Fantasy football managers know that every lineup decision can make or break a week, and choosing the right players to start or sit is where championships are won. With the 2025 NFL season underway, matchups, stats, and trends are more important than ever. From favorable matchups and scoring trends to players you should avoid in tough spots, my weekly positional start and sit guide is built to give you an edge.
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DEF to Start
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay enters Week 14 as a strong streaming option after dominating New Orleans in Week 8 with five sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown. The Saints remain a favorable opponent, having committed at least one turnover in seven straight games and allowing nine sacks in their last two matchups. Tyler Shough has also thrown an interception in each of his past two outings, adding even more turnover potential for this defense. New Orleans has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, with the last two DSTs scoring 16 and 11 points. Tampa’s ceiling is among the highest on the slate after already posting 26 fantasy points in the first meeting between these teams. Even if that performance isn’t replicated, the matchup gives the Buccaneers top-five upside this week.
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland is positioned for a bounce-back spot with Myles Garrett chasing the single-season sack record and facing a Titans offense that collapses under pressure. Tennessee allows sacks at the second-highest rate in football and has committed 16 giveaways, putting Cam Ward in consistently difficult passing situations. Ward has been brought down a league-high 48 times, and the Titans also rank last in both scoring offense and total yards per game. The Browns had three or more sacks in five straight games before last week’s dud, showing how disruptive they’ve been all season. Tennessee is allowing the second-most fantasy points to defenses, making this matchup as favorable as any on the board. With elite pass-rush talent and an opponent prone to mistakes, Cleveland’s defense carries tremendous upside for Week 14.
Washington Commanders
Washington becomes an unexpected streaming candidate thanks to a matchup with a Minnesota offense that has struggled all season. The Vikings are allowing the most fantasy points per game to defenses while also taking sacks at the second-highest rate in the league. J.J. McCarthy has posted a 57.9 passer rating with a 54.1% completion rate and has thrown 10 interceptions in six starts, including multiple picks in three straight games. Minnesota’s offense ranks bottom five in scoring and the bottom ten in total yardage while also owning the league’s worst turnover differential at -15. Their offensive line has also been within the top five in sacks allowed this year. With opponents recently scoring 30 and 18 fantasy points against the Vikings, Washington has legitimate week-winning upside.
DEF to Sit
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo is an easy defense to avoid this week, given the Bengals’ recent surge and the game’s 53.5 over/under, one of the highest totals on the slate. Joe Burrow’s return sparked a 32-point road performance against Baltimore, demonstrating the offense’s ability to shred even strong defenses. Buffalo’s DST has scored six or fewer fantasy points in four of its last five games and has only reached double digits three times all season. The Bills have recorded just two sacks over their past four games, making it difficult to generate the big plays needed to stay fantasy-relevant. They also allow 22.9 points and 317 yards per game while ranking 20th in yards per play allowed, showing middling defensive efficiency. In what projects as an up-tempo offensive battle, Buffalo carries too low a ceiling to trust in fantasy football lineups.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers’ defense has been a solid streamer the entire year, but this is a matchup to avoid with Philadelphia’s offense. Jalen Hurts has been sacked only twice over the past four games, and the Eagles have turned the ball over just eight times all season. Los Angeles has been solid against the pass but vulnerable against the run, making it a prime spot for Saquon Barkley to have a bounce-back game. Even though the Chargers posted five sacks and an interception last week, the Eagles have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Philadelphia’s perimeter weapons also present matchup issues that limit the Chargers’ potential for splash plays. With low turnover expectations and a difficult opponent, the Chargers’ defense should be benched in Week 14.
Kickers to Start
Evan McPherson CIN
Evan McPherson enters Week 14 on a hot streak, converting eight field goals and four PATs over his last two games while drilling three kicks from 50 yards or deeper. He has scored at least eight fantasy points in six straight contests and ranks among the most consistent kickers in football this season. McPherson has connected on 23 of 26 field-goal attempts (88.5%) and a perfect 27 of 27 on extra points. Two of the past three kickers facing Buffalo have made multiple field goals, further boosting his outlook. The weather should be monitored in Buffalo, but McPherson has shown the leg strength and accuracy to overcome difficult conditions. With Cincinnati’s offense generating steady scoring opportunities, he carries clear top-five upside this week.
Tyler Loop BAL
Tyler Loop had a quiet performance last week with just two fantasy points, but his recent track record remains strong with at least 11 points in four of his previous five games. Pittsburgh has allowed 9.1 fantasy points per game to kickers, with eight opponents reaching at least eight points and five topping double digits. Loop has connected on 22 of 24 field-goal attempts (91.7%) and 29 of 30 extra points. He has been automatic from inside 50 yards, going 21-for-21. Prior to Week 13, he had drilled seven field goals across the previous two contests, highlighting his strong role in Baltimore’s offense. With steady volume and a favorable matchup, Loop remains a strong starting option.
Kickers to Sit
Harrison Butker KC
Harrison Butker is a fade this week against a Texans defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers and a league-low 65% field-goal conversion rate. Houston has also surrendered just 17 PATs, giving kickers minimal scoring opportunities all season. Butker has scored more than eight fantasy points only once since Week 4 and has two games in his last five without even attempting a field goal. His season totals include 21 makes on 24 field-goal attempts (87.5%) and 28-of-32 on extra points. Despite the Chiefs’ offensive reputation, Butker’s usage has plummeted in recent weeks. With a difficult matchup and declining opportunity, he should be benched in Week 14.
Jake Elliott PHI
Jake Elliott has struggled this season, scoring fewer than eight fantasy points in eight of 12 games and totaling just five combined points over the last two weeks. The Chargers have allowed fewer than seven fantasy points per game to kickers at SoFi Stadium, limiting Elliott’s scoring upside. He has made only 12 of 16 field-goal attempts (75%) this season while converting 30 of 31 extra points. His 66 actual points and roughly 69 fantasy points average out to just 5.8 per game, placing him near the bottom of startable options. Philadelphia’s offense often finishes drives with touchdowns, reducing his field-goal opportunities even further. With both poor recent form and a tough matchup, Elliott is an easy sit for Week 14.
