SSSQ is a weekly look at the under-the-radar fantasy players you should consider starting, and the potential busts you should leave on your bench. We also identify breakout candidates to stash on your roster and players you can safely cut. For the rest of your lineup decisions, consult our Week 14 rankings.
Start
Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions
at Buccaneers
Stafford did much more in Thursday's practice sessions, putting him on track to start in the promising Week 14 matchup despite the hand injury he suffered last Sunday. He had thrown multiple touchdowns in four straight games before last week.
Fearless prediction: 308 yards passing, three TDs
Other QBs to start
- Alex Smith vs. Raiders
- Derek Carr at Chiefs
Rex Burkhead, RB, Patriots
at Dolphins
Burkhead continues to play fewer offensive snaps than both Dion Lewis and James White, but he's being heavily used in the red zone. He received four rushing attempts and one target within the opponent 20-yard line last week, posting a second consecutive multi-touchdown game.
Fearless prediction: 66 yards rushing, 30 yards receiving, TD
Other RBs to start
- Jamaal Williams at Browns
- Javorius Allen at Steelers
- Kenyan Drake vs. Patriots
Martavis Bryant, WR, Steelers
vs. Ravens
Bryant has been reincorporated into the Steelers' offense, receiving six targets in each of his past two games, and he's in for another boost this week with rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster sidelined by suspension.
Fearless prediction: 93 yards receiving, TD
Other WRs to start
- Josh Gordon vs. Packers
- Corey Davis at Cardinals
- Sterling Shepard vs. Cowboys
Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys
at Giants
Witten's lone reception last week went for a touchdown, after catching seven of seven targets for a modest 44 yards the week before. His usage and performance have been volatile in the second half of the season, but the Giants allow the highest average standard fantasy points per week, putting Witten in position to get back to the end zone.
Fearless prediction: 71 yards receiving, TD
Other TEs to start
- Lance Kendricks at Browns
- Austin Seferian-Jenkins at Broncos
Sit
Cam Newton, QB, Panthers
vs. Vikings
Only two teams allow fewer passing yards per attempt than the Vikings, with nine outfits yielding fewer yards per game. Newton has thrown multiple touchdowns in a game just twice since Week 5.
Other QBs to sit
- Kirk Cousins at Chargers
- Andy Dalton vs. Bears
Mike Davis, RB, Seahawks
at Jaguars
Just three teams have allowed fewer rushing touchdowns than the Jaguars' six. Davis racked up 101 total yards in his Week 13 breakout game, but he still averaged only 4.0 yards per carry and received just one red zone carry.
Other RBs to sit
- Jay Ajayi at Rams
- Samaje Perine at Chargers
- Frank Gore at Bills
Robby Anderson, WR, Jets
at Broncos
The Broncos' pass defense is no longer a unit to fear with a league-worst 26 touchdowns allowed on the season, but they still grade as Football Outsiders' No. 2 defense by DVOA against No. 1 receivers. Anderson has three 100-yard games and six touchdowns over his past six games, but just one of those opponents rank in the top half of the league at covering No. 1s.
Other WRs to sit
- Tyler Lockett vs. Jaguars
- Nelson Agholor at Rams
- DeVante Parker vs. Patriots
Vernon Davis, TE, Redskins
at Chargers
Davis has been held to two catches on two targets for 15 yards over his past two games, and the Chargers allow fewer fantasy points to opposing tight ends than all but four teams.
Other TEs to sit
- Kyle Rudolph at Panthers
- Zach Ertz at Rams
Stash
Chris Ivory, RB, Jaguars
Ivory has starred in both of his starts this season, topping 10 standard fantasy points in each outing. The Jaguars can clinch a playoff spot this week, potentially relinquishing some duties from rookie Leonard Fournette down the stretch.
James Conner, RB, Steelers
It turned out to be a good thing Bell got his rest during a training camp and preseason holdout. He has been the most heavily-used player in the league, receiving a total of 336 touches through 12 games. The Steelers could get Conner more involved with the playoffs being locked up with a win over the Ravens this week.
Quit
Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers
With Martin sidelined in Week 13, Peyton Barber shone in his place. Barber is the correct choice this week if forced to pick between the two lackluster Buccaneers backs. Another good performance will seal his takeover of the No. 1 role.
Ameer Abdullah, RB, Lions
Similarly to Martin, Abdullah seemed to lose his job while out due to injury last week. Rookie Tion Green averaged 4.6 yards per carry in his NFL debut, while totaling more than 11 standard fantasy points.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)
