He carries risk for owners either entering the playoffs or needing the win to advance.
Sit 'em Devin Singletary (BUF, RB)Only after Zach Moss fumbled last week did we see the majority of the touches go Singletary's way. That's not going to be a lasting punishment, and we'll see Moss's touches come back this week. Unfortunately, it's a tough matchup as the Steelers surrender the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs and have largely kept them out of the endzone.
Sit 'em Miles Sanders (PHI, RB)I get it. If you have Sanders, you're probably going to have to start him, but there's no denying that we've seen his production and playing time decrease including a season-low snap count last week. He hasn't delivered double-digit fantasy points for the last month, and even then, it was just 11.5 points. Add in a brutal matchup (nobody gives up fewer points to running backs than the Saints) and we need to seriously lower our expectations here.
Sit 'em Jerry Jeudy (DEN, WR)As if the matchup alone weren't tough enough, confidence in Jerry Jeudy's ability to put up consistent fantasy production has waivered significantly in recent weeks. He's not at 100%, and with just 4 catches over his last three games, he's become too risky to trust during the fantasy playoffs.
Sit 'em Kenny Golladay (DET, WR)Assuming Kenny Golladay can get in at least a limited practice by Friday, he has a shot at returning to fantasy lineups this week, but that doesn't mean that he's an automatic start. The stud WR has been dealing with a hip issue and hasn't caught a pass since Week 7. If he suits up, he'll face a Green Bay secondary that has largely kept opposing receivers in check. Until we know what kind of game shape he's in, Golladay remains a risky fantasy play.
UPDATE: Since publication, Kenny Golladay has been ruled OUT for Week 14.
Sit 'em DeVante Parker (MIA, WR)You may not have many better receivers to play here, but beware that Parker could certainly struggle in this one. The Chiefs are giving up the fourth-fewest fantasy points to receivers on the year. Only four receivers all year have managed to put up more than 20 fantasy points. With Tua under center and a difficult matchup, Parker may not hit his expectations.
Sit 'em Zach Ertz (PHI, TE)Many fantasy owners picked up Zach Ertz off waivers last week only to be disappointed with his two catches for 31 yards. As expected, Dallas Goedert out-performed him in virtually every statistical category. The wildcard here is Jalen Hurts and which TE he's going to favor. In a tough matchup with a number of unknown variables, Ertz becomes too risky for fantasy owners hoping for a return to his former All-Pro status.
Sit 'em Trey Burton (IND, TE)Trey Burton has become a TD-dependent tight end in an offense that has seen the rotation change throughout the season. For example, last week it was Mo Alie-Cox who saw the most targets, and with Jack Doyle in the mix, it's difficult to predict which TE will emerge with the better fantasy day. Burton hasn't had more than 3 catches in a game since Week 6, and with a difficult matchup on tap this weekend, it's hard to trust him to produce when it counts the most.
Sit 'em Buffalo Bills (BUF, DEF)The Bills defense has been pretty solid this year, but they'll likely struggle against the Steelers fresh off their first loss of the year. No other team surrenders fewer fantasy points to opposing defenses than Pittsburgh.
Sit 'em Cody Parkey (CLE, K)After averaging more than 9 points over his last three games, it's best to stream another option this week. Parkey will likely struggle to put up points against a Ravens defense that has given up the second-fewest fantasy points to kickers on the season.
Join the Discussion
If asking a sit/start question, be sure to provide your scoring format and contribute to answering questions from other FN members as well.
OldGeezer CommentedDec 9, 2020 11:17 pm
Looking for your thoughts, 1/2 ppr. (2) RB, (2) WR, and (1) Flex. RB's are Eckler, Chubb, David Montgomery, and Swift. WR's are J Jones, R Woods, AJ Brown, and Allen Robinson.
Thanks in advance.
Nerd CommentedDec 10, 2020 5:22 pm
I like Ekeler and Montgomery at RB this week. (seems wrong to not play Chubb though even in a tough matchup)
At WR, Julio and AJ Brown assuming both play.
Literally any of those options at flex. That's a pretty stacked team.
Upper Decker CommentedDec 10, 2020 4:52 pm
RB-Chubb and Montgomery
WR-Woods and Brown or Brown and Robinson
Nerd CommentedDec 10, 2020 5:23 pm
Standard scoring - Chubb.
PPR - Montgomery
Brown and Robinson for me.
Good luck!
T-Jugg CommentedDec 10, 2020 8:02 pm
Superflex league-need two QBs:
Bridgewater, Rivers, and Trubisky. Mayfield and Tua also available on waiver wire. Ugly, I know.
Nerd CommentedDec 10, 2020 8:06 pm
Ugh. For me, it's Rivers and Bridgewater. Good luck!
mrock CommentedDec 11, 2020 10:58 am
rivers and bridgewater
T-Jugg CommentedDec 10, 2020 8:17 pm
Thanks (I had been rolling with Brees and Burrow all season).
Nerd CommentedDec 10, 2020 8:30 pm
Brees/Burrow was a nice combo!
Fred Schaub CommentedDec 11, 2020 1:02 am
Need Three standard non-PPR RB Chubb, Henry, James Robinson, and Eckler
Need Two standard non-PPR WR AJ Brown, Samuels, Corey Davis, Tyler Boyd, and Robby Anderson
Nerd CommentedDec 11, 2020 9:14 am
Derrick Henry and James Robinson
Brown and Anderson
Good luck!
mrock CommentedDec 11, 2020 10:58 am
henry and chubb
brown and davis
Geoguy CommentedDec 11, 2020 10:07 am
Flex for PPR.... Ant. Brown, CD Lamb, J. Conner or D. Swift.
Nerd CommentedDec 11, 2020 10:57 am
Assuming he plays, I'd roll with Swift. That's a great matchup for him. Good luck!
mrock CommentedDec 11, 2020 10:58 am
swift
J Bo CommentedDec 11, 2020 3:41 pm
Most FF teams would love to have my QB problem: who will exceed his projection-Wilson or Herbert?
Nerd CommentedDec 11, 2020 4:38 pm
I think it's going to be Wilson. The spread on that game is almost 2 touchdowns.
mrock CommentedDec 12, 2020 1:02 pm
I'd probably pick CEH but I like Crowder too. Dims is out so I wonder if he will get some extra targets.
Fijidefjam CommentedDec 12, 2020 3:34 pm
You can’t answer it? Lol
deibs81 CommentedDec 12, 2020 1:43 pm
Looking for help this week, 1 pt. PPR league.
RB - JK Dobbins or Gio Bernard?
WR - Allen Robinson or Corey Davis?
TE (need 1) - Jonnu Smith, Anthony Firkser, Austin Hooper, Jordan Reed?
DEF - Pittsburgh or Carolina?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts!
Nerd CommentedDec 12, 2020 2:33 pm
Probably give a slight edge to Gio
Allen Robinson
Jordan Reed
Carolina
Good luck!
gil49 CommentedDec 12, 2020 2:25 pm
wr 2 and a flex 1ppr, Godwin Dionte Johnson ,G.Bernard or Jk Dobbins, thanks
Nerd CommentedDec 12, 2020 2:34 pm
Give me some Diontae Johnson there. 5 straight games of 10 targets. Yes please...
mrock CommentedDec 12, 2020 9:51 pm
agreed on Johnson
Przybyla CommentedDec 12, 2020 2:40 pm
Half point PPR, choose one to start... Chark, Parker, Mike Williams, Boyd...
mrock CommentedDec 12, 2020 9:52 pm
parker
CMD CommentedDec 12, 2020 3:20 pm
Nyheim Hines, J.K. Dobbins, Ty Johnson or Michael Pittman as flex in PPR league
mrock CommentedDec 12, 2020 9:53 pm
hines
kevin0328 CommentedDec 12, 2020 4:57 pm
Standard league. Can start 2 RBs and a flex. Taylor, Swift, Geo and Rojo are my options. Also could plug Pittman at flex. Thomas and D Johnson my two starting WRs.
mrock CommentedDec 12, 2020 9:53 pm
taylor and jones
kevin0328 CommentedDec 13, 2020 9:36 am
And for the flex? Swift, geo or Pittman?
Nerd CommentedDec 13, 2020 10:24 am
Swift in the flex. Great matchup for him.
mrock CommentedDec 12, 2020 9:54 pm
josh allen and eric ebron
Nerd CommentedDec 13, 2020 10:27 am
Allen for me as well. Engram seems to be more a part of the offense lately, but could go Ebron as well.
Nerd CommentedDec 13, 2020 10:25 am
Robinson
Good luck!
hoop2311 CommentedDec 13, 2020 9:45 am
With Jacobs Injury and tough match up against Indy, would you start any one of these over him?
Gio, Ty Johnson, DeAndre Washington or Jeff wilson Jr...16 team 1/2 PPR. Thanks in advance
Nerd CommentedDec 13, 2020 10:24 am
Nope - I'd still start Jacobs.
Nerd CommentedDec 13, 2020 10:25 am
Davis
Good luck!
after7 CommentedDec 13, 2020 10:18 am
PPR I need 2...Brandon Aiuk Marvin Jones, Cole beasley Tim Patrick
Nerd CommentedDec 13, 2020 10:26 am
No Golladay - keep Jones cooking
Nerd CommentedDec 13, 2020 11:22 am
RoJo
Nerd CommentedDec 13, 2020 12:33 pm
Taylor
Good luck!
tramz18 CommentedDec 16, 2020 11:40 am
Ok im trying to make it to the ship...I need 3 of these 4.....Im thinking Agholor is a must with Ruggs out but want your opinion. Full PPR.
J.Jefferson/TY Hilton/T.Patrick/N.Agholor Which 3?
Thanks.
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 16, 2020 2:58 pm
I'm sitting Patrick out of those options. GL!
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 16, 2020 2:59 pm
hey nerds! do I dare sit JJacobs tomorrow for any of these guys instead? Coutee, Chark or Gus the Bus? Thinking not if he's active at 7PM tomorrow, but just wondering... thanks!
tramz18 CommentedDec 18, 2020 10:03 pm
I don't trust either of these guy's QB,but i need 1,full PPR Fant or L.Thomas? Or Kmet is available. Trying to get to championship.
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