Fantasy Football Starts & Sits for Week 14
Welcome to our Fantasy Football Starts & Sits for Week 14 of the 2022 fantasy football season!
Bye-mageddon in early December? With six teams on bye and a plethora of injuries, start and sit decisions have just become even more troublesome as we close in on the fantasy playoffs. Here are my Fantasy Football Starts & Sits for Week 14.
Quarterbacks
START: Kirk Cousins vs. Detroit Lions
Cousins was a sit candidate against a tough Jets defense last week but returns as a prime streaming candidate against his division rival the Detroit Lions. The Lions have been the most favorable matchup for quarterbacks this season, allowing the most points to the position, according to FantasyData. The team has also allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game this season, with Minnesota allowing the most. As a result, I expect a high-scoring affair, and Cousins should be in line for a big game.
Additional Start candidates: Jared Goff vs. MIN, Trevor Lawrence vs. TEN
SIT: Tom Brady vs. San Francisco 49ers
Brady’s heroics saved the Buccaneers on Monday night, but a much tougher test awaits him this coming week. While he has taken a slight dip in fantasy production from recent years, Brady has largely been a solid, reliable option at quarterback in 2022. This week, however, he faces a 49ers team who have restricted quarterbacks to just under 14 points per game, according to FantasyData, and rank sixth in defensive pass DVOA, per Football Outsiders. Given how this offense has looked, turning to other options at QB would be a sensible strategy.
Additional Sit candidates: Daniel Jones vs. PHI, Mike White vs. BUF
Running Backs
START: Jeff Wilson Jr. vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Wilson struggled against his former team last week, amassing only three yards from one carry. It is worth noting, however, that the 49ers are one of the toughest matchups for running backs, allowing the fewest points to the position this year. The upcoming opponent, however, is the much more favorable LA Chargers, who have allowed the fourth most points to running backs in 2022 and rank 30th in defensive rush DVOA, per Football Outsiders. Wilson had started to cement his place as the lead back after his mid-season move, and the forthcoming game is one he can take advantage of.
Additional Start candidates: D’Onta Foreman vs. SEA, Miles Sanders vs. NYG
SIT: Dameon Pierce vs. DAL
The rookie hasn’t quite been able to repeat his early season form in recent weeks. Even last week’s matchup against the Browns, which on paper was one of the best for a running back, resulted in 11 half-PPR points, and things aren’t about to get any easier. This coming Sunday, Pierce will face the Cowboys, who are allowing the fifth-fewest points to running backs. With the Texans also heavy underdogs, it is likely Pierce will see a negative game script, further limiting his opportunities. I would look to sit the rookie this coming week if you can.
Additional Sit candidates: Leonard Fournette vs. SF, Gus Edwards vs. PIT
Wide Receivers
START: George Pickens vs. Baltimore Ravens
After his complaints following just two targets against the Falcons last week, his joint-lowest of the campaign, it’s fair to think George Pickens will see an uptick in usage this coming Sunday. With increased usage, Pickens should be able to make the most of an advantageous matchup. The Ravens have allowed the eighth most points per game to receivers this year, offering the rookie a great opportunity for a bounceback. Pickens has a good chance to play a role in your fantasy championships with four favorable matchups upcoming, starting this coming week.
Pickett ➡️ Pickens@Steelers rookies 🔥
— NFL (@NFL) November 29, 2022
📺: #PITvsIND on ESPN
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/PvpVdrwXpl pic.twitter.com/galgDujsso
Additional Start candidates: Jerry Jeudy vs. KC, Zay Jones vs. TEN
SIT: Gabe Davis vs. New York Jets
The boom-bust wide receiver hasn’t quite hit the heights that many expected of him this season. Davis has only reached double-digit half-PPR points in four of his 11 games this year and has failed to surpass 40 receiving yards in four of his last six games. He now faces one of the toughest matchups for receivers this weekend against a divisional rival. The New York Jets have allowed the third-fewest points per game to the position this year and held Davis in check in the earlier meeting this season. Davis only reeled in two of his five targets for 33 yards. He’s a clear sit candidate if better options are available to you.
Additional Sit candidates: Devonta Smith vs. NYG, Darius Slayton vs. PHI
Tight Ends
START: Hunter Henry vs. Arizona Cardinals
*checks who is playing the Arizona Cardinals*
My formula with the tight end section is pretty self-explanatory – establish who is playing the team allowing by far the most points to the position. The tight end position remains a wasteland outside the elite options, so taking advantage of matchups is key. This week the Patriots face the Cardinals, who have allowed almost 16 points per game to the position, meaning Hunter Henry is in a prime position to thrive. After scoring nine touchdowns last year, Henry has had a quieter year. This is a great opportunity to turn things around.
Additional Start candidates: Gerald Everett vs. MIA, Evan Engram vs. TEN
SIT: Dawson Knox vs. New York Jets
Noted as a potential breakout candidate prior to the season, Dawson Knox’s fantasy production has been frustrating throughout 2022. In half-PPR scoring, Knox has only hit double-digit points twice this season. The last two weeks, in particular, have been disappointing, recording two receptions for 17 yards in week 12 before failing to register a catch last week. It does not seem likely his fortunes will turn this coming week, given the New York Jets have allowed the 11th fewest points per game to the position this year.
Additional Sit candidates: Tyler Conklin vs. BUF, Cade Otton vs. SF