Fantasy Football Starters and Benches for Week 14: Justin Boone's lineup picks

Justin Boone breaks down which fantasy football players to start this week and who might be better left on your bench, highlighting undervalued options and potential pitfalls.

Quarterbacks to Start

Jacoby Brissett, QB, Cardinals

Brissett continues to be a reliable option for both the Cardinals and fantasy teams seeking quarterback help. In his seven starts this season, he has consistently ranked as a top-12 QB, averaging 21.3 fantasy points per game, even without Marvin Harrison Jr., who is out this week. Despite facing a tough Rams defense, Brissett remains a strong low-end QB1 choice.

• Other QBs to start:
• Jordan Love vs. Bears Coming off his best game, facing a defense allowing the 13th-most points to QBs.
• Baker Mayfield vs. Saints Healthier supporting cast and strong team advantage make him a viable option.

Running Backs to Start

Derrick Henry, RB, Ravens vs. Steelers

With Lamar Jackson not at full strength, Henry is expected to carry a heavier load. His recent performances include 112 scrimmage yards and a touchdown versus the Browns, 88 yards and two scores against the Jets, and 104 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals. Past matchups against the Steelers suggest he could thrive again despite a tough matchup on paper.

• Other RBs to start:
• Bucky Irving vs. Saints Consistently productive against this opponent.
• Kenneth Walker III vs. Falcons Expected bounce-back after a low-scoring game.
• Quinshon Judkins vs. Titans RB2 with RB1 upside in favorable matchups.

Wide Receivers to Start

Christian Watson, WR, Packers

Since returning in Week 8, Watson ranks WR24 in points per game and has posted top-12 performances twice in his last three games. The Bears allow the third-most points to receivers, making Watson a strong WR2 option.

• Other WRs to start:
• Michael Wilson vs. Rams Expected to see increased targets due to Marvin Harrison Jr.'s absence.
• Courtland Sutton at Raiders Favorable matchup and recent strong performance.
• Jakobi Meyers vs. Colts Emerging as Jacksonville's top receiving option with touchdown potential.

Tight Ends to Start

Darren Waller, TE, Dolphins

Waller is healthy and has a good chance to score against the Jets, who have been generous to tight ends recently. Miami's lack of a consistent secondary target increases his appeal.

• Other TEs to start:
• Brenton Strange vs. Colts Productive since returning from injury, facing a favorable matchup.
• Kyle Pitts Sr. vs. Seahawks Coming off a strong game against a team that allows points to tight ends.

Quarterbacks to Sit

Caleb Williams, QB, Bears

Williams has struggled against top defenses. The Packers limit passing fantasy points, making him a risky option this week.

• Other QBs to sit:
• Justin Herbert vs. Eagles Recently underwent hand surgery and faces a strong defense.
• Aaron Rodgers at Ravens Hasn't produced multi-touchdown games recently, facing a stingy defense.

Running Backs to Sit

Kareem Hunt, RB, Chiefs

Hunt is typically a TD-or-bust option, made riskier with Pacheco back and facing a tough Texans defense.

• Other RBs to sit:
• Jaylen Warren at Ravens Limited scoring potential and poor historical performance against this defense.
• Woody Marks at Chiefs Nursing an ankle injury and low ceiling.
• Tony Pollard at Browns Hasn't scored double-digit points in recent weeks, facing tough defense.

Wide Receivers to Sit

DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles at Chargers

Smith has underperformed despite weak opponents, and the Chargers are a very tough matchup. Consider him a risky WR2/WR3.

• Other WRs to sit:
• Deebo Samuel Sr. at Vikings Volatile performance, tough matchup.
• Xavier Worthy vs. Texans Limited scoring potential and difficult opponent.
• Darnell Mooney vs. Seahawks Struggling all season, unlikely to rebound this week.

Tight Ends to Sit

Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Chargers

Gadsden has struggled recently due to injuries and the return of other offensive targets, plus a difficult matchup with the Eagles. He should be considered a risky fantasy play.

• Other TEs to sit:
• Dallas Goedert at Chargers Consistently low production, poor matchup.
• Evan Engram at Raiders Limited production except for one game, difficult matchup.

Author: Logan Reeves