This is it folks. The beginning of the end, the final countdown, the last week of the fantasy football regular season. 13 weeks of work has all come down to this moment, where every last decision made can make or break your season. This week, it is go-time. Survival of the fittest, the strong survive and the weak will die to forever fade into fantasy oblivion.
While preparing for this week’s edition, I couldn’t go any further without thanking every single one of you that reached out to me regarding my story in last week’s column. Your words of appreciation, support, and encouragement, mean the absolute world to me. It is a subject that is painful for me to discuss, and always will be. I know though that if I was able to share my own story and help one person going through their dark times, it was well worth it.
I was on a podcast this week and a conversation arose. What do you consider to be the top 10 films of all time? First, that question is very subjective and totally up for opinion. Yet there are also right answers and wrong answers. I don’t want to take too much time this week, so I will cut right to it. Here are my top 10 films of all time, if you agree with me please tell me how right I am, and if I am wrong, shut up and don’t come at me.
10. Scarface – Some will say overrated, others will say under appreciated. For me, I am right in the middle. Yet there is something so damn great about Al Paccino spraying a machine gun asking Sosa’s men to say hello to his little friend. Truly iconic. Long live Tony Montana.
9. Parasite – Remember when this won best picture at the Academy Awards and there was a massive uproar about it? I was one of those causing an uproar. And then I sat down and watched the film, and my oh my did this blow my mind. A combination of horror, thrills, and suspense, you think you know where this film is going until you don’t.
8. Fight Club – There truly is only one rule of Fight Club. You know the rest. Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) is simply outstanding, perhaps making the movie memorable all by himself. A classic, perhaps boring pick, but it needs to be mentioned.
7. Star Wars: Episode V : The Empire Strikes Back– The first of two Star Wars entries on the list, where to even start. Luke going to Dagobah to train with Yoda? Han Solo being frozen in carbonite by Vader? And of course THAT scene (sorry no spoilers for any uncultured, not Star Wars fans).
6. Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith – My personal favorite Star Wars film, which may be met with disdain. I match that with your criticisms of Hayden Christensen’s portrayal of Anakin Skywalker. Stop hating on Hayden, he did his best with what he was given. But the BEST lightsaber duel in the entire series is Obi Wan v. Anakin on Mustafar. You can’t convince me otherwise. “You were my brother Anakin, I loved you”. Tears, lots and lots of tears.
5. The Dark Knight – The Dark Knight is absolutely brilliant, you cannot tell me otherwise. Heath Ledger’s Joker, I mean come on. You don’t get much better than that. Christian Bale’s Batman is CRIMINALLY underrated as well. A true gem and a film that I will happily watch time and time again for the remainder of my days, that is how simply great The Dark Knight is.
4. Casablanca – Yes, I have seen Casablanca MANY times. So stop rolling your eyes and saying “oh what a boring, lazy list just to throw Casablanca on there”. Casablanca is incredible. How to even begin, the genius of Humphrey Bogart possibly? Rick Blaine MIGHT be my favorite cinematic character of all time (closely contested with someone else who we will get to later). I can write a whole column about how wonderful Casablanca is. If you haven’t seen Casablanca, stop reading and go watch. You are allowed to return once you have been transformed by this cinematic masterpiece.
3. The Godfather – The first entry of the dealings of the Corleone family, Francis Ford Coppola authored a blockbuster that will withstand the test of time. This film NEEDS to be watched by further generations for potentially the remainder of time. Marlon Brando is the star here and puts forth a lifetime performance.
2. The Godfather: Part II – Back to praising The Godfather, both of these entries are tied. I truly cannot separate the two films, they are equally incredible. Al Paccino returns in what is his best role EVER as Michael Corleone, and the entire film is a masterpiece.
And now, number one….
1. The Shawshank Redemption – Simply the best. I love Shawshank, and nothing comes close to it. A story of redemption, solace, and eventual triumph, I simply cannot plead with you more. This is a must-watch. End of story. Red Redding aka Morgan Freeman, my favorite character in any film, ever. He is simply incredible. Everything about Shawshank is incredible. It simply blows away the competition. Now roast me.
Here are the starts and sits for week 14, the eve of fantasy playoffs.
Quarterback Starts for Week 14
Aaron Rodgers has to be one of the best starts for this week. Rodgers takes on the Chicago Bears at home, with revenge very much on his mind. Rodgers did not put up a good line back in week 6 at Soldier Field, and this is now Rodgers time to right some wrongs. Rodgers at home versus a team he has owned in his career, it is a no brainer. The Bears allow the 7th most points to quarterbacks this season, and have been navigating without their best defensive player in Khalil Mack. Start Rodgers as if your life depends on it, and in some cases it just may this week. Rodgers ranks as my QB6 this week.
After being hyped as the ultimate high floor, high ceiling play last week versus Dallas, Taysom Hill was able to prove his fantasy value and now gets a juicy matchup versus the Jets. Hill will give you a very steady rushing floor, with a fantastic ceiling. Hill in limited QB action last year completed 70% of his passes in four games. Even with concerns about his injured finger, Hill’s legs still work and that is part of the appeal. Hill comes in as my QB10.
Other QB Starts this Week: Although his struggles have been well documented, his one game that stands out since week 7 came against the Las Vegas Raiders and that is Patrick Mahomes. This is his week to prove that he can have a bounce-back, and boy does he need it. Mahomes is my QB5 this week. Play Atlanta, start your guys. That is the motto I am continuing to back up this week with Cam Newton. Newton simply had one of the WORST performances I have ever seen on a field against the Dolphins in week 12, but at home versus an Atlanta team that cannot stop anything or anyone screams a very good stream in any week. Newton is my QB12 this week. Russell Wilson has a date with Houston, and this screams boom play as Wilson is my QB11 this week.
Start of the Week: Patrick Mahomes (Sorry I know it is boring)
Quarterback Sits for Week 14
A tough week to shake the foundation with sits given the QB environment is VERY friendly this week, I would love to avoid Kirk Cousins if you can. Cousins takes on the Steelers at home Thursday Night, and I am just a little nervous here. One, Cousins primetime record has been much discussed at nauseum, but in case you need reminding it is very bad. Two, Cousins is set to be without Adam Thielen who left last week’s loss to the Lions with a high ankle sprain. Losing one of his top targets in the passing game stings, and it now leaves Justin Jefferson more susceptible to double coverages and blankets. Cousins charts as my QB13 this week, but if he is your only option he isn’t a bad play.
Derek Carr is a sit for me this week. Carr travels to Arrowhead to take on the Chiefs, who boast a much improved defense over the last few weeks. A hostile environment added with a wounded offense with Darren Waller questionable for the contest, just doesn’t scream like a spot for production with Carr. If Waller plays my tone may change slightly, but for now Carr ranks as my QB17 this week.
Other QB Sits this Week: Although the matchup is terrific, it needs reminder that the Denver Broncos passing game is a fantasy blackhole. I will make myself crystal clear with you lovely people, DO NOT START TEDDY BRIDGEWATER! Same applies with Ryan Tannehill, as Tannehill simply does not have the tools offensively to be a trustworthy start this week when it counts. Bridgewater is my QB21 and Tannehill my QB22 this week.
Sit of the Week: Teddy Bridgewater
Running Back Starts for Week 14
Thank you SO much Javonte Williams! Williams was a BEAST last week against the Chiefs, and now he gets a stunning date with the Detroit Lions. The Lions concede the 4th most points to opposing running backs, and Williams figures to at least lead a committee if backfield mate Melvin Gordon returns from various injuries. Best case scenario, Williams gets to lead this backfield by himself with the occasional sprinkling of Mike Boone, which will not affect Williams in the slightest. Williams is my RB9 this week with the chance of a slide if Gordon plays, but will still be top 15.
Antonio Gibson has seemingly found himself since J.D. McKessic went out with an injury against the Seattle Seahawks. Since the injury to McKessic, Gibson has produced two 100 yard total offense efforts, and has recorded 30+ touches in both contests. Amazing, a college receiver can actually catch passes as a running back! Even in a tough statistical matchup versus Dallas, the Cowboys run defense has been a bit leaky over the last few weeks, namely against Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Josh Jacobs. Gibson is my RB12 this week.
Speaking of Josh Jacobs, he makes an appearance on the start list this week against Kansas City. The best form of defense might just be to run the ball for Las Vegas this week, and nobody stands to benefit more than Jacobs. With the season ending injury to Kenyan Drake, Jacobs could also get a small uptick in passing work as well but that is a wait and see with both Peyton Barber and Jalen Richard still in the mix to receive touches. Jacobs is a fine RB2 this week, my RB16.
Other RB Starts this Week: Whomever the number one running back is going to be for the New Orleans Saints this week, I love them against the Jets. There is hope that Alvin Kamara will make his return this week for the Saints, and he would be a top 5 play if he does. If it is anybody but, I would fade after news that Mark Ingram tested positive for COVID-19. Despite their reputation as a strong run defense, Buffalo just got gashed by New England on Monday Night Football. Leonard Fournette is my RB6 this week, and he scores in the game.
Start of the Week: Leonard Fournette
Running Back Sits for Week 14
Despite being in a very strong matchup versus Atlanta, I am not a fan of Chuba Hubbard this week. I believe, and this is a gut feeling and nothing else, that Carolina will opt for Cam Newton with the short yardage/goal line work, thus crippling Hubbard a bit. His floor may be safe, but I don’t quite know about the ceiling. Of course, if you have Hubbard after losing Christian McCaffrey you may not have many better options available, but if you do I would look at those other options carefully before starting Hubbard. Hubbard is my RB24 this week, the matchup is great but I don’t know if he is as locked and loaded as some may project.
I’m going to live up to the new “Giants hater” persona that I have gathered over the last few weeks. I would not, and I repeat would not, be considering Saquon Barkley this week. I simply see zero upside in the Giants offense with Jake Fromm as the starting quarterback, if it is Fromm. Glennon is a bit better, but Barkley hasn’t done anything of note to warrant being a locked and loaded starter. He simply has not done enough, and in weeks where you need steady production I don’t see Barkley getting it against the Chargers in Los Angeles. Barkley is my RB21 this week.
Despite their strong matchups, I do not want to guess as to who will be the main ball toter for the Tennessee Titans this week. It could be Dontrell Hilliard, it could be D’Onta Foreman. I simply do not know. The last time we saw these two out there, Foreman out-touched Hilliard 20 to 13 against the Patriots. If I had to guess one, it would be Foreman, but I simply can’t say with this backfield that loves to keep us guessing.
Other RB Sits this Week: I would look to fade James Robinson this week if at all possible. Robinson is not healthy, and in a blowout loss mind you Robinson was out-touched by Carlos Hyde 9 to 8. Robinson is my RB23 this week. Do not go anywhere near the Houston Texans, as both Rex Burkhead and David Johnson sit outside my top 30. Ditto goes for the New York Jets, with Tevin Coleman sitting outside my top 30.
Sit of the Week: Saquon Barkley
Wide Receiver Starts for Week 14
This is definitely a scary call to make, but I think we see a monster week from one D.K. Metcalf. Metcalf just hasn’t had it with Russell Wilson this year, but I think this is the week that Metcalf obliterates the proverbial glass ceiling. Metcalf takes on Houston, and who do they have that will adequately cover him? The answer is nobody. Roll Metcalf this week, as he is my WR13.
Pending he plays, I absolutely love Keenan Allen against the Giants. If Allen, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, is able to go Sunday, fire him up. He is the firm number one in this offense, the favorite target of Justin Herbert, and simply a boom play at home to a reeling Giants team. Allen would be my WR10 if he is able to clear COVID protocols and give it a go.
While it was Chris Godwin who had the monster week last week versus the Falcons, I am doubling down on his teammate Mike Evans. Evans should have a much easier time against Buffalo than previously anticipated with cornerback Tre’Davious White scheduled to miss the game. In this seesaw passing game where one receiver gets his and the other doesn’t most weeks, I think this is an Evans game. Evans is my WR8 this week, with his teammate Chris Godwin sitting at WR11.
Other WR Starts this Week: Fire up all of the Diontae Johnson shares, as he is the unquestioned number one in Pittsburgh. The Steelers take on the Vikings Thursday Night, and I see a big game coming from Johnson. Johnson is my WR4 this week. Give me all of Odell Beckham Jr. Monday night against the Arizona Cardinals. When Sean McVay continues to make it a point of emphasis to get someone the ball, he is going to get the ball. Beckham is my WR27 this week. D.J. Moore takes on Atlanta, a team he has had good success against in his short career. Moore averages roughly 65 yards per contest against the Falcons and has scored twice in seven meetings. Moore slots in as my WR17.
Start of the Week: D.K. Metcalf
Wide Receiver Sits for Week 14
I have genuine concerns about how 100% fit DeAndre Hopkins really is. Hopkins was limited last week versus the Bears, recording only 2 catches with 1 being a sweet touchdown catch. This week however, it is a totally different beast against the Rams. Hopkins has a date with the best corner in the game, Jalen Ramsey, on the menu. Ramsey has been used mainly as a free-roaming safety this year, except when he has faced top tier wide receivers (insert Davante Adams). Hopkins is my WR9 this week because he is a star, however I would be very cautious if you need to get a win this week. Yet if you subscribe to the play your stars strategy, I wouldn’t blame you and I am praying to be wrong for your sake.
Until he proves otherwise, I am low on Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. Brown has been underwhelming in three straight games, with Brown not recording over 15 PPR points in that stretch. He is in an offense that wants to run the ball and has started to run the ball more consistently thanks to the emergence of Devonta Freeman. Brown also takes on a Cleveland Browns squad with one of the best young corners in the game in Denzel Ward. I really do need to see it, and this is not the week to go and test fate. I have Brown as my WR22 this week.
Well, it was fun while it lasted for anyone riding the Brandon Aiyuk train. Aiyuk was in a prime spot to produce last week versus Seattle and he simply didn’t, totalling 3 for 55 on 6 targets. This is too important of a week to trust a receiver that had high draft pedigree this past draft season, yet has totally underwhelmed. Aiyuk is my WR32, and that may be too generous.
Other WR Sits this Week: Brandin Cooks is a must sit this week and perhaps beyond. I simply cannot trust anyone that is catching passes from Davis Mills and is a member of the Texans offense. Cooks is my WR30 this week. Chase Claypool continues to do nothing of sizable importance for fantasy, and he is way down in my ranks this week. Claypool slots in as my WR37. Although enticing, do not start a single Denver Broncos receiver this week against the Detroit Lions. While I can see one of Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick, or Courtland Sutton having a nice game, I can’t guess as to who it will be.
Sit of the Week: Brandon Aiyuk
Tight End Starts for Week 14
Rob Gronkowski has officially entered the must-start range for fantasy tight ends. Hallelujah, it is a miracle, one more tight end we can rely on hooray! Gronk had himself a day against the Falcons, with two touchdowns to add to his tally of 6 for the season. The matchup versus Buffalo isn’t great, but he is Tom Brady’s ultimate safety blanket/ red zone dynamo. Start Gronk with supreme confidence, as Gronk is my TE3 this week.
I do like Tyler Higbee a bit on Monday Night Football this week. The Rams tight end has been one of the most targeted red zone players in the league this season, and in a game where there should be lots of points I see a prime spot to capitalize if you are streaming tight end. Higbee is my TE11 this week.
Other TE Starts this Week: Give me Ricky Seals-Jones as a deep, sneaky start this week against Dallas. With the injury to Logan Thomas sidelining him for the remainder of the year, I do see some appeal here with RSJ. Monitor the injury reports with him, as he is currently questionable. Seals-Jones is my TE15 this week, with loads of upside. Noah Fant is a borderline start for me this week, probably requiring a touchdown to return any sort of value. Fant is my TE10 this week.
Start of the Week: Rob Gronkowksi
Tight End Sits for Week 14
Kyle Pitts has done nothing to warrant a spot in your lineup any further. Pitts has been so underwhelming in his rookie season, some his fault and some not. Yet in a week that matters (have I mentioned that enough yet?), I simply cannot rely on Pitts to do anything of substance. Pitts is my TE9 this week, firmly in touchdown or bust territory.
A trendy pickup last week with the absence of Darren Waller, Foster Moreau simply let fantasy managers down in a big way versus the Washington Football Team, totaling one singular catch. If Waller returns this week versus the Chiefs this section becomes irrelevant, however if it is Moreau I can’t trust him in this big of a spot. Moreau is my TE17 this week.
Other TE Sits this Week: In an offense where it is easy to get lost, Dalton Schultz has a little bit for the Dallas Cowboys. He has a good matchup versus Washington, yet falls in that dreaded touchdown or bust range. Schultz ranks as my TE12 this week. If you have to start him, I get it I do, but Dawson Knox may as well be the poster child for touchdown or bust university. Knox needs a touchdown to return any sort of value. Knox comes in as my TE8 this week, yet I do not love it.
Normally, this is where I end the column and everyone goes on their merry way to go and set their lineups. However, this is it. This is the last column I will be writing for the regular season of fantasy football this year. The next time we speak, it will be in the full force of the fantasy playoffs. To those who are fighting for a spot this week, good luck and best wishes. To those who are fighting for byes this week, very best of luck. Two wins to win a championship is way easier than three, remember that. And to those that are just here for a good time, your commitment is noted and appreciated.
Good luck to everyone, no matter the circumstances. See you on the other side.
