Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 14: Smart Matchup Plays, Sleepers and More

Week 13 was good to fantasy football owners who leaned heavily on sleepers and matchups to win encounters near the end of the season, with the same likely true for Week 14. 

In Week 13, a little-owned quarterback such as Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens (24.7 percent owned) erupted for 29 points. So did Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson, one of the best matchup plays available.

Similar options exist in Week 14 for owners in need. It’s fantasy crunch time and no teams have byes, so welcome to the late-season grind.

Here is a look at matchup value comparisons alongside matchups and sleepers to know.

     

Quarterback

Matchup to Know: Andy Dalton, CIN (at CLE)

Relying on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton at this point of the season probably seems like a scary proposition. 

Fair enough, as Dalton has only four outings at 20 or more points this year. At the same time, though, it’s important to keep in mind one of those outings happened in Week 13, as Dalton threw for 332 yards and two scores for 21 points.

Now Dalton gets to encounter the Cleveland Browns, which speaks for itself. Cleveland ranks among the worst teams against quarterbacks this year, which meshes well with the fact Dalton scored 20 points against the unit back in Week 7.

Call it a floor for Dalton in Week 14, provided the weather holds up. He posted 21 last week without A.J. Green, so another strong outing seems a given.

      

Notable Sleeper: Matt Barkley, CHI (at DET)

It isn’t easy to find relative deep sleepers at quarterback because the position streams so well, but those who need to pull an unexpected name out of a hat should look at Matt Barkley of the Chicago Bears.

Barkley downright shines in great matchups, hence his 20 points against the Tennessee Titans in Week 12 via three touchdown passes. He’d boast a similar line in Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers if it weren’t for a crazy snowstorm.

Week 14 looks just as lucrative, as Barkley goes into an NFC North battle with the Detroit Lions. Those Lions entered Week 13 permitting the fifth-most points to quarterbacks on average.

Barkley, having erupted as a proven fantasy commodity, is a sleeper in a great situation.

     

Running Back

Matchup to Know: Matt Forte, NYJ (vs. SF)

Veteran running back Matt Forte has continued to be a fantasy force with the New York Jets this year. 

Detractors will point out his …

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