Bengals fantasy sit/start advice Week 14

Since I'll be in Atlantic City this weekend celebrating my three decades of living on this planet, I decided not to recap Week 13 for fantasy owners of Bengals players. I wanted to make sure this Sit/Start article received the attention it deserves.

If you aren't already in your fantasy playoffs, you're likely a week away from them. If you're already locked for a playoff berth, congratulations! If you're clawing your way into your fantasy playoffs in Week 14, hopefully we can put the value of Bengals players into perspective for you for another week. If you're eliminated from your playoffs and you're reading this anyway, that's perfectly fine. I'll do my best to help you imagine the implications of fighting for your fantasy Super Bowl.

Andy Dalton: The Colts are average against fantasy quarterbacks this season, and Andy Dalton is average against any fantasy defense. If there was any doubt that Dalton is a QB2 this season, his performance against the San Diego Chargers should have proven it. San Diego was an opportunity for Dalton to prove he can at least put up good numbers against softer fantasy defenses. Instead, Dalton put up one of his weaker fantasy performances of the season. He's an option for two types of leagues: 1) Two-quarterback leagues, and 2) Leagues with Bengals fans that either love to play with fire or are absolutely with their back against the wall at their quarterback position. If you don't fill either one of those descriptions, please don't start Andy Dalton in during your fantasy playoffs.

Running backs: Giovani Bernard struggled to get much going for fantasy owners against the Chargers, but he's still a solid option for any RB2 or flex spot on your roster. He doesn't have an intimidating schedule for the remainder of the season outside of Week 17, and he'll continue to be a big part of the passing game regardless of the match up. Against the Colts, Bernard is a low-end RB2 option. Of course, he gets a boost in PPR leagues.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis had a great performance against the Chargers on Sunday, but it's important to remember that Green-Ellis was scoreless since Week 5 until that game. He may be able to gain some yardage in your flex spot but don't expect him to do much else on a weekly basis. Start with caution if you're simply out of options.

Wide receivers: A.J. Green returned to putting up A.J. Green numbers against the Chargers on Sunday. He'll look to continue doing A.J. Green things against the Colts, who are giving up the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Part of me wants to really dissect the potential of Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu, but there's simply no reason anyone should be gambling with either receiver in Week 14. There's too much at stake for fantasy owners at this time of the year, and both receivers should be on your waiver wire.

Tight ends: Start Jermaine Gresham if you're simply banking on a rare touchdown, otherwise both Gresham and Tyler Eifert should remain on your bench or waiver wire. Neither tight end does enough consistently to deserve a state, but I understand that desperate measures. If your league is handing you lemons, just know that Gresham has scored twice over his past four games.

Defense/ Special teams: Alright! I give up! Every week, I tell everyone that they should start the Bengals defense, but I understand why they wouldn't against strong offenses. Enough of the conservative approach. Start them. I don't care that it's Week 14. I don't care if you're worried about making the playoffs, or moving on to the next postseason game in your league. This isn't even a game anymore, Bengals. You're the answer. I get it. They're the fourth best defense in fantasy football on the season, and you're simply the best for owning them. Get them in your lineup.