Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 14 Running backs

Week 14 of the fantasy football season is here, and we’re back with another crop of start/sit options. We have a nice set of data about each team through 13 weeks and can make informed decisions on good plays and traps. With that in mind, we’ll pick running backs who should exceed expectations in Week 14, along with three you should probably sit.

It’s a bit of a perfect storm for Miller, who faces the league’s worst team in terms of yards receiving allowed to running backs in a game where his only main backup, Alfred Blue, is out with a concussion. Miller has been about the most consistent element of the Texans’ offense as injuries to Deshaun Watson and several receivers have hamstrung the passing game. Expect the Texans to ride Miller hard at home against a poor defense.

Joe Mixon has been ruled out of Sunday’s game, leaving Bernard as the only healthy back on consequence. That should lead to anywhere between 20-30 touches, between carries and catches, and that should translate into a bountiful day. Bernard had 13 carries on Monday night after Mixon got hurt and racked up 77 yards, so he’s still capable of the kind of games that made him a PPR darling in previous seasons.

This might be the last time in Gore’s career that he draws a “start” designation, considering how poor his season has been with Marlon Mack nipping at his heels. That said, the Bills have been horrendous defending the run since they traded Marcell Dareus. The Bills are fourth worst in yards rushing allowed to running backs and dead last with 18 rushing touchdowns, including 11 in the past five weeks. This is a great spot for Gore for a last hurrah.

Barber looked like a terrific play with Doug Martin sidelined for a second straight week. Only one problem: Martin isn’t sidelined for a second straight week. Out of the concussion protocol, Martin is expected to play Sunday and resume his regular role. That kills Barber’s viability after a huge game last week.

Same game, same fantasy-killing scenario. Riddick would have been an excellent play with Ameer Abdullah on the shelf. But Abdullah is expected to return this week, which limits Riddick’s playing time. And the other hit is that the Bucs actually defend pass-catching backs well, which is the role that Riddick will once again be limited to.

Carolina is a top-five defense against the run across the board – DVOA, yards allowed, touchdowns allowed – you name it, the Panthers stuff it. The touchdowns are of particular concern, as Murray has become largely touchdown-dependent to accrue decent fantasy numbers. In recent weeks, those goal-line opportunities have gone elsewhere. You should go elsewhere, too.