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Week 14 fantasy football matchups, starts and sits

Struggling to set the perfect fantasy lineup? Let us be your guide. Each week the NFL Fantasy staff will provide you with game-by-game, player-by-player matchup breakdowns in this column to help you set a winning lineup. Think of this as the one-stop shop to crushing your opponent in fantasy football.

Now, onto the best and worst Week 14 fantasy matchups.

New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers: 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS

Jets

Bryce Petty, QB -- SIT: Sure, he's playing a terrible defense this week. But he's also in a lackluster offense and this week is far too important for you to roll the dice here.

Matt Forte, RB -- START: Running backs agaisnt the 49ers are a no-brainer. Especially if we're talking about running backs as talented with as big a workload as Forte.

Brandon Marshall, WR -- FLEX: Marshall has been hard to trust this season, but against the league's worst defense he's worth at least a flex spot in your lineup.

Robby Anderson, WR -- SIT: We learned last week that Petty likes throwing to Anderson. Or maybe the young QB was just chucking it up in a blowout. Either way, you don't want any part of this.

Quincy Enunwa, WR -- SIT: Enunwa's ceiling this season hasn't been high enough to make it worth the risk of dealing with his super low floor.

49ers

Colin Kaepernick, QB -- START: Yes, he burned you last week with a terrible outing but this week offers new opportunities against another bad defense for anyone streaming QBs. This time not in a blizzard.

Carlos Hyde, RB -- FLEX: Hyde has been a consistent RB2 all season and has had a floor of nearly 10 fantasy points over the past three weeks. He should get the call in Week 14.

49ers WRs -- SIT:Rod Streater is the only Niners receiver to catch more than three passes in a game over the past three weeks. He caught four.

Vance McDonald, TE -- SIT: Even in a world where quality tight ends are hard to find, McDonald is too boom or bust (mostly bust) to count on.

New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX

Saints

Drew Brees, QB -- START: Consider last week's game an outlier. Nothing fell Brees' way and the Lions ate up the clock with short passes. Tampa Bay ranks 24th in the league in time of possession, so Brees should have opportunities to score.

Mark Ingram, RB -- FLEX: The Saints fell off their desired game script early last week against Detroit, which limited Ingram to seven carries. He's the only back to trust from this crop, but he'll be risky against a Tampa Bay defense that ranks fifth in total yards allowed and first in points allowed since Week 10.

Travaris Cadet & Tim Hightower, RBs -- SIT: Cadet led the backfield in snaps last week, muddling the outlook for Hightower. John Kuhn also scored a touchdown. Don't get involved in this mess if you can help it.

Saints WRs -- FLEX: It stands to reason that the Saints passing attack will rebound, but since Week 10 the Bucs have allowed the third-fewest passing yards and the lowest passer rating in the NFL. This might be a week to break ties against the likes of Brandin Cooks, Michael Thomas and Willie Snead when it comes to start/sit decisions.

Coby Fleener, TE -- START: With Josh Hill out of the picture, Fleener should see an uptick in targets. The Bucs have been stung by athletic tight ends this season (Greg Olsen and Travis Kelce each went over 100 yards against them, while Austin Hooper caught a deep touchdown), so there's upside to chase here. Just know Fleener is an expert at disappointing in fantasy.

Buccaneers

Jameis Winston, QB -- START: The Saints allow the second-most passing yards (276.8) and the third-most points (27.9) per game in the NFL. Winston is a fine start with the playoffs on the line.

Doug Martin, RB -- SIT: Martin left Week 14 with an allegedly minor back injury, but all signs point to him leading this backfield again on Sunday. However, with Charles Sims potentially returning and Martin facing a Saitns defensive front that has allowed just 2.84 yards per carry over the last month, trusting Martin might be too risky.

Mike Evans, WR -- START: Evans leads the league in targets (138) and is second in receiving touchdowns (10). Yeah, you're starting him.

Adam Humphries, WR -- LOW-END FLEX: The Lions exploited the Saints defense via the short, quick passing game in Week 14. If the Bucs attempt a similar strategy, slot man Humphries could see an uptick in targets. The Bucs also lost Cecil Shorts last week, freeing up more opportunities.

Cameron Brate, TE -- START: Brate is at his best in pass-heavy game scripts for the Bucs, which this game is shaping up to be. He's tied with Evans with 13 red-zone targets since Week 3, when he became the starting tight end.

Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams: 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX

Falcons

Matt Ryan, QB -- START: Ryan has failed to score 19-plus fantasy points in each of his last three games after crossing that threshold in seven of his first nine games. The Rams defense has been exposed on the ground lately, allowing 5.95 yards per carry over the last month. There's risk that the Falcons go run-heavy in their approach, but Ryan offers a safe enough floor to trust this week.

Devonta Freeman, RB -- START: Freeman has been one of the most consistent fantasy performers in the league. He's a must-start in a positive matchup.

Tevin Coleman, RB -- FLEX: Coleman is getting out-snapped and out-touched by Freeman since returning from injury, but this feels like a good spot to roll him out in the flex. The Rams have allowed 177 receiving yards to running backs over the last month and are bleeding yards on the ground.

Julio Jones, WR -- WAIT AND SEE: Jones missed practice on Wednesday and is dealing with turf toe, an injury that lingers. The team expects him to play Sunday, but fantasy owners will need to watch Jones' status closely.

Mohamed Sanu, WR -- WAIT AND SEE: Sanu missed practice on Wednesday with a groin injury. He'd be in a great spot if Jones sits out, but his status needs to be monitored as well.

Taylor Gabriel, WR -- FLEX: Gabriel didn't find the end zone in Week 13, but came close twice. He's a boom-or-bust play, but his ceiling will increase if Jones and/or Sanu sit out Sunday.

Rams

Jared Goff, QB -- SIT: The Falcons defense lost some luster with Adrian Clayborn and Desmond Trufant on the sidelines. That being said, this isn't the time of year to trust an erratic rookie passer in fantasy.

Todd Gurley, RB -- FLEX: We want to believe in Gurley against a depleted Falcons front seven, but let's be real. If the running back position wasn't so thin, Gurley would probably be listed as a sit. He hasn't crossed the 100-plus scrimmage yard threshold since Week 5.

Kenny Britt, WR -- FLEX: Since Week 4, Britt is the fifth-highest standard scoring wide receiver. No, that is not a typo. He's a fine flex play this week against a banged up Atlanta secondary.

Lance Kendricks, TE -- SURE, WHY NOT?: Tight end is a fantasy wasteland. Kendricks owns a 20 percent share of Jared Goff's targets. Atlanta allows a 69 completion percentage to tight ends and is tied for the third-most touchdowns allowed to the position.

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers: 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX

Seahawks

Russell Wilson, QB -- START: With the passing game taking flight for Seattle, it looks like Wilson's dominance in December could continue. He's thrown 35 touchdowns to nine interceptions in 19 career December games, and faces a Green Bay secondary that just let Brock Osweiler finish as a top-12 QB last week.

Thomas Rawls, RB -- FLEX: Rawls averages 4.9 yards per carry since returning from injury in Week 11. Green Bay will be without Nick Perry and Mike Pennel in this game, two strong run defenders. Rawls' outlook is improving as the game approaches.

Doug Baldwin, WR -- START: Green Bay is allowing over 170 receving yards and just shy of two touchdowns per game to wide receivers over the last month. Baldwin leads Seattle in every major receiving category. This doesn't need to be difficult.

Tyler Lockett, WR -- FLEX: Lockett is still a boom-or-bust play, but against a Packers secondary prone to allowing big plays, Lockett is worth a roll of the dice.

Jimmy Graham, TE -- START: Graham is a physical mismatch for the entire Green Bay secondary, which as a unit is allowing the second-most receiving yards per game to tight ends.

Seahawks D/ST -- SIT: A road trip without Earl Thomas against a strong offense is not a recipe for fantasy success. Streaming the position isn't a bad alternative this week.

Packers

Aaron Rodgers, QB -- START: If Rodgers (hamstring) starts, you start him in fantasy. He's bested tough defenses in recent weeks and is playing at home.

Packers RBs -- SIT: Even though Christine Michael is in a revenge game (narrative alert!), this backfield remains too much of a committee to trust. Aaron Ripkowski, James Starks and Ty Montgomery will all see work, limiting the upside of the entire group.

Packers WRs -- FLEX: The Seahawks secondary remains fearsome, even without Earl Thomas. However, with how well the Packers passing attack is playing of late, it's hard to sit any of Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams or Randall Cobb. Cobb might be the sneakiest play of the bunch as he'll assuredly avoid Richard Sherman in coverage, and could be an outlet for Rodgers if the Seahawks pass rush starts heating up. Nelson offers the best touchdown upside, while Adams probably carries the most risk.

Jared Cook, TE -- SIT: That sure was fun when Jared Cook went off for 105 yards and a touchdown in Week 11, wasn't it? This isn't Week 11.

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants: 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC

Cowboys

Dak Prescott, QB -- START: Prescott predictably disappointed against the Vikings last week, but finds himself in a more favorable matchup in Week 14 against a Giants defense that just lost Jason Pierre-Paul for the season.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB -- START: Zeke is hungry. Put him in your lineup and let him eat.

Dez Bryant, WR -- START: Bryant owns 27.3 percent of the Dallas passing targets since returning from injury in Week 8 and is the fourth-highest scoring wide receiver in that span.

Jason Witten, TE -- START: A perfect storm of narratives is forming for Witten this week. Not only does he play great against the Giants historically, but they are weak against tight ends and have only allowed three touchdowns this year (#positiveregression alert!). Oh, and Witten didn't see a target last week, so he's #due. Right? RIGHT?!

Cole Beasley, WR -- FLEX (PPR): The Giants are frequently beaten from the slot, where Beasley primarily lines up. He stung them for eight catches and 65 yards earlier this year.

Giants

Eli Manning, QB -- SIT: Manning has multiple touchdown passes in each of his last five games, but has also thrown multiple interceptions in three of those contests. He's too inconsistent to trust in the fantasy postseason.

Giants RBs -- SIT: If the Giants ever decide to make Rashad Jennings a feature back like he deserves, then we are in business. But as long as this ineffective ground attack remains split between Jennings and Paul Perkins, fantasy owners should stay away.

Odell Beckham Jr., WR -- START: Please.

Sterling Shepard, WR -- LOW-END FLEX: Shepard has a receiving touchdown in four of his last five games, but hasn't surpassed 50 yards in any of those matchups. Dallas' secondary is banged up, though, so there's reason for optimism.

Victor Cruz, WR -- SIT: Cruz hasn't had more than one reception in a game since Week 7.

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots: 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

Ravens

Joe Flacco, QB -- START: The Patriots have allowed eight passing touchdowns and intercepted just two passes over the last month, despite facing the likes of Colin Kaepernick, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jared Goff in that span. If the Baltimore passing offense can carry some momentum from last week, Flacco could be in line for a pretty "elite" fantasy performance.

Ravens RBs -- FLEX: The Patriots are strong against the run this year (3.65 yards per carry allowed, third-lowest in the league), but that's partially because they are frequently leading. Kenneth Dixon's ability as a pass catcher gives him PPR appeal and higher overall upside, while Terrance West is the preferred goal-line option and is a safer bet in standard leagues.

Steve Smith, WR -- FLEX: Triple S has at least 47 receiving yards in seven of his 10 games played, and owns an 18.7 percent share of Flacco's targets in games they've played together. Smith is a solid flex option here.

Mike Wallace, WR -- FLEX: Much like Smith, Wallace has been quite consistent in fantasy with 57-plus receiving yards in eight straight games. He offers a safe floor as a flex, with upside for a week-winning day if he catches a long touchdown.

Dennis Pitta, TE -- START: Normally, we'd advise against chasing points. But tight end is a crapshoot in fantasy this year, so why not stick with a hot hand like Pitta?

Patriots

Tom Brady, QB -- START: Brady's ceiling sinks without Gronk, but he's still Tom Brady. He's a low-end QB1 this week in a tough matchup.

LeGarrette Blount, RB -- SIT: The Ravens allow the fewest rushing yards per game (65.8) and have conceded a league-low three rushing touchdowns to backs. This isn't shaping up to be a Blount-heavy game.

Dion Lewis & James White, RBs -- FLEX (PPR): In the last two games Gronk has completely missed (Weeks 11 and 13), Lewis and White have seen 10 and 11 targets, respectively. Combined that accounts for 24.4 percent of Brady's pass attempts in those games. Baltimore allows 44.3 receiving yards per game to opposing backs.

Julian Edelman, WR -- START: Edelman owns 29.4 percent of Brady's targets the last three weeks, and is averaging eight catches and just over 80 yards per game in that span. The Ravens struggle to cover slot receivers, too.

Malcolm Mitchell, WR -- SIT: This feels like a let-down game for the talented rookie. He's coming off of a strong three-game stretch, but could struggle to beat Jimmy Smith and the rest of the Ravens' secondary.

Martellus Bennett, TE -- SIT: The Black Unicorn is still recovering from injuries and isn't commanding enough targets to be fantasy relevant as a result.

Completed Games

Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs: 8:25 p.m. ET on NBC and NFL Network

Raiders

Derek Carr, QB -- START: Carr is one of the safest quarterback plays in fantasy for Week 14. The Chiefs pass rush is one of the best in the league, but their defense also ranks among the top 10 in terms of fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. The Raiders boast one of the best pass-blocking lines in the league. Carr will be able to find the end zone more than once.

Latavius Murray, RB -- START: In Murray's four career games against the Chiefs, he's averaged 6.1 yards per carry with 288 yards and three touchdowns. He's currently tied for third in the NFL with 11 rushing scores. Murray is a solid RB2 given that he played his highest percentage of offensive snaps of the season last week and should be featured again in what's forecasted to be a frigid night in Kansas City.

Amari Cooper, WR -- START: The Chiefs have allowed more yards to wideouts than any other team this season, which has translated into the most fantasy points allowed per game (27.29) to the position. Leave Cooper, who's on the verge of his second 1,000-yard season, in your fantasy lineup on Thursday night.

Michael Crabtree, WR -- START: The Crabtree/Cooper duo has combined for more receptions (135) than any other receiving duo in the NFL this year. Crabtree leads the team with seven receiving touchdowns and he's a must-start as a WR2 against a Chiefs defense that hasn't been able to limit the position all year.

Chiefs

Alex Smith, QB -- SIT: Smith has thrown fewer touchdown passes (11) this season than Sam Bradford, Brock Osweiler and Carson Wentz. He's impossible to rely on as your QB1 for the fantasy playoffs.

Spencer Ware, RB -- START: Ware has had a consistently high floor since returning from injury in Week 10, and he finally found the paint (twice) last week against the Falcons. Like Atlanta, Oakland has had trouble stopping running backs this season and have allowed five rushing touchdowns to backs in the last month. Ware is a low-risk RB2 play on Thursday night.

Jeremy Maclin, WR -- SIT: Maclin is looking to return on Thursday after sitting out a few games with a groin injury. He wasn't doing much when he was healthy early in the season so there's no reason to risk rolling him out as a starter in his first game back.

Travis Kelce, TE -- START: Kelce leads all tight ends with 65 receptions this season and has posted three-straight 100-yard games. He's also collected seven or more receptions in each of his last three contests and is a locked-in TE1 against Oakland.

Tyreek Hill, WR -- FLEX: The rookie has posted four-straight 50-yard games but his snap count (49 percent in Week 13) remains a concern. He's a boom-or-bust flex play in deeper fantasy leagues.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills: 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS

Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger, QB -- START: Run! Hide! It's a Big Ben on the road game! Screw it, it's the fantasy playoffs and he's been playing lights out over the last month: eight touchdowns, one pick and 271.3 pass yards per game. Plus, Ladarius Green lurking around the middle of the field only helps Roethlisberger's fantasy value.

Antonio Brown, WR -- START: No wide receiver has more fantasy points than Brown over the last two weeks ... or the last four weeks ... or the season.

Le'Veon Bell, RB -- START: To make a long story short, Le'Veon Bell is good at football. He's a matchup-proof elite RB1 in fantasy and you need to ride him throughout the playoffs.

Ladarius Green, TE -- START: Green was the savior the Steelers passing game needed last week, posting 110 yards and a touchdown. Whether or not that kind of production will continue has yet to be seen, but Green presents the same amount of risk as basically every other tight end in fantasy, with massive upside.

Bills

Tyrod Taylor, QB -- SIT: Taylor has thrown for fewer than 192 yards in three straight games, but has scored a rushing touchdown in each of his last two. His upside lies in whether or not he can connect on a few deep balls to Sammy Watkins. Other than that, you're relying on his ability to run. He does have more rushing touchdowns (five) than passing (three) in the last six games, and leads all quarterbacks with 469 rush yards on 75 attempts. Stash him for his matchups against Cleveland and Miami in Weeks 15 and 16.

LeSean McCoy, RB -- START: When he's healthy, McCoy is one of the most dangerous running backs in fantasy. He currently leads the league with a 5.5 yards per carry average and has put up 100-plus scrimmage yards in seven of nine games this season. Just hope that Mike Gillislee doesn't vulture the goal-line looks.

Sammy Watkins, WR -- FLEX: Watkins didn't practice on Wednesday but he's probably just playing it safe with his lingering foot issue. His snap count bumped up last week from Week 12 and he presents boom-or-bust value against a questionable Steelers secondary.

Mike Gillislee, RB -- SIT: Gillislee is a McCoy handcuff who got lucky last week. There's too much risk here with a secondary back who's snap share is at 26 percent for the season.

Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans: 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS

Broncos

Trevor Siemian, QB -- SIT: Siemian sat out last week with a foot injury, but is on track to get back under center against the Titans. Playing behind a struggling offensive line, Siemian is not a viable fantasy option in the fantasy playoffs unless you enjoy torturing yourself.

Devontae Booker, RB -- FLEX: Booker continues to get a ton of volume and continues to do very little with it. He lucked into a touchdown last week but had just 35 yards on 18 carries. He's still hard to leave on the bench given his volume upside and the state of the running back position. Keep in mind that Denver signed Justin Forsett who could steal some snaps.

Demaryius Thomas, WR -- START: Thomas leads the Broncos in receptions this year with 66 and is on pace for his sixth-straight 1,000-yard season. He's hard to turn away from in the playoffs, despite the fact that his ceiling is limited with Trevor Siemian under center (one 100-yard game this year).

Emmanuel Sanders, WR -- FLEX: Sanders leads Denver in targets (114) and receiving yards (858). The target volume is appealing, but keep in mind that he's posted just one double-digit fantasy game since Week 4.

Titans

Marcus Mariota, QB -- SIT: If Mariota were facing ANY other team, he'd be a must-start. But Denver has not been kind to opposing quarterbacks, allowing just 12 passing touchdowns all season.

DeMarco Murray, RB -- START: While Denver ranks first in pass defense, they haven't been so tough against running backs. In fact, the Broncos are surrendering 122.8 rush yards per game this season. Not that Murray was anything but an RB1 already, but it solidifies him as a must-start.

Delanie Walker, TE -- START: While the Broncos have been tough against wideouts this year, they've given up a few huge games to tight ends: Cameron Brate led the Bucs with 67 receiving yards in Week 4, Hunter Henry led the Chargers with 83 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 and Travis Kelce led the Chiefs with 101 yards in Week 11. Start Walker with confidence.

Rishard Matthews, WR -- SIT: Any wideout against Denver is a tough sell. It's not a good time to risk Just ask the Fantasy Hipsters, man.

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles: 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX

Redskins

Kirk Cousins, QB -- START: Since the Redskins' bye in Week 9, Cousins is averaging 23.2 fantasy points per game. With a bevy of weapons at his disposal, Cousins should deliver a nice day for your fantasy team against an Eagles defense that just got shredded by an A.J. Green-less Bengals a week ago.

Rob Kelley, RB -- FLEX: Kelley only had 14 attempts last week against the Cardinals since the Redskins were trailing, which is not the kind of script the early-down back excels in. This week, Washington coach Jay Gruden said he wants Kelley more involved than games prior. So with a high-volume workload projected, Kelley is an ideal high-end flex running back who should get all the goal-line looks.

Jamison Crowder, WR -- START: Crowder leads Washington's receivers with 14 red-zone targets this season. He also leads the wideout corps with seven touchdowns and 767 yards and is locked in as a low-end WR2 for Week 14 against the Eagles.

Pierre Garcon, WR -- FLEX: Garcon has provided a safe floor for the last month despite scoring just once in that span. He's averaged 7.5 targets per game in his last four contests and can safely be flexed, especially with Jordan Reed likely to miss another game.

DeSean Jackson, WR -- LOW-END FLEX: Jackson is, as he's always been, an extreme boom-or-bust option at wideout. He only had one catch last week, but scored in each of his two previous games. Just know you're getting pretty frisky if you roll him out in a revenge scenario on Sunday.

Jordan Reed/Vernon Davis, TEs -- START: If Reed starts, you have to play him. He probably won't though as he takes another week for his shoulder to heal up. Vernon Davis can safely be started as a low-end TE1 if Reed doesn't suit up.

Eagles

Carson Wentz, QB -- SIT: If you want to start a quarterback who has thrown 11 picks and seven touchdown passes in his last nine games, be our guest. A loser guest.

Ryan Mathews, RB -- START: Mathews practiced in full on Wednesday and is on track to suit up against the Redskins. He's the lead running back the Eagles' offense is in desperate need of and he's the RB2 that fantasy owners can rely on in the playoffs.

Darren Sproles, RB -- SIT: Sproles is only valuable if Mathews doesn't play. Mathews will likely play, relegating Sproles to fantasy benches throughout the universe.

Jordan Matthews, WR -- FLEX: As the only reliable wide receiver that Carson Wentz has to throw to, Matthews can be flexed based on volume. But he might not be 100 percent with an ankle injury, so just temper expectations. Plus, Carson Wentz.

Zach Ertz, TE -- START?: 'Tis the season to start Zach Ertz in fantasy! That counts as analysis, right?

Arizona Cardinals at Miami Dolphins: 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX

Cardinals

Carson Palmer, QB -- START: Palmer got back on track last week with 300 yards and three touchdown passes. He's been struggling this season but has posted fairly consistent fantasy totals for the last few weeks. Miami has been awful against opposing quarterbacks this season so Palmer is a low-end QB1 for Week 14.

David Johnson, RB -- START: No matter what.

Cardinals WRs -- DEPENDS: You're starting Larry Fitzgerald, who is tied with Antonio Brown for the most receptions in the league, in the hopes he can tack on a touchdown to his 60 or so yards. John Brown and Michael Floyd remain too inconsistent to trust as fantasy assets.

Dolphins

Ryan Tannehill, QB -- SIT: The Dolphins can barely rely on Tannehill in reality, so why would you put your fantasy fortunes in his hands? Plus, the Cardinals allow the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks on the season.

Jay Ajayi, RB -- FLEX: Ajayi will get the volume, and probably a few looks as a receiver too. But he faces an uphill battle against the league's second-best run stopping unit in terms of fantasy. Plus, Miami's offensive line still isn't all-systems go.

Jarvis Landry, WR -- FLEX: Landry lucked into his first touchdown in the last nine games last week, so that was nice. If you start him, you're hoping on for a wealth of targets and expecting him to do a ton of work after the catch.

DeVante Parker, WR -- SIT: Parker is probably good for a flashy big play or two every week. But he's likely to matchup against Patrick Peterson in Week 14, so his target volume will be capped. If you want to risk your fantasy playoffs on the heels of Parker's volatility, that's on you.

Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars: 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX

Vikings

Sam Bradford, QB -- SIT: The Jaguars play solid pass defense and Sam Bradford cannot push the ball downfield in this offense right now. Without question, you can find some better options.

Vikings RBs -- SIT: Hard pass.

Stefon Diggs, WR -- START: Diggs should run most of his routes out of the slot again and away from strong rookie cornerback Jalen Ramsey. He'll push for eight to 10 catches like he does every week, so he has a solid floor.

Adam Thielen, WR -- SIT: He has 20 targets over the last two weeks but it's hard to imagine this game is high-scoring enough for him to make a difference in your lineup.

Kyle Rudolph, TE -- START: While he has not scored since Week 10, the concerns about his volume have been alleviated. He has target totals of 10 and 12 the last two weeks.

Jaguars

Blake Bortles, QB -- SIT: There's always the chance for garbage time, but with Minnesota being unable to gain big leads that's a tough proposition to chase. Expect something more like what Bortles gave you last week where he completed 19 of 42 passes with two interceptions.

Chris Ivory, RB -- SIT: Expected to be a game-time decision this week, you're not looking to Ivory for help.

T.J. Yeldon, RB -- SIT: Expected to still be T.J. Yeldon this week, you're not looking to him for fantasy help.

Allen Robinson, WR -- SIT: Here we are. There's just no way you can throw Robinson in with any sort of confidence against this Vikings defense with the way this offense is going. The same goes for Marqise Lee.

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts: 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS

Texans

Brock Osweiler, QB -- SIT: The Colts defense is bad, but Brock Oswieler is worse.

Lamar Miller, RB -- FLEX: Miller had his only big game of the year against the Colts, but Miller is a much more banged up version of himself these days. Additionally, his play has declined under the weight of what was clearly too big of a workload.

DeAndre Hopkins, WR -- FLEX: This should be a good enough matchup for Hopkins, who did get shadowed by Vontae Davis in their first meeting. Davis has not been great this year as injuries keep nagging him.

C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE -- START: We're still up for chasing his volume. He has 25 targets over the last three weeks, despite not scoring a touchdown.

Colts

Andrew Luck, QB -- START: Completely on fire after a dominant Monday night game, he can push to be one of the top quarterback scorers this week.

Frank Gore, RB -- FLEX: Gore has a great floor and a strong chance for a touchdown anytime Andrew Luck is in the lineup.

T.Y. Hilton, WR -- START: Top Texans corner Johnathan Joseph has a pair of cracked ribs and a bruised lung. His absence would open up a huge hole in what is a strong Houston pass defense.

Donte Moncrief, WR -- FLEX: Moncrief has scored a touchdown in every game since returning from a shoulder injury, so you can feel free to chase that. However, he has not cleared 60 yards since Week 1 and his target numbers have varied widely since his Week 8 return.

Dwayne Allen, TE -- SIT: Tight end is such a gross position you may not have better options, but chasing Allen's big Monday night game is not advisable.

San Diego Chargers at Carolina Panthers: 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX

Chargers

Philip Rivers, QB -- START: Turnovers have limited Rivers' fantasy output a tad of late. However, we're ready to roll him out against this Panthers defense.

Melvin Gordon, RB -- START: The Panthers have a great run defense, but Gordon has fewer than 20 touches in just two games this year. That should be good enough for a cure-all.

Tyrell Williams, WR -- START: He's an every-week WR1 at this point. Set it and forget it.

Dontrelle Inman, WR -- FLEX: It appears as if he's officially the second target in this offense now. He should be plenty good as a flex play against a poor secondary.

Antonio Gates, TE -- START: The Panthers have been generous to tight ends and time is running out for Gates to chase the touchdown record. Hunter Henry is not much of a factor to Gates' playing time any more.

Panthers

Cam Newton, QB -- START: This game has high-scoring potential. That should be enough for Newton to approach a ceiling he has not consistently cracked this year.

Jonathan Stewart, RB -- FLEX: It has not been fun owning Stewart in fantasy this year, as you're basically just chasing touchdowns. However, as an added bonus: the collapse of the offensive line has taken away a once reliable floor. This should be a good game for scoring chances, though.

Kelvin Benjamin, WR -- SIT: The team is taking snaps away from Benjamin and Ron Rivera indicated they may have asked too much of him this year coming back from injury. We'd break ties against playing him, especially with a tough matchup against Casey Hayward on the docket.

Ted Ginn, WR -- FLEX: He's assumed the duties of the top target once again, and has a touchdown in three straight games. This is an explosive spot for Ginn. If you're ready to accept the utter meaninglessness of life, you may chase his ceiling this week.

Greg Olsen, TE -- START: The next time Olsen clears 60 yards in a month that follows October 2016 it will be the first. You're probably starting him. You're probably not feeling good about it.

Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns: 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS

Bengals

Andy Dalton, QB -- START: Last week was Dalton's first 20-point performance since Week 7 when he played ... the Browns. He might not have A.J. Green, but he should still be OK.

Jeremy Hill, RB -- FLEX: Hill hasn't done much to inspire a lot of faith this season, but we do have faith that the Browns are still bad at stopping the run.

Rex Burkhead, RB -- FLEX: If you're in a deep league, why wouldn't you start the player who's been Cincy's best running back the past two weeks? Otherwise, this isn't advisable in a playoff week.

Brandon LaFell, WR -- SIT: LaFell's targets have increased recently, but his production has been inconsistent. The Browns should help with that last part, if you're willing to take the chance.

Tyler Boyd, WR -- SIT: Boyd's production recently has been consistent. Consistently mediocre. Starting him means you're rooting hard for a touchdown to make it worthwhile. Not great.

Tyler Eifert, TE -- START: Sometimes Eifert gets a lot of targets. Sometimes he doesn't. Let's hope this is a high-target week. Besides, do you really think you'll find a better option on waivers? You won't.

Browns

Browns QBs -- SIT: It doesn't matter who it is.

Isaiah Crowell, RB -- SIT: We're old enough to remember when Isaiah Crowell was fantasy relevant. He hasn't scored more than eight fantasy points since the day before Halloween.

Duke Johnson, RB -- SIT: Johnson longs to have been as productive as Crowell this season.

Terrelle Pryor, WR -- FLEX: If there's one Browns player you have been able to count on in any circumstance this season, it's been Pryor. Keep the faith here.

Corey Coleman, WR -- SIT: His big game in Week 2 whet our appetites, but he hasn't approached 50 receiving yards since then.

Gary Barnidge, WR -- SIT: In his past four games, Barnidge has a total of 65 receiving yards. The tight end position is thin, but you can probably find some better options than this one.

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions: 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS

Bears

Matt Barkley, QB -- SIT: Barkley has played pretty well in his two starts, but not well enough that you're trusting him with your fantasy playoff life.

Jordan Howard, RB -- START: Since Barkley took over, Howard has been a workhose back and has been very successful at it. Things aren't likely to change this week.

Bears WRs -- SIT: They could catch a lot of passes. They could drop a few. They'll probably drop a few. But if you can figure out which one will succeed, then you've mastered the Dark Arts.

Bears D/ST -- SIT: The Bears have been a better defense than we thought they'd be at the start of the season. But in a playoff situation? No thanks.

Lions

Matthew Stafford, QB -- SIT: Jim Bob Cooter's offense eschews big plays for more high-percentage throws. It's good for Stafford's efficiency, not your fantasy squad.

Theo Riddick, RB -- SIT: Riddick's overall production has fallen off a cliff in recent weeks. He has some flex appeal in PPR formats, but he's far too untrustworthy in a big spot.

Golden Tate, WR -- FLEX: Tate has been the most consistent Lions pass-catcher all season and the one true big-play threat in the offense. He's worth a spot in your lineup.

Eric Ebron, TE -- SIT: Finding a tight end to recommend is like searching for a person under 30 who still checks voicemail. But Ebron against the Bears has some potential this week.

Lions D/ST -- SIT: The Bears offense has been surprisingly efficient the past two weeks. That doesn't bode well for Detroit getting sacks and takeaways. That makes them a no-go this week.