Fantasy football advice, Week 14: Who to start/sit for Washington vs. Bears

The Chicago Bears briefly looked like they had a chance at late-season playoff contention, but losses in two of their last three have really hurt their chances. Washington too has a playoff shot, based primarily on the fact that they play in the woeful NFC East. Sunday, the two play each other; Washington is looking to solidify a playoff run, while the Bears just hope to make things interesting.

Washington will be without running back Chris Thompson Sunday, and likely for the rest of the season, after he suffered a torn labrum; the team signed veteran Pierre Thomas to fill Thompson's duties. The Bears, meanwhile, will be without wide receiver Marquess Wilson and placed tight end Martellus Bennett on injured reserve this week. Wide receiver Eddie Royal is expected to return from injury this week, though, and tight end Zach Miller should play through his injuries as well.

Start ‘em: The production has tailed off a bit for Jordan Reed, but he's still a low-end starting tight end.

Start ‘em?: The last three weeks have been really productive for DeSean Jackson, with 12.7 fantasy points a game. He has enough upside that that could continue. ... Dustin Hopkins has been mostly consistent this year, though his occasional downsides make him risky. ... The Washington defense has put up nine points a game in its last four, but hadn't done anything like that beforehand.

Sit ‘em: It's been up-and-down for Kirk Cousins (his last seven games have been 7 fantasy points, 29, 10, 28, 6, 22, 12). He has high upside, but there's no way to know when it'll come. ... The Washington running game has been awful, making Alfred Morris, Matt Jones and Pierre Thomas all fantasy afterthoughts. ... Jackson's return to health leaves Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder as afterthoughts.

Start ‘em: It seems clear that Matt Forte is still the Chicago running back you want since his return, but it's not as obvious as it once was. ... Alshon Jeffery has averaged 15 fantasy points a game when he's been on the field; his only problem has been health, and he looks healthy now. ... It's been a strong season for Robbie Gould, who has earned an every-week start.

Start ‘em?: It's a nice matchup for Jay Cutler, and he has his top two weapons apparently healthy, but his numbers have gone in the tank lately. He has a super high ceiling, but a low floor as well. ... Forte's return leaves Jeremy Langford as a flex play, but he carries upside. ... With Martellus Bennett done for the season, Zach Miller suddenly looks like an interesting play. He's no sure thing, but he has upside. ... You probably want to avoid the Bears' defense, but the occasional meltdowns of the Washington offense gives Chicago a shot.

Start in every league: Jordan Reed, Matt Forte, Alshon Jeffery, Robbie Gould
Start if you're desperate: DeSean Jackson, Dustin Hopkins, Washington defense, Jay Cutler, Jeremy Langford, Zach Miller, Chicago defense
Bench: Kirk Cousins, Alfred Morris, Matt Jones, Pierre Thomas, Pierre Garcon, Jamison Crowder, Eddie Royal