The Fantasy playoffs are here in the majority of leagues. All your draft prep, Waiver Wire moves, trades and a little bit of luck have gotten you to this point, and now it's time to reap the benefits.
More importantly, it's time to win.
You know what you're doing, but we'll help you with some of those final decisions, whether it's a flex option or a streaming DST. And don't be afraid to trust a matchup over a prominent player if you feel it could be the difference in your outcome.
For weeks now, we've been telling you there is a lot to like about the upcoming schedule for the Buccaneers during the Fantasy playoffs. Well, that time is now.
And for Winston, it's time for him to deliver as an elite Fantasy quarterback.
Winston has been good this year, and at times he's been great for Fantasy owners. He has six games this season with at least 22 Fantasy points in a standard league and two games with at least 31 points. But he has scored 19 points or less in three games in a row despite Tampa Bay scoring impressive victories at KC, vs. SEA and at SD over that stretch.
The Buccaneers have played themselves into playoff contention in the NFC South and as a wild card contender, and this is a winnable game at home against New Orleans. It's also expected to be high-scoring, according to the point spread in Las Vegas, and we expect Winston to play well.
Eight quarterbacks have scored at least 20 Fantasy points against the Saints, including Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford in the past two games. Winston is also averaging 25 Fantasy points in six home games this season, and he had one game with 20 Fantasy points against the Saints last year (he scored 15 points in the other).
Winston gets to face the Saints twice in the next three weeks, with a matchup at Dallas in between in Week 15, and there's a chance for him to be dominant for Fantasy owners. He's worth trusting as a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback in all leagues in Week 14.
We expected Stafford to play well in Week 13 at New Orleans, and he was exceptional with 27 Fantasy points in a standard league, which snapped a five-game streak with 19 points or less. We expect Stafford to start a new streak this week against the Bears with his second game in a row with at least 20 Fantasy points. In his last two home games against the Bears, Stafford has combined for 795 passing yards, six touchdowns and one interception. Chicago has allowed every quarterback on the road to score at least 20 Fantasy points, and three of the past four opposing quarterbacks overall against the Bears have scored at least 21 points.
This will be the first time Rivers, who played at North Carolina State, will face the Panthers in Carolina. Maybe that's some extra motivation for him, but he also has the chance for a solid performance, even on the road. Carolina has allowed an average of 20.5 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season, and three quarterbacks in a row have scored at least 19 points. Rivers has scored at least 23 Fantasy points in three of his past four games and should have the chance for his sixth-game in a row with multiple touchdowns. He also has three games in a row with an interception, and if he can eliminate the mistakes then his production will rise.
Cousins had his six-game streak with at least 20 Fantasy points in a standard league end in Week 13 at Arizona when he scored just 18. That streak started in Week 6 against the Eagles when he had 263 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception, and he should have the chance for another solid outing this week. The Eagles have been great defensively at home this season, and Aaron Rodgers is the lone quarterback with at least 20 Fantasy points in Philadelphia in five games. But the past three quarterbacks against the Eagles -- Russell Wilson, Rodgers and Andy Dalton -- have all scored at least 24 Fantasy points. And in four career meetings against Philadelphia, Cousins is averaging 336 passing yards with 11 total touchdowns and two interceptions. Cousins remains a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback even in a tough matchup on the road.
I'm trusting Manning at home in this matchup since his track record suggests he'll play well. He's scored at least 20 Fantasy points in 16 of his past 22 home games since 2014, including 4 of 6 games this season and four in a row. He already faced the Cowboys in Week 1 and had 207 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception for 24 Fantasy points in a standard league, and Dallas is allowing opposing quarterbacks to average 20 Fantasy points this season, including Ben Roethlisberger and Cousins scoring at least 34 points over the past four games. The only quarterback of note who failed to score at least 20 Fantasy points against the Cowboys this year was Rodgers in Week 6 when he scored 13, but I'll take my chances with Manning doing much better than that.
Dalton was fantastic last week against the Eagles with 25 Fantasy points, which snapped a three-game streak with 17 points or less and his first solid performance since A.J. Green popped his hamstring in Week 11. It sets up well with a matchup against the Browns. Dalton had 308 passing yards and two touchdowns for 24 Fantasy points against Cleveland in Week 7, and only Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 8 and Roethlisberger in Week 11 (with terrible wind) failed to score at least 20 Fantasy points against the Browns this year. Dalton has scored at least 24 Fantasy points in three games in a row against Cleveland, including his last trip there in Week 13 last year when he had 220 passing yards and three total touchdowns. He's worth trusting this week as a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback given the matchup, even with Green not expected to play.
Sleepers
Colin Kaepernick (vs. NYJ): He'll start again this week after last week's disaster in the snow and should rebound against a Jets defense that has allowed 60 Fantasy points to Tom Brady and Andrew Luck in the past two weeks.
Carson Palmer (at MIA): The Dolphins have allowed 75 Fantasy points to Kaepernick and Joe Flacco over the past two games, and Palmer has at least 21 points in two of his past three road games.
Dak Prescott (at NYG): It's not an easy matchup for Prescott, but the loss of Jason Pierre-Paul (hernia) hurts the Giants defense. And Prescott has averaged 20.7 Fantasy points on the road this year.
Taylor could play well in this matchup at home, but he's going to be hard to trust given what opposing quarterbacks have done against the Steelers lately and his recent lack of production in the passing game. Taylor hasn't thrown multiple touchdowns in a game since Week 6, which is a span of six games. He has a rushing touchdown in five of those outings and scored at least 21 Fantasy points three times over that span, but the Steelers have yet to allow a quarterback to gain more than one Fantasy point on the ground this year. And Brady in Week 7 and Prescott in Week 10 were the only quarterbacks with at least 20 Fantasy points against Pittsburgh over the past eight games. Taylor is only an option in two-quarterback leagues this week.
Mariota comes into this matchup with eight games in a row with at least 20 Fantasy points, and he's been exceptional over that stretch. But this will easily be his toughest challenge to date against the Broncos, and he's catching them at the right time after a bye and Denver on the second half of back-to-back road games. But even under these circumstances it will be tough to trust Mariota since the Broncos have allowed just two quarterbacks to score at least 20 Fantasy points this season, which were Cam Newton in Week 1 and Drew Brees in Week 10. And Brees and Rivers are the lone quarterbacks with multiple touchdowns against Denver this year. Mariota could surprise us here with a strong game at home, but he could also be a letdown for the first time since Week 4 given the track record for the Broncos. I would only use Mariota in two-quarterback leagues this week.
You've probably seen the stat by now, but it's worth repeating. Bortles has more pick-sixes (11) than career wins (10), which is astonishing. The Broncos got him last week for two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and he scored a season-low nine Fantasy points. It doesn't get easier against the Vikings, who have allowed just Cousins to score at least 20 Fantasy points this year, and they just held Palmer, Stafford and Prescott to 18 points or less in each of the past three games. Losing safety Harrison Smith (ankle) is tough for Minnesota's defense, but it's unlikely Bortles will take advantage of his absence. There's no way to trust Bortles this week in any format.
Tannehill had a rough game at Baltimore last week with 226 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions for just nine Fantasy points, which ended a three-game streak of multiple touchdown passes for him. He should have another tough outing against the Cardinals, who have allowed just Kaepernick and Matt Ryan to score at least 20 Fantasy points in the past seven games. Tannehill only has two games this season with at least 20 Fantasy points at home, which were against lowly defenses in Cleveland and San Francisco. He will be tough to trust even in two-quarterback leagues this week.
Carr has been great all season and has played well of late with at least 22 Fantasy points in three games in a row, but he has a bad history against the Chiefs. In five career games against Kansas City, his best game was 17 Fantasy points, and he's averaging just 12.8 points against the Chiefs over that span. He's averaging 219.6 yards per game in those five meetings with six total touchdowns, five interceptions and two fumbles. Brees and Bortles are the only quarterbacks with at least 20 Fantasy points in Kansas City this year, but the Chiefs pass rush should make things tough for Carr now that Justin Houston is healthy. This is not a good week to trust Carr in the Fantasy playoffs.
Hill's track record against the Browns is impressive, and we expect him to have another solid performance this week. In five career meetings, Hill has 83 carries for 521 yards and four touchdowns, and he's scored at least 15 Fantasy points in a standard league in three of his past four outings, including Week 7 when he had nine carries for 168 yards and a touchdown and two catches for 24 yards. In two career games at Cleveland, Hill has 47 carries for 246 yards and three touchdowns, and the Browns have allowed 15 total touchdowns to running backs and nine to score double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league. Hill also has at least eight Fantasy points in four of his past five games, and his receiving stats have improved since Giovani Bernard (torn ACL) got hurt with eight catches for 73 yards in his past two games. Hill is a must-start option in all leagues this week.
Rawls was great last week against Carolina with 15 carries for 106 yards and two touchdowns and one catch for 12 yards, and we expect him to stay hot this week, even on the road. His last road game wasn't so great at Tampa Bay in Week 12 with 12 carries for 38 yards, but the Packers have given up some big performances to running backs of late. Four of the past seven running backs against Green Bay have scored at least 17 Fantasy points in a standard league, and Rawls is worth trusting as a No. 2 running back in all leagues this week.
The Jets run defense has been great this season, but don't be afraid of using Hyde this week, especially at home. Hyde has scored at least 10 Fantasy points in a standard league in all four home games he's played, and he's averaging 14.8 Fantasy points a game over that span. The 49ers will also lean on him in this matchup, and every time he's had at least 18 touches this season he has scored at least nine Fantasy points in a standard league, which has happened six times. The Jets have likely checked out given that their season has fallen apart, and a long road trip for a meaningless game won't help matters. A running back also has at least 80 total yards or a touchdown in every road game against the Jets this year. Hyde is a solid No. 2 running back in all leagues.
Stewart has proven to be touchdown dependent this season, and he's scored double digits in Fantasy points three times in the four games when he's reached the end zone. In the five games when he hasn't scored, he had six Fantasy points or less. But this is a game where Stewart can score since the Chargers are among the league leaders in touchdowns to running backs with 16, including 13 on the ground. A running back has scored against San Diego in 10-of-12 games, including 4-of-5 on the road. Stewart has run well over the past two games on the road against Oakland and Seattle with 28 carries for 146 yards (5.2 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, and we expect him to play well at home this week.
We had Gurley as a sit in Week 13 at New England, and he struggled as expected with 11 carries for 38 yards and two catches for 9 yards. He's been a colossal bust this year given the lofty expectations, but he can still reward Fantasy owners with a strong finish, starting this week against the Falcons. Gurley only has three games this season with double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league, but two of them have come at home against Buffalo in Week 5 and against Miami in Week 11. He's actually averaging 9.4 Fantasy points in a standard league at home this season, and the Falcons have allowed a running back to score and reach double digits in Fantasy points in four of six road games. Atlanta actually allows the fourth-most Fantasy points to running backs this year, and Gurley is worth trusting as a No. 2 running back this week.
Sleepers
Dion Lewis (vs. BAL): This could be the week Lewis gets going, and he has 11 catches in his past three games. Baltimore has allowed nine running backs to catch at least four passes this year.
Mike Gillislee (vs. PIT): He's scored at least seven Fantasy points in a standard league in four games in a row, with a touchdown in three games over that span. He's a flex option this week.
Jerick McKinnon (at JAC): He's been playing well for PPR owners the past two weeks with eight catches for 59 yards and a touchdown against Detroit and Dallas. He could get carries late if the Vikings are playing with a lead.
Kenneth Dixon (at NE): He's caught eight passes the past two weeks against Cincinnati and Miami, and New England has allowed 37 catches to running backs in the past six games.
Charles Sims (vs. NO): Sims and Jacquizz Rodgers will both be sleepers this week if Doug Martin is unable to play against the Saints. Martin said he was "bent back" in Week 13 at San Diego, but he's expected to play.
Starks went from the primary player in the backfield for the Packers to a forgotten man in Week 13 against Houston with four carries for 1 yard and no catches. And we expect the Packers to use the same formula this week against the Seahawks with Starks, Ty Montgomery and Christine Michael, who is facing his former team (revenge game?), all sharing touches. Starks was good in his first two games as the starter because he had two receiving touchdowns, but he had less than 45 rushing yards in three outings and no rushing touchdowns. And along with the shared workload is a matchup with the Seahawks, which screams stay away in the majority of leagues.
There's a chance Chris Ivory (hamstring) could return this week, which would make this a muddled backfield again. And I would stay away from both guys if you could because of the matchup with the Vikings. Minnesota has allowed just four rushing touchdowns and seven total touchdowns to running backs this year, and only five running backs have scored double digits in Fantasy points against the Vikings. Last week against Denver, with Ivory out, Yeldon managed 14 carries for 55 yards and three catches for 27 yards, and his seven Fantasy points in a standard league was the fourth-best total of his season. We doubt Yeldon scores that much against Minnesota if Ivory plays, and he's a low-end flex option at best in Week 14.
I still have Booker ranked as a flex in standard leagues, but he should no longer be considered a must-start option in the majority of leagues. The Broncos added Justin Forsett this week to replace the injured Kapri Bibbs (ankle), and coach Gary Kubiak said Forsett will play right away. We don't know how much he will take away from Booker, but he's been bad in trying to replace the injured C.J. Anderson. Booker has scored nine Fantasy points or less in four games in a row in standard leagues, and he only has two games this season with double digits in Fantasy points. He's also averaging just 2.8 yards per carry in five games as a starter, and the Titans have allowed just seven touchdowns to running backs this year.
It hasn't exactly been pretty, but Jennings has found a way to be productive of late with double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league in three of his past four games. Last week at Pittsburgh, Jennings had six carries for 19 yards, but he also added six catches for 34 yards and a touchdown. It would be ugly if he didn't score, and Dallas has only allowed five running backs to score double digits in Fantasy points this year. Jennings could easily get seven Fantasy points as he did in Week 1 when he had 18 carries for 75 yards and one catch for 3 yards, but that would make him just a flex option in the majority of leagues.
It's nearly impossible to bench Blount. He has scored a touchdown in all but one home game this season, which was Week 4 against Buffalo when Brady was still suspended, and he has 13 touchdowns on the year to go with 230 carries for 957 yards. But he offers next to nothing in the passing game with six catches for 31 yards, and he could struggle to score this week. Baltimore allows the fewest Fantasy points to opposing running backs, with only three rushing touchdowns allowed, and the Ravens have stopped Le'Veon Bell, Ezekiel Elliott, Hill and Jay Ajayi from scoring over the past five games. I still have Blount ranked as a low-end starter this week in standard leagues, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he had a down performance given the matchup with the Ravens.
It's a little shocking that Edelman is being started in only 85 percent of leagues on CBS Sports. It should easily be 100 percent, and hopefully we can make the final push here. He's been playing great in his past four games with at least seven catches and 83 yards in all four outings, and he has two games with double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league over that span. He only has one touchdown during this recent stretch, but he will remain the focal point of this passing game with Rob Gronkowski (back) out. Malcolm Mitchell is also worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver, but Edelman should be started with confidence in all leagues. The Ravens have also struggled with slot receivers of late, with Eli Rogers, Cole Beasley and Jarvis Landry each scoring at least eight Fantasy points in a standard league over the past five games.
I liked Tate last week for the matchup at the Saints, and he delivered with eight catches for 145 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. He's had four games this season with at least 10 targets, and he's scored at least nine Fantasy points in a standard league in all four outings. Theo Riddick (wrist/ankle) is banged up, and if he's out then Tate would see a boost in production, as well as if Marvin Jones (thigh) also sits. In two games without Riddick, Tate had 14 catches for 258 yards and one touchdown, and he went off last week with Jones out. The Bears have allowed a receiver to score in every road game this year, and Tate is definitely the go-to guy for Stafford right now.
Let's start with Crowder, who has been Mr. Consistent all year. He has either 80 yards or a touchdown in nine of 12 games, including seven in a row. The streak started in Week 6 against the Eagles when he had three catches for 52 yards and a touchdown on four targets, and he should once again have success this week. The same goes for Jackson, who prior to facing Arizona's Patrick Peterson last week had scored at least 11 Fantasy points in each of his previous two games. There's talk of Jackson returning to Philadelphia next year as a free agent, so hopefully he'll put on a show against his former team. The Eagles have allowed five receivers to score double digits in Fantasy points at home this year.
Neither Bengals receiver is a must-start option this week, but both guys are in play as at least No. 3 Fantasy receivers in all formats. The Browns allow the fourth-most Fantasy points to opposing receivers, and six times this season a pair of receivers have scored touchdowns against Cleveland in the same game, including Green and LaFell in Week 7. With Green out, LaFell and Boyd have stepped up as the top options at receiver for Dalton, and LaFell just had five catches for 95 yards and a touchdown on seven targets against the Eagles, as well as the touchdown against the Browns earlier this year. Boyd has at least six Fantasy points in a standard league in three games in a row, and both guys are worth a look as starting options this week given the matchup.
At some point, Moncrief is going to fail to score, and when that happens his production is going to be minimal. He hasn't topped 65 receiving yards all season, but he has scored in all six games he's been able to finish this year, including five in a row. And he has a touchdown in 10 of the past 12 games he's been able to play with Andrew Luck going back to last year. The Texans have allowed a receiver to score in four games in a row, including the Packers and Chargers each having a pair of receivers find the end zone in each of the past two weeks. That bodes well for T.Y. Hilton and Moncrief, and Moncrief should continue to be considered a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver as long as he continues to score.
Sleepers
Sterling Shepard (vs. DAL): Covering slot receivers has been an issue for the Cowboys all season, including Week 1 when Shepard had three catches for 43 yards and a touchdown on four targets. He has a touchdown in four of his past five games.
Kenny Britt (vs. ATL): He has scored a touchdown in two games in a row with Goff under center, and he has double digits in Fantasy points in four of his past five games.
Cole Beasley (at NYG): The Giants have struggled with slot receivers at times this season, and Beasley has either 75 receiving yards or a touchdown in three of six road games.
Ted Ginn (vs. SD): Ginn has scored in three games in a row, and he has 16 targets in his past two outings. He's a Hail Mary play because he needs a long touchdown to be successful, but that's happened each of the past three weeks.
Taylor Gabriel (at LAR): He could see a boost in playing time if Mohamed Sanu (groin) is forced to miss the game, and Julio Jones (turf toe) is also banged up. Gabriel has scored in four of his past five games.
Watkins was a major disappointment in Week 13 at Oakland with three catches for 38 yards on nine targets. He's two games back from his eight-game absence from a foot injury, and it's hard to consider him 100 percent healthy. He has a tough matchup this week against the Steelers, who have allowed just seven touchdowns to receivers all year and six to score double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league. At this point we have to see him prove himself first before starting him as anything more than a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in the majority of leagues.
Parker played through his back injury last week at Baltimore and was able to deliver nine Fantasy points in a standard league with three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown on four targets. He's now scored at least nine points in three of his past four games, but this should be a tough week for him against the Cardinals. Parker will likely see plenty of Peterson, who once again has been tough on opposing receivers all year, including Julio Jones (three Fantasy points) and Jackson the past two weeks. Parker also is not 100 percent healthy, and you should plan to avoid him in most formats in Week 14.
Like Mariota, Matthews went into the bye in Week 13 with either 80 receiving yards or a touchdown in 8-of-9 games, including five in a row. He's been a steal for Fantasy owners off the Waiver Wire in the majority of leagues, but this is a tough week to trust him against the Broncos. Only five receivers have scored double digits in Fantasy points against Denver this year, with six touchdowns allowed. Matthews can potentially join Kelvin Benjamin, Travis Benjamin, Willie Snead, Brandin Cooks and Tyreek Hill as one of the few receivers to have success against the Broncos this year, but we'd bet against it. He's a low-end No. 3 Fantasy receiver at best this week.
It was a rough outing for Robinson in Week 13 against Denver with three catches for 31 yards on 10 targets, and he should struggle again this week against the Vikings. Robinson now has four games this season with double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league and five games with five points or less. The matchup against Minnesota will be tough, and only seven receivers have scored double digits in Fantasy points against the Vikings this year. Look for Robinson to struggle against Minnesota cornerback Xavier Rhodes, and Robinson can't be trusted in this game at home.
Marshall has one the best matchups of any receiver this week. The 49ers allow the second-most Fantasy points to opposing receivers and the most touchdowns with 20. But this really isn't about Marshall, who could easily have a dominant performance. It's more about Bryce Petty stepping in as the starting quarterback, which lowers Marshall's value from a borderline No. 1 Fantasy receiver to a No. 3 receiver in most leagues. Marshall also has just one game with double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league in his past seven outings, and you'll just have to gauge if he's worth the risk now that Petty is starting for the Jets.
Brate is coming off one of his best games of the season in Week 13 at San Diego with six catches for 86 yards and a touchdown on nine targets, and he's scored a touchdown in four of his past six games. The Saints have allowed only four touchdowns to tight ends this year, but only four tight ends have had at least seven targets against New Orleans, with three of them scoring at least nine Fantasy points in a standard league. Brate has four games with at least seven targets, and he's scored double digits in Fantasy points in three of those outings, including two of his past four games.
Jordan Matthews (ankle) should return to action this week after missing Week 13, and the Eagles could use some healthy pass catchers this week. Ertz was by himself last week at Cincinnati, and he was great with nine catches for 79 yards and a touchdown on 15 targets. He's now scored at least nine Fantasy points in a standard league in two of his past three games, and the Redskins have allowed a tight end to score at least 12 Fantasy points in three of their past five games. Ertz is worth trusting as a starter in this matchup.
Green finally put all his talents on display in Week 13 against the Giants with 11 targets for six catches, 110 yards and a touchdown. He's now had at least 67 receiving yards in two games in a row, and we expect the Steelers and Roethlisberger to continue to lean on their biggest offensive offseason acquisition, who started the season on the PUP list with ankle and headache problems. He's healthy now, and he should play well against the Bills, who have allowed two tight ends to score at least 16 Fantasy points in a standard league in their past five games.
Sleepers
Jason Witten (at NYG): He has at least 13 Fantasy points in a PPR league in four consecutive games against the Giants. The Giants have also allowed a tight end to gain 90 receiving yards or score in four of their past five games.
Vance McDonald (vs. NYJ): Don't let last week's dud at Chicago in the snow discourage you from using McDonald again. He's facing a Jets defense that has allowed two tight ends in the past four games to score at least 10 Fantasy points in a standard league.
Jermaine Gresham (at MIA): The Dolphins have allowed five touchdowns to tight ends in their past four games, and Gresham has scored in two of his past three outings. He also has 16 targets in his past two games against Atlanta and Washington.
Allen was a superstar in Week 13 at the Jets with four catches for 72 yards and three touchdowns on four targets, and he actually has nine catches in his past two games against New York and Pittsburgh. But it's risky to trust Allen this week against the Texans, who have allowed just three touchdowns to tight ends all season. Now, Jack Doyle has one of those in Week 6, but prior to Week 13 we saw Allen have just two touchdowns on the year. He could always score in this matchup at home, but he's risky given his track record this season, as well as Doyle having the chance to get in the way.
Bennett has a tough matchup this week against the Ravens, and he's also been struggling coming into this game, even with Gronkowski out. He has three Fantasy points combined in his past three outings against the 49ers, Jets and Rams, and last week was the sixth time in his past seven games that he's scored four Fantasy points or less in a standard league. The Ravens allow the fifth-fewest Fantasy points to opposing tight ends, and only two tight ends have scored against Baltimore. Bennett is just a No. 2 Fantasy tight end this week.
Fleener had a good Fantasy outing in Week 13 against the Lions with five catches for 86 yards on seven targets, and he's now scored at least seven Fantasy points in two of his past three games. But the matchup with the Lions was as good as it gets. Tampa Bay has allowed just three touchdowns to tight ends and three to score double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league. Fleener has also struggled on the road this season with four Fantasy points or less in four of five games, and it's hard to trust him even with Josh Hill (leg) now out for the season.
Pitta was awesome in Week 13 against Miami with nine catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns on 11 targets, and he scored 19 Fantasy points in a standard league. But you could be in trouble if you start him this week at New England. Before Week 13, Pitta combined for 26 Fantasy points in a standard league in his previous nine games. The Patriots have also allowed just three touchdowns to opposing tight ends and two to score double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league. Pitta is barely a No. 2 Fantasy tight end this week even after his performance against the Dolphins last week.
Defense/Special teams
Start 'Em
Lions (vs. CHI)
Week 14 Projected FPTS: 10.2
The Lions defense had one of the most impressive performances in Week 13 when they held the Saints to just 13 points in New Orleans. Detroit has not allowed a team to score more than 20 points in six games in a row, and the Lions DST has scored at least 10 Fantasy points in four games over that span. In the first meeting with the Bears, the Lions DST had a touchdown, two sacks and allowed just 17 points, and six DST units have scored double digits in Fantasy points against the Bears this year. This will be Matt Barkley's first road start since taking over for the injured Jay Cutler (shoulder), and if the Lions can slow down Jordan Howard then they should be able to contain the Bears offense at home.
Sleepers
Bengals (at CLE): The Bengals DST has scored at least 10 Fantasy points in each of the past two games against Baltimore and Philadelphia, and they scored 10 points against Cleveland in Week 7. Four DSTs in a row have scored at least 14 Fantasy points against the Browns.
Titans (vs. DEN): Paxton Lynch is expected to start again for the Broncos, and that should be good for the Titans at home. Five DSTs in a row have scored at least 10 Fantasy points against the Broncos.
Falcons (at LAR): The Rams allow the most Fantasy points to opposing DSTs, and six teams in a row have scored at least 11 Fantasy points, including Miami, New Orleans and New England all scoring at least 13 points during Goff's first three starts.
Sit 'Em
Ravens (at NE)
Week 14 Projected FPTS: 7.7
The Ravens DST has helped many Fantasy owners reach the playoffs, but this is not the week to trust them at New England. The Patriots are No. 3 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing DSTs, and Buffalo in Week 4, which was the last start before Brady's four-game suspension was over, is the lone team with double digits in Fantasy points in a standard league. Brady has one interception on the season, and New England has not allowed a sack in the past two games against the Jets and Rams. The Ravens DST has scored at least 11 Fantasy points in five of the past six games, but they should struggle this week on the road. You can, however, start the Ravens DST once again in Week 15 against Philadelphia.
Prater has been among the best Fantasy kickers this season, and he's been great of late with at least 10 Fantasy points in a standard league in three of the past four games, including two in a row. He made five field goals in Week 13 at New Orleans, and he has multiple field goals in six games in a row. He scored eight Fantasy points in Week 4 at Chicago, and eight kickers have made multiple field goals against the Bears, including two in a row with Ryan Succop and Phil Dawson. Prater should stay hot at home this week.
Sleepers
Roberto Aguayo (vs. NO): It's hard to trust him, but he's scored at least eight Fantasy points in three of his past four games. The Saints have allowed four of the past five opposing kickers to score at least 11 Fantasy points.
Kai Forbath (at JAC): Forbath has yet to miss a field goal on six attempts in the three games since taking over for the ineffective Blair Walsh, and he scored nine points in Week 13 against Dallas. Jacksonville allows the most Fantasy points to opposing kickers.
Graham Gano (vs. SD): He's scored at least 11 Fantasy points in three of six home games this season, and eight kickers have made multiple field goals against the Chargers this year.
Lutz hasn't been productive of late with four games in a row scoring eight Fantasy points or less. So far on the road this season, Lutz has one game with more than eight Fantasy points, and Tampa Bay has allowed just Matt Bryant in Week 9 to make multiple field goals in the past eight games. Only four kickers have made multiple field goals against the Buccaneers this year, and Lutz could again have another down game on the road in Week 14.
Full Disclosure from Week 13
Jordan Howard made me, and many of you, quite happy in Week 13 with his performance against the 49ers, and he delivered in a big way as the Start of the Week. Howard had 117 rushing yards and three touchdowns and was the No. 1 running back in standard leagues.
Howard was one of several good start suggestions in Week 13. Including sleepers, we were right on Matthew Stafford, Derek Carr, Thomas Rawls, Carlos Hyde, Doug Martin, Jeremy Hill, Golden Tate, Donte Moncrief, Malcolm Mitchell, Cameron Brate, Coby Fleener and the Patriots DST. We also said to sit, among others, Cam Newton, Eli Manning, Jonathan Stewart, Todd Gurley, Kelvin Benjamin, Allen Robinson and Martellus Bennett.
Our bad calls were saying to start guys like Colin Kaepernick, Mark Ingram ande Brandon Marshall. And we missed on some sit guys like Andy Dalton, Terrance West and Rashad Jennings.
It was a great week, and we hope to stay hot in Week 14. Jameis Winston will hopefully be just as successful as Howard as our Start of the Week.
