FANTASY FOOTBALL: Week Fourteen Starters

It’s now Week #14 in the NFL, which means this weekend is the start of the playoffs in fantasy football. If your team was one of the lucky ones to make the playoffs, it’s all or nothing from this point forward. Here now, is a look at some of the best players to start this weekend, as well as some sleeper picks who could help you win your first playoff game of the year.

QUARTERBACKS-

1. Kurt Warner- Warner, playing in his first game in over a month, looks like a great start this weekend. After the home loss to the New Orleans Saints last weekend, look for Warner and the St. Louis Rams to rebound in a big way. Look for Warner to throw for at least three touchdowns and have close to 300 yards passing against the Carolina Panthers.

2. Peyton Manning- Another great start at quarterback this weekend is Peyton Manning going up against the NY Jets. The Jets’ defense hasn’t played particularly well the last couple of games. Combine that with the Colts losing last weekend to the Miami Dolphins, Manning and the rest of the Colts offense will be come up huge in this game. Every game from this point forward is important to the Indianapolis Colts. Look for Manning to throw for at least two touchdowns and have around 275 yards passing.

Other Quality Starters-

Mark Brunell vs. Cleveland Brad Johnson vs. NY Giants Rich Gannon at Pittsburgh

Sleeper of the Week-

Shaun King- Just about any NFL quarterback going against the Dallas defense is a quality starter. King and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should have a nice game against the 4-8 Dallas Cowboys. This weekend, look for King to throw for around 225 yards passing and have two touchdowns.

RUNNING BACKS-

1. Fred Taylor- This start is pretty much a no brainer. Fred Taylor and the Jacksonville Jaguars play host to the Cleveland Browns this weekend. If you have Taylor on your fantasy team, just sit back and relax and reap the benefits of having one of the best running backs in the NFL going up against an awful defense.

2. Marshall Faulk- Where was Marshall Faulk last weekend against the New Orleans Saints? Faulk was taken out of the Rams’ offense very early in the game and was a non-factor. This weekend, Faulk will bounce back in a big way against the Carolina Panthers. Look for Faulk to have close to 150 total yards and have at least one score.

Other Quality Starters-

Eddie George at Philadelphia Edgerrin James at NY Jets Corey Dillon vs. Arizona

Sleeper of the Week-

Emmitt Smith- Emmitt Smith is usually not a sleeper pick, however, this weekend he will be. This weekend, Smith and the Cowboys go to Tampa Bay to play the Buccaneers. Many people would not start Smith against this tough Buccaneers defense, but I say go ahead. Smith won’t get many yards in this game, however he could get one or two short touchdown runs.

WIDE RECEIVERS-

1. Jimmy Smith- Smith, who was on fire in the beginning of the season, will once again be on fire this weekend. Smith and the Jacksonville Jaguars play host to the Cleveland Browns. Smith should have one of his best games of the season this weekend, as he should easily top the 100-yard receiving mark and have at least one score.

2. Keyshawn Johnson- This weekend, Johnson and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play host to the Dallas Cowboys. Johnson should have a great game this weekend, as the injury depleted Cowboys’ defense can not stop anyone. Look for Johnson to get over 100 yards receiving and have one touchdown.

Other Quality Starters-

Marvin Harrison at NY Jets Isaac Bruce at Carolina Torry Holt at Carolina

Sleeper of the Week-

Keenan McCardell- This weekend, look for the Jacksonville Jaguars to score a lot of points against the Cleveland Browns. A good sleeper pick this weekend looks to be Keenan McCardell. The Browns’ defense will try to stop both Fred Taylor and Jimmy Smith, leaving less pressure on McCardell. McCardell won’t have a blockbuster game, however, 75 yards receiving and one touchdown are very obtainable.

TIGHT ENDS-

1. Tony Gonzalez- The best starting tight end this weekend looks to be Gonzalez of the Kansas City Chiefs. Gonzalez and the Chiefs go to Foxboro Stadium to face the New England Patriots on Monday night. So far this season, Gonzalez is having a Pro Bowl type season. Gonzalez should once again have a great game, as he should top the 75-yard receiving mark and have one score.

2. Freddie Jones- Another must start this weekend at tight end is Freddie Jones of the San Diego Chargers. Jones and the Chargers play host to the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers’ defensive secondary is still very exploitable, so Jones should easily have over 50 yards receiving in this game.

Other Quality Starters-

Frank Wycheck at Philadelphia Roland Williams at Carolina Jay Riemersma vs. Miami

Sleeper of the Week-

Kyle Brady- Kyle Brady is another starter from the Jacksonville Jaguars who could be in for a decent game. Just about every offensive player from the Jacksonville Jaguars should be started on your fantasy team. Look for Brady to get a lot of short passes thrown his way, and maybe one of those passes could be for a touchdown.

Defenses and Special Teams-

1. Tampa Bay- The Buccaneers host the Dallas Cowboys this weekend in Tampa Bay. The "Boys" will be lucky to score 14 points in this game.

2. Tennessee- Donovan McNabb can only do so much this season. In this game, Mcnabb will have a tough time against the "Freak" and the rest of the Titans’ defense.

Other Quality Starters-

Miami at Buffalo Oakland at Pittsburgh Jacksonville at Cleveland

Sleeper of the Week-

Green Bay- With Marcus Robinson out of the Bears lineup this weekend, who on the Chicago Bears is going to score? If you’re looking for a good sleeper pick, this might be it.