Monday Night Football Fantasy Versus | Week 14 

We’ve got a rather salty Steelers-49ers matchup on the docket for next Monday night, but first, we have to get through week 14, which will come to a close this evening when the 2-10 St. Louis Rams travel north to take on the 5-7 Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football.

Try to contain your excitement.

Fantasy playoff implications may actually make some of you decide to watch this.

And to those I say, I’m sorry. Regardless, here are our picks for tonight’s action if you need the extra bit of advice:

Quarterbacks

Sam Bradford (Rams) vs. Tom Brandstater (Rams) vs. Tarvaris Jackson (Seahawks)

Sam Bradford is expected to make tonight’s start, but is a game-time decision with a bum ankle. With his status up in the air, Tom Brandstater could hold some value tonight. But even with a suspect Seahawks pass defense on the docket, I don’t love either Rams quarterbacks – Bradford because of the ankle, and Brandstater because he’s not very good.

If just by default, you have to roll with T-Jax. Although if you’re using any of these guys, you’re probably drunk.

Running Backs

Steven Jackson (Rams) vs. Marshawn Lynch (Seahawks)

Jackson has been stinking it up of late, having rushed for no more than 64 yards in any of the last three games. He also hasn’t found the end zone since week eight. With Seattle likely loading the box against Jackson and the third-string QB, don’t expect this to be a break-out game.

Even if Jackson was his normal, productive self, you’d be taking a major risk by starting him over Lynch. I have no explanation whatsoever for this, but no fantasy back has been more productive than Lynch over the past five games.

You’re certainly not benching him, especially against a beaten-down defense like St. Louis.

Wide Receivers

Brandon Lloyd (Rams) vs. Doug Baldwin (Seahawks)

I actually had to look up the St. Louis depth chart just to see if they actually had any receiver on the roster. I’d completely forgotten about Lloyd, who has actually been fairly serviceable since coming over from Denver. If any receiver is going to do any damage for the Rams, it’s him.

The rookie Baldwin has shown flashes here-and-there, but has really only had two truly productive games (weeks one and five).

With the way Lynch is running the ball, don’t expect much out of the Seahawks’ passing game. While you obviously can’t depend at all on some dude named Tom Brandstater, Lloyd is still the most likely candidate to put up fantasy points.

Brandon Gibson (Rams) vs. Golden Tate (Seahawks)

Tate has scored touchdowns in consecutive weeks, and is quickly rising up the Seattle depth chart.

Gibson was seeing consistent looks from A.J. Feeley, but, obviously, Feeley isn’t playing.

Neither is anything more than a high-risk WR3, but if you’re forced to pick one, go with Tate and hope his touchdown streak continues.

Tight Ends

Lance Kendricks (Rams) vs. Zach Miller (Seahawks)

Zach Miller’s fantasy death this season has been rather sad. He did have a season-high 53 yards last week, but it’s pretty depressing in the first place that his season-high is 53 yards. He also hasn’t scored a single touchdown. This is a guy that was a solid fantasy option as a pass-catcher in the RAIDERS’ offense. Yet Seattle has no use for him? Baffling.

Many seem to believe that Kendricks has a future as a top-tier tight end in the league eventually.

Once again, there’s no way you should be putting your fantasy playoff life on the line with one of these guys.

But if you must choose, go with Kendricks. 

Kickers

Steven Hauschka (Seahawks) vs. Josh Brown (Rams)

Josh Brown was supposed to be a stud fantasy kicker, but the Rams would-be explosive offense has never gotten on track. They’re 2-10 for a reason, so you have to roll with the more reliable Hauschka, who has the better matchup.

Team Defenses

Seattle Seahawks vs. St. Louis Rams

Neither defense is elite, but the Rams are clearly the team that is struggling more, and they can be run and passed on with ease. The Seahawks, on the other hand, can get destroyed through the air, but have been very solid against the run. Look for Seattle to force a few turnovers and be the better unit tonight as they try to get to 6-7.

About the author: Taylor Smith

Taylor Smith has been with NFL Soup since its inception, and is a jack of all trades, helping with breaking news, fantasy football advice and NFL Draft coverage. Smith also heads NFL Soup's live chats and radio shows. Taylor also contributes content to our sister sites, MLB Soup, NBA Soup and NBA Water Cooler. He lives in San Diego, where he also is a writer for the L.A. Clippers. Follow him on Twitter @NFLSoupTaylor.