Week 14 - Players to Start and Sit

Wednesday, Dec 6, 2023 at 9:05 pm ET

This is the Fantasy Nerd's look at the best and worst matchups for Week 14 of the 2023 NFL season. Analysis is aggregated from multiple sources including FN. Rankings are based upon PPR (point per reception) scoring. Given the known conditions, these matchups are the ones to watch and/or avoid.

Please Note: This list does not generally include the elite players that you are going to start regardless of matchup. You don't need us to tell you to start Tyreek Hill, Patrick Mahomes, or Christian McCaffrey. Instead, we take a look at other players on your team that we believe either have great matchups or should be avoided for multiple reasons. Factors like opposing defense, performance trending, and peer comparisons may influence our decisions.

Start 'em Justin Fields (CHI, QB)
Since returning from a thumb injury, Justin Fields has averaged just 193 yards passing, but he's added 81.5 yards rushing. Fields is in our Top 10 this week facing a Detroit defense that allowed the most rushing yards to QBs last season and hasn't made much progress this season. We anticipate Fields putting up points on the ground in this one just like he did in Week 11 when he racked up 104 rushing yards against the Lions.

6th Most Pts to QB

Start 'em Russell Wilson (DEN, QB)
With six teams on bye last week, many fantasy managers needed to play Russell Wilson. His three picks were disappointing, but he has a great rebound opportunity this week against the Chargers. Los Angeles is giving up the second-most passing yards and the fourth-most fantasy points to QBs this season. Jordan Love and Jared Goff put up 20+ points against them. This should be a get-right game for Wilson.

4th Most Pts to QB

Start 'em Zack Moss (IND, RB)
With Jonathan Taylor out, Zack Moss should see plenty of carries to keep him in the starting discussion. The Bengals have been generous with yards given up on the ground allowing the fifth-most in the league. Over the last three games, Cincinnati has given up an average of 18.2 fantasy points to Gus Edwards, Najee Harris, and Travis Etienne. Moss should see double digits in this one.

14th Most Pts to RB

Start 'em Javonte Williams (DEN, RB)
There's no doubt that Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin have eaten into Williams' workload, but his role in the passing game keeps him in RB2/Flex consideration. The Chargers rank near the bottom in both receptions and receiving yards allowed to RBs this season.

11th Most Pts to RB

Start 'em DeAndre Hopkins (TEN, WR)
Will Levis has breathed new life into DeAndre Hopkins catching five of his seven passing scores. Don't be surprised to see Miami's Jalen Ramsey tail Nuk throughout this one, but Hopkins has managed to find success against Ramsey before. Hopkins has seen 41 targets over his last five games. That kind of volume warrants starting consideration.

14th Most Pts to WR

Start 'em Nico Collins (HOU, WR)
With Tank Dell done for the season, C.J. Stroud will need to lean on his other receivers and that includes Nico Collins. Collins becomes the top option in this receiving corp, and while the matchup is tough (nobody gives up fewer fantasy points to receivers this season), we believe that Collins can still turn in a respectable, albeit lower, fantasy production.

Feweset Pts to WR

Start 'em Jake Ferguson (DAL, TE)
The last time Jake Ferguson faced the Eagles was back in Week 9 when he delivered a solid 7-91-1 stat line (22.1 fantasy points). He's scored four touchdowns in his last six games, so the momentum and involvement are there. Dallas will likely be throwing quite a bit in this one and we like Ferguson's chances at double digits.

14th Most Pts to TE

Start 'em Green Bay Packers (GB, DEF)
Fresh off a Sunday night win over the reigning Superbowl champs, the Packers will look to continue that momentum into Monday night against the Giants. The challenges facing the Giants are well known at this point. The O-Line is one of the worst in the league and they have a backup QB under center. Look for Green Bay to bring pressure all night long.

Most pts to DEF

Start 'em Jason Sanders (MIA, K)
With double digits in two of his last three games, Jason Sanders has been able to deliver when counted on for the Dolphins. Nobody is giving up more fantasy points this season to kickers than the Titans who just gave up 13 points last week to Matt Gay.

Most pts to K

Sit 'em Matthew Stafford (LAR, QB)
Matthew Stafford has one of the more difficult schedules this year, and that's clearly evident in his 15.2 fantasy points per game average. The going doesn't get much easier this week against the Ravens who have kept QBs from Joe Burrow to C.J. Stroud and Justin Herbert to pedestrian numbers. Nobody has surrendered fewer fantasy points to QBs than Baltimore.

Feweset Pts to QB

Sit 'em Desmond Ridder (ATL, QB)
It doesn't really matter how the matchup shakes out here, Desmond Ridder is a tough start given that it's been six weeks since he's delivered double digit points (13.8 points in Week 7). It's a favorable matchup, but if you need the win this week to propel you into the playoffs, are you ready to trust Ridder? We're not.

7th Most Pts to QB

Sit 'em Roschon Johnson (CHI, RB)
This Chicago backfield is a tough nut to crack. D'Onta Foreman remains questionable after missing Week 12, but the Bears are fresh off their bye so he has a chance to play. If he sits this one out, Roschon Johnson could see some extra carries. If Foreman suits up, he'll take some of that work. Regardless, he's a risky start. He put up just 3 fantasy points in Week 11 against the Lions. Without volume, he's a sit. With volume, he's a blip on the flex radar.

5th Fewest Pts to RB

Sit 'em Kenneth Walker (SEA, RB)
Seattle is hopeful that Kenneth Walker will return this week, but if he does suit up, he's in for a tough return. San Francisco has bottled up some of the best rushers this season including Tony Pollard, James Conner, Najee Harris, Travis Etienne, and D'Andre Swift relegating all of them to single digits. An injured Walker isn't likely to buck that trend. If he starts, he should probably sit on your bench.

4th Fewest Pts to RB

Sit 'em Adam Thielen (CAR, WR)
After starting the season out so strong (including Week 2 when he put up 20 points against New Orleans), veteran WR Adam Thielen has failed to do much over his last five games. The last two weeks alone, he delivered a total of just 6.7 points. Now he'll face a Saints secondary that has given up the 5th-fewest fantasy points on the season. We're not banking on a repeat performance here.

5th Fewest Pts to WR

Sit 'em Odell Beckham (BAL, WR)
After three straight games of double digit points, Odell Beckham left fantasy owners with a 3-34-0 stat line before the bye. He's fresh and healed but we're not ready to plug him back in just yet. The Rams have been very respectable against the pass this year giving up the 11th-fewest fantasy points to the position.

11th Fewest Pts to WR

Sit 'em Cole Kmet (CHI, TE)
This one could go either way. The matchup is great as Detroit ranks in the Top 10 for points allowed to TEs on the season, but he didn't do much with that in Week 11 when he hauled in just 3 catches for 20 yards and no score. We're highlighting Kmet here because he's Top 10 in our rankings this week and his fantasy production is far from a slam dunk. He could turn in a solid day, but based upon past performance, we're urging caution even in a shallow position.

9th Most Pts to TE

Sit 'em Dallas Cowboys (DAL, DEF)
The Dallas Cowboys defense has been incredible this year. They have delivered more fantasy points than any other DST, but you may want to consider streaming someone else when they face Jalen Hurts and the Philly offense. The Eagles have given up the 4th-fewest fantasy points this season.

4th Fewest Pts to DEF

Sit 'em Tyler Bass (BUF, K)
The Buffalo offense hasn't been quite the juggernaut that we've grown accustomed to. Tyler Bass has missed five field goals on the year and will face a Kansas City defense that has given up the second fewest fantasy points.

2nd Fewest Pts to K

Join the Discussion

If asking a sit/start question, be sure to provide your scoring format and contribute to answering questions from other FN members as well.

Fernando Echeverria CommentedDec 7, 2023 1:10 am

Hi, need one flex i have flowers/london/shaheed PPR

Nerd CommentedDec 7, 2023 12:33 pm

Zay Flowers. Good luck!

mrock CommentedDec 9, 2023 10:55 am

Flowers

Nathan Foster CommentedDec 7, 2023 7:35 pm

My league is CBS standard
Who should I start G.Wilson or D Hop? 2nd question DAL DST or Raiders? Or waiver add DST

TOBIAS CommentedDec 9, 2023 10:38 am

Hopkins. Tennessee will have to pass to keep up in this one.
Head to the waivers for your D.

mrock CommentedDec 9, 2023 10:55 am

Hopkins and waiver wire

grossiter CommentedDec 8, 2023 3:25 pm

Who should I start: Aaron Jones or Chubba Hubbard?

yuh CommentedDec 9, 2023 8:50 am

Jones

TOBIAS CommentedDec 9, 2023 10:39 am

Can Jones last a quarter?

mrock CommentedDec 9, 2023 10:57 am

Disagree. I would start Hubbard. Jones has too many injury concerns. Can't guarantee he'll even finish the game.

Ed Chan CommentedDec 9, 2023 1:52 pm

I'd go with Hubbard being the safer play. I have Jones and he's been sitting on IR for pretty much the entire season.

Nerd CommentedDec 9, 2023 1:53 pm

I want to say Jones (more talent / better matchup), but I also think Hubbard is the safer play. Good luck!

grossiter CommentedDec 9, 2023 5:05 pm

Thanks to all who replied. I’m going with Hubbard.

yuh CommentedDec 9, 2023 8:51 am

Lockett or Hubbard at 1/2 ppr flex?

mrock CommentedDec 9, 2023 10:58 am

Assuming that Geno Smith plays, Lockett

Nerd CommentedDec 9, 2023 1:47 pm

Agree with mrock. Good luck!

yuh CommentedDec 9, 2023 4:12 pm

Oops, meant to say gusbus or lockett. Or do I chance charbonet or walker vs sf?

Nerd CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:07 am

I might still stick with Lockett. The rain in Baltimore makes me think that the Ravens will run a bit more, but that's a full backfield including Lamar. Gus could walk into the endzone as we've seen that scenario before, but I'd still give a slight edge to Lockett. Good luck!

Robsta CommentedDec 9, 2023 11:44 am

1/2 PPR:

I have C Watson and assuming he is out this week. Just picked up Wicks. Need 3. Which 3 of these guys to roll with at WR and 2 flex spots?

Ridley, Higgins, Wicks, Javonte Williams and Clyde Edwards Helaire?

Ed Chan CommentedDec 9, 2023 1:55 pm

I'd go with Ridley and Williams. And since Pacheco is out, I'd roll the dice with CEH.

mrock CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:10 am

Ridley, Javonte, and CEH

mgaughan CommentedDec 9, 2023 12:33 pm

CEH or McKinnon as Pacheco replacement in half point PPR ? Thanks!

Nerd CommentedDec 9, 2023 1:27 pm

I might play Clyde Edwards-Helaire here. Good luck!

mrock CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:10 am

CEH

Dale Giampapa CommentedDec 9, 2023 12:37 pm

I picked up CEH , hoping for the best here . McKinnon usually on passing downs . Never know with Reid. Good luck

jamisdiablo CommentedDec 10, 2023 10:04 am

same, CEH or swift for me…

Craig Dodson CommentedDec 9, 2023 12:47 pm

Whom should I drop out of Ekeler, Achane, Aiyuk?

Love Ekeler's matchup but hate recent form. Slightly concerned by Achane splitting reps/getting rested early if way ahead. Aiyuk seems to have the least upside but I'm against him in another playoff tiebreaker so a low score from him may be less brutal. Thanks

Craig Dodson CommentedDec 9, 2023 12:51 pm

(PPR)

Ed Chan CommentedDec 9, 2023 1:59 pm

I think you have to go with Ekeler because of the matchup and volume of touches he'll get.

jamisdiablo CommentedDec 10, 2023 10:03 am

drop ekeler

mrock CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:11 am

Ekeler. Team said this morning that they are going to ride the hot hand

c30341 CommentedDec 9, 2023 6:11 pm

Have to fill 2 RB & Flex slots. Want to use 3 RBs. Which 3 do I play from King Henry (against Miami), James Cook (against KC), Kyren Williams (against Balt), Jerome Ford (against Jax) & Edwards-Helaire (against Buff). Must win to stay alive for Playofffs in 2 weeks.??????? All help appreciated !

jamisdiablo CommentedDec 10, 2023 9:17 am

henry, cook, CEH

mrock CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:11 am

King Henry, Kyren Williams, and Ford

jamisdiablo CommentedDec 9, 2023 11:16 pm

purdy and deebo or cj stroud and nbrown?

Nerd CommentedDec 10, 2023 9:35 am

Purdy and Deebo. Good luck!

mrock CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:11 am

Purdy and Samuel

Alex Krumm CommentedDec 10, 2023 12:15 am

Worried about weather in Baltimore tomorrow….should I pick up Mayfield on waivers and sit Lamar for week 14?

jamisdiablo CommentedDec 10, 2023 9:17 am

nope

Nerd CommentedDec 10, 2023 9:36 am

Agreed. That's a nope.

mrock CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:12 am

I wouldn't do that. Lamar will probably run a bit more in the rain

PJ Connolly CommentedDec 10, 2023 9:41 am

Purdy or Lamar?

Nerd CommentedDec 10, 2023 9:49 am

Lamar. Great dilemma to have.

jamisdiablo CommentedDec 10, 2023 10:03 am

purdy

mrock CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:12 am

lol I wish I had this problem. Lamar.

HogSolo CommentedDec 10, 2023 9:44 am

PPR League...Kenneth Walker going against 49ers or Kareem Hunt up against Jacksonville? Thanks!

Nerd CommentedDec 10, 2023 9:50 am

Walker. Good luck!

jamisdiablo CommentedDec 10, 2023 10:03 am

walker

mrock CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:12 am

Walker

c30341 CommentedDec 10, 2023 9:57 am

B. Cooks, Cooper, Doubs, Pick 2 at WR slots

jamisdiablo CommentedDec 10, 2023 10:03 am

cooper, doubs

mrock CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:13 am

Cooks and Cooper

jamisdiablo CommentedDec 10, 2023 10:03 am

swift or CEH today in a PPR?

Nerd CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:08 am

For me, it's Swift all the way. Good luck!

mrock CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:13 am

Swift

PJ Connolly CommentedDec 10, 2023 10:10 am

PPR Engram or Godwin? Thanks

jamisdiablo CommentedDec 10, 2023 10:12 am

godwin. jags gonna handoff all day today.

Nerd CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:08 am

Godwin

mrock CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:14 am

Godwin. Lawrence is hurt so we don't even know what he's going to look like dealing with an ankle sprain. Looked painful when he had to be helped off the field

Nathan Foster CommentedDec 10, 2023 10:45 am

Swift against Dal DST or CEH against Buffalo in Standard league?

Nerd CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:09 am

Swift

mrock CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:14 am

Taylor Swift minus the Taylor part

Nerd CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:52 am

Brilliant

yuh CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:19 am

1/2 ppr
Amari Cooper or Lockett?
Thnx guys

jamisdiablo CommentedDec 10, 2023 11:51 am

lockett