Top kicker and defense picks for fantasy football Week 14

It’s Week 14, folks! Time to set those fantasy lineups! Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups in a given week for fantasy football leagues. Each week, I’ll examine kickers and defenses who could exceed or fail to meet expectations based on their weekly opponent. This week, we have some intriguing matchups that could make or break your fantasy team.

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Byes: Broncos, Colts, Commanders, Patriots, Ravens, Texans

Kickers to Start

1. Chase McLaughlin vs. Raiders (1 p.m. ET, CBS): McLaughlin, who was a start ‘em last week, scored 15 fantasy points in a win over the Panthers. This week, he faces the Raiders, a defense that has allowed nine or more fantasy points to 10 kickers, including six who scored at least 12 points. Keep him active!

2. Jake Elliott vs. Panthers (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Elliott had a tough outing last week, scoring just six fantasy points against the Ravens. However, he had double-digit points in two of his previous three games. With a matchup against Carolina, who has allowed seven kickers to score 12-plus points this season, he’s a solid option.

3. John Parker Romo vs. Falcons (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Romo has averaged 11.3 points in his four games with the Vikings. This week, he goes up against a Falcons defense that has allowed at least eight fantasy points to all but two kickers, including five who scored at least 11 points. Keep him in your lineup!

Kickers with Good Matchups

• Chris Boswell vs. Browns
• Brandon Aubrey vs. Bengals (Mon.)
• Tyler Bass at Rams
• Cameron Dicker at Chiefs
• Jake Bates vs. Packers (Thurs.)
• Chad Ryland vs. Seahawks

Kickers to Sit

1. Younghoe Koo at Vikings (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Koo has struggled recently, failing to score more than nine points in five of his last six games, averaging just 4.7 points during that stretch. This week, he faces the Vikings, who have allowed the second-fewest points per game to opposing kickers. Avoid him this week.

2. Matthew Wright vs. Chargers (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Wright had a decent showing last week with 13 fantasy points against the Raiders. However, the Chargers’ defense hasn’t allowed a single kicker to score double digits this season. It’s best to steer clear of him.

3. Eddy Pineiro at Eagles (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Pineiro has surprisingly scored 33 points in his last three games, but that streak may come to an end against the Eagles. Their defense has allowed the seventh-fewest points to kickers, with seven kickers held to six points or less.

Defenses to Start

1. Vikings defense vs. Falcons (1 p.m. ET, CBS): The Vikings’ defense has been solid, and this week’s matchup against Kirk Cousins and the Falcons makes them a must-start. Cousins has struggled lately, throwing four interceptions last week. This matchup is too good to pass up.

2. Buccaneers defense vs. Raiders (1 p.m. ET, CBS): The Buccaneers can be used as a streaming option this week, facing a Raiders offense that has committed the second-most turnovers and allowed the sixth-most sacks. With the Raiders averaging just 18.6 points per game, Tampa Bay’s DST should shine.

3. Titans defense vs. Jaguars (1 p.m. ET, CBS): The Titans defense hasn’t been a top fantasy option this season, but with six teams on bye and a favorable matchup against Mac Jones and the Jaguars, they are a viable streamer. Jones has struggled with turnovers, making this a great opportunity.

Defenses with Good Matchups

• Steelers defense vs. Browns
• Eagles defense vs. Panthers
• 49ers defense vs. Bears
• Saints defense at Giants
• Cardinals defense vs. Seahawks
• Dolphins defense vs. Jets
• Titans defense vs. Jaguars
• Bills defense at Rams

Defenses to Sit

1. Cowboys defense vs. Bengals (Mon. 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN): Despite impressive fantasy totals recently, the Cowboys face a tough matchup against the explosive Bengals. Dallas has allowed an average of 34.5 points at home this season, so it’s wise to keep them on the bench.

2. Jets defense at Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, CBS): The Jets put up 17 fantasy points last week, but chasing those points against Miami is risky. Tua Tagovailoa has been incredibly accurate and the Dolphins have averaged 28.3 points per game since Week 11. It’s better to ground the Jets D this week.

3. Chiefs defense vs. Chargers (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): After a disappointing four-point performance against the Raiders, the Chiefs face the Chargers, who have committed just six turnovers this season. With the Chargers averaging 24.7 points over their last three games, it’s best to sit the Chiefs D.

With so many exciting matchups this week, make sure to carefully consider your lineup. The right decisions could lead your fantasy team to victory! Happy fantasy footballing!