Fantasy Football Start 'Em or Sit 'Em: Week 14 Edition
Nov 20, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) against the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bills won 16-12. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Whether it’s the first, second, or whatever round, it’s playoff time for most fantasy football leagues.

You did the research in the preseason. You owned the waiver wire. You overcame several injured players. It’s time for fantasy football playoffs in most leagues; don’t let your hard earned postseason appearance go to waste.

As we approach week 14, there are several important fantasy football nuggets of note. Bye weeks have officially passed for every team. No division has been locked up yet, so don’t expect any big name players to be rested. Lastly, who starts and who sits?

Start ‘Em

Devontae Booker, RB, Denver Broncos

While Booker hasn’t racked up the yards, he’s clearly pencilled in as the Broncos’ bell-cow back. A frustrating day offensively against an underrated Jaguars defense in week 13 netted Booker just 35 rushing yards, though he did find the end zone.

Booker and the Broncos will travel to Tennessee to face a stout Titans run defense (allowing just 92.3 rush yards per game). However, Booker should have a busy day given his high volume of touches over the last six weeks.

Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals

The absence of star wideout A.J. Green has made Eifert Andy Dalton‘s top target as of late. Although he nabbed just two passes for 25 yards and a score last week, Eifert remains a must start in all formats.

A Cleveland defense ranking in the bottom half of the league in most major statistical categories is a good sign for Eifert owners heading into next week.

Dontrelle Inman, WR, San Diego Chargers

Phillip Rivers has shown a willingness to spread the ball around throughout his career. Top target Keenan Allen was lost for the season on opening day, and the Chargers have used multiple receivers to make up for his absence. Though Inman hasn’t exhibited great consistency, he warrants FLEX consideration in week 14.

He’s caught touchdowns in back to back weeks and will face a Carolina defense allowing the 29th most passing yards per game in the NFL (276.8).

Pittsburgh Steelers Defense

The Steelers have won three consecutive games, and their defense has been a large part of their most recent success. They’ve allowed 14 points or fewer, while having forced six combined turnovers in all three of those games (granted they weren’t against any top offenses). They’ll look to continue their momentum in Buffalo next week against a middle of the road Bills offense.

Cameron Meredith, WR, Chicago Bears

The young Chicago wideout exploded in weeks five and six but hasn’t produced much since. However, that could change in week fourteen.

The Bears will travel to Detroit to face a good Lions team. Although, they are allowing the 20th most passing yards per game (256.6). The Bears are likely to be without Alshon Jeffery again, and may or may not have Marquess Wilson either. The lowly Bears could find themselves behind early, giving Chicago plenty of incentive to throw often, which bodes well for their receiving group.

Sit ‘Em

Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens’ signal caller is coming off his best game of the season (381 yards, 4 td’s), but don’t be fooled by last week’s big numbers. It was just his third multi touchdown effort of the season and third game eclipsing 300 yards.

The Ravens will travel to New England for a prime time showdown against a solid, though unspectacular, secondary (243 pass yards per game allowed).

Christine Michael, RB, Green Bay Packers

What a chance for the former Seattle man to get some revenge against his old team, right? Not exactly.

Michael rushed nine times for nineteen yards last week, and while his role could expand, the Packers have had limited success running the ball all season. Opposing a tough Seattle defense in week fourteen, you’d be wise to find another option at running back.

New York Giants Defense

Big Blue’s defense has been on somewhat of a roll since week seven, increasing their sack and takeaway totals in the process. Steve Spagnuolo’s bunch has steadily improved, but faces a daunting task against the high powered Dallas Cowboys offense next week.

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After a good bend but don’t break effort against Dallas in week one, the Giants defense finds themselves in a tough spot due to their offense’s inefficiencies. If you own two defenses, the Giants’ is the one to stay away from this week.

Kenny Stills, WR, Miami Dolphins

Since week seven, Stills has not recorded more than four catches in a game, and has crossed the 70 yard mark just once. Youngster DeVante Parker is beginning to emerge opposite Jarvis Laundry, somewhat limiting Stills’s value.

Next week the Dolphins will face the Arizona Cardinals who possess one of the league’s best pass defenses, allowing just under 200 yards per game (third best in the NFL).

Tajae Sharpe, WR, Tennessee Titans

Need a FLEX or WR3 play this week? Sharp should not be your guy. He’s caught at least three passes in seven games this season, which means he clearly is involved in the offense in some capacity. However, his impressive preseason hasn’t translated to legitimate success. He’s scored just two touchdowns and hasn’t recorded more than 70 receiving yards since week one.

Opposing Denver’s league best pass defense, Sharp should remain on your bench this week.

Have a better fantasy option this week? Start the conversation on Twitter, @Gcam92

Central jersey born and bred. Monmouth University alumnus. Sports are not games, rather ways of life. Twitter: @Gcam92 Contact: G.Cambareri123@gmail.com