IDP Start/Sit Week 14
We made it! The final week of our fantasy football regular season is finally here (for most leagues). Hopefully, if you are reading this it means you are in playoff contention, which means this week is extra critical for you. You might be locked in for a top seed, but another victory secures your first-round bye. On the other hand, maybe you are on the outside looking in, which means a victory gives you the shot at glory. Maybe, you are out of playoff contention, but a loss determines a higher draft pick for you, so the sits have higher importance. The point is, even in the final week there are a ton of different outcomes that can occur. So, whether you need to dominate or simply avoid higher points, we are here for you. Before we get into our final week, we want to thank you for your support through the season! Do not worry, we will still be here for the playoffs too! But, for now let us get us into the playoffs to chase that championship glory!
*SIDE NOTE*—We consider a start as a player who will earn 10 or more points for you, while a sit scores less than 10 points.
**Injuries happen when we least expect it! In case of an all-of-sudden injury or reason a player cannot play, be sure to check out our pivot options too!**
STARTS
Defensive Line – Las Vegas Raiders – Maxx Crosby (@ TAMPA) – START
Crosby is a top-tier option in IDP formats this week despite what may appear to be a recent dip in production. He has recorded just one sack in his last five games after an explosive start to the season. His relentless motor, high snap count, and elite pass-rushing skills make him a must-start against the Buccaneers. Tampa has shown vulnerability to strong pass rushers, giving up 12 sacks in the two weeks prior to last week’s game against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders’ defensive line lacks a standout pass rusher of Crosby’s caliber. This allowed Tampa to limit the pressure on their quarterback. Crosby’s ability to create havoc even when not recording sacks puts him in an excellent position to capitalize on this matchup.
Crosby will bring his trademark intensity to the field. Tampa’s offensive line has struggled against elite pass rushers, and Crosby’s talent and work ethic set him apart. Whether he is racking up quarterback hits, forcing bad throws, or stuffing the run, Crosby is poised for a big game.
Edge Rusher – Pittsburgh Steelers – T.J. Watt (vs CLE) – START
Watt is as elite as they come! In fact, over his last three divisional games, Watt has averaged three tackles and one sack per game, showcasing his ability to deliver even against familiar opponents. His last performance against Cleveland in tough weather conditions was less than ideal. However, he bounced back in a big way last week with two sacks against Cincinnati. Watt’s disruptive presence, evidenced by his 9.5 sacks and five forced fumbles this season, makes him a consistent difference-maker. Facing Cleveland again, this time in Pittsburgh, gives him the opportunity to dominate on a more favorable stage.
In times of need, you lean on your stars, and Watt’s track record speaks for itself. He thrives in these situations and has consistently delivered for both the Steelers and IDP managers. Cleveland’s offensive line, while solid, has shown cracks against top-tier pass rushers, making this second-chance opportunity for Watt an ideal matchup. His ability to generate big plays, whether through sacks, forced fumbles, or tackles for loss, gives him a sky-high ceiling this week. With the playoffs on the line for both teams, expect Watt to be at his best. Make sure he is locked into your lineup.
Linebacker – Jacksonville Jaguars – Foyesade Oluokun (@ TEN) – START
Oluokun has elite playmaking ability which makes him a must-start candidate in most situation. The Titans offense does lean on the run game when allowed to do so. This sets up perfectly for Oluokun to thrive. His ability for tracking the ball and disrupting plays makes him a force against a Titans team that prioritizes the ground game with Tony Pollard. Even though Oluokun missed four weeks earlier this year and has only played 100% of snaps in one of his last five games, his impact has been undeniable. He remains one of the NFL’s top linebackers and a consistent IDP producer.
Jacksonville’s secondary has struggled, leaving opposing receivers with plenty of opportunities. So, for the Jaguars to stay competitive, Oluokun’s performance will be critical, especially in forcing Tennessee to become one-dimensional early. His ability to diagnose plays and make tackles in space is second to none. This game script sets up beautifully for Oluokun to rack up tackles and potentially force big plays against a team that wants to run the ball. Whether he is stuffing the run or dropping into coverage, Oluokun’s versatility and effort ensure he will deliver a strong performance.
Linebacker – Buffalo Bills – Terrel Bernard (@ LAR) – START
Bernard is a strong IDP start this week due to his recent hot streak and an ideal matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Over his last five games, Bernard has been a tackling machine, averaging eight tackles per game and showing his ability to consistently make plays. The Rams’ offense is built around their running game and over the middle passing attack, both of which align perfectly with Bernard’s skill set. His ability to diagnose plays quickly, shed blockers, and efficiently bring down ball carriers makes him a reliable option in IDP formats.
This matchup also provides Bernard with ample opportunities to rack up stats. The Rams’ tendency to use the middle of the field in their passing game plays right into his strength of tracking and neutralizing receivers and tight ends in space. Whether he is stuffing the run or dropping back in coverage, Bernard’s versatility ensures he will remain highly active throughout the game. With his consistent production and a favorable game script, Bernard is not just a safe play but one with significant upside. Lock him into your lineup this week with confidence.
Defensive Back – New York Giants – Tyler Nubin (vs NO) – START
Nubin is a fantastic IDP start this week, thanks to his recent surge in production. Nubin has been a consistent performer throughout the year, with only four games below double-digit fantasy points. However, his recent form elevates him to must-start status. Over his last three games, Nubin has averaged an impressive 12 tackles per game. This has showed his ability to effectively track the ball and make plays across all levels of the field. This level of activity makes him one of the most reliable defensive backs in IDP formats.
The matchup against New Orleans sets up perfectly for Nubin to continue his dominant stretch. While the Saints may not air it out as aggressively as other teams, they still rely on a balanced attack that will provide Nubin with opportunities in both the passing and running game. Their elusive running back has the ability to slip through the Giants’ front seven, creating chances for Nubin to step up and make key tackles. Whether it is tracking runners in open space or closing in on short passes, Nubin is primed for another strong performance this week. Get him in your lineup and expect solid numbers once again.
Additional Players to consider starting:
Tennessee Titans – DL – Jeffery Simmons
Minnesota Vikings – DL – Jonathan Greenard
Seattle Seahawks – LB – Tyrice Knight
Pittsburgh Steelers – LB – Patrick Queen
Carolina Panthers – DB – Xavier Woods
SIT
Defensive Line – Cincinnati Bengals – Trey Hendrickson (@ DAL) – SIT
It might be wise to bench Hendrickson in IDP formats this week, even though the matchup seems favorable on paper. Hendrickson has had a strong season overall with 11.5 sacks, including four games with multiple sacks (one featuring a dominant four-sack performance). However, is recent form has been concerning. Over the past three weeks, he has recorded only 0.5 sacks, showcasing a noticeable drop in production. For a must-win fantasy week, relying on a player who has been inconsistent lately carries significant risk.
Hendrickson’s recent struggles could make it difficult for him to deliver the high-ceiling performance you need. While he still has the talent and ability to turn things around, waiting for that consistency to return might be the safer choice, particularly with playoff implications on the line. There are likely more reliable options available who can provide steadier production in this critical week. Until Hendrickson regains his early-season form, it is smarter to keep him on your bench to avoid potential disappointment.
Edge Rusher – Los Angeles Rams – Byron Young (vs BUF) – SIT
Benching Young might be the smarter play this week in IDP formats, even though his upside has been evident in past performances. Three weeks ago, Young was riding high with a four-game sack streak, delivering double-digit fantasy points in three of those contests. However, his recent production has taken a hit, with no sacks in the past two games and an average of only two tackles per game over the last three weeks. Despite maintaining a similar snap count, his impact on the stat sheet has dwindled. To me this raises concerns about his reliability heading into a critical fantasy matchup.
While Young possesses the talent to rebound, this week’s matchup against Buffalo and Josh Allen presents additional challenges. Allen’s mobility and strength make him one of the hardest quarterbacks in the league to bring down, and Young’s recent struggles only add to the risk. With playoff implications on the line, it is better to prioritize players with more consistent production and favorable matchups.
Linebacker – Kansas City Chiefs – Drue Tranquill (vs LAC) – SIT
Tranquill has had an inconsistent season, with only one double-digit tackle game, which came back in Week 4 against the Chargers. While the rematch might seem appealing, the circumstances are different this time. The Chargers, now without their star running back, are likely to lean heavily on their passing game as they fight for playoff contention. The Chiefs’ strong run defense further supports the idea that the Chargers will avoid running the ball, potentially limiting Tranquill’s opportunities to gain tackles.
With his inconsistent production and a game script that could minimize his involvement, Tranquill carries significant risk this week. The Chiefs’ defense may shine as a whole, but Tranquill’s role in the matchup may not acquire the kind of fantasy points needed during a playoff push. Instead, consider starting a linebacker with a more consistent track record and a better matchup. While Tranquill’s upside exists, his floor is too low for this week, making him a bench candidate in most IDP formats.
Linebacker – Chicago Bears – Tremaine Edmunds (@ SF) – SIT
Edmunds might be a smart bench candidate this week in IDP formats due to his recent inconsistencies and a challenging matchup against the 49ers. Edmunds started the season strong, delivering two 20+ fantasy point performances in the first three weeks. However, his production has dipped significantly, failing to exceed five tackles in three of his last five games. This decline in consistency makes him a risky option, especially in a must-win week for fantasy managers. While Edmunds has the talent to rebound, relying on him against a talented 49ers offense is a gamble that might not pay off.
The 49ers’ injury-depleted backfield further complicates matters. With their top two running backs sidelined, San Francisco is likely to lean on their passing game to move the chains, targeting their playmakers in space. This type of game plan could limit Edmunds’ opportunities to make impactful plays. Given the potential for another underwhelming performance, it is safer to bench Edmunds this week.
Defensive Back – Las Vegas Raiders – Tre’Von Moehrig (@ TAMPA) – SIT
From Weeks 3 to 9, Moehrig was a standout performer, averaging 8 tackles per game and delivering consistent fantasy points. However, since the Raiders’ Week 10 bye, he has struggled to recapture that level of play, averaging just 3 tackles per game. This drop-off in production is especially concerning during the critical stretch of the fantasy season, where consistency is key. Moehrig’s current form simply does not inspire the confidence needed for a must-win week.
While Moehrig remains a solid defender on the field, his recent inconsistency makes him a risky option for IDP managers. Until he shows signs of returning to his earlier groove, it might be wiser to turn to a defensive back with steadier production. Benching Moehrig now could save you from another underwhelming performance, allowing you to prioritize players who are better positioned to deliver a fantasy winning week. Once he regains his form, Moehrig can return to being a dependable starter, but for now, the risk outweighs the reward.
Additional Players to Consider Sitting:
New York Jets – DL – Quinnen Williams
Los Angeles Chargers – DL – Tuli Tuipulotu
Arizona Cardinals – LB – Mack Wilson
Buffalo Bills – LB – Matt Milano
Pittsburgh Steelers – DB – Minkah Fitzpatrick
Be sure to follow us along all season long for weekly tips on who start and who to sit on the defensive side of the ball. Follow me on X @ThePPRShow for more fantasy football content and for offensive starts and sits be sure to check out @TFFGRobbie article too. Thank you for reading. GOOD LUCK this week! We hope you get in the playoffs!
For a more detailed start/sit list, make sure you check out our Weekly IDP Rankings.