Week 14 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Smart Matchup Plays, Sleepers and More
Thirteen weeks of the 2024 fantasy football regular season down, one to go. Week 14 marks the final week of the regular season for the majority of leagues, before the playoffs take place from Weeks 15-17.
Plenty is still at stake in many leagues. Some managers are battling for playoff spots, while others are trying to improve their seeding. Those close to the top are hoping to secure a first-round bye and advance directly into their league's semifinals.
Lineup decisions will be tough in Week 14, and it doesn't help that six NFL teams will have a bye: the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans.
With that in mind, here's some early start/sit advice as fantasy managers look to set their lineups for the most crucial week of the season thus far.
Start 'Em: Sam Darnold, QB, Minnesota Vikings
Need to stream a quarterback because Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix and C.J. Stroud all have byes? Perhaps Sam Darnold is available in your league? If so, he should be a top option to consider.
The 27-year-old has thrown multiple touchdown passes in five of his past six games, and he has passed for at least 235 yards every week during that stretch. The Minnesota Vikings are having success, as he continues to lead them to frequent victories.
In Week 14, the Vikings will host the Atlanta Falcons, who are giving up the second-most fantasy points to QBs over the past four weeks, per NFL.com. So, Darnold should continue with his consistent play and could have an even bigger performance this week.
Sit 'Em: Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco made his return to the Kansas City Chiefs' backfield in Week 13, playing in his first game action since Week 2. However, he was slowly eased back into the fold, as he recorded seven carries for 44 yards and one catch for five yards.
It could take a bit before the 25-year-old is getting a ton of touches, especially because Kansas City also has Kareem Hunt in the mix at running back. The Chiefs can be cautious with Pacheco, considering they're 11-1 and have already clinched a playoff berth.
On Sunday night, Kansas City will host the AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers, who have a solid run defense. If possible, try to put the Rutgers product on the bench and find other RB options who have strong matchups and more defined roles.
Sit 'Em: Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers
It can be hard to sit a player like Deebo Samuel, who has a track record of being one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the NFL. But the San Francisco 49ers are struggling, and he has been part of the reason for that in recent weeks.
The 28-year-old hasn't had more than 22 yards in any of his past three games and hasn't scored a touchdown since Oct. 10. He's gotten into the end zone only twice all season.
It may be hard for Samuel to break out this week, as the 49ers will host the Chicago Bears, who are giving up the third-fewest fantasy points to WRs, per NFL.com.
There's still a chance the 2021 Pro Bowler will return to form before the end of the year, but it's unlikely to happen in Week 14.
Start 'Em: Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Dallas Cowboys
With Jake Ferguson sidelined due to a concussion in recent weeks, Luke Schoonmaker has taken on a larger role in the Dallas Cowboys' offense.
The tight end has been targeted 20 times over the past three games, recording 14 catches for 144 yards and a touchdown.
As long as Schoonmaker remains that involved, he should be a great fantasy option in Week 14. On Monday night, the Cowboys host the Cincinnati Bengals, who are giving up the second-most fantasy points to tight ends.
It's a prime matchup for the 26-year-old to get into the end zone again, but make sure to monitor the status of Ferguson and check for news on how Dallas plans to utilize its TEs.