Start or Sit Week 14

I have no idea how, but the fantasy football playoffs are about to start and it’s time to discuss who you’re going to start or sit for the last week of the fantasy regular season. Some of you have clinched the playoffs, and others have probably already deleted your fantasy app. But this week is for those in fifth through eighth place, where maybe a miracle can happen. Here are the players you need to start or sit this week.

Start ‘Em

C.J. Stroud

C.J. has solidified the Rookie of the Year award as long as he can be consistent for the remainder of the NFL Regular season. He goes against the Jets’ outstanding defense this week without fellow standout rookie Tank Dell. However, Stroud is playing too well not to start. He’s thrown 11 touchdowns to his four interceptions over the last six weeks. Just because he has a tough matchup doesn’t mean he is going to play poorly. You can throw him in your starting roster confidently, he will find a way to win. If the Texans win this game they have a very high chance of making the playoffs and that is all Stroud cares about right now.

Austin Ekeler

I usually never have to say “Start Austin Ekeler,” but unfortunately it seems like his superstar years have come to an end. He’s been an extremely Boom or Bust player this year, either scoring below 10 points or above 20 points. The Chargers are playing a divisional matchup against the Broncos this week, and although their defense has gotten a lot better against the pass this season, they are still giving up the second most points to RBs this year. I’m expecting Ekeler to have a bounce-back game in Week 14. He has an amazing schedule for playoffs too. After this week, he has Las Vegas, Buffalo, and Denver for the fantasy championship. Austin Ekeler is one of the few players who actually care about your fantasy team, and he will help you win your league if you give him one more chance in Week 14.

Courtland Sutton

Sutton has been very surprising this year and it’s mainly due to his touchdown dependability. And although touchdown dependability is something you need to watch out for when drafting the following year, it’s definitely something you can celebrate during the current season. Think Jamaal Williams from 2022. Sutton has scored a touchdown in every game but three this year, and is a solid flex play for Week 14 as he goes against the Chargers who have given up the third most points to WRs this year. He has a great playoff schedule as well, going against Detroit, New England, and the Chargers for your fantasy championship.

Sit ‘Em

Breece Hall

Breece has been very active in the passing game this year. However, the big issue is that he’s not able to do much after the catch. This is mainly due to the poor offensive line not getting to the second level of the defense. Also, Breece Hall is not getting the workhorse volume on the rushing opportunity side of things either. Because of this, Hall is a Sit for me in Week 14. He goes against the Texans this week who have given up 3.6 yards per carry according to statmuse.com. This does not favor Breece Hall well. If you have other options to start over Breece I recommend doing it. It may be hard to bench him this week but it’ll be a lot harder to deal with not making the playoffs in your fantasy league.

Chiefs Running Backs

With the recent shoulder injury to Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon have been popular waiver pickups for Sunday’s matchup against the Bills. I don’t think that Andy Reid will make the running game a focus with these two options at running back. Pacheco was utilized a lot this year because of his talent. Something McKinnon and Edwards-Helaire don’t have a lot of. Let’s not throw these two guys in our starting lineups just because the opportunity presents itself. The game plan to beat the Bills will rely heavily on Mahomes, Rashee Rice, and Travis Kelce. If you’re in desperate need of a “flyer,” then McKinnon is the choice here as he will be utilized in the receiving game. If you’re on the fence to start or sit any of these healthy Chiefs’ running backs, I would lean on the side of sitting.

D’Andre Swift

Swift started off strong this year but has sizzled down over the last couple of weeks. He goes against Dallas who have a fantastic rushing defense. Swift has averaged just over 10 rushing attempts a game over the last three weeks and he needs volume and touchdowns to truly have a good game. Sadly, Jalen Hurts has cultured a lot of Swift’s touchdown opportunities. Although I do see Swift getting more volume than he did against San Fransisco last week, I don’t see him doing much with them because of how good the Cowboy’s defense is. Swift should sit this week, but if you make the playoffs he has a very favorable schedule coming up. He gets Seattle, NYG, and Arizona for the championship.

The Final Start or Sit

Tomorrow is a huge day for many fantasy owners out there. You’ve had to deal with plenty of start or sit conundrums all year and if you’re fighting for a playoff spot you’ve probably been more right than wrong this year. So go with your gut and don’t overthink it.

About the Author

Jon has been with Belly Up for almost a year now and had a great time writing these Sit or Start articles. It has helped him make the playoffs in five out of nine leagues. As the fantasy regular season comes to a close, these articles will be as well. Look for Jon and fellow co-host of The Eye Test Paul Orlando to start focusing on Dynasty-related articles in the offseason.

**All photos provided by gettyimages.com**