5 Start, 5 Sit for Week 14 of the 2023 NFL Season
We’re in the final week of fantasy regular season play for most leagues and each choice is now more important than ever. My advice this week should help push you over the edge and get you locked into a top 6 spot. Next week, wins start earning money. Just like always: 5 good, 5 bad.
Start:
Matthew Stafford vs BAL – Start
The Past two weeks of Rams football has been a showcase in why a running game is so important. Since Kyren Williams has returned to the lineup, every Rams player has had a significant boost in productivity. Stafford has had back-to-back top 10 performances against two teams with fairly good defenses (Great in Cleveland’s case). Although Baltimore also has a good defense, I still think this version of the Rams’ offense is powerful enough to allow Stafford to produce at minimum QB2 numbers.
Joe Mixon vs IND – Start
After a lackluster performance last week, it seems that the Bengals realized that they can avoid poor play from Jake Browning by just handing the ball to Joe Mixon. 117 total yards on 19 carries and 6 catches plus two touchdowns are a fantastic day for any running back. I like to believe that they will continue to feed Mixon moving forward. Against a very average Colts defense, I think he’ll have another good day.
Jalin Hyatt vs GB – Start
I think we might be finally starting to see the emergence of a valuable pass catcher on the Giants, imagine that! Hyatt’s first and only relevant fantasy game was last week where he had 109 yards on 5 catches. In a PPR league, that isn’t even a top 20 performance, but I think it hints at future production. The Giants really don’t have many other weapons, so I think Hyatt will be used a lot more for the rest of the season. Grab him now if you can, he might end up being helpful down the playoff stretch.
Taysom Hill vs CAR – Start
Hill had a great stretch of games earlier in the season but started to slide for a few games afterward. With the Saints quarterback situation up in the air this week, I think Hill could be utilized even more than usual. He has the capability to throw, catch, or run for touchdowns, and likely will have the chance to do all of it this week. This is a must win game for the Saints and I think they’ll have to lean on their stars to do it.
Derrick Henry vs MIA – Start
It might be surprising to see Henry on a recommendation list, but his season has been kinda up and down. Lately, however, he has apparently been back to his old self. He’s had 177 yards and 4 touchdowns in the past two weeks. Miami’s defense is pretty stout, but running the ball is what Tennessee does best. I’m expecting Henry to keep things going and have a good day in Miami.
Sit:
Lamar Jackson vs LAR – Sit
This might be shocking for the quarterback of the AFC #1 seed to be here, but in a fantasy sense, Lamar Jackson hasn’t had the best season. He’s only had over 16 points in half of his games, over 250 passing yards in 2 games, and rushing touchdowns (practically his main draw) in 3 games. The Ravens are playing well, but it really is a team effort. No doubt Jackson is talented, but I think it’s possible you can find a better option this week considering how well the Ravens’ running backs have been playing.
Austin Ekeler vs DEN – Sit
Another surprising sit is Austin Ekeler. He’s only had 161 total yards combined over the past three games and has not been near the volume he used to receive. Watching him play, it seems like he doesn’t have the burst he had earlier in the season. It’s possible that his ankle injury a few weeks ago is hindering him a bit, even though he’s listed as healthy. For as long as his production is down, I think you have to keep him on your bench. There are enough running backs that are worth starting that you can find someone better.
Chris Godwin vs ATL – Sit
In years past, both Chris Godwin and Mike Evans were worth starting every week. This year, however, Godwin has been relegated to a flex at best. Whether you chalk it up to offensive scheme or quarterback play, Godwin’s numbers are way down. His last time playing Atlanta was his highest volume game, but he still was only able to manage 12.5 points in a PPR league. I think there are plenty of better options at receiver.
Tucker Kraft vs NYG – Sit
With the Packers drafting two tight ends in this year’s draft, there were thoughts that both of them could possibly have some effect on the offense. Through two games without Luke Musgrave, it seems evident the impact has been about the same, and it’s not phenomenal. Kraft is not being targeted enough to have his volume mean anything and he hasn’t been able to do much with the targets he does get. I think there are several better options this week.
AJ Dillon vs NYG – Sit
Before the season, Dillon was seen as a premier backup behind an aging Aaron Jones. Even though Dillon has had ample opportunity to show what he’s got, the results always seem to be “meh.” Even with legitimate RB1 volume, he is barely able to muster 12 points. He’s only scored one touchdown this year on the ground and has virtually no value in the passing game. With the possibility that Aaron Jones does play this week, I think Dillon should stay on your bench.
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