Week 14 Start'em / Sit'em
This is the Fantasy Nerd's look at the best and worst matchups for Week 14 of the 2021 NFL season. Analysis is aggregated from multiple sources including FN. 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 Taysom Hill (NO, QB)The last thing you wanted to see from Taysom Hill last week was four interceptions, but he still managed to turn in a 20 point fantasy day largely due to his 101 rushing yards. He's dealing with a finger injury, but should be able to post a decent stat line against the Jets who made Gardner Minshew look serviceable with almost 19 points last week.
Start 'em Russell Wilson (SEA, QB)Even though he's put up back-to-back double digit days, this just doesn't look like the Russell Wilson that we remember. His rushing stats are down and he hasn't thrown more than 247 yards since Week 3. Still, he could post decent numbers against the Texans who have allowed 250+ passing yards and 1.25 touchdowns per game over the last five weeks.
Start 'em Javonte Williams (DEN, RB)In his first game without Melvin Gordon, Javonte Williams delivered big time for fantasy owners rushing for 102 yards and tacking on six receptions for 76 yards and a score. Gordon is expected back this week so Williams won't likely see the same 23-carry workload, but the matchup is fantastic nonetheless. Williams remains a solid RB2 in this one.
Start 'em Leonard Fournette (TB, RB)Even in a brutal matchup, Leonard Fournette remains in RB1 discussions based upon workload and ability to deliver. He's the guy the Bucs trust at the goal line, and he's frequently targeted in the passing game (~8 targets/game over last four games). He's got a new lease on life in Tampa Bay and fantasy owners are along for the ride.
Start 'em Antonio Gibson (WAS, RB)With J.D. McKissic sidelined, Antonio Gibson got all the work that he could handle. Gibson started the year slow and Washington didn't use him as much as they could. His shins were an issue for a while, but over the last four weeks, his usage has been consistently growing. That volume makes him an attractive option even in a tough matchup.
Start 'em Tyler Lockett (SEA, WR)The most productive receiver for the Seahawks as of late has been Tyler Lockett. Lockett has delivered double-digits in four of his last five games. If the trend continues, he shouldn't have much difficulty reaching double digits against the Texans. In PPR formats, Lockett should be a solid WR2/3.
Start 'em Tee Higgins (CIN, WR)With back-to-back 100+ yard days, Tee Higgins is hitting his stride at just the right time heading into the fantasy playoffs. He's managed to find the endzone in each of his last two games and should be able to deliver double-digit points against the Niners. San Francisco hasn't been as stout against the pass recently allowing the opposing defenses' top two receivers to hit double-digit points the past two weeks (Lockett/Metcalf, Thielen/Jefferson).
Start 'em Elijah Moore (NYJ, WR)The Jets may be an awful offensive team, but Elijah Moore has been a bright spot for fantasy owners delivering double-digits in six of his last seven games. He's seen his target share increase to an awesome 34% and found the endzone five times in his last five games. With Corey Davis out for the season, Moore is quickly becoming an automatic start in fantasy.
UPDATE: Elijah Moore has been placed on IR and will miss this game.
Start 'em Dawson Knox (BUF, TE)Dawson Knox has largely been hit or miss this season. He only hauled in two of his six targets last week in a wickedly windy game, but keep him in your lineup this week against a Bucs defense allowing the 7th-most fantasy points to the position.
Start 'em Zach Ertz (ARI, TE)The weather was not particularly favorable last week and Kyler Murray didn't throw much (career-low 15 pass attempts), but we're anticipating a return to fantasy goodness this week. The Rams have been fairly easy on tight ends this season. Ertz should be a low-end TE1 in this matchup.
Start 'em Green Bay Packers (GB, DEF)The lack of offensive production from the Bears (3rd-fewest points scored among all NFL teams) isn't fun if you're a Bears fan or have Bears on your fantasy team, but if you have the Packers defense this week, you're green and gold.
Start 'em Brandon McManus (DEN, K)Nobody gives up more fantasy points to kickers this season than the Lions. Brandon McManus has been steadily consistent this season and should flirt with double-digit production in this one.
Sit 'em Ryan Tannehill (TEN, QB)Without his top wideouts, Ryan Tannehill has been a shell of his former self. With back-to-back games of 9 fantasy points or less, Tannehill lacks the weapons and ability to reliably put up enough fantasy points to warrant a starting spot in your roster.
Sit 'em Matt Ryan (ATL, QB)In his last four games, Matty Ice has gone super cold throwing just one touchdown pass and five interceptions. The last time he played Carolina back in Week 8, he managed to deliver a whopping 6.1 fantasy points. It's probably best to keep Matt Ryan on ice for this one.
Sit 'em David Johnson (HOU, RB)The Texans are a mess right now, and David Johnson's best days are behind him. Even in a fantastic matchup, DJ can't be trusted in lineups. He's managed to produce just three days with double-digit production, yet hasn't put up more than 11.8 points all year. Rex Burkhead is eating into his volume, so DJ's turnaround isn't likely to spontaneously happen now.
Sit 'em Mike Davis (ATL, RB)Mike Davis had the best game of his season against the Bucs last week, and he managed to put up 11.6 points against the Panthers earlier this year. Still, he's tough to trust given that the matchup is very tough and he's managed double-digits just once in the last five weeks. He'll continue to play second fiddle to Cordarrelle Patterson making him nothing more than a potential flex option.
Sit 'em Adrian Peterson (SEA, RB)Adrian Peterson has name recognition, and for some perhaps he still holds sway based upon past performance. He managed to find his way into the endzone last week after several tries, but he looked every bit of his 36 years. Keep in mind that he rushed 11 times for just 16 yards (avg 1.4 yards/carry). With Alex Collins expected back, Peterson's workload and value will drop.
UPDATE: Adrian Peterson has been declared inactive after injuring his back in practice.
Sit 'em Laviska Shenault (JAC, WR)Nobody gives up more fantasy points to receivers than the Titans, but the Jacksonville offense is sputtering. Shenault has largely failed to live up to expectations delivering six straight games of single digit fantasy production. He managed to produce just 6.8 points against the Titans when he faced them back in Week 5. With Marvin Jones getting more targets, Shenault is barely even on the flex radar at this point.
Sit 'em Rashod Bateman (BAL, WR)One of the bigger names on the waiver wire this week was Rashod Bateman who flashed glimpses of fantasy goodness earlier this year but has largely gone quiet over the last month. When he faced the Browns just two weeks ago, he put up 7 fantasy points. Don't be surprised if we see a repeat performance.
Sit 'em Tim Patrick (DEN, WR)The fantasy darling earlier this year has been frustratingly quiet producing less than 5 fantasy points in his last three games. He hasn't seen more than four catches since Week 5. It's very difficult to consider rostering him at this point let alone starting him.
Sit 'em Cole Kmet (CHI, TE)Over the past two games, Cole Kmet has 11 catches on 18 targets. With Justin Fields cleared to return this week, Kmet's role could go back to what it was prior to Fields getting hurt with cracked ribs. Questionable QB play combined with a Packers D that has largely kept TE's in check makes Kmet a risky fantasy play.
Sit 'em Evan Engram (NYG, TE)Evan Engram is coming off a decent fantasy outing last week going 4/61/0 and delivering 10.1 fantasy points. The Giants receiving corp has been a merry go round all season, but it looks like Sterling Shepard, Kadarius Toney, and Kenny Golladay may all have a chance to suit up. With the Giants prepping Jake Fromm (assuming Mike Glennon isn't cleared from the concussion protocol), this is a situation to be avoided.
Sit 'em Chicago Bears (CHI, DEF)The Sunday night matchup between Chicago and Green Bay should have been a solid Defense vs Offense game, but with the Packers on a roll and them giving up the 6th-fewest fantasy points to opposing teams, this is not the week to have Chicago in your D/ST slot.
Sit 'em Cairo Santos (CHI, K)Nobody gives up fewer points to kickers this season than the Packers. This just isn't the week to start your Bears.
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 8, 2021 10:46 pm
Struggling to decide. Will be starting Fournette and Patterson at RB. Godwin at WR. On the fence with DK Metcalf, E Moore, D Montgomery, and Chubb for the remaining WR and Flex spots. Half PPR Thoughts?
TOBIAS CommentedDec 9, 2021 10:10 am
I would go with Moore and Chubb. Moore has been hot and Montgomery is dealing with a few ailments!
Nerd CommentedDec 9, 2021 1:59 pm
Chubb would be at the top of my list. I really like Moore (one of the best fantasy receivers over the last month), but I think he's at the bottom of that list for me. While he has certainly been awful as of late, I think the highest potential is for Metcalf. He was more involved last week (finally) and the team has openly discussed the importance of getting him the ball. I know it's contrarian and perhaps counter-intuitive, but it's Chubb/Metcalf for me.
Good luck!
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 9, 2021 7:17 pm
Chubb/Metcalf, easy. Both are gonna eat this week.
mrock CommentedDec 11, 2021 11:12 am
Chubb and Metcalf
J Bo CommentedDec 9, 2021 9:54 am
Lost last 2 weeks on E. Elliotts lack of production. This is for the league championship-half PPR-who to start:
E Elliott, T Pollard, or A J Dillon? I could play 2 of the 3 replacing Claypool or Mooney in flex. Thoughts?
Nerd CommentedDec 9, 2021 2:07 pm
Out of that group, I would still start Zeke. I'm in a similar boat and I'm starting him.
Good luck!
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 9, 2021 7:18 pm
Dillon for me, matchup should be cakewalk, even after last week.
mrock CommentedDec 11, 2021 11:13 am
Pollard might not play or at least not as much if he does so I would play Elliott. Mooney is like the only guy that Fields throws to so I would play him.
Nerd CommentedDec 9, 2021 5:35 pm
Titans against Jacksonville
Good luck!
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 9, 2021 7:19 pm
PPR? lol. Titans.
mrock CommentedDec 11, 2021 11:13 am
Lets go Titans!!
Nerd CommentedDec 9, 2021 6:16 pm
Pat Freiermuth
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 9, 2021 7:19 pm
Flip a coin there... I'll go FMuth too, why not.
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 9, 2021 7:16 pm
Conklin, FMuth or JCook at TE this week? 1pt PPT league... Conklin and FMuth scare me tonight... I like Cook as a slightly sneaky play with the Chargers COVID issues going on right now in the WR corp... you OK with dropping Conklin for Cook? Thanks!
Nerd CommentedDec 9, 2021 7:43 pm
I like Freiermuth and would probably still start him out of that bunch, but I do think Cook is a sneaky play with Allen on the COVID list (looks like Mike Williams may have a chance to play). I'd say wait until we find out for sure about Williams but you're not going to have that luxury with TNF. As far as the rest of season, it's a toss up for me between Conklin and Cook. Flip a coin.
OldGeezer CommentedDec 9, 2021 8:52 pm
Picked up Freiermuth this week and still have Higbee and Goedert. Not planning on keeping all three for the playoffs. How would you rank them for week's 15-17. HPPR
Nerd CommentedDec 10, 2021 5:27 pm
Goedert, Freiermuth, Higbee
flipdunk CommentedDec 10, 2021 2:51 pm
ppr ive got jeudy, sony m, beckham, mooney to put in flex spot. who do u think?? fighting for last playoff spot. thanks
Nerd CommentedDec 10, 2021 5:28 pm
I'd probably go Mooney there.
Good luck!
mrock CommentedDec 11, 2021 11:14 am
If Henderson doesn't play then I would go with Michel. Otherwise I think Mooney as well.
Nerd CommentedDec 12, 2021 12:48 pm
Good call mrock. Henderson is out. I'd play Sony Michel.
deibs81 CommentedDec 11, 2021 1:44 pm
Full PPR. Javonte Williams or James Conner at RB. DeAndre Hopkins or Tee Higgins at WR. Thanks in advance for any help!
Nerd CommentedDec 11, 2021 1:47 pm
Williams and Hopkins.
Good luck!
mrock CommentedDec 12, 2021 12:47 pm
I disagree. Williams and Higgins. DHop has injury issues.
adkinsk1 CommentedDec 11, 2021 1:49 pm
gotta ask … Renfrow or Lockett tomorrow? And should I just replace samuels now (won’t be able to monitor tomorrow so lineup gotta be set tonight). Thanks!
Nerd CommentedDec 11, 2021 1:51 pm
I'd roll with Lockett even though a good case could be made for Renfrow in PPR.
Nerd CommentedDec 11, 2021 1:54 pm
Not sure what Samuels you're referring to. If it's Jaylen Samuels, then I wouldn't roster him unless Najee Harris goes down. If it's Curtis Samuel, then I'd look to replace him. He's always injured and hasn't topped more than 5 points all year.
adkinsk1 CommentedDec 11, 2021 4:41 pm
Great. Thanks. I meant Deebo S. He’s questionable for tomorrow. Should I just remove him from my lineup and play both Lockett and Renfrow? Sorry for the confusion
mrock CommentedDec 12, 2021 12:46 pm
If Deebo plays you have to play him
Nerd CommentedDec 12, 2021 10:15 am
Murray and the Saints
Good luck!
mrock CommentedDec 12, 2021 12:46 pm
^^ What the Nerd said ^^
Drew Shoemaker CommentedDec 12, 2021 11:23 am
Hollywood Brown, J-Rob, Hilliard or Guyton? Full PPR. Need a win to get in. Thanks!
Nerd CommentedDec 12, 2021 11:25 am
Hollywood > Robinson > Hilliard > Guyton
mrock CommentedDec 12, 2021 12:45 pm
Brown
deibs81 CommentedDec 12, 2021 11:46 am
Full PPR. Taysom Hill or Matthew Stafford? Thanks for the help!
Nerd CommentedDec 12, 2021 12:10 pm
Doesn't it seem crazy that this is even a question?
Doesn't it seem crazy that I'd go with Taysom Hill?
mrock CommentedDec 12, 2021 12:45 pm
Hill
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