Week 14 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Making the Call on Fantasy Football Fringe Starters

There are important lineup decisions to make every week of the fantasy football season. But the stakes are even higher this week for many managers, some of whom will have to choose the right players to avoid the end of their seasons.

Week 14 marks the final week of the regular season in many fantasy leagues. After that, the playoff field will be set, with postseason matchups occurring from Weeks 15-17.

For managers squarely on the playoff bubble at this point, the wrong choices could have huge repercussions. So, make sure to do plenty of research before setting your lineup for the most critical week of the season thus far.

Here's some Week 14 start/sit advice to help managers during that process.

Over the past two weeks, Tyrone Tracy Jr.'s opportunities have dropped a bit.

The 25-year-old has gotten only nine carries in each of the New York Giants' past two games, as they work Devin Singletary back into their backfield mix.

However, Tracy still had a solid fantasy showing in Week 13, as the rookie got into the end zone against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. He also racked up 65 total yards to go along with that touchdown, so he's carrying some positive momentum into Week 14.

The Giants' running game should have success against the New Orleans Saints, who are giving up the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs this season, per NFL.com.

So, feel confident in sticking with Tracy in fantasy lineups this week.

Some fantasy managers may be tempted to start Gus Edwards again this week because Los Angeles Chargers teammate J.K. Dobbins remains sidelined by a left knee injury.

But that doesn't make Edwards a must-start play. In fact, he should be avoided.

The 29-year-old had a quiet showing in Dobbins' absence last week, when he recorded six carries for 32 yards and a one-yard catch vs. the Atlanta Falcons. He also failed to get into the end zone, leaving his season touchdown total at one.

Even though Edwards will be the Chargers' starting running back in Week 14, he's unlikely to have a big showing. L.A. is going on the road to face the AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs, who are giving up the fewest points to RBs this season, per NFL.com.

Last week, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley had only two catches, less than in any of his previous six games.

The 29-year-old also couldn't get into the end zone during a lopsided loss to the Washington Commanders.

Despite that, fantasy managers should stick with the Alabama product in Week 14. He continues to be one of quarterback Will Levis' top targets, and he has had at least six passes thrown his way in eight consecutive games.

Ridley should get back on track in Week 14. The Titans are hosting the AFC South rival Jacksonville Jaguars, who are giving up the third-most fantasy points to WRs this season, per NFL.com, so it's a great matchup for him and Tennessee's passing attack.

The New York Jets have struggled for much of the season, but one area of their team that remains strong is their pass defense. In fact, they've given up the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season, per NFL.com.

So, Week 14 doesn't provide a great matchup for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who could have trouble producing results against the Jets' secondary.

The 26-year-old hasn't had much fantasy success all season, as he has only a pair of touchdowns and just two games with more than 57 receiving yards.

Waddle can't be trusted in fantasy lineups at this point, and especially not when he's going up against a strong pass defense. Leave him on the bench and find a better option.