Fantasy: Start, Sit, Stash, Quit - Week 14

SSSQ is a weekly look at under-the-radar fantasy players you should consider starting and 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. You can also listen to the Week 14 preview episode of theScore Fantasy Football Podcast.

Start

Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens

at Chiefs

Over his first three NFL starts, Jackson tied for the 12th-most fantasy points among quarterbacks despite never throwing for more than 178 yards in any game. That's because he also eclipsed 70 rushing yards in each outing, giving him a solid fantasy floor along with a ceiling he hasn't come close to hitting yet.

The Chiefs have been a top-five matchup for opposing quarterbacks, but they've played better at home and are favored by nearly a touchdown against the Ravens. That makes Jackson a more volatile option this week, especially with Joe Flacco potentially being active as the backup. On the other hand, Jackson offers more upside than anyone else on this list if you're willing to take the risk.

Boone's projection: 202 passing yards, TD, INT, 68 rushing yards, TD

Other QBs to start

• Dak Prescott vs. Eagles
• Baker Mayfield vs. Panthers
• Josh Allen vs. Jets

Sony Michel, RB, Patriots

at Dolphins

Fantasy owners might be down on Michel after his tough battle with the Vikings' defense - rushing 17 times for just 63 yards - but the good news is that New England continues to feed him when healthy. In Week 14, Michel gets a floundering Dolphins squad that he broke out against in the first month of the season with 25 carries, 112 yards, and a touchdown. As a heavy road favorite, expect New England to lean on its ground game once again.

Boone's projection: 96 rushing yards, 8 receiving yards, TD

Other RBs to start

• Austin Ekeler/Justin Jackson vs. Bengals
• Jeff Wilson Jr. vs. Broncos
• Jaylen Samuels at Raiders

Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos

at 49ers

It's important that fantasy owners recognize just how valuable Sutton will be with Emmanuel Sanders out for the season. Sanders leaves behind the 25 percent of targets that he'd been seeing following the Demaryius Thomas trade. Meanwhile, Sutton posted 78 yards or more in three of his last five games and is now the unquestioned No. 1 receiver in Denver. This could be the beginning of a league-winning fantasy stretch for the rookie.

Boone's projection: 92 receiving yards, TD

Other WRs to start

• Chris Godwin/Adam Humphries vs. Saints
• Jarvis Landry vs. Panthers
• Anthony Miller/Taylor Gabriel vs. Rams

Trey Burton, TE, Bears

vs. Rams

Burton's production fell off over the past few games, in part due to Chase Daniel filling in at quarterback. But with Mitch Trubisky returning to the lineup this weekend, Burton's outlook brightens against a Rams defense that's been unable to stop tight ends. Some recent stat lines against Wade Phillips' crew include: George Kittle 5-98-1, Ben Watson 3-62-1, Travis Kelce 10-127-1, and last week's 4-90 by Levine Toilolo. It's safe to trust Burton on Sunday night.

Boone's projection: 67 receiving yards, TD

Other TEs to start

• Vance McDonald at Raiders
• Jimmy Graham vs. Falcons
• Ian Thomas at Browns

Sit

Carson Wentz, QB, Eagles

at Cowboys

Wentz appeared to be rounding into form prior to the Eagles' bye, but since the arrival of Golden Tate, Philly's passing attack has been inconsistent at best. A divisional matchup on the road in Dallas won't be the cure. The Cowboys have only permitted 16 passing touchdowns this season - one off the league lead - and they held Drew Brees to 127 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception last Thursday.

Boone's projection: 249 passing yards, TD, INT

Other QBs to sit

• Kirk Cousins at Seahawks
• Russell Wilson vs. Vikings
• Matthew Stafford at Cardinals

Marlon Mack, RB, Colts

at Texans

Mack's taken advantage of easy matchups while struggling against more formidable opponents. To reverse that trend in Week 14, he'll likely need to increase his receiving numbers, as the Texans haven't allowed a back to post more than 60 rushing yards since Week 6. Unfortunately for Mack, he's recorded just one outing with 20-plus receiving yards this season. That drops him into the RB3/flex range for the first week of the fantasy playoffs.

Boone's projection: 47 rushing yards, 9 receiving yards

Other RBs to sit

• Chris Carson vs. Vikings
• Tevin Coleman at Packers
• Josh Adams at Cowboys

Alshon Jeffery, WR, Eagles

at Cowboys

The Tate trade's had the biggest impact on Jeffery, who was averaging nearly nine targets per game before the move compared to just five per contest over the last month. He isn't doing much with the targets, either, as Jeffery's been held under 50 yards in all four games since the deal with zero touchdowns. Against the aforementioned Cowboys pass defense that's especially hard on outside receivers, he should be considered a touchdown-dependent WR3.

Boone's projection: 53 receiving yards

Other WRs to sit

• Devin Funchess at Browns
• DeVante Parker vs. Patriots
• Sterling Shepard at Redskins

Chris Herndon, TE, Jets

at Bills

With all the injuries at tight end, it's almost impossible to advise sitting any notable player. Herndon isn't exactly a household name, but since Week 6, the rookie's amassed the ninth-most fantasy points at the position. This recommendation is more about the opponent, as the Bills excel at limiting tight ends, which Herndon experienced in Week 10 (3-34).

Boone's projection: 31 receiving yards

Other TEs to sit

• Antonio Gates vs. Bengals
• Matt LaCosse at 49ers
• Nick Vannett vs. Vikings

Stash

Kenneth Dixon, RB, Ravens

Dixon's seen a surprising amount of work since being activated two weeks ago, tallying 22 touches for 87 yards and a touchdown. Gus Edwards is apparently over his ankle injury, but Dixon would take the early-down role if there's any future ailment. Additionally, Jackson's presence under center gives the Ravens' ground game a significant boost, which means every piece of their backfield should be rostered, including pass-catching back Ty Montgomery.

DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Broncos

Sutton benefits the most from the Sanders injury, but fellow rookie Hamilton isn't far behind. With few options left in Denver's passing attack, Hamilton will emerge as the No. 2 receiver, making him an upside WR4 in fantasy. He's still available in 95 percent of leagues.

Quit

John Brown, WR, Ravens

Brown's numbers have dramatically decreased since his hot start. The decline began with Flacco under center, but it's hit another level of futility with Jackson. The speedy Brown has just two receptions over his last three games despite seeing 12 targets.

Duke Johnson, RB, Browns

Short of handcuffing Nick Chubb, there's not much reason to own Johnson at this point. He had couple good games in the middle of the season, but Chubb is a workhorse who's taken over a large chunk of the passing-down duties, too.