Here's a look back at Week 14's action, and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
WEEK 14 RECAP
Rams 17, Raiders 16: Tutu Atwell has been good this season when given the opportunity. Among all wide receivers with at least 20 targets, he is eighth in receiving grade and third in yards per route run, according to Pro Football Focus. Atwell has at least five targets in two straight weeks and has produced 48-plus yards in four of his last six games.
Bills 20, Jets 12: In his last seven games, Gabe Davis has finished as the overall WR64, WR33, WR67, WR35, WR8, WR38, WR55.
Bengals 23, Browns 10: Donovan Peoples-Jones is the overall WR24 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) since Week 4, which means he has produced WR2 value on a weekly basis for the majority of this season (the bulk of that with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback). He’s good and he’s only scratching the surface of his potential now that he has Deshaun Watson under center.
Cowboys 27, Texans 23: Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins was inactive against Dallas and Chris Moore feasted with 10 receptions (11 targets) for 124 yards. Whomever is Houston’s top wide receiver is worth rostering in fantasy leagues with how much the Texans will need to pass these next few weeks.
Lions 34, Vikings 23: Jameson Williams showed against Minnesota why everyone is so excited he’s finally healthy. His 41-yard TD (one of only two targets in just 13 snaps on the day) is indicative that it won’t take much for him to be fantasy relevant.
Jaguars 36, Titans 22: It’s safe to say Trevor Lawrence has taken the next step in his development this season and is in much better hands with coach Doug Pederson than he was with Urban Meyer. Lawrence is the overall QB8 through 14 weeks. He has 1,363 yards and 10 TDs with no interceptions the last five games and has completed almost 72 percent of his passes over that span. Only Justin Fields, Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow have averaged more fantasy points per game since Week 9.
Eagles 48, Giants 22: Through 13 games, Miles Sanders has already set career highs in carries (204), rushing yards (1,068) and TDs (11). Sanders is a free agent after this season.
Ravens 16, Steelers 14: Since Week 7, Mark Andrews is the overall TE26 in standard formats (TE24 in PPR) — 20 tight ends are averaging more fantasy points per game over that span in PPR.
Chiefs 34, Broncos 28: Jerick McKinnon has been the overall RB11 in PPR formats since Week 9 with 346 total yards, 25 receptions (34 targets) and three receiving TDs in six games.
49ers 35, Buccaneers 7: Brock Purdy finished as the overall QB8 in Week 14 in his first career start in the NFL, producing more fantasy points than Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, Dak Prescott and Tua Tagovailoa. Not bad for Mr. Irrelevant.
Panthers 30, Seahawks 24: Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf have put almost identical seasons so far. Lockett has 71 receptions (99 targets) for 896 yards and eight TDs. Metcalf has 72 receptions (110 targets) for 869 yards and six TDs. Both receivers are on pace to surpass their production from a year ago when Russell Wilson was still under center in Seattle.
Chargers 23, Dolphins 17: Jaylen Waddle is the overall WR64 in standard formats (WR68 in PPR) since Week 10. Teammate Trent Sherfield has actually outproduced Waddle as the overall WR40 in standard (WR55 in PPR) over that span.
Patriots 27, Cardinals 13: Rhamondre Stevenson suffered an ankle injury that kept him sidelined in the second half. Damien Harris is next in line to take advantage of a ripe matchup with Las Vegas this week, assuming he’s able to go with his own quad ailment. If not, rookies Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong will likely share the wealth like they did at Arizona, both scoring a TD — Strong has the higher ceiling.
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week.
Here’s an in-depth look at the NFL matchups for Week 15 and how they’ll affect your fantasy football lineup, with players you should start, sit and a sleeper for each game:
SAN FRANCISCO AT SEATTLE
Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF), Brandon Aiyuk (SF), 49ers D/ST, DK Metcalf (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA).
Who to start: Brock Purdy (SF) is banged up and might not have to throw much, but we bet against the kid at our own peril.
Who to sit: Kenneth Walker (SEA) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Geno Smith (SEA) faces a defense that has only allowed four touchdowns to quarterbacks in the last five games. Noah Fant (SEA) remains touchdown-dependent with only seven receptions and 76 yards in the last three games.
Sleeper: Jordan Mason (SF) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs — 522 yards and six touchdowns in the last three games alone.
INDIANAPOLIS AT MINNESOTA
Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Justin Jefferson (MIN), Dalvin Cook (MIN), TJ Hockenson (MIN).
Who to start: Matt Ryan (IND) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed multiple TDs to quarterbacks in six of the last eight games. The Vikings D/ST is a premium streaming option this week against a team allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: Alec Pierce (IND) remains boom-or-bust with only eight receptions in the last five games. I’m fading Adam Thielen (MIN) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Kirk Cousins (MIN) faces a defense that has only allowed multiple TDs to quarterbacks twice in the last nine games.
Sleeper: Parris Campbell (IND) is the overall WR27 across all formats (WR3/flex value) since Week 6 and the Vikings have allowed the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
BALTIMORE AT CLEVELAND
Obvious starters: Mark Andrews (BAL), Ravens D/ST, Nick Chubb (CLE), Amari Cooper (CLE), David Njoku (CLE).
Who to start: Both JK Dobbins (BAL) and Gus Edwards (BAL) have RB2/flex upside against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs. Deshaun Watson (CLE) was significantly better in his second game of the season. Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
Who to sit: Devin Duvernay (BAL) remains touchdown-dependent failing to surpass three receptions in six of the last eight games. Kareem Hunt (CLE) remains touchdown-dependent with him receiving double-digit touches once since Week 10.
Sleeper: Demarcus Robinson (BAL) is the overall WR25 in PPR formats since Week 11 with 22 receptions for 238 yards in the last four games.
MIAMI AT BUFFALO
Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Bills D/ST.
Who to start: Devin Singletary (BUF) faces a defense that has allowed 10 TDs to running backs in the last 10 games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) on the road against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading both Raheem Mostert (MIA) and Jeff Wilson (MIA) against a tough Bills run defense — Wilson is dealing with a hip injury. Mike Gesicki (MIA) doesn’t have a reception since the Dolphins’ Week 11 bye. Gabe Davis (BUF) has failed to surpass 38 yards in five of the last seven games. James Cook (BUF) remains touchdown-dependent with double-digit touches only twice in the last seven games.
Sleeper: Dawson Knox (BUF) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends.
PHILADELPHIA AT CHICAGO
Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI), Miles Sanders (PHI), Eagles D/ST, Justin Fields (CHI).
Who to start: David Montgomery (CHI) is the overall RB24 in standard formats (RB25 in PPR) through 14 weeks.
Who to sit: Cole Kmet (CHI) faces a defense that hasn’t allowed a TD to a tight end since Week 9.
Sleeper: I anticipate Chase Claypool (CHI) having a bigger role in the Bears’ offense coming off a bye.
ATLANTA AT NEW ORLEANS
Obvious starters: Cordarrelle Patterson (ATL), Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO), Saints D/ST.
Who to start: Drake London (ATL) has six receptions, 95 yards or a TD in three of the last four games.
Who to sit: You’re not starting a rookie quarterback like Desmond Ridder (ATL) on the road in his first NFL start in the first round of the fantasy playoffs. You’re only starting Taysom Hill (NO) if you need a Hail Mary in your playoff matchup. Despite the positive matchup, Jarvis Landry (NO) remains touchdown-dependent. Andy Dalton (NO) has one-or-fewer touchdowns in four of his last five games.
Sleeper: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) deserves flex consideration with at least 50 yards in seven of the last 10 games.
DETROIT AT N.Y. JETS
Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), D'Andre Swift (DET), Jamaal Williams (DET), Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Jets D/ST.
Who to start: Zonovan Knight (NYJ) is the overall RB10 across all formats since Week 12. Elijah Moore (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers with Corey Davis still firmly inside the NFL’s concussion protocol. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends.
Who to sit: I’m fading Jared Goff (DET) on the road against a great defense. I’m fading DJ Chark (DET) and Jameson Williams (DET) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Michael Carter (NYJ) has taken a back seat to Knight recently (he has 17 touches in his last two games).
Sleeper: Mike White (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
PITTSBURGH AT CAROLINA
Obvious starters: Diontae Johnson (PIT), DJ Moore (CAR).
Who to start: Najee Harris (PIT) and Pat Freiermuth (PIT) are currently managing injuries, but both are worthy starting options if they’re active. George Pickens (PIT) deserves flex consideration against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Both the Steelers D/ST and Panthers D/ST are solid streaming options this week. D'Onta Foreman (CAR) is the overall RB12 in standard formats (RB19 in PPR) since Week 7.
Who to sit: You’re not putting your playoff fate in the hands of Kenny Pickett (PIT), Mitchell Trubisky (PIT) or Sam Darnold (CAR).
Sleeper: Chuba Hubbard (CAR) has 17 touches in two straight games and faces a defense that has allowed 318 rushing yards in the last two weeks.
DALLAS AT JACKSONVILLE
Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL), Ezekiel Elliott (DAL), Dalton Schultz (DAL), Cowboys D/ST, Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Christian Kirk (JAC), Trevor Lawrence (JAC).
Who to start: Dak Prescott (DAL) faces a defense that has allowed nine TDs to quarterbacks in the last four games. Zay Jones (JAC) has double-digit targets in three of the last four games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Evan Engram (JAC) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Marvin Jones Jr. (JAC) remains a boom-or-bust option with a single reception in three of the last four games.
Sleeper: Michael Gallup (DAL) faces a defense that has allowed 11 TDs to wide receivers in the last eight games.
KANSAS CITY AT HOUSTON
Obvious starters: Travis Kelce (KC), Patrick Mahomes (KC).
Who to start: JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) has at least 10 receptions, 88 yards or a TD in four of his last seven games. Isiah Pacheco (KC) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs. The Chiefs D/ST is a premium streaming option against an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Brandin Cooks (HOU) has WR3/flex upside if he’s active — Chris Moore (HOU) would be a sneaky flex option against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers if Cooks is inactive.
Who to sit: Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) remains a boom-or-bust option with only eight receptions in the last four games. Dameon Pierce (HOU) will likely sit with an ankle injury. Nico Collins (HOU) hasn’t practiced with a foot injury as of Thursday.
Sleeper: Jerick McKinnon (KC) is a premium flex option in PPR formats with 25 receptions and three receiving TDs in the last six games.
ARIZONA AT DENVER
Obvious starters: DeAndre Hopkins (ARI), James Conner (ARI), Jerry Jeudy (DEN).
Who to start: Latavius Murray (DEN) faces a defense that has allowed seven TDs to running backs in the last six games. Greg Dulcich (DEN) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends. The Broncos D/ST face an offense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Russell Wilson (DEN) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active — he’s currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol — against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Who to sit: I’m fading Marquise Brown (ARI) on the road without Kyler Murray against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Courtland Sutton (DEN) is still dealing with a hamstring injury.
Sleeper: The Cardinals D/ST face an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses (and that’s with Wilson under center).
NEW ENGLAND AT LAS VEGAS
Obvious starters: Patriots D/ST, Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV).
Who to start: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) is an obvious starter if he’s active (but it isn’t looking good for this week). Jakobi Meyers (NE) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (he’s currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol). If Stevenson is inactive, Damien Harris (NE) is next in line to take advantage of a premium matchup against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs — Pierre Strong (NE) is next man up if Harris’ thigh injury keeps him sidelined. Mack Hollins (LV) deserves flex consideration as the overall WR36 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) since Week 7.
Who to sit: I’m fading Hunter Henry (NE) against a defense that has improved significantly against tight ends after a horrible start to the season. DeVante Parker (NE) remains a boom-or-bust option with exactly two receptions in three of the last four games. I’m fading Derek Carr (LV) against a really good defense. Foster Moreau (LV) remains touchdown-dependent with one-or-fewer receptions in three of the last four games.
Sleeper: Mac Jones (NE) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
TENNESSEE AT L.A. CHARGERS
Obvious starters: Derrick Henry (TEN), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC), Mike Williams (LAC), Gerald Everett (LAC).
Who to start: Ryan Tannehill (TEN) faces a defense that has allowed eight TDs to quarterbacks in the last four games. Austin Hooper (TEN) is the overall TE6 across all formats since Week 10. Joshua Palmer (TEN) remains a viable flex option in deeper leagues against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers.
Who to sit: Treylon Burks (TEN) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Robert Woods (TEN) remains touchdown-dependent failing to surpass two receptions in five of the last seven games.
Sleeper: Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) is the overall TE3 across all formats since Week 12 — the rookie has at least five targets in three straight games and his 2.58 yards per route run is still by far the best figure among tight ends this season.
CINCINNATI AT TAMPA BAY
Obvious starters: Joe Mixon (CIN), Ja'Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB).
Who to start: Rachaad White (TB) has at least 15 touches in four straight games. Solid usage in the passing game helps Leonard Fournette (TB) maintain his flex value in PPR formats.
Who to sit: I’m hesitant to trust Tee Higgins (CIN) after he surprisingly missed last week with a hamstring injury. I’m fading Tyler Boyd (CIN) with a difficult matchup. Samaje Perine (CIN) is touchdown-dependent against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Hopefully you have better options with more upside than the Bengals D/ST and Buccaneers D/ST this week. Tom Brady (TB) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Sleeper: Cade Otton (TB) has 10 receptions (15 targets) and a TD in the last two games.
N.Y. GIANTS AT WASHINGTON
Obvious starters: Saquon Barkley (NYG), Terry McLaurin (WAS).
Who to start: Daniel Jones (NYG) is the overall QB5 since Week 10. Antonio Gibson (WAS) and Brian Robinson (WAS) are both viable options this week against a defense that has allowed eight TDs to running backs in the last four games. The Commanders D/ST has been the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 10.
Who to sit: Curtis Samuel (WAS) remains touchdown-dependent failing to surpass three receptions in five of the last six games. Taylor Heinicke (WAS) is the overall QB19 since becoming the starter in Week 7.
Sleeper: Darius Slayton (NYG) has at least 63 yards or a TD in seven of the last nine games.
L.A. RAMS AT GREEN BAY
Obvious starters: Aaron Jones (GB), Christian Watson (GB).
Who to start: Cam Akers (LAR) deserves flex consideration against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs — Akers has 31 touches and three TDs in the last two games. Tyler Higbee (LAR) faces a defense that has allowed six TDs to tight ends in the last six games. Allen Lazard (GB) has at least five receptions, 45 yards or a TD in 10 of 11 games played this season. Aaron Rodgers (GB) faces a defense that allowed three TD passes to both Andy Dalton and Geno Smith recently. The Packers D/ST faces an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: Kyren Williams (LAR) is touchdown-dependent with only seven touches the last two games. Baker Mayfield (LAR) has thrown for multiple TDs once out of eight games played this season. I’m fading AJ Dillon (GB) despite him playing much better the last two games.
Sleeper: Van Jefferson (LAR) is the overall WR29 in standard formats (WR35 in PPR) since Week 10.
