Fantasy football advice, Week 14: Who to start/sit for Falcons vs. Panthers
The last undefeated team looks to keep it going.
The Atlanta Falcons have been in free-fall, losing six of seven since starting 5-0. It's taken a promising season and taken it into the tank. The Carolina Panthers, meanwhile, have yet to see any sort of tail-off. They're 12-0 and have already clinched the NFC South title. Wins the next two weeks could lock the Panthers into the No. 1 seed in the whole NFC. The two teams face each other Sunday.
The Falcons put kicker Matt Bryant on injured reserve this week, ending his season. Wide receiver Julio Jones and tight end Jacob Tamme should both play through their respective injuries, though. The Carolina injury report is full of guys listed for "not injury related" reasons, as the Panthers transition into maintaining their guys for the playoffs. Running back Jonathan Stewart, wide receivers Ted Ginn Jr. and Jerricho Cotchery and tight end Greg Olsen are all fine to play.
The Panthers host the Falcons Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
FALCONS
Start ‘em: The huge production of Devonta Freeman earlier this season has cooled off. He's still a fantasy starter, but no longer at the very top of the rankings. ... You're fair game to be scared of Julio Jones getting manned up by Josh Norman, but he's still a starter.
Start ‘em?: In his last four games, Jacob Tamme has 15 fantasy points. Even at a weak position, that’s only decent, not great. He has upside, but is no guarantee.
Sit ‘em: It's a fine time to dump Matt Ryan from starting lineups, and he doesn't even have to be rostered anymore; he hasn't reached 20 fantasy points since Week 2. ... Shayne Graham is now the Atlanta kicker, but given the tough defense they're facing, you want to stay away. ... The Falcons' defense is probably the single worst fantasy option this week.
PANTHERS
Start ‘em: Find me a downside to Cam Newton in fantasy. I dare you. ... Jonathan Stewart's been a fantasy monster lately. The team will maintain his touches once it locks up the No. 1 seed, but until then he should see fine usage. ... Greg Olsen has been a fantasy monster for most of the season. ... Graham Gano has been one of the league's best fantasy kickers. ... The Panthers' defense had an awful week against New Orleans last week, but had been crazy hot before that. That unit is good to use.
Start ‘em?: There’s such upside to Ted Ginn Jr., but he also has some bad games in him and is always a risk for some drops. He’s a high-upside, low-floor flex.
Sit ‘em: Behind Ginn, Devin Funchess is the next-best Carolina receiving option, but the entire group is fine to avoid.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Devonta Freeman, Julio Jones, Jonathan Stewart, Greg Olsen, Graham Gano, Carolina defense
Start if you're desperate: Jacob Tamme, Ted Ginn Jr.
Bench: Matt Ryan, Shayne Graham, Atlanta defense, Devin Funchess
