Fantasy football advice, Week 14: Who to start/sit for Raiders vs. Broncos
Denver looks to continue its stranglehold on the AFC West Sunday afternoon.
The Denver Broncos have adjusted on the fly. A team that was an unstoppable offensive juggernaut a year ago has won three straight games, scoring 17 in two of them, and is only 19th in points scored this year. Still, the team is 10-2, three games up in the AFC West, and looking for a playoff bye. Sunday, they face the Oakland Raiders, who can't lose again if they want any small chance at a playoff berth.
The Raiders will have wide receiver Amari Cooper ready to go Sunday despite his appearance on the injury report with a foot injury. The Broncos' injury report, meanwhile, is long enough that I have to scroll on my computer to read the whole thing. As far as fantasy contributors go, quarterback Peyton Manning is out again. Running back C.J. Anderson and tight end Vernon Davis will likely be game-time decisions, with a definite chance both could miss Sunday. Running back Ronnie Hillman, wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and tight end Owen Daniels should all play through their injuries Sunday.
Oakland will head east to Denver for Sunday’s game, scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the game’s fantasy considerations:
RAIDERS
Start ‘em?: There isn't much upside to Latavius Murray's game these days, but with at least six fantasy points in seven straight games, there's not much downside. He's high-floor, low-ceiling. ... It's unlikely both Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper will be productive, but they're talented enough that something could happen. I'd prefer Cooper to Crabtree, but both are flex options. ... The Raiders' defense has improved of late, and it's not like the Denver offense is scary anymore.
Sit ‘em: After a really hot midseason stretch, Derek Carr has cooled off in a big way the last few weeks, averaging only 14.8 points a game in his last four. Against Denver, better to look for another quarterback. ... Clive Walford hasn't done much in a while. He's off the fantasy radar. ... Sebastian Janikowski was hot early in the season, but facing the Denver defense, better to steer clear.
BRONCOS
Start ‘em: Despite injury, Ronnie Hillman will get the start for Denver, and looks like a fine RB2. ... Demaryius Thomas is still a strong fantasy receiver, though more high-end WR2 than WR1. ... The Broncos' defense is still an easy must-start.
Start ‘em?: It’s not like Emmanuel Sanders is a bad fantasy option at this point, but his upside has been severely limited. He’s more a flex than a starter. ... Owen Daniels has some real downside, but he’s put up six-plus fantasy points four times, which is enough to make him a decent TE2.
Sit ‘em: He might have led them to three straight wins, but Brock Osweiler hasn't exactly been lighting it up in fantasy (12.7 points a game). ... If C.J. Anderson plays, he'll be well below 100 percent, and if he misses, it'll be Juwan Thompson time. Neither one is a good fantasy option this week. ... Brandon McManus didn't put up fewer than seven points through his first seven games, but hasn't put up more than six since.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Ronnie Hillman, Demaryius Thomas, Denver defense
Start if you're desperate: Latavius Murray, Michael Crabtree, Amari Cooper, Oakland defense, Emmanuel Sanders, Owen Daniels
Bench: Derek Carr, Clive Walford, Sebastian Janikowski, Brock Osweiler, C.J. Anderson, Juwan Thompson, Brandon McManus
