By Justin Sablich (@JustinSablich)
Even in the most favorable of fantasy football matchups, some players are not locks as starting options. Below are the players with the best matchups in Week 14, based on fantasy points allowed per game by the opposing defense, and whether or not you should feel good about starting them.
For more matchup info, see our stats for all positions against all 32 teams and our matchup analysis charts.
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Quarterback
Trevor Siemian (DEN vs. Jets, 19.3 F.P.P.G.) — It’s hard to believe that he started the season with consecutive 22-point performances. He hasn’t gotten close to 20 points since Week 2. Last week was a train wreck against the Dolphins and the only reason he’s starting is because Paxton Lynch got hurt.
Verdict: He’s only in play for the boldest of DFS players.
Jimmy Garoppolo (SF at Texans, 19.1 F.P.P.G.) — He nearly topped 300 passing yards in his 49ers debut at starting quarterback, but had no touchdowns and an interception. He’s competent enough to put up QB2-type numbers in this matchup.
Verdict: Start in QB2 leagues and some DFS situations.
Dak Prescott (DAL at Giants, 18.9 F.P.P.G.) — His bruised hand shouldn’t be a problem, the way the week has gone at practice. His chemistry with Dez Bryant has slowly gotten more solid and the running game finally got on track post-Ezekiel Elliott behind Alfred Morris.
Verdict: Start in all formats.
Running Back
Frank Gore (IND at Bills, 22.8 F.P.P.G.) — He was out-snapped by Marlon Mack last weekend (32 percent to 43 percent), which makes it difficult to trust him moving forward.
Verdict: Sit unless you’re desperate for a flex. Consider Mack a sneaky DFS tournament play.
Jay Ajayi (PHI at Rams, 22.2 F.P.P.G.) — You just can’t trust him given his erratic workload. He led the team in snaps last week (31), but he only turned them into a handful of fantasy points. But his big-play ability makes him tempting to start in this matchup.
Verdict: A high-risk, high-reward flex play.
Lamar Miller (HOU vs. 49ers, 21.3 F.P.P.G.) — His high volume of usage should translate into another solid fantasy performance, with potential for much more. He has averaged nearly 12 fantasy points per game over the last three weeks.
Verdict: Start in all formats.
Wide Receiver
Marvin Jones (DET at Buccaneers, 26.8 F.P.P.G.) — The latest on Matthew Stafford’s hand, despite Coach Caldwell’s cryptic updates, is that he was gunning the ball in practice, so it’d be a shock if he doesn’t play at this point. Jones has 85 yards receiving or a touchdown, or both, in six of his last seven games.
Verdict: Start in all formats.
Michael Crabtree (OAK at Chiefs, 26.3 F.P.P.G.) — If Amari Cooper is ruled out, it will make Crabtree the No. 1 target for quarterback Derek Carr in this potential shootout. Marcus Peters, who shadowed Crabtree in Week 7, is suspended for this game as well.
Verdict: Start in all formats.
Sterling Shepard (NYG vs. Cowboys, 24.7 F.P.P.G.) — Shepard, after dealing with a hamstring injury, is now expected to play this Sunday. He’s the only starting receiver left standing on this squad, so he’s in the WR2 conversation if he’s on the field.
Verdict: Start in all formats.
Tight End
Jason Witten (DAL at Giants, 11.7 F.P.P.G.) — He had his first touchdown last week since Week 7, and caught 7 of 9 targets for 59 yards and a touchdown against the Giants in Week 1. He’s far from a sure thing, but he’s a low-end TE1 in this matchup.
Verdict: Start in all formats.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins (NYJ at Broncos, 10.8 F.P.P.G.) — Tight ends have found the end zone in eight of 12 games against Denver this season. He’s a good bounce-back candidate in this matchup.
Verdict: Start in all formats.
Kicker
Phil Dawson (ARI vs. Titans, 10.3 F.P.P.G.) — Sit.
Steven Hauschka (BUF vs. Colts, 9.9 F.P.P.G.) — Start.
Defense/Special Teams
NYJ at Broncos (13.2 F.P.P.G.) — Start.
GB at Browns (12.8 F.P.P.G.) — Start.
