The Seahawks will continue on their quest to nail down a prime playoff berth this week at Green Bay. For Fantasy Football players, the postseason is here, as many leagues open their playoffs in Week 14. Last week was a crucial one for Fantasy owners, as a win likely meant you were awarded a postseason berth. No matter what your league format is, Week 14 brings on another critical Fantasy matchup. You can confidently start several top Seahawks after we witnessed an offensive rebirth of sorts against the Panthers. You can successfully pair key 'Hawks with some other notable choices covered here as you look to build the ideal lineup that can take you to the next round or week.
Last week, Thomas Rawls flashed the form that made him into an instant Fantasy star in 2015, as he rolled up 23.80 standard Fantasy points on NFL.com. Against Green Bay, Rawls will be in the Top 10 at running back Fantasy-wise. The Packers defense, which looks vulnerable at linebacker, has allowed 21.43 Fantasy Points Per Game to opposing running backs on NFL.com over the past four weeks, the third-worst figure registered by NFC teams during that span. Ideally, Rawls will help the Seahawks maintain offensive balance while also allowing them to control the clock and keep Aaron Rodgers off the field as much as possible. So expect a significant workload and at least one rushing touchdown.
The 49ers allow a league high 27.56 Fantasy Points Per Game to opposing running backs, so you can expect a very good outing from Matt Forte this week. The Eagles surrender 20.93 FFPG to the position, and you will get a lot of volume and productivity from Rob Kelley. The Bengals allow 18.88 FFPG to RBs, and Isaiah Crowell will perform well for the Browns, who will fight hard for their first win against a key rival. The Ravens are best against the run, allowing 12.51 FFPG to RBs, but you cannot bench LeGarrette Blount, who leads the NFL with 13 rushing TDs. The Patriots have the second-best offense in the AFC and can put him into short scoring position even against a formidable opponent.
The Packers have yielded 22.49 FFPG to opposing quarterbacks over the last four weeks, second-most in the league. A good running game will set up Russell Wilson for play action strikes against a Green Bay secondary that will have difficulty containing the Seahawks pass-catchers. The Packers do have 30 sacks, tied for the fifth-best total in the NFL, but Wilson's patented escapability and tendency to keep plays alive will put extra pressure on the Green Bay pass defense. He is one of the top Fantasy starts of Week 14 at quarterback.
The Saints have the second-worst pass defense in the NFL, so expect Jameis Winston to approach 300 yards passing with at least two TD passes. The Browns have surrendered an NFL-high 28 TD passes, making Andy Dalton a very viable starter for Week 14. The Eagles have allowed 20.44 FFPG to opposing passers over the past four weeks, and Kirk Cousins is a Top 5 player at QB against them. Carolina has allowed 22 TD passes this year and its secondary can be burned by Philip Rivers.
Green Bay has surrendered 26.36 FFPG on NFL.com to opposing wide receivers this season, the third-most in the league. Doug Baldwin is set for a big week, as he can beat the Packers secondary by gaining yardage after the catch or downfield on medium range passes. Wilson may also take a deep shot to him. Tyler Lockett had his best game of the season last week, totaling 19.80 standard Fantasy points. He's worth starting as a WR3, as his big play ability presents a major challenge for the Packers pass defense. Jermaine Kearse also has some TD potential for those playing in deeper leagues. This could be a big Fantasy week for Wilson and his wide receivers.
Jimmy Graham is looking like the best tight end in Fantasy Football again, as it has been quite a resurgent season for him. It's very apparent that he and Wilson have developed a high comfort level with each other on the field. The Packers allow 9.43 FFPG to the position, fourth-most among NFC teams. Graham could be the most productive TE in Fantasy Football this week, as the Seahawks may have too many weapons for the Packers to handle, and he'll be in line to approach 100 receiving yards with at least one score. A busy day for the Seahawks offense also means Stephen Hauschka will be one of the best Fantasy kickers of Week 14.
The Browns allow 26.03 FFPG to opposing WRs, making Brandon LaFell a quality WR3 play and Tyler Boyd worthy of consideration in larger PPR leagues. Carolina allows 26.05 FFPG to the position, fifth-most in the NFL, and San Diego's Dontrelle Inman is coming on as a downfield playmaker. Rising Patriots rookie Malcolm Mitchell will shine on Monday Night against Baltimore, and Kenny Britt is a nifty play against the Falcons. He is somewhat underrated and has continued to produce despite a recent QB change.
Arizona's Jermaine Gresham is becoming a respectable TE play in PPR formats and won't hurt your Fantasy team. Jason Witten is a very good PPR play against the Giants. The Bengals and Lions are the top defensive streams of the week. Tennessee should keep the score down against Denver and the Chargers are a decent start vs. Carolina.Â
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