Your complete fantasy football guide to Week 14
The weather has turned cold and the fantasy playoffs are here.
What could be more football-like than watching games in December being played on the frozen tundra? In most cases, snowy conditions actually favor the offenses, who know the plays in advance. But fantasy owners don't like any additional (and unpredictable) factors impacting their players' performances. So, how can you make your best lineup decisions and stay on track for a title?
Let's begin our weekly roundup by answering that question and more ...
Who should I start?
The most basic question of them all. The best thing to do is check our updated Week 14 rankings, courtesy of FantasySharks.com.
Fantasy football rankings: Week 14
Who’s in?
– Robert Griffin III. The Cleveland Browns are coming off their bye week -- and Griffin is coming off a shoulder injury in the season opener that sent him to the injured reserve list. Although Griffin wasn't great in that game, the rest of the quarterbacks who've followed him haven't been either. At least RG3 can keep defenses honest with his running ability and strong arm. Look for a few deep shots to Terrelle Pryor vs. Cincinnati.
-- Charles Sims. He hasn't been officially activated off injured reserve, but that's expected to happen before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take the field against New Orleans. Although it would be unwise to start Sims, he could cut into the expected workload of starting running back Doug Martin, which would make Martin a less attractive fantasy option.
Who’s out?
– Mohamed Sanu. For a big part of the season, the Falcons' Matt Ryan was the league's No. 1 fantasy quarterback. He's been much less effective in recent weeks -- and injuries to his receivers may have played a role. Top wideout Julio Jones is questionable with a turf toe injury and Sanu has already been ruled out. Look for Taylor Gabriel to see more targets in an attempt to get him in space for a potential big play.
– Ryan Fitzpatrick. After a 5-for-12 performance on Monday night, the Jets have decided to move on from Fitzpatrick and start Bryce Petty the rest of the season. Petty (11-for-25, 135 yards, 1 TD, 2 int.) wasn't much better than Fitzpatrick, but at least he has a chance to be on the Jets roster next season. Top wideout Brandon Marshall hasn't been productive (53 catches, 3 TD) anyway, but he may be even less so at San Francisco with the inexperienced Petty under center.
Who’s questionable?
-- Jordan Reed. The Washington Redskins are optimistic Reed will be on the field vs. Philadelphia, but it's unlikely he'll be anywhere close to full strength. He's been limited in practice and avoiding any contact on his separated shoulder. A return would be huge for fantasy owners, who are likely in the playoffs because of Reed's season-long contributions.
– Michael Thomas. His foot injury was something that cropped up in last week's game and didn't seem too serious. However, he has yet to take the practice field this week and he looks like a dreaded game-time decision. Unfortunately, the Saints have a late-afternoon kickoff so the options for replacing him if he's inactive will have to come from the six remaining games.
Every week, we highlight the top injury concerns fantasy owners are facing. But remember, everything is subject to change, so be sure to make one final check before kickoff.
The best thing to do is keep an eye on USA TODAY Sports' NFL home page and follow USA TODAY Fantasy Sports on Twitter.
USA TODAY Fantasy (@USATODAYfantasy) | Twitter
Where’s the extra edge?
– Still torn over which borderline players to sit or start? Marc Caviglia of Bruno Boys Fantasy Football examines some of this week’s tough calls.
Fantasy football start/sit: Ted Ginn keeps making big plays
– For The Win's Steven Ruiz has this week’s fantasy studs, duds and sleepers.
Week 14 fantasy football studs, duds and sleepers: Keep Aaron Rodgers on your bench
-- If you're looking for some players who could emerge unexpectedly this week and be worth starting in deep leagues ... or who could put you over the top in daily fantasy, check out these deep sleepers from TheFantasyGreek.com.
Fantasy football deep sleepers: Who can jump start your playoff run?
-- We'll also answer your questions on Sunday morning before the games start in our weekly chat.
How's the weather?
The conditions can have a major impact on how each game unfolds, especially with snow an increasing possibility. Keep up-to-date in real time with NFLWeather.com.
What about the matchups?
Here are the NFL rankings in average yards gained and allowed through the first 13 weeks of the season.
