Week 14 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Fantasy Football Stars to Play and Bench

Benching a star fantasy football player with a recognizable name is never an easy task.

You would think it would be easier in Week 14 since no team has a bye, which means you have more options than usual. But then one remembers this is playoff crunch time, and the idea of sitting a major name becomes devastating all over again.

Like coaches going with a hot hand or dealing with injuries, though, owners understand this as a necessary evil this time of year. More often than not, finding a smart alternative ends up being the difference between a fantasy championship and a premature look at team names for next year.

To help make the difficult process easier, here is a look at matchup-value comparisons and start-sit decisions.

      

Quarterback

   

Star to Know: Jameis Winston, TB (vs. NO)

Now would be a good time to consider Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston a big name worth a start most weeks.

Winston has come into his own this year as a fantasy option, scoring 18 or more points six times. A smart floor is what owners should seek—Winston delivers, having hit 15 or more points seven games and running.

Next is an encounter with the New Orleans Saints, who allow the 13th-most points to quarterbacks on average, including 23 in Week 13.

With Winston knowing full and well how to exploit a shaky defense, he’s in for a big day just when owners need it.

       

Star to Sit: Dak Prescott, DAL (at NYG)

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On the other hand, this time of year is when owners should veer away from rookie quarterbacks. 

Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys has been quite the sensation and helped many owners. But he’s coming off a 10-point performance in Week 13, and this is the time of year when owners can’t afford to have a rookie performance from a starter.

Prescott simply doesn’t inspire going into an NFC East encounter with the New York Giants, who held him to 10 points in Week 1 and allow the third-fewest points to opposing quarterbacks on average.

Prescott has improved since Week 1. These Giants, though, haven’t budged.

        

Running Back

   

Star to Know: Spencer Ware, KC (vs. OAK)

Fantasy owners have to love the sight of a healthy Spencer Ware—unless the Kansas City Chiefs running back lines up against them. 

Ware managed 16 points in Week 13 via a rushing and receiving score; it was his first double-digit outing since Week 7. That’s an encouraging sign because Ware looks to be back to his dual-threat ways …

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