National Football League

Fantasy Football Starts and Sits for Week 14 in 2014

Published Dec. 4, 2014 9:00 a.m. ET

Fox Sports

Starts:

QB – Ryan Tannehill, MIA

It didn’t work last week, but I’m going back to the well. Maybe the Monday night lights sparked the Jets defense enough to keep the Dolphins to only 16 points. However, Miami returns home this week to face a Ravens defense that has allowed 13 passing TDs in the past four games (most in NFL).

Other notables: Shaun Hill (STL), Andy Dalton (CIN), and Jay Cutler (CHI)

RB – Isaiah Crowell, CLE

If the Browns want to beat Indianapolis, running the ball is a must. The Colts run defense has allowed opposing running backs to score six total touchdowns and tally 708 total yards in the last four games. Cleveland is already fielding questions about their starting quarterback. To take the heat off of the passing game, head coach Mike Pettine and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan will feed the Crow. Also, expect Terrence West to get his carries.

Other notables: Tre Mason (STL), Latavius Murray (OAK), and Reggie Bush (DET)

WR – Mike Wallace, MIA

Since I like Tannehill, then I must like a Dolphins receiver, as well. In the last four games, Baltimore has allowed an average of two TDs per game to opposing WRs, along with 15 receptions for 231.3 receiving yards. While Wallace and Jarvis Landry were tied with 11 targets apiece last Monday night, Wallace continues to lead Miami in targets (98), yards (661), and TDs (seven). However, with Wallace missing practice on Wednesday, this start suggestion could turn into a full endorsement for Landry.

Other notables: Stedman Bailey (STL), Mohamed Sanu (CIN), and Marqise Lee (JAC)

TE – Jordan Reed (WSH)

This call has nothing to do with matchups and everything to do with the quarterback. The Rams haven’t allowed an opposing TE to score since Week 7 (Cooper Helfet). However, Reed had his best game of the year last week against the Colts with Colt McCoy at the helm. Reed was targeted 11 times and caught nine passes for 123 yards.

Other notables: Dion Sims (MIA), Jared Cook (STL), and Jason Witten (DAL)

Sits:

QB – Mark Sanchez, PHI

Seattle is one of the best defenses against the pass. This season, the Seahawks are allowing an average of 199 passing yards per game (third-best in the NFL). In the past three games, the Legion of Boom hasn’t allowed a passing TD.

Other notables: Derek Carr (OAK), Alex Smith (KC), and Eli Manning (NYG)

RB – Ryan Mathews, SD

New England has held opposing running backs from the end zone in three straight games. The Packers (Eddie Lacy), Lions (Joique Bell), and Colts (Ahmad Bradshaw) were those three teams. If not for his touchdown last week against the Ravens, Mathews would’ve been a bust. He only rushed for 40 yards on 12 carries.

Other notables: Steven Jackson (ATL), Doug Martin (TB), and Stepfan Taylor (ARI)

WR – Jordan Matthews, PHI

Since teams are no longer on a bye and Matthews was a late addition to most fantasy lineups, I would consider benching Matthews this week if you have other WR options that you normally debate between on a weekly basis. I know that Matthews has scored five touchdowns in the past five games, but this week his Eagles host Seattle. I already mentioned in Sanchez’s section that the Seahawks haven’t allowed a passing TD in three straight games. Thus far, the Seahawks have only allowed four TDs to opposing WRs all season.

Other notables: Martavis Bryant (PIT), Dwayne Bowe (KC), and Greg Jennings (MIN)

TE – Owen Daniels, BAL

The best part about the Dolphins defense is their ability to cover TEs. In the last five games, opposing tight ends only made six receptions. None were for a TD. Plus, it’s not like Daniels is tearing up defenses recently. He’s averaging two catches per game in the past three starts.

Other notables: Greg Olsen (CAR), John Carlson (ARI), and Heath Miller (PIT)