Sit Em, Start Em – Week 14

Rashard Mendenhall vs Cleveland – Rashard Mendenhall has been a disappointment for fantasy owners this season but should be able to find the end zone against the depleted Browns in week 14. With the Steelers also expected to be nursing a lead we should see Mendenhall get at least 20 touches in this contest. Pencil him in as an RB2 with upside this week.

Antonio Brown vs Cleveland – While Mike Wallace continues to get all the hype, Antonio Brown has been a steady contributor in his own right. Start Brown in all leagues this week as a WR3 with WR2 upside against the Browns secondary, which on paper looks formidable as they have allowed only one 100 yard game to a receiver this season and only four TD’s.

Chris Johnson vs New Orleans – With Chris Johnson being wildly inconsistent this season, readers have asked if it is wise to deploy Johnson during, what for many, is playoff time. The answer is simple: You probably drafted him too high to sit him during the stretch run, and now with his recent success it makes sense to start him this week despite the tough opponent and the very realistsic chance that the Titans will be in catch up mode early. Johnson seems to have his burst back and as was the case earlier in his career, is a threat to take it to the house on every touch.

Austin Collie vs Baltimore – With eight targets in week 13 and the Colts expected to be playing from behind in this one Austin Collie looks like a solid start vs the Ravens. Collie has among the best hands in the league and that will quickly ingratiate him to Orlovsky. Start him as a flex2 in standard leagues and a flex option in PPR formats.

LaGarette Blount vs Jacksonville – Blount has been unspectacular this season but has the chances for a big game against the Jaguars in week 14. This is a game the Bucs should easily win, or at the very least, compete in, and thus Blount should be have the opportunity to post appreciable numbers despite opponents stacking the box against the run. JJ’s legs will give Blount some extra room to work with.

Marshawn Lynch vs St. Louis – Marshawn Lynch has been in beast mode for the last several weeks and with the Rams on tap for week 14 we expect this contest to be no different. Remember this is the team DeMarco Murray lit up for a Cowboys franchise record in rushing yards. Start Lynch with confidence as a RB2 with legit RB1 upside.

Sit

Montario Hardesty vs Steelers – Hardesty is in line for a serviceable workload in week 14 with Peyton Hillis hurting, but unfortunately the Browns draw the Steelers this week which makes Hardesty a must-sit in fantasy league. Hopefully if your team is still alive at this juncture of the season, you have better options.

Beanie Wells vs 49ers – Squaring off against the leagues top run defense in week 14 Beanie Wells is a recommended sit in week 14 despite his stellar week 12. The 49ers have allowed less than 60 yards rushing per game and are fantasy football’s number one defense against the run. Roll the dice on your other options.

Michael Bush vs Packers – With the Raiders going up against the highest scoring team in football there is a very good chance that they fall behind early and that in turn Michael Bush never gets it going on the ground. The Packers have only allowed 85 rushing yards per game and will look top bottle up the run in this contest.

Marion Barber vs Broncos – Despite getting the starting nod this week due to Matt Forte’s injury Barber is not a recommended play in week 14. The Bears square off a beatable Broncos run D but are expected to be playing from behind which should limit Barber’s touches this week. Barber has proven to be an effective passing down back so those in PPR leagues who lost Forte should still roll the dice.