Fantasy Football: Top 10 players to start for Week 14
By Genna Preston
When it comes to fantasy football, make sure to start these top 10 players heading into Week 14 NFL action.
Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) runs against New York Giants linebacker Jasper Brinkley (53) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Congratulations! You have either made it to the playoffs or this is your last week to clinch a spot. This also means these next few week’s are extremely important, and your lineup is absolutely critical.
Player’s like Derek Carr who were fantasy hot shots in the beginning of the season, are now having boom or bust weeks. Plus you can’t afford to take risks this late in the season. Especially when he is up against a solid defense in the Denver Broncos this week.
This week’s match-up offer some great opportunities to score a ton fantasy points. With their previous earnings and this week’s match-ups, I have identified the top 10 starter options for Week 14.
Next: 10. Keep an eye on this Bill
Dec 6, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws a pass before a game against the Houston Texans at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
10. Tyrod Taylor
Quarterback Tyrod Taylor comes into Week 14 after an amazing win over the Houston Texans. Week 13 offered fantasy owners 30 or more points depending on your league.
Taylor completed 11-of-21 passes for 211 yards. He rushed seven times for 28 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Taylor faces the defense of the Philadelphia Eagles who rank 29th against opposing quarterbacks. Philadelphia also allows the second most passing touchdowns this season as Taylor is expected to have another great week.
Next: 9. A Dolphin about to emerge nicely this week
Sep 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker (11) catches as Buffalo Bills safety Corey Graham (20) moves in at Sun Life Stadium where Buffalo defeated the Dolphins 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Innerarity-USA TODAY Sports
9. DeVante Parker
DeVante Parker has been able to shine with despite the absence to fellow wide receiver Rishard Matthews who recovering from a rib injury. Parker offered fantasy owners double-digit points in both of his two match-ups.
Parker caught 3-of-5 targets for 63 yards and scored Miami’s only offensive touchdown. Parker comes into Week 14 a great starting option WR3, as long as Matthews continues to remain out.
The New York Giants travel to Miami for this Monday night Week 14 match-up. Landry is expected to have another high scoring fantasy week as the Giants rank 28th against opposing wide receivers. Parker is projected double-digit points again and is good start option for Week 14.
Next: 8. Keep an eye on this Steeler
Nov 29, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane (20) is blocked by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton (11) as running back DeAngelo Williams (34) runs the ball at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
8. Markus Wheaton
Markus Wheaton has gotten some extra play time with Heath Miller injured. Week 12 and 13 offered fantasy owners double-digit points that exceeded any projections of Wheaton.
Wheaton caught 3-of-6 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown in Week 13’s win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Keep your on Miller, and if he’s ruled out for Week 13’s game, Wheaton is a great start against the Cincinnati Bengals. He is projected double-digit points against Cincinnati who rank 12th against opposing wide receivers.
Next: 7. This Bill charges hard
Dec 6, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs with the ball as Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) pursues during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
7. LeSean McCoy
Running back LeSean McCoy has been no stranger to the fantasy season. McCoy has offered owners above average fantasy points per game in most of the games this year.
Although he experienced a minor had injury in Week 13, McCoy re-entered the game still managing to earn double-digit points. In Week 13, McCoy rushed 21 times for 112 yards in Buffalo’s win over the Houston Texans.
This week, McCoy prepares to soar over the Philadelphia Eagles. They ranks 21st against running backs and offers the fifth most rushing yards per game. Without a doubt, start McCoy!
Next: 6. The Saints most targeted running back
Nov 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) rushes during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
6. Mark Ingram
Mark Ingram has been a consistent fantasy option this season. Coming off a 20 fantasy point week, Ingram has maintained double-digit points all season long.
Ingram rushed 12 times for 56 yards. He also caught 4-of-6 targets and scored what everyone thought was going to be the winning touchdown, until the undefeated Carolina Panthers came back to win the game.
This week, Ingram meets the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who rank 8th against running backs, but with Ingram receiving the most targets, he should earn some valuable fantasy points. Ingram is projected well over double-digit points and should be considered a RB2 this week.
Next: 5. This Jet is set to soar
Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) runs the ball against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
5. Chris Ivory
You either love Chris Ivory or you hate him. Week after week he offers fantasy owners double-digit points however, his inconsistent ways always leave us wondering should we or shouldn’t we start him?
Coming off one of his weaker fantasy weeks, Ivory rushed 10 times for 47 yards. He also caught 5-of-5 targets for 22 yards in last week’s win over the New York Giants.
Week 14’s match-up against the Tennessee Titans will allow Ivory to bounce back. He is projected double-digit fantasy points and even if Bilal Powell sees more playing time, it shouldn’t affect Ivory’s scoring abilities.
Next: 4. This Seahawk earned his spot as a replacement
Nov 29, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (34) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Pittsburgh, 39-30. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
4. Thomas Rawls
Thomas Rawls has been on fire these last few weeks. He has definitely earned his place after replacing an injured Marshawn Lynch.
Last week, Rawls rushed 19 times for a fantastic 101 yards. He caught three passes for 22 yards and had a touchdown in last week’s victory against the Minnesota Vikings.
Rawls enters Week 14 a RB1 even in a match-up with a tough defense to run against. The Baltimore Ravens rank 6th against running backs however, that won’t stop Rawls from lighting up the scoreboard.
Next: 3. Lets get defensive
Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) and nose tackle Damon Harrison (94) celebrates beating the New York Giants in overtime at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
3. NY Jets Defense
The New York Jets have been an incredible addition to point per run leagues this season. This defense comes into Week 14 ranked No. 4, even while missing star players like Darrelle Revis.
Going into Week 13, the Jets had a tough match-up against Odell Beckham Jr. with Revis and Marcus Williams both out. However, Beckham was no match for the Jets in this New York battle.
Coming into Week 14, the Jets face the Tennessee Titans who rank 30th against defense/special teams. The Jets currently rank 14th against quarterbacks. This week’s match-up is sure to earn the Jets’ defense some valuable fantasy points.
Next: 2. This Bills is not a bust this week
Dec 6, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) makes a catch for a touchdown as Houston Texans strong safety Kevin Johnson (30) defends during the first quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
2. Sammy Watkins
Sammy Watkins is the true meaning of boom or bust. He either earns well over 30 fantasy points per game or barely reaches double-digits.
Last week, Watkins caught 3-of-4 targets for 109 yards. He also secured a touchdown in the Bills’ Week 13 victory over the Houston Texans.
Week 14 offers Watkins a boom of a match-up. He faces the Philadelphia Eagles who rank 32nd against wide receivers. This definitely is the week to start Watkins.
Next: 1. This Chief is on his way to the playoffs
Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
1. Alex Smith
Alex Smith is having one of his best seasons so far as the Kansas City Chiefs move toward the playoffs. Kansas City has now won six games in a row offering fantasy owners valuable points per game.
Last week, Smith completed 16-of-22 passes for 162 yards. He rushed five times for 23 yards with a total of three touchdowns.
Next: Top 10 fantasy football sleepers for Week 14
Smith meets the San Diego Chargers in his Week 14 match-up. They rank 16th against opposing quarterbacks which makes Smith a great starting option this week.