For most leagues, Week 14 is either the first week of the playoffs or the last week before the playoffs. Either way, it’s a big week, so choose your lineups wisely.

SMART STARTS
Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles: Despite key injuries on offense, McNabb and the Eagles haven’t missed a beat. They are so deep at WR, and they are motivated after pulling into a tie with the Cowboys in the NFC East. Those same Cowboys, despite losing, passed at will against the Giants last week, and McNabb should as well.

Ryan Grant, RB, Packers: Green Bay’s passing game has ramped up over the past few weeks, somewhat leaving Grant behind. But the Bears won’t stop either Sunday (remember last week, when they gave up a 100-yard game to Steven Jackson, bad back and all). Expect a 100-yard game and a TD from Grant.

Roddy White WR, Falcons: He is a must-start anyway, but don’t be deceived by the fact Matt Ryan is still sidelined — White will still put up decent numbers, particularly against a Saints secondary that let Devin Thomas look like Jerry Rice last week.

THE SLEEPERS
Chris Brown, RB, Texans: With Steve Slaton on the IR, Houston turns to Ryan Moats and Chris Brown to carry the running load. Moats got more carries last week; I see Brown getting more this week, and at least getting the ball again near the end zone.

Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens: Flacco stunk against the Packers last week, but there’s no better cure for stinking than a home game against the Lions. Expect him to rebound.

Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers: Jackson’s production has dropped off the past few weeks, which may tempt fantasy owners to sit him at this crucial time of the season. I think that this will be the week he returns to fantasy form, topping 100 yards and eight receptions against the Cowboys.

HAVE A SEAT
Brett Favre, QB, Vikings: If you have an equal option to Favre on your bench, consider holding off on the future Hall of Famer. Minnesota might run more against Cincinnati (especially after Adrian Peterson’s dreadful game last week), and Favre started throwing familiar interceptions that could turn into a trend.

Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals: I hate to automatically say that a running back against the Vikings is a bad play, but … I think Benson this week is a bad play against the Vikings. He carried the ball 36 times last week after coming off injury — durability might be an issue.

Jay Cutler, QB, Bears: The Packers are second in the league in interceptions snagged. Cutler is leading the league in interceptions thrown. Do the math.