Week 14 in most fantasy football leagues represents either the final or penultimate week before the postseason. For many, improving seeding, getting into the postseason, or avoiding last place is still on the line, so start 'em, sit 'em decisions take on extra importance.
The good news is after six teams were on bye in Week 13, only two teams are off this time around. There are also limited key lineup losses with the Commanders (Sam Howell) and Cardinals (Kyler Murray, Trey McBride, James Conner) out of action.
Looking at the 30 active teams playing in 15 games from "Thursday Night Football" to a "Monday Night Football" doubleheader, you need to know how to make the right lineup decisions.
Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer is here to help again with his combination of rankings, recommendations, information, and insight to help you make the right calls with the Week 14 "Decider."
If you have specific lineup questions, check out RotoBaller's industry-leading "Who To Start?" tool below and compare up to four players across all positions.
MORE: Click here to upgrade to RotoBaller's NFL Premium Pass. Gain VIP access to expert tools and advice from proven winners including the NFL DFS Lineup Optimizer, the Team Sync Platform with customized tools, Premium fantasy football rankings, and DFS cheat sheets! Get hooked up and use discount code SPORTING!
Fantasy Football Week 14 Start 'Em: Quarterbacks
Must starts
- Dak Prescott, Cowboys (vs. PHI)
- Jalen Hurts, Eagles (at DAL)
- Josh Allen, Bills (at KC)
- Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs (vs. BUF)
- Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins (at TEN)
- Lamar Jackson, Ravens (vs. LAR)
- Brock Purdy, 49ers (vs. SEA)
Stronger starts
8. Justin Fields, Bears (vs. DET). Fields lit them up well the first time with his big arm and legs, and he should be more locked in after the bye.
9. Justin Herbert, Chargers (vs. DEN). Herbert has been whiffing in tougher recent matchups, but the Broncos, despite some improvements, aren't daunting enough to sit him again.
10. Russell Wilson, Broncos (at LAC). He should come through with volume minus the mistakes in a sneaky shootout with Justin Herbert.
11. Jared Goff, Lions (at CHI). Goff keeps needing to throw more than Detroit would like, but there are enough secondary matchups to exploit while dueling with Justin Fields on the road.
12. Jordan Love, Packers (at NYG). He's on a heater with all of his young weapons, and there's not much reason to think the Giants can cool him much.
13. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers (at ATL). Baker can land the ol' 250 yards and two TDs working with Magic Mike and his versatile variety of weapons.
14. C.J. Stroud, Texans (at NYJ). The matchup is a bit tough given the Jets don't allow much to even top QBs, but he's hard to sit unless you have any of the QBs above.
15. Jake Browning, Bengals (vs. IND). He was sharp enough on Monday night to think you can roll him out as a surrogate Joe Burrow in a good spot at home.
DFS picks
Russell Wilson, Broncos (at LAC, $5,800 DraftKings, $7,400 FanDuel). Wilson shot himself in the foot with three interceptions against the Texans and will be eager to rebound on the road against a much weaker pass defense, giving him a good shot at 3X return at this price.
Desmond Ridder, Falcons (vs. TB, $5,000 DraftKings, $6,700 FanDuel). Ridder is only viable when the Falcons are at home in a favorable matchup. Tampa Bay's injury-riddled defense sets up a good combined scrimmage day for him.
WEEK 14 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Fantasy Football Week 14 Sit 'Em: Quarterbacks
Weaker starts
16. Gardner Minshew, Colts (at CIN). Minshew did very well against the Titans, but the Bengals' pass defense can be tricky and Minshew tends to run hot and cold from week to week.
17. Josh Dobbs, Vikings (at LV). There's more volatility now, but he seems like a limited-floor, low-ceiling play on the road vs. a good Raiders pass defense.
18. Joe Flacco, Browns (vs. JAX). He's tempting after seeing what Browning did against the Jaguars, but he's a big risk despite playing well as a back-end QB1 last week.
19. Will Levis, Titans (at MIA). Levis isn't the worst idea based on projected negative game script, but also keep in mind it's a hostile environment on the road in prime time.
20. Matthew Stafford, Rams (at BAL). Stafford has been coming through in tough spots, but don't push your luck on the road.
21. Geno Smith, Seahawks (at SF). He was QB1 for the week in Dallas, but let's remember he was terrible in this matchup at home the previous week. San Francisco's zone defense says no.
22. Tommy DeVito, Giants (vs. GB). Tyrod Taylor won't be returning here, but either way, stay away. The Packers' pass defense is playing well despite injuries.
WEEK 14 FANTASY ADVICE: Sleepers | Busts | Projections
Fantasy Football Week 14 Start 'Em: Running backs
Must starts
- Christian McCaffrey, 49ers (vs. SEA)
- Alvin Kamara, Saints (vs. CAR)
- Rachaad White, Buccaneers (at ATL)
- Zack Moss, Colts (at CIN)
- Saquon Barkley, Giants (vs. GB)
- Bijan Robinson, Falcons (vs. TB)
- Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions (at CHI)
- David Montgomery, Lions (at CHI)
- Austin Ekeler, Chargers (vs. DEN)
- Tony Pollard, Cowboys (vs. PHI)
- Joe Mixon, Bengals (vs. IND)
- Travis Etienne, Jaguars (at CLE)
- Raheem Mostert, Dolphins (vs. TEN)
- Josh Jacobs, Raiders (vs. MIN)
- Breece Hall, Jets (vs. HOU)
- Derrick Henry, Titans (at MIA)
- Kyren Williams, Rams (at BAL)
- Kenneth Walker, Seahawks (if he plays, at SF)
- Javonte Williams, Broncos (at LAC)
Stronger starts
20. De'Von Achane, Dolphins (vs. TEN). His volume still isn't huge as a rookie coming back from a knee injury, but he can still put up a big night.
21. Ezekiel Elliott, Patriots (at PiT). Plug and play him for the injured Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) as an RB2 in a beatable matchup.
22. Najee Harris, Steelers (vs. NE). With Pittsburgh's passing game even more limited than before, Harris should get a heavy dose of carries trying to pound on the Patriots' defense.
23. Chuba Hubbard, Panthers (at NO). Hubbard is now totally featured, and the Saints' run defense has been weakened, much like the Bucs'.
24. Jaylen Warren, Steelers (vs. NE). He'll join Harris in delivering with some key receiving work for Mitchell Trubisky.
25. Devin Singletary, Texans (at NYJ). He should go back to being the hotter-hand back playing an AFC East foe, as his zone running can be very effective.
26. Alexander Mattison, Vikings (at LV). The Raiders stink against the run, and after the bye, he still should have a strong established role
DFS Picks
Javonte Williams, Broncos (at LAC, $5,800 DraftKings, $6,600 FanDuel). Williams should get more scrimmage love and targets working against the Chargers, whose run defense is starting to wilt again.
Breece Hall, Jets (vs. HOU, $6,200 DraftKings, $6,400 FanDuel). Hall is getting more run as a dedicated receiver, and they'll make sure he's the focal point in desperation mode in a plus matchup.
WEEK 14 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Fantasy Football Week 14 Sit 'Em: Running backs
Weaker starts
27. James Cook, Bills (at KC). The Chiefs have good linebacker speed, and they struggle more with big power backs, which Cook isn't.
28. D'Andre Swift, Eagles (at DAL). The Cowboys tend to erase running backs, save for Week 13, and Kenneth Gainwell is annoyingly getting touches.
29. AJ Dillon, Packers (at NYG). He might get the volume again in a solid spot, but he'll have to grind to get every yard and point.
30. Gus Edwards and 31. Keaton Mitchell, Ravens (vs. LAR). This duo will find it difficult to get going, as Aaron Donald and the Rams' run defense are bringing it.
32. Jerome Ford and 33. Kareem Hunt, Browns (vs. JAX). The Jaguars had issues with the Bengals' backs, but they will shore up their run defense here with less fear about the passing game.
34. Roschon Johnson, Bears (vs. DET). He should get the key work in a tough matchup, but it's hard to know how the work will be split with the other healthy backs.
WEEK 14 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
Fantasy Football Week 14 Start 'Em: Wide receivers
Must starts
- Tyreek Hill, Dolphins (vs. TEN)
- CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys (vs. PHI)
- A.J. Brown, Eagles (at DAL)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions (at CHI)
- Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals (vs. IND)
- Keenan Allen, Chargers (vs. DEN)
- Justin Jefferson, Vikings (at LV)
- Stefon Diggs, Bills (at KC)
- DeVonta Smith, Eagles (at DAL)
- Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers (vs. SEA)
- Deebo Samuel, 49ers (vs. SEA)
- Mike Evans, Buccaneers (at ATL)
- DJ Moore, Bears (vs. DET)
- Michael Pittman Jr., Colts (at CIN)
- Chris Olave, Saints (vs. CAR)
- Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins (vs. TEN)
- Courtland Sutton, Broncos (at LAC)
- Puka Nacua, Rams (at BAL)
- Calvin Ridley, Jaguars (at CLE)
- Davante Adams, Raiders (vs. MIN)
- Nico Collins, Texans (at NYJ)
- DK Metcalf, Seahawks (at SF)
- Christian Watson, Packers (if he plays, at NYG)
- Zay Flowers, Ravens (vs. LAR)
- Garrett Wilson, Jets (vs. HOU)
- Tyler Lockett, Seahawks (at SF)
- Tee Higgins, Bengals (vs. IND)
Stronger starts
28. Drake London, Falcons (vs. TB). London, back at home with Ridder, can take advantage of Carlton Davis and a limited Buccaneers' cornerback corps.
29. George Pickens, Steelers (vs. NE). The Patriots tend to give up some downfield pass plays, and Trubisky's big arm can find him for a semi-long TD pass.
30. Brandin Cooks, Cowboys (vs. PHI). He was quiet in the first meeting, but he tends to be a lot more productive at home in such great matchups.
31. Jayden Reed, Packers (at NYG). The Giants are vulnerable in the slot now that they have to reshuffle coverage with likely no Christian Watson.
32. Odell Beckham Jr., Ravens (vs. LAR). It's a big game and a revenge game vs. his former team, so, yeah, he'll be pumped to show out.
33. Jordan Addison, Vikings (at LV). Justin Jefferson's return opens up things for him elsewhere outside.
34. Elijah Moore, Browns (vs. JAX). With Amari Cooper concussed, expect Moore to remain their go-to guy for fellow former Jet Joe Flacco.
35. Gabe Davis, Bills (at KC). The Chiefs like to play zone defense, and keep in mind he had his big breakout game against them in the playoffs two years ago.
36. Romeo Doubs, Packers (at NYG). The Giants would focus on Watson downfield, but if he can't go, Doubs would operate as the No. 1 outside vs. weak corners.
37. Jerry Jeudy, Broncos (at LAC). The Chargers stink in the slot even with some changes, so watch out for another solid game.
DFS picks
Deebo Samuel, 49ers (vs. SEA, $6,800 DraftKings, $7,500 FanDuel). Samuel is coming off his most explosive game of the season, and he can destroy their zone defense for a second time in three weeks.
Courtland Sutton, Broncos (at LAC, $6,100 DraftKings, $7,200 FanDuel). Here's pairing him with Russell Wilson to get at least 100 yards and a TD, as the Chargers can't cover his big body outside or in the red zone.
Davante Adams, Raiders (vs. MIN, $7,500 DraftKings, $7,400 FanDuel). He'll get greased well after the bye against a beatable cornerback group, revved up by old thoughts of ripping through NFC North foes downfield.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Sit 'Em: Wide receivers
Weaker starts
39. Cooper Kupp, Rams (at BAL). Kupp scored last week, but it would have been a major flop without the TD and the Ravens' don't give up much to wideouts.
40. Noah Brown, Texans (at NYJ). He's a hot pickup with Tank Dell (ankle) out, but he should be faded in a really brutal matchup vs. the Jets' tough cornerbacks.
41. DeAndre Hopkins, Titans (at MIA). There's no doubt he'll get the attention from Jalen Ramsey in downfield coverage, and you can bet on the veteran corner to win.
42. Rashee Rice, Chiefs (vs. BUF). Rice has his worst matchup of the season vs. nasty Taron Johnson in the slot, so he's a sneaky fade this week.
43. Adam Thielen and 44. Jonathan Mingo, Panthers (at NO). They are risky now even without Marshon Lattimore in the lineup given it's tougher on the road.
45. Chris Godwin, Buccaneers (at ATL). He's just not getting it done reliably outside.
46. Josh Downs, Colts (at CIN). The emergence of the tight ends and Alec Pierce as a big-play threat doesn't bode well for the rookie; neither does Mike Hilton in slot coverage.
47. Jakobi Meyers, Raiders (vs. MIN). The Vikings can actually contain him well outside with Byroin Murphy Jr.
48. Jalin Hyatt, Giants (vs. GB). The Packers will limit the rookie's field-stretching potential with their coverage.
49. Khalil Shakir, Bills (at KC). Gabe Davis is back along with Dalton Kincaid, so the targets are hard to trust vs. non-man defenses.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Start 'Em: Tight ends
Must starts
- Travis Kelce, Chiefs (vs. BUF)
- T.J. Hockenson, Vikings (at LV)
- Sam LaPorta, Lions (at CHI)
- George Kittle, 49ers (vs. SEA)
- Jake Ferguson, Cowboys (vs. PHI)
- Dalton Kincaid, Bills (at KC)
Stronger starts
7. Cole Kmet, Bears (vs. DET). He was underwhelming in the first matchup, but he should find the end zone this time around even with limited volume.
8. Gerald Everett, Chargers (vs. DEN). The Broncos are the preferred matchup cheat code over the Bengals this week given the Colts don't have the same appeal at the position.
9. Isaiah Likely, Ravens (vs. LAR). The Rams remain very giving to the tight end, and the Ravens will scheme him open better after the bye.
10. Brevin Jordan, Texans (at NYJ). He proved to be a plug-and-play with no Dalton Schultz (hamstring), and this matchup is the second fine one in a row vs. a zone defense.
11. Kyle Pitts, Falcons (vs. TB). He was barely startable in the first matchup between these two teams this year, but it will be easier this time with Tampa's linebacker injuries.
12. Cade Otton, Buccaneers (at ATL). He's overdue for a short TD along with about four or five catches.
13. Tyler Conklin, Jets (vs. HOU). He will be busy after yet another QB change.
DFS pick
Sam LaPorta, Lions (at CHI, $6,100 DraftKings, $7,200 FanDuel). We should have gone with LaPorta last week vs. trusting a Saints tight end, but the rookie can stay hot vs. the Bears with their corners being better in coverage than their safeties and linebackers.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Sit 'Em: Tight ends
Weaker starts
14. Evan Engram, Jaguars (at CLE). The Browns tend to play great tight end defense and are better overall at home, and Engram likely won't have Trevor Lawrence (ankle).
16. David Njoku, Browns (vs. JAX). The matchup was awesome last week, but Njoku's production was bogarted by Harrison Bryant with Joe Flacco. This matchup is meh.
17. Pat Freiermuth, Steelers (vs. NE). He disappeared with Kenny Pickett (ankle) getting hurt vs. the Cardinals, and the Patriots cover this position well.
18. Chigoziem Okonkwo, Titans (at MIA). It's a mediocre matchup, and Okonkwo can't be counted on for decent volume.
19. Tanner Hudson, Bengals (vs. IND). He's looking at four catches for 30 yards, so if you like that ... you shouldn't.
20. Michael Mayer, Raiders (vs. MIN). The idea isn't bad, but it's hard to go here with uncertain usage after a bye.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Start 'Em: Defenses
Stronger starts
- Steelers (vs. NE)
- Browns (vs. JAX)
- 49ers (vs. SEA)
- Ravens (vs. LAR)
- Saints (vs. CAR)
- Texans (at NYJ)
- Dolphins (vs. TEN)
8. Packers (at NYG). Their defense is coming together to make some plays, and they will come through in prime time.
9. Jaguars (at CLE). They get Joe Flacco and need to play a whole lot better to win.
10. Chiefs (vs. BUF). They get the turnover-prone Josh Allen at home in a big spot for their defense to rebound.
11. Patriots (at PIT). They will make some big plays against Mitchell Trubisky.
12. Vikings (at LV). Brian Flores will have some twists ready for Aidan O'Connell.
13. Lions (at CHI). They weirdly play better with some big plays on the road, and one will happen here.
DFS pick
Browns (vs. JAX, $3,000 DraftKings, $3,800 FanDuel). The Jaguars will have a shorthanded shell of a passing game, and the pricing was based on Trevor Lawrence (ankle) starting, so save the money and take the free space.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Sit 'Em: Defenses
Weaker starts
14. Cowboys (vs. PHI). Not in this shootout.
15. Jets (vs. HOU). Not against C.J. Stroud.
16. Buccaneers (at ATL). Not with their injuries.
17. Colts (at CIN). Not anymore vs. a hot Jake Browning.
18. Chargers (vs. DEN). Not again despite last week's shutout.
19. Broncos (at LAC). Justin Herbert is struggling, but no.
20. Raiders (vs. MIN). Don't chase the Josh Dobbs turnover-fest from Week 12.
21. Eagles (at DAL). They are sit-able and droppable.
Get more of Vinnie Iyer's weekly analysis by listening or watching the daily Locked On Fantasy Football podcast.
