New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) drops back to pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Nov. 30, 2025.

Fantasy football managers are entering one of the most critical weeks in the playoff race, and many will need replacement options at quarterback as they do so.

Week 14 will feature the NFL's final bye weeks, and a slew of quality fantasy quarterbacks will be out of action. Top-tier fantasy starter Drake Maye will have the week off, along with two other consistent starters, Brock Purdy and Jaxson Dart.

Add in Bryce Young, who has recently become a solid streaming option, and an injury to Justin Herbert and the Week 14 fantasy quarterback rankings are thinner than usual. That could create some difficult start 'em, sit 'em decisions for fantasy managers as they try to remain alive down the stretch of the season.

Who can fantasy managers trust at quarterback in Week 14? Our crew at USA TODAY Sports breaks down the signal-callers to start and sit with fantasy playoff berths on the line.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 14 QBs

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (vs. Dallas Cowboys)

Goff continues to be a steady fantasy football producer. He has logged at least 250 passing yards in five consecutive games while logging multiple touchdowns in four of those five contests.

Now, Goff gets a favorable matchup against a Cowboys defense that has surrendered the most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to quarterbacks this season. Dallas has surrendered 28 passing touchdowns to the position, so Goff should be able to log multiple scores in what figures to be a "Thursday Night Football" shootout.

Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (vs. Chicago Bears)

Love is fresh off a strong Thanksgiving performance during which he threw for 234 yards and four touchdowns against the Lions. Can he stay hot against the Bears? The 27-year-old has only thrown multiple touchdowns in consecutive games once this season – back in Weeks 1 and 2 – but his matchup with Chicago is a good one.

The Bears have surrendered 24 passing touchdowns to quarterbacks this season, tied with the Lions for the second-most in the NFL. That should give Love a chance to build upon his success against Detroit and perhaps get on a hot streak, just in time for the fantasy playoffs.

Tyrod Taylor, New York Jets (vs. Miami Dolphins)

Look, streaming options at quarterback are thin this week. As such, those looking for a bye-week fill-in for someone like Maye, Purdy or Dart may have to consider starting someone like Taylor. The veteran quarterback showed off his rushing ability against the Falcons, racking up 44 yards and a touchdown on eight carries, and has a favorable matchup against a Dolphins defense that has allowed the third-most rushing yards to quarterbacks this season.

It also helps Taylor's case that young receivers Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie III have performed well since arriving in New York via trade. Their respective performance should help give Taylor enough of a passing ceiling to make him a viable streamer in Week 14.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 14 QBs

Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Los Angeles Rams)

Brissett has developed into a surprisingly consistent fantasy asset since taking the starting job from Kyler Murray. The 32-year-old veteran has logged at least two passing touchdowns in six of his seven starts and is averaging an impressive 312.6 passing yards per game.

But could Brissett's luck run out against the Rams? Los Angeles has only allowed multiple passing touchdowns four times in 12 games this season. Granted, one of those games came last week against the Panthers, but the Rams seem more likely to limit Brissett than other opponents have of late. That may lower his ceiling in a tough matchup.

Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks (at Atlanta Falcons)

Darnold is in the midst of a cold streak, having thrown just three touchdowns compared to five interceptions over his last four games. The Seahawks have gone 3-1 in those starts despite Darnold's turnover issues, so they won't be looking to significantly tweak their game plan, meaning we may see more of the same from the 28-year-old quarterback.

Until Darnold heats up again, he's not worth trusting in fantasy. And it's especially hard to back him against a Falcons defense that has only allowed multiple passing touchdowns once in its last four games.

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)

Herbert is dealing with a fracture in his left hand. He and the Chargers seem confident he'll play despite the injury, which is in his non-throwing hand, but fantasy managers may not want to trust the 27-year-old on "Monday Night Football."

It's not just about Herbert's hand. The Eagles have limited opposing quarterbacks to 12 passing touchdowns in 2025. That's tied for the second-fewest in the league, giving Herbert a lower ceiling than usual, injury aside. Add in the uncertainty about overall health and this feels like a spot to steer clear of the Chargers star.

Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em, Week 14

Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports has you covered:

→ A good running back makes all the difference. A bad running back can cost you a lot of points. Here's who to start and who to sit in Week 14.

→ The wide receiver position is one of the deepest each season. Set yourself up for success in Week 14 with start 'em, sit 'em advice for wideouts.

→ Tight ends can be the perfect X-factor for any fantasy team. Here's who you should start and sit in Week 14.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em QBs for Week 14 fantasy football

Reporting by Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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