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 the wide receivers who could exceed or fail to meet expectations based on their weekly opponent … like George Pickens and Deebo Samuel Sr. in Week 13!
As we dive into this week’s matchups, remember to check out my fantasy player rankings for your final lineup decisions. I update them daily! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to the Fantasy Dirt Podcast with Lindsay Rhodes and me, where we break down all things fantasy football five days a week!
Byes and Key Matchups
Byes: Broncos, Colts, Commanders, Patriots, Ravens, Texans
Now, let’s take a look at some wide receivers you should consider starting and those you might want to sit this week.
Start of the Week
George Pickens vs. Browns (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Pickens is the star of the week! He continues to shine with Russell Wilson under center, scoring 16-plus points in four of the six games Wilson has started. With a 34.4% first-read rate, he’s primed for success against the Browns. This defense has allowed 14 touchdowns and ranks among the bottom ten in fantasy points per game allowed to wideouts. Expect Pickens to keep his hot streak alive!
Start ‘Em
Tee Higgins at Cowboys (Mon. 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN): Higgins has been on fire since returning from injury, racking up a combined 47.7 points in his last two games. Facing a Cowboys defense that has allowed 13-plus points to opposing wide receivers ten times this season, Higgins is a high-end No. 2 wideout this week.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba at Cardinals (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS): Smith-Njigba has scored 19-plus points in three of his last four games, including a solid performance against the Cardinals earlier this season. With the Cardinals struggling against slot receivers, he should be viewed as a very appealing No. 2 fantasy wide receiver.
Calvin Ridley vs. Jaguars (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Ridley has had his ups and downs lately, but he’s still Will Levis’ first read 29% of the time. With the Jaguars allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to perimeter receivers, Ridley is a solid flex option in this revenge game.
Jakobi Meyers at Buccaneers (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Meyers has been a target monster in the Raiders offense, seeing at least 11 targets in three of his last four games. With a plus matchup against the Buccaneers, who have allowed the sixth-most points per game to perimeter receivers, Meyers is a reliable No. 2 option.
WRs With Good Matchups
Let’s highlight some wide receivers who have favorable matchups this week.
Sit of the Week
Deebo Samuel Sr. vs. Bears (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Unfortunately, Samuel Sr. has not been himself lately, scoring a mere 13.2 points in his last three games. With a matchup against the Bears, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to perimeter receivers, it’s hard to justify starting him this week.
Sit ‘Em
Davante Adams at Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Adams is a tough sit, especially with six teams on a bye, but he faces a challenging matchup against the Dolphins. Their defense has been stingy, allowing just 81.2 receiving yards per game and only seven touchdowns to wideouts. This makes Adams a risky play this weekend.
DeAndre Hopkins vs. Chargers (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Although Hopkins has scored 13 or more points in two straight games, he’s up against a Chargers defense that has limited perimeter receivers to an average of just 86.5 receiving yards per game. With his first-read rate at just 19.4%, it may be wise to temper expectations.
Jaylen Waddle vs. Jets (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Waddle has shown signs of life recently, but the Jets’ defense has been tough on wide receivers, allowing the fewest fantasy points per game. With only three perimeter receivers scoring more than 10.6 points against them this season, Waddle may not be worth the risk.
Amari Cooper at Rams (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Cooper has struggled since joining the Bills, failing to score more than 7.5 points in his last three games. With the 49ers allowing the second-fewest receiving yards per game to perimeter receivers, it’s best to keep Cooper on your bench this week.
Complete Week 14 Wide Receiver Rankings
1. Ja’Marr Chase at Cowboys (Mon.)
2. A.J. Brown vs. Panthers
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. Packers (Thurs.)
4. Justin Jefferson vs. Falcons
5. Mike Evans vs. Raiders
6. Drake London at Vikings
7. Puka Nacua vs. Bills
8. CeeDee Lamb vs. Bengals (Mon.)
9. Tee Higgins at Cowboys (Mon.)
10. George Pickens vs. Browns
As we gear up for Week 14, remember that the right lineup decisions can make or break your fantasy season. Whether you’re starting your stars or sitting your slumps, stay informed and keep your passion for the game alive!
