Fantasy football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: 23 players to start, sit in Week 14

Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) warms up prior to a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field.

Fantasy football managers enter what is likely the final week of the regular season across many leagues. Maybe you're in playoff contention or you've already been eliminated and are battling to stay out of last place to avoid a cruel and unusual punishment.

Months of trades, waiver claims and start/sit decisions could come down to these last few hours of football on Sunday and Monday.

During Week 14, some lineups will be without their top playmakers, as the NFL's final four teams are on bye. The Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers have the week off.

The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys kicked off the week with a "Thursday Night Football" matchup that featured tons of fantasy football star power, which further thins the options.

We've offered a weekly guide to help you set your fantasy football lineup for every position in Week 14. The USA TODAY Sports staff has you covered with those tough start-sit decisions and rankings for the rest of Week 14.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 14 QBs

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: Week 14 RBs

Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Indianapolis Colts)

Jacksonville is suddenly even with Indianapolis in the race for the AFC South crown. The Jaguars' drubbing of the Tennessee Titans gives them four wins in their last five games, meaning they enter Week 14 with a chance to take the division lead.

The Jaguars struggled on the ground against Tennessee to the tune of just 70 rushing yards - their lowest since Week 6. Things should be better on the ground with Etienne leading the way in Week 14.

Indianapolis' defense has allowed 129 yards from scrimmage per game and seven total touchdowns to opposing running backs in their last five matchups. Even the Texans managed to break 100 scrimmage yards and find the end zone against Indianapolis last week. Start Etienne with confidence this week.

Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks (at Atlanta Falcons)

Seattle cruised to an easy win over Minnesota in Week 13 and Walker didn't get much play in that one. He had 17 touches for 74 total yards as both defenses played well in the Seahawks' 26-0 win.

This week should be a bit of a reprieve after that tough outing. Atlanta's defense has held opposing running games in check recently, but it hasn't played an offense as good as Seattle's since Week 10, when Indianapolis ran all over them overseas. Carolina (130 scrimmage yards), New Orleans (76), and the New York Jets (76 and a touchdown) aren't on Seattle's level.

The threat of Sam Darnold and the passing game will keep the Falcons from loading up to stop the run and Walker should benefit. Receiving running backs have played well against the Falcons all year and his talents as a receiver should shine in Week 14.

Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings (vs. Washington Commanders)

The Vikings offense struggled against Seattle as expected, including the running game. Mason had just six carries but took those for 47 yards in limited opportunities in Week 13. Aaron Jones Sr. suffered a shoulder injury and may be day-to-day leading up to Week 14 against the Commanders.

Even if the Vikings struggle in the passing game again, the run game should be in a better place. Washington has allowed 149.33 rushing yards per game alone to opposing running backs over their last three games. Widen that to scrimmage yards and it's up to 195 per game in addition to six touchdowns allowed in that span.

If Minnesota wants a get-right game on offense, this may be the week for it. Mason could be the better play with Jones' status up in the air following his injury.

Devin Neal, New Orleans Saints (at Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Longtime Saints starter Alvin Kamara looks poised to miss Week 14 with an MCL sprain, leaving room for Neal to flourish in a bigger role. The rookie running back made the most of his 17 touches in Week 13 and finished with 69 yards.

This week, the Saints have a divisional game against Tampa Bay. NFC South games have been unpredictable as usual this season and New Orleans' rookie could capitalize in Week 14 as a spot starter for some managers.

Tampa Bay's defense has limited opposing running backs on the ground with just 89 rushing yards per game allowed since their Week 9 bye. But thanks to work in the passing game, they're allowing 142.75 yards from scrimmage in that span as well as five touchdowns. Neal could be involved in the passing game again and that makes him a solid start for Week 14.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 14 RBs

Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)

Vidal enjoyed a fantastic day against the Raiders in Week 13, but things likely won't be as easy in prime time this week. Yes, the Chicago Bears just ran all over Philadelphia on Black Friday but don't assume Los Angeles can do the same. Chicago's offensive line is in a much better place than Los Angeles' and Philadelphia will be looking to make up for what happened last week.

The Eagles have faced a gauntlet of good rushing offenses recently in the Packers, Lions, Cowboys and Bears. The Chargers just aren't on that level given their injuries up front.

Vidal also has another factor working against him: the return of starter Omarion Hampton. Los Angeles' top draft pick looks set to return to the lineup in Week 14 which lowers Vidal's value even more.

Woody Marks, Houston Texans (at Kansas City Chiefs)

Marks played through a foot injury against Indianapolis last week and had a solid outing with 67 yards on 20 touches. He now appears to be the team's top option at running back entering the closing weeks of the regular season.

As much as Houston's offensive line seems to have improved in recent weeks, the Chiefs boast one of the best run defenses in the league. Since their Week 10 bye, Kansas City has allowed 90.33 total yards from scrimmage to opposing running back groups. That's buoyed by the Cowboys - one of the best offenses in the league - getting 127 yards and two touchdowns from their running backs.

Thanks to playing on Thanksgiving, the Chiefs also have extra time to prepare for their "Sunday Night Football" game against Houston. The Texans' ground game should struggle on the road in what may be a low-scoring affair.

Kenneth Gainwell, Pittsburgh Steelers (at Baltimore Ravens)

Gainwell failed to break 100 yards from scrimmage for the first time in three weeks in Week 13 with just 45 yards on seven touches against the Bills. Things might not get much better for the Steelers' running back in Week 14 on the road.

Baltimore's defense has allowed opposing running back groups to hit 100 yards rushing just once in their last four games. Crucially, they've allowed just one touchdown in that span. Gainwell's production will likely have to come via yardage and not touchdowns.

Considering he's splitting touches with Jaylen Warren - who may find more opportunity in the passing game - Gainwell may not be a good play this week.

Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons (vs. Seattle Seahawks)

Allgeier slightly spoiled Robinson's day in Week 13 by vulturing a touchdown - his fourth score in as many weeks. It's tempting to put him in amid the final weeks of byes but the Seahawks defense is playing too well to do that.

Seattle's allowing 101.25 scrimmage yards per game to opposing running back groups over their last four games (which includes a contest against the Los Angeles Rams). They've allowed just one touchdown to the position in that span as well, which ruins a lot of Allgeier's value.

Seattle is one of the best road teams in the league and could have another dominant showing in Week 14, which leaves Allgeier as a sit recommendation.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 14 WRs

Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (at Las Vegas Raiders)

Sutton is coming off of his best game in months in Week 13, when he caught five passes for 62 yards and a touchdown against a weak Commanders secondary. This week, he gets another crack at the Raiders, a team with a weak passing defense of its own, but this time with a full week of rest.

Last time out against Las Vegas, Sutton had three catches for 24 yards in a poor offensive showing on both sides in Week 10's "Thursday Night Football" game. He's set for a much better outing in Week 14 as he comes off of a big game and has more time to prepare for Las Vegas.

Jakobi Meyers, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Indianapolis Colts)

Meyers has really hit his stride with his new team over the past two weeks. The Jaguars' pre-trade deadline acquisition has scored in two straight games and has had at least five catches and 50 yards in three straight games.

This week, he and the Jaguars host the Colts, a team that has allowed the fourth-most catches and seventh-most receiving yards to opposing receivers. Indianapolis is also going to be missing star cornerback – and their own pre-trade deadline acquisition – Sauce Gardner after he strained his calf in Week 13.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 14 WRs

Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Houston Texans)

Fantasy managers with Worthy on their teams may fall into the trap of wanting to start the Chiefs' wideout after two solid games in Weeks 12 and 13. Knowing how players' opponents can affect output – both positively and negatively – is crucial.

In each of the last two weeks Worthy played two of the league's worst pass defenses in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers. The Colts have allowed the fourth-most catches to receivers this year. The Cowboys have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing wideouts in 2025.

The Texans, Worthy's Week 14 opponent, are on the opposite end of the spectrum. Houston has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points and third-fewest catches to opposing receivers. That factor, combined with the Chiefs' O-line injuries, combined with the Texans' strong defensive line that will generate pressure on quarterback Patrick Mahomes, combined with Rashee Rice continuing to poach targets make Worthy a "sit" candidate in Week 14.

D.J. Moore, Chicago Bears (at Green Bay Packers)

Moore's five-catch, 64-yard, two-touchdown game against the Steelers in Week 12 was more a one-week anomaly than a sign of a looming, late-season breakout. In the three other games making up Moore's last four outings, he had zero catches in Week 10, one catch for 18 yards in Week 11 and two catches for 17 yards in Week 13.

Don't expect Moore to find the end zone multiple times to boost his fantasy output in Week 14. The Packers have allowed just eight red-zone targets to opposing receivers all year – tied for fifth-fewest – and have allowed just one red-zone touchdown to opposing wideouts through 13 weeks.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 14 TEs

Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Colts

Trevor Lawrence and Strange connected on 3 of 4 targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in Week 13. Their next matchup is against the Indianapolis Colts, who rank 27th in pass defense. The third-year tight end has solidified himself as a favorite target of Lawrence, and Jacksonville lost slot receiver Parker Washington to a hip injury, which could open up more opportunities for Strange.

Indy has allowed the third-most PPR points per game to opposing TEs this season. Strange provides a high floor in PPR formats.

Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills vs. Bengals

The last time we saw Kincaid was Week 10 when Buffalo lost to a Dolphins squad after Kincaid left in the first half with a hamstring injury. He managed to log a limited practice before being ruled out ahead of Week 13, which gives him a good chance to return this Sunday.

He's emerged as the top option in the Bills' passing game and Josh Allen has desperately missed him the last three games. He was the TE8 before his injury and is a smash start if he can return to the lineup in Week 14.

The Bills' high-octane offense will be hard-pressed not to lean on Kincaid against Cincinnati which has allowed a league-high 22.8 PPR points per game to opposing TE rooms. Red-zone usage is key among tight ends and Kincaid has become one of Allen's top targets in the red area while Cincy has allowed a league-high 13 touchdowns to the position. If he can't go, Dawson Knox is the top steamer of the week and is available in 97% of leagues on Yahoo.

Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns vs. Titans

It's tricky to trust offensive players for the Cleveland Browns as December rolls around because the weather often plays a factor, but Sunday appears to be setting up well for Fannin Jr. Shedeur Sanders will make his third NFL start against the Tennessee Titans, who rank 28th in EPA allowed per dropback.

Tennessee hasn't allowed a ton of production to opposing tight ends, but Fannin has been thrust into a full-time role (90% snap rate last two games). There's upside in this smashable spot against the Titans, as the Browns are 4.5-point home favorites. The rookie has earned at least five targets in seven straight games and 11 with Sanders under center the last two weeks. The neophyte can be trusted in Week 14.

Darren Waller, Miami Dolphins at Jets

It's tough to fathom the un-retired Waller as a viable fantasy option after dealing with an injury, but that's the landscape of the position. This is the riskiest of starts most fantasy managers will make this week, but with Tyreek Hill out for the season, Waller steps into a high-volume opportunity alongside Jaylen Waddle. The 33-year-old returned from IR last week and registered a 69% route rate.

Miami can't afford to hold him back since they're still fighting for a playoff spot. The Sunday road game against the Jets is also appealing, as they rank 27th in EPA allowed per dropback, and Waller is a key red zone target for Tua Tagovailoa. He's a top streaming option in leagues with 12 or more teams.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 14 TEs

Oronde Gadsden, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Eagles ("Monday Night Football")

The Chargers' rookie tight end was a recommended sit last week, and he only finished with one catch for 27 yards. He should be benched again this weekend. The Chargers will probably have rookie running back Omarion Hampton back in the lineup and will want to rely on him and Kimani Vidal to keep the Eagles' offense off the field. Los Angeles's offensive line is dealing with multiple injuries. The tight ends may be tasked with extra blocking assignments.

Additionally, Philadelphia has given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends, so the 22-year-old isn't the easy start he was earlier this season. He hasn't recorded a red-zone target in the last two games and should be left on the bench in 10-12 team leagues.

Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans at Chiefs ("Sunday Night Football")

Just as we start tight ends against the Bengals, we recommend sitting them against teams like the Chiefs. Kansas City has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. Schultz has had a solid floor over the last month but his ceiling is low in this pivotal matchup for the Chiefs. With the emergence of rookie Jayden Higgins and Nico Collins healthy, Schultz isn't a top red zone option for C.J. Stroud. Leave Schultz on the bench this week in this letdown spot for Houston.

Fantasy football D/STs rankings Week 14