{"id":257562,"date":"2025-12-05T08:30:27","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T13:30:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=257562"},"modified":"2025-12-04T20:00:35","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T01:00:35","slug":"fantasy-football-wide-receivers-start-bench-week-14","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/12\/05\/fantasy-football-wide-receivers-start-bench-week-14\/","title":{"rendered":"Fantasy Football: Wide Receivers to Start or Bench Based on Matchups in Week 14"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Week 14 of the Fantasy Football season is upon us, and it&#8217;s do-or-die for many teams that are trying to make the playoffs. Getting your lineups right this week is as important as it gets. With that in mind, we&#8217;ve got some recommendations about a few wide receivers you should start, and a few you should bench.<\/p>\n<h2>Week 14 Wide Receiver Start or Bench<\/h2>\n<h3>Start: MIA WR Jaylen Waddle vs. NYJ CB Brandon Stephens<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_127879\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-127879\" style=\"width: 594px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-127879\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2022\/01\/gettyimages-1363702220-594x594-1.jpg\" alt=\"Dolphins Wildcat\" width=\"594\" height=\"407\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2022\/01\/gettyimages-1363702220-594x594-1.jpg 594w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2022\/01\/gettyimages-1363702220-594x594-1-300x206.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-127879\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Michael Reaves\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>With <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/dolphins\/\" target=\"_self\">Miami<\/a> still somewhat in the playoff hunt, they will need to beat the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/jets\/\" target=\"_self\">Jets<\/a> this weekend. The Dolphins rely on RB De\u2019Von Achane heavily for obvious reasons, but this is a game where Waddle could have a great game. The Jets\u2019 defense got worse at the trade deadline by trading two defensive anchors, yet they still have a top 10 pass defense. However, over the last three games, they have given up 215 passing yards a game. I like Waddle\u2019s matchup this week, so I would slide him into your lineup.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em><strong>For more help with your fantasy football rosters, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/12\/03\/fantasy-football-start-sit-week-14\/\" target=\"_self\">Week 14 Start\/Sit<\/a>!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Start: CIN WR Tee Higgins vs. BUF CB Christian Benford<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_161876\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-161876\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-161876\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/07\/USATSI_22182459_168400545_lowres-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Tee Higgins\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/07\/USATSI_22182459_168400545_lowres-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/07\/USATSI_22182459_168400545_lowres-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/07\/USATSI_22182459_168400545_lowres-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/07\/USATSI_22182459_168400545_lowres-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/07\/USATSI_22182459_168400545_lowres-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/07\/USATSI_22182459_168400545_lowres-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/07\/USATSI_22182459_168400545_lowres-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-161876\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This one is a bit bold, but the confidence I have in Joe Burrow is off the charts. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/bills\/\" target=\"_self\">Buffalo<\/a> is the best pass defense in the league, and it is a big part of their record. Higgins is working his way back from a concussion, but signs point to him playing. We know how lethal the trio of Burrow, Higgins, and Ja\u2019Marr Chase can be when all three of them are on the field together. I would start Higgins this weekend.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h3>Start: JAX WR Jakobi Meyers vs. IND CB Mekhi Blackmon<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-257565\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Jakobi-Meyers-Week-14-Wide-Receivers-to-start-1024x614.jpg\" alt=\"Jakobi Meyers Week 14 Wide Receivers to start\" width=\"640\" height=\"384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Jakobi-Meyers-Week-14-Wide-Receivers-to-start-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Jakobi-Meyers-Week-14-Wide-Receivers-to-start-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Jakobi-Meyers-Week-14-Wide-Receivers-to-start-768x461.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Jakobi-Meyers-Week-14-Wide-Receivers-to-start-1536x922.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/Jakobi-Meyers-Week-14-Wide-Receivers-to-start-2048x1229.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Meyers is one of the most underrated receivers in the league, and he is fitting in nicely in <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/jaguars\/\" target=\"_self\">Jacksonville<\/a>. He has scored a touchdown in two straight games with the Jaguars, and Sauce Gardner is likely out this week. Meyers has seen six targets in each of the last three games, so obviously QB Trevor Lawrence and HC Liam Coen trust him. With the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/colts\/\" target=\"_self\">Colts<\/a> on full tilt, Meyers could have another good game this week.<\/p>\n<h3>Sit: IND WR Michael Pittman Jr. vs. JAX CB Greg Newsome II<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-134648\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2022\/08\/Michael-Pittman.jpeg\" alt=\"Michael Pittman Fantasy Football Week 9 Wide Receivers\" width=\"680\" height=\"453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2022\/08\/Michael-Pittman.jpeg 680w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2022\/08\/Michael-Pittman-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2022\/08\/Michael-Pittman-600x400.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Pittman lands on the hate list again this week. Last week, he was bottled up for just one catch for 13 yards. This week, the Colts face a Jaguars pass defense that has improved since trading for Greg Newsome II. Over the last three games, Jacksonville has allowed just 161 pass yards a game. With Daniel Jones\u2019 fibula injury and shaky playcalling from HC Shane Steichen, it will be hard to trust Pittman this week again.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h3>Sit: PIT WR D.K. Metcalf vs. BAL CB Nate Wiggins<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_257566\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-257566\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-257566\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27550408_168419650_lowres-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27550408_168419650_lowres-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27550408_168419650_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27550408_168419650_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27550408_168419650_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27550408_168419650_lowres-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27550408_168419650_lowres-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/12\/USATSI_27550408_168419650_lowres-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-257566\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/steelers\/\" target=\"_self\">Steelers<\/a>\u2019 struggles on offense, plus QB Aaron Rodgers\u2019 injury, contribute to Metcalf being on the hate list this week. Metcalf has not scored a touchdown or gone over 50 yards receiving since the end of October. The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/ravens\/\" target=\"_self\">Ravens<\/a> defense has greatly improved as the season has gone on. They are mostly healthy, but Nate Wiggins is considered day-to-day. Despite that, Baltimore\u2019s defense is playing like the Baltimore defense that we know and love.<\/p>\n<h3>Sit: WSH WR Deebo Samuel vs. MIN CB Isaiah Rodgers<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_251387\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-251387\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-251387\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/USATSI_27257691-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Deebo Samuals Week 7 Wide Receiver Rankings fantasy football\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/USATSI_27257691-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/USATSI_27257691-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/USATSI_27257691-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/USATSI_27257691-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/USATSI_27257691-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/USATSI_27257691-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/USATSI_27257691-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-251387\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Terry McLaurin returned for the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/washington-commanders\/\" target=\"_self\">Commanders<\/a> last week, and he saw 14 targets compared to Samuel\u2019s seven targets. That is still a healthy amount of looks, but make no mistake that McLaurin has returned to his WR1 spot on the team. The other factor here is that Minnesota has a top-five pass defense that largely goes unnoticed because of their offensive struggles. The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/vikings\/\" target=\"_self\">Vikings<\/a> are allowing just 178 pass yards a game this season. I would be cautious putting Samuel in my lineup this week.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>For more great fantasy football analysis, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/drroto.com\/category\/blog\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DrRoto.com<\/a>!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Week 14 of the Fantasy Football season is upon us, and it&#8217;s do-or-die for many teams that are trying to make the playoffs. Getting your lineups right this week is as important as it gets. With that in mind, we&#8217;ve got some recommendations about a few wide receivers you should start, and a few you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5637,"featured_media":257565,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[59,33917],"tags":[2320,9531],"class_list":["post-257562","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fantasy","category-advice","tag-nfl-schedule","tag-starts-and-sits"],"modified_by":"Doug Henderson","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/257562","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5637"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=257562"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/257562\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":257567,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/257562\/revisions\/257567"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/257565"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=257562"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=257562"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=257562"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}