It’s fantasy playoffs everyone. It’s win or your out. Let’s look at the week 14 start’ems.
Quarterbacks
Matthew Stafford – When the Lions and Stafford played the Vikings before, Minnesota was not as depleted in the secondary. Now that they are, the Lions will be licking their chops at a chance to tear up their rival.
Philip Rivers – I’m inclined to agree with some that say that Rivers is back, at least for this next game. The return of Malcom Floyd and that presence of recently acquired Jared Gaither should help Rivers maintain QB1 status for this week against the Bills.
Sleeper
Rex Grossman – He is usually an enigma from week to week, but if you’ve managed your way into the playoffs without a solid QB then Grossman may be worth a play.
Others I like: Eli Manning – He has steadily become one of the more solid fantasy QBs this season, and the Giants always seem to find lanes to pass in against the Cowboys. Carson Palmer - The Raiders will have to pass against a Green Bay team that will almost certainly get a lead, and Palmer will have to air it out.
Running Backs
Michael Turner – He has been nursing a groin injury so I write this with caution, but if healthy, Turner has a prime match up against a team he’s burned 5 out of the last 6 match ups for 100 yards. Moreover, the Panther’s run defense was much better in those 5 earlier games.
Roy Helu – Even with a top 10 run defense for New England, Helu as the feature back, has been playing strong since being given the role and should continue the strong play this week.
Sleeper
CJ Spiller – Spiller seems to be getting it together as the starter in Buffalo, has a lot of upside against an underachieving Chargers defense.
Others I like: Marshawn Lynch – Lynch has been money this year in fantasy, and is in line for a prime match up against the Rams this week. Run’em without question. Ryan Mathews – Mathews acknowledged that Mike Tolbert vultures touchdowns, and that says that he wants the carries. Mathews came on strong at the end of last season and could start that again with a good match up against the Bills.
Wide Receivers
Victor Cruz – Cruz has been one of the biggest surprises this season and looks to be solid throughout the fantasy playoffs. Run him with ease.
Santana Moss – New England has improved in their secondary play, but they are still vulnerable and Moss could be primed for a solid game on fresher legs than most at this point in the season.
Sleeper
Golden Tate – Tate has scored in each of the last 2 games, and Pete Carroll has said that he wants to keep Tate more involved. Tate is slotted as the number 1 receiver and will face the Rams this week. Seattle is likely to go run heavy, but Tate will likely be targeted when they have to throw the ball.
Others I like: Torrey Smith – If there ever was a burnable team in the secondary it’s been the Colts this year, and with attention being drawn by Anquan Boldin, Smith could be in line for a solid outing. Jordy Nelson – Nelson is a week to week player who can be hit or miss. This week looks like a hit. Oakland has been roughed up defensively as of late and the Packers won’t be doing them any favors.
Tight Ends
Brent Celek – Celek has remained solid even with Michael Vick missing time, and with Vick returning, he could see more dump offs as Vick reassimilates to the game after missing time.
Kellen Winslow – For the same reason mentioned for Celek, Winslow is a good start this week with Josh Freeman returning from a shoulder injury that kept him out last week. Winslow has been highly involved in the passing game over the past few weeks and Freeman may keep his passes short in his return this week.
Sleeper
Kyle Rudolph – There has been clamoring within the organization to get Rudolph more playing time with Visanthe Shiancoe set to be a free agent this off-season, and with the Vikings out of playoff contention it may be time to see what they have. He’s a desperation play at tight end this week for owners who have lost Fred Davis.
Others I like: Vernon Davis – Davis had his way with Arizona earlier this season and could take advantage of a suddenly stiffening Cardinals run defense that could keep Frank Gore held down. Tony Gonzalez – Gonzo remains solid going into this week’s match up maintaining 8.2 targets a game.
Kickers
David Akers – So far Akers is the top kicker this season, and this week he has a solid match up at Arizona.
Jason Hanson – The Lions will be looking to take advantage of this game against a beat up Minnesota team, and Hanson could be the benefactor.
Others I like: Stephen Gostkowski – The Patriots and Belichick aren’t known for taking their foot off the throttle and even with just PATs Gostkowski is a solid play.
Defenses
New York Jets – The Jets have a prime match up if Tyler Plako is the QB for the Chiefs, and even if Kyle Orton starts.
Baltimore – Probably not a better defensive match up this week for the start of the fantasy playoffs.
Others I like: San Francisco - Arizona won last week, but their offense didn’t present much, the 49ers should be able to slow down Beanie Wells and turn out a solid day in fantasy. Seattle – The Rams may be without Sam Bradford or AJ Feely. Either way it is a solid match up for the Seahawk’s defense.
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Written by David Willow
My name is David Willow. Your NFL and Fantasy Jedi. I have lived in Dallas, TX most of my life. I have been following both football and basketball since I was a child. I love being able to research and analyze different players and teams. I've been a fantasy sports enthusiast for around 8 years with some titles to back that. I have a Bachelors degree in History with a minor in English. Other hobbies include me being part of an acting workshop for five years, playing guitar, and working out. Hit me up with any comments, questions or opinions.
