Fantasy Football Week 14: Start Em’ Sit Em’ for Falcons-Panthers
The Atlanta Falcons have a tough matchup in Week 14 with the Carolina Panthers. Which players should you start, sit in your fantasy football lineup this week?
There is no more time to experiment in fantasy football, as you are likely in, or very close to starting your playoffs. The Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers clash this week, and while the outcome may not surprising, there are some players on both teams you should start, and many you should bench.
Which Falcons and Panthers should you start with confidence, be cautious with and bench completely? Let’s get started.
Start with confidence
Newton could finish the season as the top fantasy quarterback. He’s scored more than 30 fantasy points three times in his past five games. There’s no reason why he will struggle against the Falcons. Newton has been putting up numbers in the passing game and on the ground. Expect him to find the end zone.
You have to start Freeman, but lower your expectations this week. He will get a lot of touches and should contribute in the passing game. This is a bad matchup so Freeman has a lower ceiling, but he’s matchup proof and should be started.
Stewart has become a reliable option as an RB2 and will continue this way. He tends to get between 12-20 fantasy points depending on how many times he finds the end zone. It’s not an easy matchup, but Stewart should have another solid game.
Like Freeman, Jones is matchup proof. Josh Norman will make his life difficult, but the Falcons will look to move him around and get him in favorable matchups. You can’t bench Julio.
Olsen is the No. 2 tight end in fantasy this year and is one of Cam Newton’s top targets. They could target Olsen often in the center of the Falcons defense.
Panthers D/ST
Matt Ryan has been a turnover machine of late, and the Panthers own the No. 2 fantasy defense. The Panthers D/ST is a must start.
Just about every player on the Panthers roster is performing on fantasy, and Gano is no different. He’s the No. 2 kicker and should have a big day again, despite putting up just four points last week.
Be cautious
Graham has been a consistent performer in real-life since taking over for the injured Matt Bryant, but the concern is the amount of kicks he will get against the Panthers. It’s possible his opportunities are limited, and there are likely better options available.
Sit
Matt Ryan
Ryan has been a major fantasy disappointment this year, and you can happily cut ties with him. At the very least, he should sit on your bench this week.
Panthers receivers
It’s tough to know which Panthers receivers to play. Ted Ginn and Devin Funchess have had big games, but they lack the consistency. The Falcons give up the second fewest fantasy points to receivers.
Just, don’t play him.
Tamme has been a reliable option for Ryan in the passing game, but he lacks the consistency to be trusted on fantasy. There should be better streaming options if you are in need of a tight end.
Falcons D/ST
Newton and the Panthers offense have not been good on defenses, and the Falcons defense hasn’t come up with enough sacks or turnovers to be consistent top scorers in fantasy.