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Welcome to our Week 14 matchups analysis and starts/sits column for fantasy football. We'll be covering every matchup from every Sunday game to help you make the best decisions for your fantasy lineups. We'll also be updating this as injury reports come in so check back often.
For the vast majority of leagues it is playoff time! That means starting or sitting the wrong guy could end your season. When in doubt, go with the player with the better matchup. But don't sit your studs, that's just stupid.
I'll be on Reddit each Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning to answer all your start/sit questions as well. You can also reach me directly on Twitter @ChrisMangano if you can't wait.
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Week 14 NFL Matchups - 1:00 PM ET Games
Important note and credits about data used in this article:
- All snap counts taken from Football Outsiders. Adjusted line yards also taken from Football outsiders. You can read more here.
- Success rate is taken from Sharp Football Stats (Warren Sharp). You can read more about it here.
- Wide receiver snap percentages and corner grades/stats are taken from Pro Football Focus.
Colts at Bills
Matchups We Love:
Frank Gore (RB, IND)
After seeing at least 16 carries in four straight, and at least four targets in three of four, Gore got just 13 carries and zero targets against a tough Titans run defense. He's in a much better spot this week as the Bills 28th in yards per attempt, and have allowed four top-8 scoring weeks in the last six games since trading Marcell Dareus. Gore should be a solid flex start.
Jack Doyle (TE, IND)
Doyle has five or more targets in five straight games, and could once again be highly targeted in a matchup against a Bills defense that ranks 31st is success rate on throws to tight ends and 28th in yards per attempt. They have given up seven top-15 scoring weeks to the position as well. Doyle is an easy TE1 play.
Zay Jones (WR, BUF) / Kelvin Benjamin (WR, BUF)
Benjamin is off the injury report and has gotten two full practices in. Jones has seven or more targets in four straight games and both gets a great matchup against a Colts secondary missing Vontae Davis, Rashaan Melvin and Pierre Desir. Without those three, the Colts have allowed five touchdowns on just 85 targets and 1.96 PPR points per target. Benjamin is a solid WR3 in this one. Jones, unfortunately, doesn't have more than four catches in his last three games which keeps him relegated to the flex range, especially with Benjamin back. But he does possess upside in this matchup. Unfortunately, with Peterman getting the start both Jones and Benjamin take a big hit and are now borderline unstartable.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Jacoby Brissett (QB, IND) has only one touchdown and two interceptions over the last two games, and gets a Bills defense that ranks first in touchdown percentage against. They do give up the 24th most yards per game so he should at least offer a solid floor. Still, this team has only allowed five quarterback finishes inside the top-22 which makes Brisett a fringe QB2 play.
T.Y. Hilton (WR, IND) only has 15 targets over the last three games and gets just an OK matchup against a Bills secondary that will be without Tre'Davious White but still have only allowed six touchdowns and give up just 1.54 PPR points per target. Hilton is hard to start with so much on the line and has to be considered a flex play.
Nate Peterman (QB, BUF) will get the start in replace of an injured Tyrod Taylor. The Colts are one of the best matchups on the slate rankingdead last in yards per game and 16th in touchdown percentage. They are also without their two best corners in the secondary. Unfortunately the last time we saw Peterman he was throwing five interceptions in the first half. He can't be trusted in lineups.
LeSean McCoy (RB, BUF) only has 15 or more carries in three of the last six games, but does have at least four targets in four of them. The Colts rank 14th in adjusted line yards and 13th in yards per attempt, but have only held three units to finishes of outside the top-13 in the last eight games. McCoy is a solid RB1 start.
Since returning from injury, Charles Clay (TE, BUF) hasn't seen more than four targets in a game but gets a good matchup against a Colts defense that ranks 23rd in success rate on throws to the position and 27th in yards per attempt. They have allowed six top-15 scoring weeks which makes Clay a solid TE2 start.
Cowboys at Giants
Matchups We Love:
Dak Prescott (QB, DAL)
Prescott only threw for 105 yards on Thursday night but did add two touchdowns and 28 rushing yards. He gets a great matchup against a Giants team that ranks 30th in yards per game, 27th in touchdown percentage and 28th in sack rate. Prescott hasn't been playing as well without Ezekiell Elliott, but he should still be on the QB1 radar in this matchup.
Alfred Morris (RB, DAL)
Morris was fed early and often on Sunday in a game the Cowboys won easily, getting 27 carries. With the Cowboys favorites to win against the terrible Giants, Morris should once again see positive game script. It's a great spot for Morris as well as the Giants rank 24th in adjusted line yards and 23rd in yards per attempt. If Morris can push close to 20 carries he should be a fringe RB1 start.
Eli Manning (QB, NYG)
After a one game benching at the hands of a vindictive Ben McAdoo, Manning has once again been named the team's starter. He gets a good matchup against a Cowboys team that ranks 21st in yards per game and 26th in touchdown percentage. Ironically, Manning in Week 1 is the only quarterback to not have a top-24 finish against this defense. We don't expect him to repeat that and he is a solid QB2 start.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Dez Bryant (WR, DAL) has seven or more targets in five of the last six, and is in a good spot against a Giants secondary that allows 1.62 PPR points per target. While Janoris Jenkins being placed on IR helps, Eli Apple being out of the lineup hurts as Apple was one of the worst corners in the league. Still, this is a good spot for Bryant and he has fringe WR1 value.
Jason Witten (TE, DAL) only has more than five targets in four of the last six games with one target in each of the others. The Giants are normally considered a great matchup for tight ends but that was mainly due to them allowing touchdowns to the position. Overall they rank 10th in success rate on throws to tight ends and 24th in yards per attempt. They held the Redskins tight ends to a TE26 finish and the Raiders to a TE18 finish by holding them out of the end zone. Witten will likely need to score to post a TE1 day.
Orleans Darkwa (RB, NYG) only has 25 carries over the last two games after having 50 over the previous three games. The Cowboys are not an overly tough matchup, ranking 26th in yards per attempt, but they will be bolstered by the return of Sean Lee. Darkwa is nothing more than a risky flex start.
Sterling Shepard (WR, NYG) had nine and 13 targets in his two games with Eli Manning and without Odell Beckham, Jr. He should once again be heavily targeted but gets just an OK matchup against the Cowboys slot corners who have given up just two touchdowns and allow only 1.47 PPR points per target. Still, Shepard should see enough volume to make him a fringe WR2.
Evan Engram (TE, NYG) has at least six targets in five straight and should get a boost with Manning back at quarterback. The Cowboys are a good matchup for tight ends, ranking 30th in success rate on throws and 19th in yards per attempt. They've only allowed three top-12 scoring weeks, but Engram should see enough targets to warrant low-end TE1 consideration.
Lions at Buccaneers
Matchups We Love:
Matthew Stafford (QB, DET)
To say Stafford is banged up is an understatement, and he injured his throwing hand in Week 13 so his Week 14 status is in doubt. If he does play, however, he is in a great spot against a Buccaneers defense that ranks 31st in yards per game and 18th in touchdown percentage. If Stafford plays he is a QB1.
Marvin Jones (WR, DET)
Jones now has seven or more targets in five of the last six, and nine or more in three of those. He draws a great matchup against the Buccaneers outside corners who have given up eight touchdowns and allow 1.78 PPR points per target. Jones is a high-end WR2 play.
Golden Tate (WR, DET)
Tate has eight or more targets in four of the last six games and should have a big advantage over the Buccaneers slot corners who give up 1.87 PPR points per target. Tate has been trending up with eight and 10 targets over the last two and could once again see double-digit targets in this one. He is a fringe WR1.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
With Ameer Abdullah (RB, DET) out in Week 13, Theo Riddick (RB, DET) got the start but handled just nine carries and five targets. The Buccaneers are just an average matchup for backs, ranking 21st in yards per attempt and 12th in success rate on throws to running backs. With Abdullah back, neither of these players can be considered more than a desperation flex start.
Eric Ebron (TE, DET) has at least four targets in five of the last six but gets just an OK matchup against a Buccaneers defense that ranks 11th in success rate on throws to the position and 17th in yards per attempt. They've allowed only four top-12 scoring weeks and have held six units to finishes outside the top-20. Ebron can't be considered more than a TE2 start.
Jameis Winston (QB, TB) returned from injury and posted a solid fantasy line. He could once again be a solid option against a Lions defense that ranks 27th in yards per game but just 13th in touchdown percentage. They have allowed five of the last six quarterbacks they faced to finish QB13 or better with three inside the top-seven, so opportunity is there. Winston is a high-end QB2.
Doug Martin (RB, TB) has cleared concussion protocol and has been deemed the teams starter. In his absence, Peyton Barber (RB, TB) posted an impressive 143 yards on 27 touches. The matchup is fantastic, as the Lions rank 25th in adjusted line yards and 22nd in yards per attempt, and have yet to hold a unit to a lower than RB24 scoring week and have given up seven top-10 weeks. The real concern for fantasy owners is who will handle the bulk of the carries. After his strong play last week it seems like Barber has at least earned some work. Both have flex value in such a great matchup.
Mike Evans (WR, TB) had just six targets in Jameis Winston's first game back after seeing double-digit targets in two straight. He will draw shadow coverage from Darius Slay in this one, and while that's not ideal, Slay is by no means a complete avoid. He has given up three touchdowns and allows 1.43 PPR points per target. Evans is still a WR1 but owners should temper expectations. DeSean Jackson (WR, TB) had only three targets in Week 13, but gets a good matchup against the Lions corners not named Slay who allow 1.64 PPR points per target. With Evans battling Slay, Jackson could be targeted more and is always one big play away. He is a high-upside flex start.
Cameron Brate (TE, TB) got a big boost with the return of Jameis Winston, and is now averaging 12.9 PPR points per game with Winston versus 1.9 without. He gets a good matchup against a Lions defense that ranks 16th in success rate and dead last in yards per attempt. They've allowed three straight top-12 finishes and there is no reason to think Brate isn't a fringe TE1 at worst.
Raiders at Chiefs
Matchups We Love:
Derek Carr (QB, OAK)
Carr hasn't scored 16 or more fantasy points in five straight games but will get at least one of his weapons back in Michael Crabtree. The Chiefs rank 28th in yards per game and 14th in touchdown percentage. They just allowed a QB2 finish to Josh McCown. Carr looks like a fringe QB1 in this matchup.
Marshawn Lynch (RB, OAK)
Lynch has 43 carries over the last two games and the Raiders seem to be leaning on him more. He gets another great matchup against a Chiefs defense that ranks 27th in adjusted line yards and has allowed six top-12 scoring weeks in the last seven games. Lynch is a high-end RB2 and could push into RB1 territory.
Michael Crabtree (WR, OAK) / Johnny Holton (WR, OAK)
Crabtree returns from his one game suspension and is in a great spot against the Chiefs corners who have given up 13 touchdowns and allow 1.8 PPR points per target. They will also be without Marcus Peters who was suspended by the team. Though Peters had been struggling over the last month, it still has to be considered a boost. Crabtree is a low-end WR1 in this matchup. With Crabtree and Amari Cooper out in Week 13, Holton led the receivers with seven targets. If Cooper is not able to play again this week, Holton should act as the number two alongside Crabtree and will have flex value in a great matchup.
Alex Smith (QB, KC)
With Andy Reid giving up play calling duties, the Chiefs once again took deep shots against the Jets as Smith racked up 366 yards and four touchdowns, adding 70 rushing yards for good measure. He's in another great spot against a Raiders defense that ranks 23rd in yards per game and 24th in touchdown percentage. Six quarterbacks have QB9 or better finishes and only Geno Smith, Joe Flacco and Trevor Siemian have finishes outside the top-16. Smith could once again push into QB1 territory.
Tyreek Hill (WR, KC)
Hill has seven or more targets in three straight, and 20 over the last two games. He should once again be heavily involved against a Raiders secondary that has allowed 13 touchdowns to receivers and gives up 1.89 PPR points per target. Hill has tons of upside in this matchup and is a solid WR1 start.
Travis Kelce (TE, KC)
Kelce has eight or more targets in four of the last five and should once again be heavily involved against a Raiders defense that ranks 21st in success rate, 26th in yards per attempt, and has given up eight top-12 scoring weeks. Kelce is a locked-in must start.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Jared Cook (TE, OAK) disappointed in a Week 13 game that was setup perfectly for him, but has a chance to rebound against a Chiefs defense that ranks 15th in success rate on throws to tight ends and 31st in yards per attempt. They've allowed five top-12 scoring weeks on the season and Cook is in the fringe TE1 range.
With Charcandrick West (RB, KC) out, Kareem Hunt (RB, KC) still only got nine carries and five targets in another disappointing performance for his fantasy owners. The Jets are a tough run defense, and things should be easier this week against a Raiders unit that ranks 18th in yards per attempt but has only allowed five top-12 scoring weeks all season. With his volume taking a massive hit it's hard to view Hunt as anything more than a flex.
49ers at Texans
Matchups We Love:
Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, SF)
Garoppolo looked solid in his first start with the 49ers, throwing for 293 yards with one interception. Things should only get better and it could happen this week against a Texans defense that ranks 22nd in yards per game and 31st in touchdown percentage. They have allowed QB9 or better finishes in five of the last six games. Garoppolo should be a solid QB2 start.
Marquise Goodwin (WR, SF)
In Garoppolo's first start, Goodwin had eight targets and caught six passes. He gets a fantastic matchup this week against the Texans outside corners who have given up 10 touchdowns and allow 1.99 PPR points per target. Starting Goodwin is a risky play, but he brings huge upside in this matchup for teams who need to hit a home run.
Trent Taylor (WR, SF)
Taylor got six targets from Garoppolo and caught all six. The Texans slot corners are weak to say the least, allowing 2.04 PPR points per target. Taylor isn't someone you want to be playing in a standard scoring league, but he has solid flex value in PPR formats.
Tom Savage (QB, HOU)
It's hard to "love" Savage. His 17.5 fantasy points against the Titans was his season high, and he only has two games with more than 10 points. Still, the matchup is good as the 49ers rank 19th in yards per game and 25th in touchdown percentage. Mitch Trubisky became the first quarterback to finish outside the top 19 against this defense. Savage is a fringe QB2 play in a plus matchup.
Lamar Miller (RB, HOU)
Miller has 15 or more carries in three straight, and should benefit with Alfred Blue being out. The 49ers rank 23rd in adjusted line yards and have allowed eight top-12 scoring weeks. Only two times has a team failed to post a top-20 week. Miller is a fringe RB1 in this matchup.
DeAndre Hopkins (WR, HOU)
Hopkins has double-digit targets in five of the last six and has at least nine in each of those. He is in a great spot against the 49ers outside corners that have given up 10 touchdowns and allow 1.75 PPR points per target. Hopkins is a locked-in must start and an easy WR1 play.
Matchups We Hate:
Carlos Hyde (RB, SF)
Hyde now has games of 17 carries, 16 carries and 17 carries in the last three, but did see his targets drop to five with Jimmy Garoppolo after having nine or more in three of the last four. The Texans are a tough defense against running backs, ranking 11th in yards per attempt and seventh in success rate on throws. They have given up back to back big weeks to the Ravens and Titans, however, so opportunity is there. Even in a tough spot Hyde should be considered a low-end RB1.
Other Matchups:
George Kittle (TE, SF) returned from injury but was out-targeted by Garrett Celek (TE, SF) four to three. While the matchup against the Texans is OK, it's hard to trust either at this point and both should be left on benches.
Stephen Anderson (TE, HOU) saw 12 targets as Bruce Ellington left the game with an injury. He could be in line for all the targets he can handle once again but does draw a bit of a tough matchup against a 49ers defense that ranks 11th in success rate on throws and fourth in yards per attempt. They have allowed a top-12 finish to six of the last seven units, so opportunity is there. Anderson is a high-end TE2 and a viable streaming option.
Packers at Browns
Matchups We Love:
Brett Hundley (QB, GB)
After throwing for at least 200 yards in four straight games, Hundley was hidden by the Packers and threw for just 84 yards, though he did add 66 yards rushing. The Browns are a good spot for quarterbacks, ranking 17th in yards per game and 30th in touchdown percentage. No quarterback has a finish worse than QB24 and 10 have finished QB16 or higher. There's risk in starting Hundley but he should be able to post low-end QB2 numbers.
DeShone Kizer (QB, CLE)
Kizer has at least 14 fantasy points in four of the last five and 20 plus in two of those. He gets a good matchup against a Packers defense that ranks 26th in yards per game and 24th in touchdown percentage. Only Mike Glennon failed to post a top-24 finish against this defense and nine have top-19 or better. Kizer should be a solid QB2 start.
Duke Johnson (RB, CLE)
Johnson only has more than six carries twice over the last five games, but has at least four targets in each of them. One area the Packers really struggle is against pass catching backs, ranking 28th in success rate on throws to running backs and 24th in yards per attempt. Johnson could exploit this matchup and makes a for a high-end PPR flex play.
Josh Gordon (WR, CLE)
Gordon looked as good as anyone could have expected after not playing for almost three years and was facing one of the best corners in the game. Now he gets a team hurting in the secondary which has given up 14 touchdowns and allow 1.86 PPR points per target. You have to think Gordon will only be better. He's a solid WR2 play with upside for more.
Matchups We Hate:
Aaron Jones (RB, GB) / Jamaal Williams (RB, GB)
It's still unclear how these backs will be used as Jones got just two carries in his return from injury, one of which was an overtime winning 20 yard touchdown run. Williams, meanwhile, has been a workhorse with 20 or more carries in three of the last four and 18 in the other. Regardless of how they are used, this matchup is tough as the Browns rank second in adjusted line yards and third in yards per attempt. They just held Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler to a combined RB21 finish. Both Jones and Williams are risky starts with unkown workloads and a tough matchup.
Other Matchups:
Davante Adams (WR, GB) had seen at least eight targets in four straight before seeing just six in Week 13. He is likely to face shadow coverage from Jason McCourty, though McCourty does allow 1.6 PPR points per target but has given up just two touchdowns. Adams is a low-end WR2 play.
In his last five games, Isaiah Crowell (RB, CLE) has 11 or fewer carries in three and 16 in each of the other two. The Packers are a solid run stopping unit, ranking 12th in adjusted line yards and ninth in yards per attempt. With inconsistent usage and not a great matchup, Crowell can't be considered more than a flex start.
It appears David Njoku (TE, CLE) has finally separated and become the clear go-to tight end in the passing game for the Browns. He is coming off a six target game and draws an OK matchup against a Packers defense that ranks 17th in success rate and 14th in yards per attempt. Njoku is still a risky start but should make for a solid TE2.
Bears at Bengals
Matchups We Love:
Jordan Howard (RB, CHI)
Howard doesn't have more than 15 carries in four straight games as his team is routinely facing negative game script. That could once again be the case this week, though at least Howard will be in a good matchup. The Bengals rank 29th in adjusted line yards and have allowed seven straight top-11 scoring weeks. If Howard can see close to 20 carries he makes a solid RB1 play and should at least post high RB2 numbers.
Matchups We Hate:
Mitch Trubisky (QB, CHI)
Trubisky has only thrown for over 200 yards one time all season and will be hard-pressed to do so again facing a Bengals defense that ranks eighth in yards per game and seventh in touchdown percentage. They also rank eighth best in sack rate, so Trubisky will likely be under a lot of pressure. Trubisky should not be started in any formats.
Tyler Kroft (TE, CIN)
Kroft has seen inconsistent target volume, as he has three games with four or more targets and three games with three or less over the last six. He faces a tough test against a Bears defense that ranks fifth in success rate and 15th in yards per attempt. Kroft just isn't seeing consistent volume to instill confidence and he can't be considered more than a low-end TE2.
Other Matchups:
Dontrelle Inman (WR, CHI) saw just two targets in Week 13 after seeing 22 over the previous three games, though he did find the end zone. He will need more volume to post a solid fantasy outing against a Bengals secondary that allows 1.37 PPR points per target but has given up eight touchdowns. Inman is a low-end flex play at best.
Andy Dalton (QB, CIN) now has 18 or more fantasy points in three straight games and is a solid play against a Bears defense that ranks 12th in yards per game and 10th in touchdown percentage, but has allowed top-12 scoring weeks to the likes of Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers, Matt Stafford and Carson Wentz. While Dalton is not quite in the class of those quarterbacks, he is good enough to be considered a high-end QB2 in this one.
With Joe Mixon (RB, CIN) exiting Monday night's game with a concussion, Giovani Bernard (RB, CIN) handled 13 carries and saw three targets. He could be in for even more as Mixon will not play this week, and is in a good spot against a Bears defense that ranks 26th in adjusted line yards and has yet to give up a finish worse than RB23. Bernard can be considered a RB2 play, especially in PPR formats.
A.J. Green (WR, CIN) has eight or more targets in four of the last six and is coming off a monster game on Monday night football. He's in a good spot this week against the Bears outside corners who have given up eight touchdowns and allow 1.55 PPR points per target. Green is a weekly must start and this matchup doesn't change that.
Vikings at Panthers
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
Latavius Murray (RB, MIN)
Murray has at least 15 carries in every game since Dalvin Cook's season-ending injury, and should once again see 15 or more. Unfortunately the Panthers are a tough run stopping unit ranking ninth in adjusted line yards. With the volume, and the fact that he has at least three red zone carries in four straight, Murray is still a solid flex play with touchdown upside.
Kyle Rudolph (TE, MIN)
Rudolph has five or more targets in four of the last five games, but may find things difficult against a Panthers defense that ranks third in success rate and sixth in yards per attempt. They have only allowed three top-12 scoring weeks on the season as well. You can't bench Rudolph but owners should temper expectations.
Cam Newton (QB, MIN)
Newton has three games with at least 20 points over his last four and has scored at least 17 in each of them, but will find things difficult against a Vikings defense that ranks 10th in yards per game and third in touchdown percentage. Over the last 10 games, only two quarterbacks were able to post top-20 scoring weeks. Despite that, Newton is still a fringe QB1 but owners should temper expectations.
Christian McCaffrey (RB, CAR)
McCaffrey has at least six targets in four of the last five and has no fewer than five targets over that stretch. Unfortunately the Vikings do a great job against pass catching backs, ranking first in success rate and 10th in yards per attempt. McCaffrey is involved enough to still warrant low-end RB2 status in PPR formats despite the tough matchup.
Devin Funchess (WR, CAR)
Funchess has been a solid fantasy contributor since the trade of Kelvin Benjamin, but gets a big downgrade this week as he will be shadowed by Xavier Rhodes. Rhodes has now allowed just two touchdowns (both came on a short week against Marvin Jones) and gives up just 1.4 PPR points per target. It's tough to bench Funchess, but owners should temper expectations.
Greg Olsen (TE, CAR)
Olsen seems ready to return after his first unsuccessful return two weeks ago. Not only is there plenty of risk with his foot injury, but he's facing a Vikings defense that ranks sixth in success rate and second in yards per attempt against tight ends. Hopefully you have better options as Olsen is best left on benches.
Other Matchups:
Case Keenum (QB, MIN) continues to play well and has 16 or more fantasy points in five straight including two 26+ games. While he may not offer the big ceiling against a Panthers defense that ranks seventh in yards per game and 19th in touchdown percentage, he is solid enough to be considered a high-end QB2.
Jerick McKinnon (RB, MIN) McKinnon delivered for his owners after multiple quiet weeks in a row, and should continue to hold plenty of fantasy value in games were the Vikings have to throw. He hasn't seen more than 14 carries in five straight so he needs those targets. The Panthers rank 21st in success rate on throws to running backs, so the matchup is OK. Still, McKinnon is a flex play at this point due to his unpredictable usage.
Adam Thielen (WR, MIN) ran only 34% of his routes from the slot in Week 13 as the Vikings have made Jarius Wright their number three receiver. The Panthers outside receivers are an OK matchup, however, having given up seven touchdowns and allowing 1.66 PPR points per target. Thielen remains a solid WR1 start. Stefon Diggs (WR, MIN) hasn't seen more than seven targets over the last five games and has just 29 total over that span. He should have an advantage over the Panthers outside corners, but with his low usage he can't be considered more than a WR3 at this point.
Jonathan Stewart (RB, CAR) has at least 11 carries in five straight but gets a somewhat tough matchup against a Vikings defense that ranks 15th in adjusted line yards but sixth in yards per attempt. They've only allowed one top-12 scoring week all year and have held six units to finishes of 26th or worse. Hopefully you are able to leave Stewart on the bench.
NFL Week 14 Matchups - 4:00 PM ET Games
Redskins at Chargers
Matchups We Love:
Samaje Parine (RB, WAS)
After seeing more than 20 carries in back-to-back games, Perine saw just 12 as the Redskins offense struggled to do anything on Thursday night. He should be much more involved against a Chargers team that ranks 28th in adjusted line yards and 30th in yards per attempt. Perine is a solid RB2 start.
Melvin Gordon (RB, LAC)
Gordon has 19 or more carries in three straight, but has been losing targets to Austin Ekeler as he only has more than three in two of the last five games. Still, he gets a good matchup this week against a Redskins defense that ranks 31st in adjusted line yards and 20th in yards per attempt. They have only allowed two running back units to finish worse than RB17 and have given up five RB8 or better weeks. Gordon is a solid RB1 play.
Hunter Henry (TE, LAC)
Henry has at least five targets in three straight games and is coming off a nine target Week 13. He gets a great matchup against a Redskins defense that ranks 26th in success rate and 30th in yards per attempt. They have allowed seven top-12 scoring weeks as well. Henry is a low-end TE1 play.
Matchups We Hate:
Kirk Cousins (QB, WAS)
Cousins is coming off a disappointing Thursday night matchup with the Cowboys and could once again struggle against a Chargers defense that ranks fifth in yards per game and touchdown percentage, and also ranks sixth in sack rate. Missing left tackle Trent Williams doesn't help his case either. Still, Cousins is a fringe QB1 but it's understandable if owners want to look elsewhere.
Josh Doctson (WR, WAS)
Doctson has yet to see more than seven targets in a game and draws a tough matchup against stud corner Casey Hayward. On the season, Hayward has given up just two touchdowns and allows 1.37 PPR points per target. Doctson is a risky play and is little more than a flex start.
Jamison Crowder (WR, WAS)
Crowder now has seven or more targets in five straight and double-digit targets in three of those. He should once again see close to double-digit targets but is in a tough spot against the Chargers slot corners who have yet to allow a touchdown and give up just 1.35 PPR points per target. Despite the tough matchup the volume should be there for Crowder and he is a low-end WR2 play.
Keenan Allen (WR, LAC)
Allen has been on fire the last three weeks and has 41 targets and 100.9 PPR points over that stretch. Things may get tougher for him, however, as he faces Redskins slot corners who have given up just one touchdown on the year and allow 1.3 PPR points per target. When Allen moves outside, which is a little less than half the time, he'll be facing an underrated Redskins group that allows just 1.45 PPR points per target. Despite the tough matchup Allen is a must start WR1 but owners should temper expectations.
Other Matchups:
Vernon Davis (TE, WAS) only has three targets over the last two games despite the absence of Jordan Reed, and will get another crack without Reed against a Chargers defense that ranks 20th in success rate and 22nd in yards per attempt. Despite Reed being out, Davis carries plenty of risk as his usage has fallen off a cliff and he can't be considered more than a TE2.
Philip Rivers (QB, LAC) has thrown for 778 yards over the last two games and should be in for another fine day against a Redskins defense that ranks 13th in yards per game and 23rd in touchdown percentage. They have given up some big fantasy days recently to the likes of Drew Brees, Case Keenum and Russell Wilson, so the opportunity is there. Rivers is a low-end QB1.
Jets at Broncos
Matchups We Love:
Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TE, NYJ)
Jenkins has five or more targets in three of the last five games and four red zone targets over the last two. He should once again get chances against a Broncos defense that ranks 27th in success rate and 29th in yards per attempt. They've allowed seven top-12 scoring weeks and that should make Jenkins is a fringe TE1 play.
Trevor Siemian (QB, DEN)
Siemian looked atrocious in a plus matchup against the Dolphins in Week 13, throwing for just 200 yards and three interceptions. Being at home should help, and getting a matchup against a Jets defense that ranks 20th in yards per game and 29th in touchdown percentage should as well. Still, even in a good matchup, Siemian can't be considered more than a risky, low-end QB2 play.
Matchups We Hate:
Bilal Powell (RB, NYJ) / Matt Forte (RB, NYJ)
The Jets continue to use a committee backfield as Powell saw 18 carries and Forte saw 15. It was only the second time either had seen over 10 carries in the last five games. Neither can be trusted for much more than low-end flex value against a Broncos defense that ranks third in adjusted line yards and fourth in yards per attempt.
C.J. Anderson (RB, DEN) / Devontae Booker (RB, DEN)
If the Jets backfield is hard to predict, the Broncos is even worse. After it seemed like Booker was starting to take it over, Anderson saw 15 carries and seven targets in Week 13 and seems to be firmly entrecnhed as the starter again. Regardless of who starts, the matchup is tough as the Jets rank sixth in adjusted line yards and eighth in yards per attempt. Anderson can be considered a flex while Booker is not someone you want to be relying on in your fantasy playoffs.
Other Matchups:
Josh McCown (QB, NYJ) continues to be a solid fantasy start and should be once again facing a Broncos defense that ranks fourth in yards per game but dead last in touchdown percentage. No quarterback has finished worse than QB19 against this unit and McCown should continue that trend. He is a solid QB2 play and a viable streaming option.
Robby Anderson (WR, NYJ) hurt his hamstring in practice on Thursday and his status for Sunday is up in the air. If he plays he is in a good spot against the Broncos outside corners who have allowed nine touchdowns and give up 1.61 PPR points per target. Anderson is a solid WR2 start if healthy. Jermaine Kearse (WR, NYJ) has 21 targets over the last two games and gets a good matchup against a Broncos secondary that has given up 11 touchdowns and allows 1.65 PPR points per target. There is risk with Kearse, but given his recent performance he should be considered a solid WR3 start.
Demaryius Thomas (WR, DEN) and Emmanuel Sanders (WR, DEN) were targeted a combined 17 times in Week 13 but each only caught two passes as Siemian was off-target all day. Still, if they continue to see this kind of target share they should produce better numbers against a Jets secondary that has allowed eight touchdowns and gives up 1.66 PPR points per target. Thomas appears to be the preferred play and is a low-end WR2 while Sanders can be considered a WR3.
Titans at Cardinals
Matchups We Love:
Blaine Gabbert (QB, ARI)
Gabbert struggled against a tough Rams secondary, but has at least 221 yards and a touchdown in all three of his starts with the Cardinals. Things will get easier for him this week against a Titans defense that ranks 25th in yards per game and 21st in touchdown percentage. Gabbert is a low-end QB2 option.
Larry Fitzgerald (WR, ARI)
Fitzgerald has at least eight targets in five straight and double-digit targets in three of those. He should once again be heavily targeted against the Titans slot corners that have given up five touchdowns and allow 1.98 PPR points per target. Fitzgerald is an easy WR1 start.
Matchups We Hate:
DeMarco Murray (RB, TEN) / Derrick Henry (RB, TEN)
Once again Murray and Henry had an even split with 11 carries each, though Murray saw the only two running back targets. While Henry's stat line looks better, it was inflated by a 75 yard touchdown when the Titans were just trying to run out the clock. The Cardinals are a tough matchup, ranking fourth in adjusted line yards and fifth in yards per attempt. Murray can be considered a low-end flex thanks to his work in the passing game, while Henry should not be started if possible.
Rishard Matthews (WR, TEN)
Matthews seems ready to return from his two game absence but unfortunately is looking at matching up with Patrick Peterson all game. On the season Peterson has allowed just two touchdowns and gives up 1.32 PPR points per target. There has been reports that there is a risk of Peterson missing this game which would be a huge upgrade for Matthews. But until then he has to be viewed as a low-end WR3 in a tough matchup.
Kerwynn Williams (RB, TEN)
With Adrian Peterson sidelined in Week 13, Williams handled 16 carries. He could once again be the team's lead back as Peterson looks likely to miss another game. The matchup is tough as the Titans rank second in yards per attempt and have only allowed two top-12 scoring weeks all year. Still, the volume should be there which makes Williams a viable flex.
Other Matchups:
Despite his struggles, Marcus Mariota (QB, TEN) has at least 16 fantasy points in four of the last five, he just hasn't scored 19 or more in any of them. He should once again offer a solid floor against a Cardinals defense that ranks 18th in yards per game and 20th in touchdown percentage. Only Jacoby Brissett and Brian Hoyer have failed to post QB18 or better finishes. Mariota is a high-floor QB2 play.
Corey Davis (WR, TEN) saw just eight total targets with Matthews out of the lineup, but could benefit by having him back as he Matthews is likely to draw Peterson. The rest of the Cardinals outside corners have given up eight touchdowns and allow 1.75 PPR points per target. Davis is tough to trust with so much on the line and can't be considered more than a low-end flex.
Delanie Walker (TE, TEN) has at least five targets in five straight games and should continue to be one of Mariota's top options. The Cardinals are just an OK matchup, ranking 25th in success rate but first in yards per attempt. Only four teams have managed a top-12 finish against them. Still, Walker is a weekly TE1 start regardless of matchup.
Eagles at Rams
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
Carson Wentz (QB, PHI)
It's hard to hate a quarterback who has only scored less than 15 fantasy points once all year. The Rams are a tough defense on opposing quarterbacks, ranking ninth in yards per game and eighth in touchdown percentage. On the season they have held Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, Case Keenum and Dree Brees to finishes of QB14 or worse. Still, Wentz has been a stud and can't be benched, but owners should temper expectations.
Nelson Agholor (WR, PHI)
Agholor is coming off a 12 target game and now has 18 targets over the last two. He may be less involved, however, against the Rams slot corners who have given up just one touchdown and allow only 1.27 PPR points per target. Agholor can't be considered more than a flex in a tough spot.
Zach Ertz (TE, PHI)
Ertz left Sunday's game with a concussion and is still in the protocol and now listed as doubtful to play. If he sits, it should be a mix of Trey Burton (TE, PHI) and Brent Celek (TE, PHI). Unfortunately whoever plays draws a tough matchup against a Rams defense that ranks first in success rate and seventh in yards per attempt. They have only allowed two top-12 scoring weeks on the season. If Ertz goes he is a must start, while Burton and Celek can't be considered more than desperation starts.
Todd Gurley (RB, LAR)
Gurley hasn't seen 20 carries in five straight games, but has at least 15 in four of them. He does have seven targets in three of the five, however. He'll need all the touches he can get this week against an Eagles defense that ranks first in adjusted line yards and yards per attempt, and has not allowed a top-12 scoring week since the second game of the season. Gurley is still a RB1 but owners should temper expectations.
Other Matchups:
The Eagles continue to use a committee approach as LeGarrette Blount (RB, PHI) had eight carries and zero targets, Jay Ajayi (RB, PHI) had nine carries and four targets, and Corey Clement (RB, PHI) had three carries and three targets. The Rams are a great matchup, ranking 20th in adjusted line yards and 31st in yards per attempt. Unfortunately, no one from this backfield can be trusted. Start any at your own risk.
Alshon Jefferey (WR, PHI) saw just six targets on Sunday night and is in another tough spot as he'll face shadow coverage from Trumaine Johnson. On the year, Johnson has given up one touchdown and allows just 1.57 PPR points per target. While this is not an avoid at all cost matchup, it hurts Jeffrey and his owners should temper expectations.
Jared Goff (QB, LAR) has at least 16 fantasy points in five of the last six games, and 20 or more in three of those. He could once again offer a high ceiling in a game that figures to be high-scoring and against an Eagles defense that ranks 16th in yards per game and 12th in touchdown percentage. They have allowed seven top-12 scoring weeks and were just torched for three touchdowns by Russell Wilson. Goff is a solid QB1 play.
Sammy Watkins (WR, LAR) saw just four targets in Week 13 while being shadowed by Patrick Peterson, but should come closer to the nine targets he saw in Week 12 without Robert Woods. The Eagles outside corners present an OK matchup as they've allowed nine touchdowns and give up 1.49 PPR points per target. Watkins can be viewed as a high-end WR3 start. Cooper Kupp (WR, LAR) has now led the team in targets each of the two weeks Woods has missed and could do so again. He gets an OK matchup against the Eagles slot corners that allow 1.45 PPR points per target. Kupp is a fringe WR2 play.
Seahawks at Jaguars
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
Russell Wilson (QB, SEA)
Wilson has been by far the best fantasy quarterback over the last seven weeks, averaging 26.88 points and having only one sub 24 point game. Things will be tougher this week against a Jaguars defense that ranks first in yards per game and second in touchdown percentage. Still, Wilson is playing so well, and always has that rushing floor, that he can't be benched and still has to be considered a QB1 even in a tough spot.
Doug Baldwin (WR, SEA)
Baldwin still hasn't topped seven targets over the last four games and gets a tough test against an elite Jaguars secondary. There is a chance Jalen Ramsey will shadow him as he did against Larry Fitzgerald. In that game he held Fitzgerald to three catches for 12 yards on eight targets. If Baldwin doesn't get the Ramsey shadow, he still has a tough test against the Jaguars slot corners that have yet to give up a touchdown and allow just 1.32 PPR points per target. With his low target total, and in a bad spot, Baldwin can't be considered more than a low-end WR2.
Leonard Fournette (RB, JAC)
Fournette continues to be a workhorse with 17 or more carries in three of the last four and at least 3 targets in each as well. He’ll need all the carries he can get against a Seahawks defense that ranks 10th in adjusted line yards and seventh in yards per attempt. They have only allowed one top-12 scoring week to boot. You can’t bench Fournette but owners should temper expectations.
Other Matchups:
Mike Davis (RB, SEA) seems to have emerged as the Seahawks go-to running back handling 16 carries and four targets in Week 13. He did a solid job against a tough Eagles defense, and gets another tough test against a Jaguars defense that has been much improved against the run since the addition of Marcell Dareus. Playing a Seahawks running back is always risky, but Davis seems like a solid flex play with upside for more.
Jimmy Graham (TE, SEA) has 12 red zone targets over the last four games, and 30 total targets over that stretch. His touchdown threat gives him a chance against a Jaguars defense that ranks 19th in success rate and 13th in yards per attempt, but has only allowed three top-12 scoring weeks all season. Graham is a locked-in must start regardless of matchup.
Blake Bortles (QB, JAC) has back-to-back 20 point games and should be a solid option against a Seahawks secondary missing many key pieces. They did hold Carson Wentz to a QB13 finish last week, but Bortles can still be considered a QB2 play.
Marqise Lee (WR, JAC) now has nine or more targets in four of the last five, and double-digit targets in three. He should once again be Bortles' favorite target against the Seahawks secondary missing Richard Sherman. Without Sherman, the Seahawks have allowed just four touchdowns but give up 1.52 PPR points per target. Lee is a solid WR3 start. Dede Westbrook (WR, JAC) has 19 targets over the last two games and should continue to be involved plenty. Making just his fourth NFL start, the rookie has shown improvement in every game and is a high-end flex start with upside for more.
NFL Week 14 Matchups - Sunday Night Football
Ravens at Steelers
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
Joe Flacco (QB, BAL)
Flacco has only scored more than 15 fantasy points three times, though he is coming off a strong effort against the Lions. The Steelers are a much bigger test than the Lions, ranking second in yards per game and sack rate, and 11th in touchdown percentage. They have struggled the last three weeks without Joe Haden, however, allowing QB6 or better finishes to Marcus Mariota, Brett Hundley and Andy Dalton so opportunity is there. Still, Flacco can't be considered more than a low-end QB2 at best.
Benjamin Watson (TE, BAL)
Over his last five games, Watson has 15 targets in two games combined and eight in the other three combined. His inconsistent usage, plus a tough matchup with a Steelers defense that ranks seventh in success rate and fifth in yards per attempt, makes Watson little more than a low-end TE2.
Ben Roethlisberger (QB, PIT)
After a slow start, Roethlisberger has picked it up and now has 19 or more fantasy points in four straight games since the team's bye. The Ravens are a tough pass defense, ranking third in yards per game, fifth in touchdown percentage and fourth in sack rate. The loss of corner Jimmy Smith hurts, but this is still an elite pass defense. Roethlisberger is a fringe QB1 in a tough matchup.
Other Matchups:
Alex Collins (RB, BAL) has at least 15 carries in four of the last five and gets an OK matchup against a Steelers team that ranks 25th in yards per attempt but has only allowed three top-12 scoring weeks. They've also five running back units outside the top-24. Still, Collins should see plenty of work and he's getting goal line carries which makes him a flex at worst. Since returning from his hamstring injury, Danny Woodhead (RB, BAL) has just 12 targets. The Steelers are not great against pass catching backs, ranking 20th in success rate on throws and 25th in yards per attempt. Woodhead is not someone you want to have to start at this point.
Mike Wallace (WR, BAL) has 19 targets over the last two games and appears to have emerged as Flacco's number one target. There is also a chance that Jeremy Maclin (WR, BAL) could miss this game with an injury which will only boost Wallace's target share. The matchup is just OK as the Steelers outside corners have given up only five touchdowns but do allow 1.58 PPR points per target. Without Joe Haden this secondary just isn't quite as good and Wallace should be a high-end flex with upside for more if Maclin sits. Speaking of Maclin, he's only seen more than five targets twice over the last five games and is in a tough spot against the Steelers slot corners who have yet to give up a touchdown and allow just 1.42 PPR points per target. Even if Maclin plays, he is a risky flex start in a tough matchup.
Le'Veon Bell (RB, PIT) now has 123 more touches than any other running back in the league and continues to be involved in both the run game and the pass game. While the Ravens are good against the run, ranking eighth in adjusted line yards and 12th in yards per attempt, they struggle against pass catching backs ranking 24th in success rate and 23rd in yards per attempt. Bell is a locked-in must start regardless of matchup.
Antonio Brown (WR, PIT) has double-digit targets in four of the last five, and has scored over 105 PPR points over the last three games. Things will be a bit tougher this week as the Ravens outside corners have given up just two touchdowns and allow 1.47 PPR points. The loss of Jimmy Smith, one of the games best corners, certainly helps. Still, the matchup isn't great but Brown is as matchup proof as it gets and is a locked-in must start every week. Martavis Bryant (WR, PIT) will get a chance to run as the number two with JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, PIT) serving a one-game suspension. While it may look like a great opportunity for Bryant, it should be noted that in Week 12 with Smith-Schuster out he saw just six targets and caught only four passes - against a terrible Packers secondary. The Ravens are much tougher and Bryant remains a risky start.
