It’s Friday fantasy followers! Welcome back to my weekly Start/Sit HUB! Mike Hubbard Jr here, providing you with information that can help you win your fantasy league week in and week out. For all things fantasy football, follow me on Twitter (@FantasyHubbard) and Instagram (@fantasyhubbard). You can tweet me or message me on either social media with any questions you might have regarding the fantasy football season.
We have reached week 14 and I hope you’re enjoying the fantasy football experience and continue to fight hard for wins regardless if you’re undefeated or winless. Stay informed and play smart.
Week 14 began last night with a TNF game between the Steelers and the Vikings. What a weird game. The Vikings came out ready to play and took a 29-0 lead in the 3rd quarter. Dalvin Cook almost didn’t play but gave it a go and had 205 rushing yards and 2 TDs and making it look effortless. The Steelers looked as if they didn’t have a pulse for almost ¾ of the game. Pittsburgh rattled off 28 points just to lose by a score of 36-28. There were 8 TDs in this game. The Vikings add another game where they have won by 8 points or less, and the Steelers epic comeback almost made NFL history but ended on an incomplete pass to Freiermuth in the endzone that would have changed everything. Next Thursday we get the Chiefs visiting the Chargers in a great AFC matchup.
BYEs this week go to the Philadelphia Eagles, the New England Patriots, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Miami Dolphins. Final BYE week of the season. Remember to check your lineups and manage accordingly. The matchups I look forward to watching the most this Sunday are the Bills/Buccaneers and the WFT/Cowboys game. Brady will try to continue his domination of Buffalo throughout his career, and Washington will try to upset the Cowboys on their way to an unexpected playoff run.
I’m here every Friday with start and sit suggestions that can impact your team each week. My decisions as always include obvious and not so obvious picks. I would also like to clarify that my sit suggestions are based on the assumption you have or can add a player that has a better chance at success. Good luck this week and continue to check out my weekly articles.
START OF THE WEEK
Start – Russell Wilson – Wilson is starting to return to his earlier season form after throwing for 230+ passing yards in 2 consecutive games with a couple passing TDs in each as well. Metcalf hasn’t been helping much, but Lockett certainly has. I like Wilson a lot this week to put up great numbers on the Texans. Seattle’s defense has been weak, but I still think this could be a blowout win for the Seahawks. Their playoff hopes are still alive but are hanging by a thread. It’s time to let Russ cook again and carve up Houston. Love Wilson, Lockett, and Metcalf this week.
Ravens @ Browns
Start – DeVonta Freeman – Freeman has been very good for the Ravens lately since he has established himself at the lead RB. The Ravens are a top 5 rushing team this season and it’s not entirely because of Lamar Jackson. Since week 9, Freeman has had double digit carries in every game and has scored 5 total TDs in his last 7 games. He is a threat on the ground and through the air and takes on the Cleveland Browns this week. 2 teams that love to run the ball and should stick to their guns. I expect a lot of Lamar and Freeman rushes and a bunch of Mark Andrews targets. Look for Freeman to be a top 20 fantasy RB this week.
Sit – Rashod Bateman – Week 6 was Batemans first game and he had decent amounts of receptions and targets through week 10. Since then, Rashod has only 7 receptions on 11 targets for 60 receiving yards in 3 games including his last game where he was targeted 1 time and it didn’t result in a reception. Bateman also has yet to score a TD this season and it seems unlikely moving forward. The future is bright for Bateman, but we are looking for results now. I’m fading Bateman.
Jaguars @ Titans
Start – Dontrell Hilliard – Hilliard has really emerged as an offensive threat in week 11 and 12. The Titans had a BYE last week and now have the Jags in Tennessee. Hilliard rushed for 35 yards in week 11 while receiving 10 targets. He then rushed for 131 yards in week 12 including a 68-yard TD. Hilliard will most likely split time with D’Onta Foreman which isn’t ideal, but that hasn’t stopped him from producing yet. With Derrick Henry and AJ Brown both on IR, guys need to step up and Hilliard could be the guy. The Titans are heavy favorites which benefits RBs to get a lot of work in most situations. I like Hilliard and Foreman to get a bunch of chances this week.
Sit – Trevor Lawrence – The #1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has had a rough rookie season. We are entering week 14, the Jags have 2 wins, and Lawrence has more INTs than passing TDs thus far. After week 1, Lawrence has 6 passing TDs in his last 11 games. Trevor is not worth starting but could be a potential streamer in week 15 against the Texans and week 16 against the Jets. I am sure you must have at least 1 of the other 25 or so QBs that should outperform Lawrence this week. Not much confidence here.
Raiders @ Chiefs
Start – Hunter Renfrow – Renfrow has really stepped up his game this season when Derek Carr has needed him most. Darren Waller has been struggling with injuries and that continues into week 14. Waller is day to day right now and it’s unclear if he will play Sunday. Renfrow is healthy and is coming off back-to-back 100+ yard receiving games. Renfrow is top 10 in targets for all NFL WRs in the past 4 weeks with 32 targets. He has caught nearly 80% of his targets this season and currently has 4 TDs. The Raiders travel to KC for their 2nd showdown against them this Sunday. Renfrow scored a TD against them in week 10 and I see him finishing in the top 15 fantasy WRs this week if he can do it again.
Sit – DeSean Jackson – DeSean Jackson seems to always be a boom or bust option, unfortunately he is more bust than boom. Jackson is usually good for a deep target or 2 each game and if he converts, he can rack up 50+ yards and a TD in 1 play. More times than not he ends up with 1 or 2 receptions with low yardage. Jackson hasn’t caught 4 passes in a game this season and has 1 or less targets in 5 of his last 6 games. DeSean is not a top 50 WR this week and is droppable if you own him.
Saints @ Jets
Start – Taysom Hill – Hill season is upon us. The do it all stud gets a start at QB and racks up over 100 rushing yards while throwing 4 INTS and still ends up a top 5 fantasy QB in week 13. He gets the Jets this week who let teams run all over them. Kamara is likely to play so I expect a heavy dose of him and Hill. Hill will probably look to run more than throw given his finger issue so he has rushing upside and his short throws to Kamara could get good yardage for him. Taysom is a top 5 QB for me this week.
Sit – Tevin Coleman – Coleman is still getting the main RB role with Michael Carter on IR. He has 27 carries in his last 2 games resulting in 125 rushing yards. The Jets take on the Saints who are known for their run defense. Coleman has a bad matchup, has Ty Johnson incorporated into the game, and isn’t involved enough in the pass game to make him a viable starter in fantasy this week. He is outside my top 30 fantasy RBs so proceed with caution.
Cowboys @ Washington
Start – Dak Prescott – Dak didn’t have his best game in week 14 against the Saints but still managed to throw for 238 yards, throw 1 passing TD, and win by 10 points. Prescott has his top 3 WRs healthy, his top TE healthy, Zeke healthy, and only Tony Pollard and Cedrick Wilson are questionable in week 14. Dak has the tools and matchup to have a big game. Washington’s defense has gotten their act together recently but not to the point where the Cowboys should be too worried. I think this game will be close and hopefully high scoring. I have Dak as a top 10 QB in Washington.
Sit –JD McKissic – McKissic is still in concussion protocol but seems likely he will play this weekend against the Cowboys. Antonio Gibson has been getting a lot of volume the past 4 weeks and has produced with and without JD on the field. McKissic is a dual threat but if I am Washington, I would force feed Gibson until Dallas stops him, and then air it out more often. Dallas has been good against opposing RBs this season so that doesn’t help either RB. I’m excited for this game but not for McKissic. Gibson is a must start while JD is a risky FLEX.
Falcons @ Panthers
Start – Russell Gage – Russell Gage had a great week 13 against the defending champion Bucs. He caught 11 of his 12 targets for 130 receiving yards in a loss. He had 5 more targets than Kyle Pitts and 7 more targets than anyone else. No other Falcon surpassed 4 receptions or hit 50 receiving yards. It is great to see him play well with Matt Ryan and get production. Atlanta takes on the struggling Panthers this week which is a good time to continue the chemistry between Gage and Ryan.
Sit – Robby Anderson – Robby Anderson scored a TD in week 10 on a pass from Cam Newton that got everyone excited for a potential Newton surge and hope for Anderson moving forward even this late in the season. Unfortunately, it feels like the hope is dwindling yet again. Robby had 1 reception for 9 yards in his last game prior to the Panthers week 13 BYE. Anderson has 5 games this season with 1 or no receptions and only 3 games with 4+ receptions. His most receiving yards in a game this season is 57. This is not Robby’s season. Even a good matchup against the Falcons defense won’t convince me to play him.
Seahawks @ Texans
Start – Russell Wilson – Wilson is starting to return to his earlier season form after throwing for 230+ passing yards in 2 consecutive games with a couple passing TDs in each as well. Metcalf hasn’t been helping much, but Lockett certainly has. I love Wilson this week to put up great numbers on the Texans. Seattle’s defense has been weak, but I still think this could be a blowout win for the Seahawks. Their playoff hopes are still alive but are hanging by a thread. It’s time to let Russ cook again and carve up Houston. Love Wilson, Lockett, and Metcalf this week.
Sit – Brandin Cooks – Cooks went from the only Texan worth starting, to being like all other Texans who aren’t worth starting. Cooks has just 8 receptions for 101 receiving yards in his last 3 games. He did score a TD in week 12 but it was only his 3rd of the season. David Mills is set to start at QB, but that doesn’t help Cooks much, if at all. The Texans need to pound the rock if they want some success in this game, and it might already be too late for that if the Seahawks play well.
Lions @ Broncos
Start – Javonte Williams – Javonte finally had a big breakout game! This kid looked great in week 13 and has proven his talent and will hopefully get rewarded with more volume. Williams had 111 total yards in week 12 playing alongside Melvin Gordon and followed that up with 178 total yards last week without Gordon. He set season highs in rushing attempts, targets, and receiving yards at KC. Javonte can do it all and if a defender can’t wrap him up with a good tackle, he is already gone for more YAC. He faces Detroit this week in a great matchup for him and Gordon. We will have to wait and see how they divide the RB workload after Javonte’s big games. A top 10 fantasy RB this week is realistic.
Sit – Courtland Sutton – Sutton has continued to disappoint fantasy owners and Broncos fans everywhere after starting the season with some promise. Since week 8, Sutton hasn’t had a game with over 2 receptions and is averaging a dismal 22 receiving yards per game. He has 2 receiving TDs this season but none since week 6. Sutton has become an afterthought in the Bronco’s offense and is not worth starting unless other pass catchers were to miss time. Bench him if you still own him.
Giants @ Chargers
Start – Mike Williams – The Chargers have had a rollercoaster of emotions this past week as Keenan Allen and Mike Williams both have been affected by COVID. Their game statuses have changed a couple times and as of right now it seems like Allen has a low chance to play Sunday while Williams is in a good spot to play. I like Allen and Williams this week even if they both were to play. Williams get a big bump if Allen is out and vice versa. If both WR’s were to miss the game, Jalen Guyton would be in a good spot and same goes for Jared Cook. Ekeler and Herbert are obvious must starts.
Sit – Kenny Golladay – The Giants have struggled with injuries all season and this week its most evident at QB. Mike Glennon is expected to clear concussion protocol in order to start for injured Daniel Jones, but if he can’t go then we will see Jake Fromm behind center. Golladay has 9 receptions in his last 4 games and is averaging just over 30 receiving yards each game in those 4 games. Kadarius Toney and Sterling Shepard are more comfortable starts this week but even they are risky given health and matchup.
49ers @ Bengals
Start – Tee Higgins – Tee Higgins has 232 receiving yards in his last 2 games and has a pair of receiving TDs too. He leads the team in targets, receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TDs over the last 4 weeks. Higgins should keep it going against an average 49er pass defense. Higgins did miss practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury so monitor the situation and practice participation closely from now until game time. If Higgins were to miss the game, Chase would be a must start, and Tyler Boyd would get a big boost in targets.
Sit – CJ Uzomah – Uzomah had a great stretch of 4 games from week 4 through week 7 where he scored 5 TDs and had 2 games with 90+ receiving yards. Since week 8 CJ has been borderline irrelevant in fantasy. 5 consecutive games with under 35 receiving yards and no scores. The 49ers have been stout against opposing TEs, so nothing is making me optimistic for CJ in week 14. I think there are 20 TEs that I would start over him.
Bills @ Buccaneers
Start – Rob Gronkowski – Gronk returned to action in week 11 and has looked like he didn’t miss a beat. 25 targets in his last 3 games including a 71-yard performance, a 123-yard performance, and a 2 TD performance. Gronk, Kittle, and Andrews have all separated themselves from other TEs in the last 4 weeks. The Bucs have to play the Buffalo defense in week 14. The Bills haven’t had to play many good TE’s this season, but back when they faced Travis Kelce in week 5, they let Kelce score a TD and rack up 57 receiving yards. I like Gronk’s chances this week to be a difference maker and find the end zone. I’m thinking big games for Gronk and Fournette.
Sit – Devin Singletary – Singletary has been struggling for the Bills most of the season. He has only 1 rushing TD in his last 10 games and hasn’t had 45 rushing yards in a game since week 4. He has had to compete with Zach Moss this season and now Matt Breida has entered the conversation. Too many options at RB and no one has set themselves apart from the others. Tampa Bay has been great against the run this season so I would avoid all Bills RBs this week, especially with a mobile Josh Allen vulturing rushing opportunities.
Bears @ Packers
Start – Marquez Valdes-Scantling – MVS has been targeted 19 times in the Packers last 2 games. He only caught 8 of those targets but did turn them into 173 yards and 1 TD. Allan Lazard hasn’t made much impact recently, and Randall Cobb is already ruled OUT with an injury. We know Davante Adams will get his, but after him it seems like MVS is the best pass catching option for Aaron Rodgers. I like MVS moving forward and he gets to pick apart the Bears secondary this week who we all know is owned by Aaron Rodgers.
Sit – Justin Fields – Looks like Justin Fields is set to start at QB against the Packers in week 14 after missing a couple of games. Fields needs to get his rushing yards in order to appeal in fantasy. He had 43 rushing yards earlier this season against Green Bay, but I think they’ll be more ready to stop him this time around. Fields only has 2 rushing TDs this season and only 4 passing TDs. If you want to play a Bear this week go with Montgomery or Herbert depending on injury status. I would sit Fields with confidence, especially if playoffs are on the line.