Making lineup decisions can be the most frustrating — or most rewarding — part of fantasy football. We’re to help you make those decisions with our fantasy start ’em/sit ’em picks.
It’s now Week 14. This deep into the season, we know who each of these teams are. That allows us to make informed decisions regarding matchups. With that in mind, let’s take a look at our top Week 14 start/sit plays.
Which Players Should You Start in Week 14?
Sam Darnold, QB, Minnesota Vikings (vs. ATL)
Throughout the entire season, Sam Darnold has been remarkably consistent. After a passable Week 1 with 15.62 fantasy points, Darnold has hit at least 17 fantasy points in all but two games since, including six games with 20+.
Darnold has now thrown exactly two touchdowns in three consecutive games, and two of those performances came against top 10 pass defenses.
The remaining schedule for Darnold is not exactly favorable, but in Week 14, he gets his easiest matchup since Week 10.
Despite keeping Justin Herbert out of the end zone last week, the Falcons still allow the seventh-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Given Atlanta’s inability to get pressure on opposing passers, Darnold should be able to find Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison open all day en route to a big game for fantasy managers.
Will Levis, QB, Tennessee Titans (vs. JAX)
I hope you have a better option than Will Levis, someone who definitely should not be starting for an NFL team in 2025. This is purely for those in deeper leagues or formats where a ton of quarterbacks are rostered, and perhaps you didn’t or were unable to plan ahead for a guy like Lamar Jackson or Jayden Daniels’ bye.
Levis still doesn’t have a game with 20+ fantasy points on the season, but if there ever were a week, it’s this one.
The Jaguars allow the most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. They’re allowing deep-ball completions at the second-highest rate in the NFL. This could be the week Levis uncorks a couple of deep balls that actually connect with the likes of Calvin Ridley or the apparently unstoppable touchdown machine that is Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.
Levis is still not a QB1 in the weekly rankings, but he’s a viable streaming option.
Isaac Guerendo, RB, San Francisco 49ers (vs. CHI)
The San Francisco 49ers lost another game last week — their seventh of the season that just about ends their playoff aspirations. But the biggest loss wasn’t the game; it was Christian McCaffrey.
By the time you’re reading this, it may already be confirmed that McCaffrey is done for the season with a PCL injury. Even if it’s not, let me tell you that he’s played his last down of 2024.
There’s just no reason to bring McCaffrey back, even if he’s physically capable of doing so (which he likely isn’t).
This put Jordan Mason back in the RB1 role… except he’s also on IR and presumably done for the season. He was the first man in the game after CMC went down. Guerendo was the second. Now, he’s the lead back. Add him everywhere and start him this week against a Bears defense allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to running backs.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, New York Giants (vs. NO)
It’s always risky starting running backs on bad teams. Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s upside will always be capped by the nature of the New York Giants’ offense, but he’s in a really good spot this week.
Watching the Giants on Thanksgiving, it may have appeared as though Devin Singletary was on the field a bit more than usual. Singletary actually got the start, which I surmise was “punishment” for Tracy’s fumbling issues the previous two games. But when it was all said and done, Tracy wound up playing 73% of the snaps, right in line with his usual share.
After a 41% snap share in Week 12, Tyrone Tracy's share in Week 13 was 73%. He ran 27 routes, per PFF, compared to Devin Singletary's 5 and Eric Gray's 2.
— JJ Zachariason (@LateRoundQB) December 2, 2024
Tracy is still the guy. The fact that he’s only had nine carries in each of his last two games has more to do with negative game script than anything else.
The Giants should be more competitive at home, and Tracy should have room to run against a Saints defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy ppg to running backs.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans (vs. JAX)
Just when you thought you could trust Calvin Ridley on a weekly basis, he goes and posts a 2-45 dud against the Commanders in a negative game script. As disappointing as Ridley’s effort was last week, he should bounce back in a big way in Week 14.
Ridley is still the Tennessee Titans’ WR1. Since Week 8, he’s averaging 15.15 fantasy points per game, which are high WR2 numbers.
This week, he gets a Jaguars defense allowing the third-most fantasy ppg to wide receivers. On average, they allow over one touchdown per game to the position.
You can trust Ridley this week.
Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders (at TB)
One of the best stories this season has been Jakobi Meyers establishing himself as a true WR1 following Davante Adams’ departure from the Las Vegas Raiders.
It’s helped turn Meyers into one of the best values in fantasy. He’s been as reliable as it gets over the past month or so, scoring at least 15.7 fantasy points in four of his last five games.
On Black Friday, Meyers’ game really should have been even bigger. He had 5-86 at the half but only caught one more pass the rest of the game.
This week, Meyers has a chance to really smash against a Bucs defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
With the Raiders likely to face negative game script, Aidan O’Connell should find himself dropping back to pass even more than the 35 times he did against the Chiefs. Meyers has been dominating targets and should see plenty of them against the Bucs. Fire him up as a strong WR2.
Will Dissly, TE, Los Angeles Chargers (at KC)
I know. I know. You all started Will Dissly in a favorable matchup last week, and he saw all of one target, failing to catch it. How can I recommend going back to him this week?
Admittedly, my confidence is shaken a bit. We never want to see a player used that little, but let’s examine everything in the proper context.
Kirk Cousins had a complete meltdown against the Chargers, resulting in their lone touchdown being a defensive score.
Meanwhile, Justin Herbert only attempted 23 passes. There simply wasn’t any volume.
This week, the Chargers are probably not going to dominate the NFL’s No. 1 run defense with Gus Edwards. And they’re not going to intercept Patrick Mahomes four times.
The Chiefs allow the fourth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. No team sees a higher percentage of its passing yards allowed to the position.
Dissly still ran a route on 70% of Herbert’s dropbacks last week. You can go back to him this week in a game the Chargers should have to throw more.
Jake Ferguson or Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Dallas Cowboys (vs. CIN)
This early in the week, we don’t yet know who will start at tight end for the Dallas Cowboys. Jake Ferguson is working his way through the concussion protocol. While he’s been out, Luke Schoonmaker has filled in as essentially the same player.
I expect Ferguson to regain his primary TE job upon his return, making this exercise pretty straightforward. Whichever starts for the Cowboys can start for your fantasy team.
The Bengals are the gift that keeps on giving. Because they have one of the best offenses in the NFL, opponents have to score to keep up with them. And because they have one of the worst defenses in the NFL, opponents can score with them.
Cincinnati isn’t particularly good at defending anything, but they’re especially bad against the tight end, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to the position. Over 26% of their total receiving yards allowed on the season has gone to tight ends.
Schoonmaker has seen 20 targets over his last three games as the primary tight end. He’s posted games of 11.6, 14.5, and 8.3 fantasy points, respectively — numbers we can certainly work with.
From Weeks 3-9, Ferguson had 8.3 fantasy points or more in all but one game. Either one will be a fine fantasy option, just don’t start the Schoon if Ferguson is back.
Dalton Kincaid or Dawson Knox, TE, Buffalo Bills (at LAR)
It’s another start recommendation of “Team starting tight end.” I actually hope Dalton Kincaid sits another week for this recommendation. With Kincaid out, Dawson Knox has served as the primary receiving tight end for the Buffalo Bills.
Although his snap share isn’t particularly high, Knox is running routes when Josh Allen drops back to pass, which is all we need.
Knox has 40 receiving yards in three straight games. This week, he gets a Los Angeles Rams defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. Just last week, Taysom Hill and Juwan Johnson accounted for 40% of the passing yards allowed by the Rams.
If Kincaid does return, he can be trusted as a back-end TE1. If it’s Knox again, look to him as a viable streaming option.
Which Players Should You Sit in Week 14?
Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams (vs. BUF)
The Bills are certainly the type of team that will simply outscore its opponents, but they don’t need to. They are actually one of the most complete teams in the league on both sides of the ball.
Following their destruction of Brock Purdy and the 49ers on Sunday night, the Bills now allow the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. However, Buffalo remains vulnerable on the ground, allowing 4.9 yards per carry.
While weather certainly played a factor last week, it speaks volumes that the 49ers’ three main running backs were able to rush for 150 yards on 24 carries in extreme negative game script.
We also saw the Rams willing to lean on the run when the matchup calls for it. They just did it with great success against the Saints, limiting Matthew Stafford to just 24 pass attempts as Kyren Williams and Blake Corum did whatever they wanted on the ground.
This week projects to be another run-heavy game plan, making Stafford an uninspiring fantasy option.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. LV)
The close to the season is going to be really unfortunate for Baker Mayfield fantasy managers. On the one hand, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers schedule is incredibly favorable for quarterbacks. On the other hand, it’s incredibly favorable for everyone.
Last week, we got our first taste of positive game script for the Bucs. Great for them — not for us.
Despite facing one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL, Tampa Bay didn’t have to ask Mayfield to throw the ball 40 times. From Weeks 4-8, he attempted at least 36 passes in all but one game. Since then, he hasn’t attempted more than 33.
That trend is likely to continue with the Bucs installed as home favorites over the Raiders. Last week, the Buccaneers ran the ball more than they threw, with Bucky Irving dominating on the ground. I expect a similar game script this week.
Sure, Mayfield could end up throwing three touchdowns. That’s always on the table. But the passing volume is unlikely to be there, making him a risky fantasy start.
Gus Edwards, RB, Los Angeles Chargers (at KC)
Just because a guy is the clear lead rusher for his team doesn’t mean he’s worth starting in fantasy. Edwards played 52% of the snaps in positive game script against the Falcons last week. He carried the ball six times for 32 yards, which was actually his most efficient game of the season. I wish him the best of luck against a Chiefs defense allowing the third-fewest rushing yards per game.
Despite the Raiders’ surprisingly successful day on the ground on Black Friday, running backs don’t have success against Kansas City, who allows the fewest fantasy points per game to the position.
Edwards is entirely dependent on touchdowns. Sure, it’s possible the Chargers could find themselves at the goal line and Edwards can punch one in. But I’m not even sure if that will be enough for him to crack double-digit fantasy points.
Edwards offers nothing in the passing game. The fact that he caught a single pass for one yard last week is a minor miracle. Plus, a mere 10% of the total receiving yards allowed by the Chiefs goes to running backs. Bye weeks may force certain running backs to get elevated in rankings but don’t start the Gus Bus in Week 14.
Rachaad White, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. LV)
It’s a bit ironic that the least efficient running back in football over the past two years is suddenly finding his stride as a runner. White’s 11 carries for 76 yards last week marked his second-most efficient game of the season. He’s now up to 4.07 ypc on the year.
Unfortunately, he’s completely lost the RB1 job to Irving. The rookie has been impressive in all facets of the game, but the biggest issue is that White isn’t even the best receiving back anymore.
Since Mike Evans returned, White has a total of two receptions for 12 yards. Meanwhile, Irving has at least three receptions in each of his last six games. What was supposed to be White’s saving grace now belongs to Irving as well.
So, we have Irving as the best between-the-20s runner, the goal-line back, and the best receiving back.
What exactly does White do? The answer is waste away on fantasy benches.
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, San Francisco 49ers (vs. CHI)
It does appear as if the fantasy community is finally starting to realize it’s over for Deebo Samuel Sr. One of the most dynamic players the sport has ever seen, Samuel is almost 29 years old and has dealt with a slew of injuries. Whatever the reason, he’s not the same player anymore.
Samuel hasn’t scored since Week 6, and over that span, he’s scored 12.6 fantasy points twice. That represents the best he can do for fantasy managers — high WR4 value.
Deebo Samuel, the 2nd round pick, fantasy games this year (PPR)
Games above 30 points: 0
Games above 25 points: 0
Games above 20 points: 1 (20.7)
Games above 15 points: 3Games below 15 points: 7
Games below 10 points: 4Yikes. No Brandon Aiyuk or CMC either.
— Liam Murphy (@ChessLiam) December 2, 2024
From Weeks 11-13, Samuel has scored a total of 13.2 fantasy points. His highest receiving-yardage mark over that span is 22 yards.
Are you really about to trust this guy with playoff positioning on the line? Forget starting Samuel against a Bears defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers, just drop him.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins (vs. NYJ)
I hate picking on the same players every week, but this column is based on consensus rankings. What players do I see ranked as starters that shouldn’t be? Jaylen Waddle continues to be one.
Waddle actually had a serviceable performance against the Packers, scoring 11.3 fantasy points and reaching double digits for the second consecutive week. That’s what it’s come to with Waddle. We see 10+ fantasy points and see that as a win. Simply put, that’s not good enough.
Outside of Waddle’s 28.4-point outburst in Week 12, which was clearly a fluke, he’s provided nothing for fantasy managers. He has three games with double-digit fantasy points all season.
Even against the Packers, he was barely part of the offense, earning a mere four targets. Waddle is well behind Jonnu Smith, Tyreek Hill, and De’Von Achane in the target hierarchy.
This week, he gets a Jets defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. I don’t see how you can trust Waddle this week.
Cole Kmet, TE, Chicago Bears (at SF)
Ever since the Bears moved on from Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator, Cole Kmet has been the clear primary tight end. He’s played over 90% of the snaps over his last three games and has seen an increase in routes run.
While the usage is great, Kmet hasn’t been overly productive. He’s caught three passes or less in three of his last four. Only his 13.4 fantasy points against the Vikings in Week 12 were helpful for fantasy managers.
This week, the Bears get a 49ers defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends. On the list of streaming options at tight end, Kmet is an unappealing one.