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Here’s a look back at Week 14’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
WEEK 14 RECAP
Lions 34, Packers 31: The Jayden Reed rollercoaster has been quite a ride this season. Reed is the overall WR8 in standard formats (WR18 in PPR) through 14 weeks, but he hasn’t topped 26 receiving yards since Week 9, and his goose egg at Detroit likely kept some teams from reaching the fantasy playoffs.
Jaguars 10, Titans 6: Both Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne were healthy on Sunday at Tennessee and it sure seemed like Etienne was primarily involved on passing downs, catching four passes out of the backfield. Bigsby had 18 carries compared to Etienne’s four, and finished with 55 yards and a touchdown.
Dolphins 32, Jets 26 (OT): Aaron Rodgers threw for 339 yards and a TD at Miami on Sunday. Rodgers topped 300 passing yards for the first time since December 2021. He’s on pace to complete 63.1% of his passes for 3,879 yards and 26 TD passes against 10 interceptions in his first full season with New York. His final season in Green Bay, Rodgers completed 64.6% of his passes for 3,695 yards and 26 TD passes against 12 interceptions.
Vikings 42, Falcons 21: Kirk Cousins is the overall QB30 since Week 10 with zero TD passes and eight interceptions in his last four games. The schedule lightens up for Atlanta the rest of the way, but it wouldn’t surprise me if we see Michael Penix Jr. get some reps if Cousins can’t pull out of this nosedive.
Saints 14, Giants 11: Kendra Miller finished with 32 yards and a TD on 10 carries in New York on Sunday. I anticipate New Orleans featuring a run-heavy offense without Derek Carr, which means the second-year tailback could see double-digit touches going forward.
Eagles 22, Panthers 16: Adam Thielen is the overall WR13 in standard formats (WR10 in PPR) since returning from injury in Week 12. He has 17 receptions (21 targets) for 201 yards and a TD in the last two games and features WR3/flex upside going forward.
Steelers 27, Browns 14: George Pickens has a Grade 2 hamstring injury and it could cause him to miss a second straight game. Mike Williams had three receptions (four targets) for 36 yards in Pickens’ absence against Cleveland, but will likely be needed much more against the Eagles this week. Calvin Austin has a TD in two of the last three games, and would deserve flex consideration as well if Pickens remains out.
Buccaneers 28, Raiders 13: Brock Bowers broke the record for most receptions by a rookie tight end, pushing his total to 87 with three receptions for 49 yards at Tampa Bay. Sam LaPorta had 86 last season. Bowers is on pace to finish this season with 114, which would be two short of Zach Ertz’s NFL single-season record for a tight end he set in 2018.
Seahawks 30, Cardinals 18: Jaxon Smith-Njigba had five receptions for 82 yards and a TD at Arizona on Sunday. It was his fifth straight game with 70-plus receiving yards, tying the longest streak in team history with both D.K. Metcalf (2020) and Steve Largent (1985).
Rams 44, Bills 42: Fresh out of a phone booth, Josh Allen became the first player in NFL history to pass for three TDs and run for three TDs in a regular-season game. The legendary Otto Graham did it in the 1956 NFL title game for the Browns, and they actually won the game, 56-10 over the Lions.
49ers 38, Bears 13: Isaac Guerendo suffered a foot sprain in the blowout of Chicago and might not be ready to go on a short week. Patrick Taylor had 25 yards and a TD on seven carries on Sunday, and is the next man up, but if Guerendo is out, San Francisco will likely go with a committee approach, featuring Deebo Samuel and Kyle Juszczyk. The Niners might even include Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Israel Abanikanda in the game plan.
Chiefs 19, Chargers 17: Travis Kelce is on pace to finish the season with 105 receptions for 892 yards and three TDs. While the receptions would tie for the second-most in Kelce’s illustrious career, the yards would be his fewest since 2015 and he’s never scored fewer than four TDs (not counting his rookie season when he only played in one game).
Bengals 27, Cowboys 20: Ja’Marr Chase is on pace to finish the season with 122 receptions on 166 targets for 1,725 yards and 20 TDs. All would career highs. Chase is also currently leading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards and TD receptions. He’d be the third receiver to accomplish the triple crown this century if it holds. Cooper Kupp (2021) and Steve Smith (2005) are the other two. Don Hutson, the only receiver to do it more than once, did it five times for the Packers (1936, 1941-44).
Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.
Here’s my best bets for Week 15:
L.A. RAMS AT SAN FRANCISCO
Obvious starters: Kyren Williams (LAR), Puka Nacua (LAR), Cooper Kupp (LAR), George Kittle (SF), Jauan Jennings (SF).
Who to start: Matthew Stafford (LAR) is the overall QB7 since Week 8 completing 66.8% of his passes for 1,911 yards and 16 TD passes against only three interceptions in the last seven games. Deebo Samuel (SF) hasn’t done much of late, but he’s scored a TD in six of his nine career games against the Rams. Brock Purdy (SF) is averaging the ninth-most fantasy points per game since Week 6 for quarterbacks and faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to the position. Isaac Guerendo (SF) has RB2/flex upside if he’s active (foot), but there’s risk in playing him.
Who to sit: Demarcus Robinson (LAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only seven receptions in the last five games. Blake Corum (LAR) has received eight carries in back-to-back games, but he’s still only TD-dependent. I’m fading both the Rams D/ST and 49ers D/ST.
Sleeper: Patrick Taylor (SF) has flex appeal in deeper leagues if Guerendo is out or limited.
KANSAS CITY AT CLEVELAND
Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC).
Who to start: Isiah Pacheco (KC) has RB2/flex upside against a defense that has allowed 13 TD runs to running backs in 13 games. DeAndre Hopkins (KC) is the overall WR13 in standard formats (WR15 in PPR) since Week 9. Xavier Worthy (KC) has WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Chiefs D/ST are a solid streaming option against an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. David Njoku (CLE) is an obvious starter if he’s active (hamstring), but it isn’t looking good. Jerry Jeudy (CLE) is the overall WR3 in standard formats (WR5 in PPR) since Week 8 with at least five receptions for 73 yards or a TD in six straight games. Cedric Tillman (CLE) has WR3/flex upside if he’s active (concussion), especially if Njoku is out. Jameis Winston (CLE) always deserves streaming consideration against a defense in the bottom-12 in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks.
Who to sit: Kareem Hunt (KC) is TD-dependent with Pacheco back in the lineup. Nick Chubb (CLE) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. Jerome Ford (CLE) remains TD-dependent with Chubb healthy.
Sleeper(s): Noah Gray (KC) has four receptions in four straight games and faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Elijah Moore (CLE) has flex appeal against a defense that has struggled against slot receivers.
CINCINNATI AT TENNESSEE
Obvious starters: Joe Burrow (CIN), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN), Chase Brown (CIN).
Who to start: Tony Pollard (TEN) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). Calvin Ridley (TEN) is the overall WR15 in standard formats (WR12 in PPR) since Week 8. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (TEN) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed eight TDs to wide receivers in the last four games. Will Levis (TEN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 1,184 passing yards and 11 TD passes the last four games. Chig Okonkwo (TEN) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to tight ends, including a TD in four of the last five games.
Who to sit: Mike Gesicki (CIN) remains TD-dependent with only 12 receptions in the last four games.
Sleeper(s): The Bengals D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Tyjae Spears (TEN) has RB2/flex upside if Pollard is out or limited.
WASHINGTON AT NEW ORLEANS
Obvious starters: Jayden Daniels (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS), Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS), Alvin Kamara (NO).
Who to start: Zach Ertz (WAS) was the overall TE5 in standard formats (TE6 in PPR) in his previous three games before the Commanders’ bye.
Who to sit: It’s hard to trust Marquez Valdes-Scantling (NO) or Juwan Johnson (NO) with Derek Carr likely out (hand/concussion).
Sleeper: The Commanders D/ST deserves streaming consideration against the walking wounded, er, the Saints.
BALTIMORE AT N.Y. GIANTS
Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL), Malik Nabers (NYG).
Who to start: The Ravens D/ST are a premium streaming option against an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Tyrone Tracy (NYG) is the overall RB15 since Week 5, and maintains RB2/flex upside despite a difficult matchup. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
Who to sit: I’m fading Mark Andrews (BAL) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Isaiah Likely (BAL) remains TD-dependent with only nine receptions in his last four games. Devin Singletary (NYG) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 4. Darius Slayton (NYG) only has flex appeal if Nabers is out or limited despite a good matchup.
Sleeper: Rashod Bateman (BAL) has operated as the Ravens’ deep threat and the Giants struggle with the deep ball.
DALLAS AT CAROLINA
Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Chuba Hubbard (CAR).
Who to start: Rico Dowdle (DAL) is the overall RB12 since Week 9 and faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs. Jake Ferguson (DAL) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends. Adam Thielen (CAR) has at least eight receptions for 99 yards in two straight games.
Who to sit: Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 8. Brandin Cooks (DAL) is TD-dependent with only four receptions on 10 targets in two games since returning from injury. Xavier Leggette (CAR) is TD-dependent with only 13 receptions in the last four games.
Sleeper: Cooper Rush (DAL) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 24 TD passes in 13 games.
N.Y. JETS AT JACKSONVILLE
Obvious starters: Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Davante Adams (NYJ), Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC).
Who to start: Breece Hall (NYJ) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee), but it isn’t looking good. As underwhelming as the Jets D/ST has been, they still deserve streaming consideration against the Jaguars. Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Who to sit: Tyler Conklin (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with only 10 receptions in the last five games. I’m fading Evan Engram (JAC) if he’s active (shoulder) against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. It’s hard to trust either Tank Bigsby (JAC) or Travis Etienne (JAC) with a difficult matchup.
Sleeper: Braelon Allen (NYJ) has RB2/flex upside if Hall is out against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs.
MIAMI AT HOUSTON
Obvious starters: De’Von Achane (MIA), Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jonnu Smith (MIA), Nico Collins (HOU), Joe Mixon (HOU).
Who to start: Jaylen Waddle (MIA) has WR3/flex upside if he’s active (hamstring) against a defense that has allowed 19 TDs to wide receivers in 13 games. Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) is the overall QB2 since Week 11, completing 75.2% of his passes for 1,301 yards and 13 TDs with no interceptions in the last four games.
Who to sit: Raheem Mostert (MIA) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 9. Tank Dell (HOU) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. C.J. Stroud (HOU) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading the Texans D/ST against a red-hot QB.
Sleeper: Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense that has allowed 32 receptions for 345 yards and two TDs to tight ends in the last four games.
INDIANAPOLIS AT DENVER
Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Bo Nix (DEN), Courtland Sutton (DEN), Broncos D/ST.
Who to start: Josh Downs (IND) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed 54 receptions for 764 yards and a TD to wide receivers in the last three games. Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) maintains flex appeal with at least five receptions and seven targets in three straight games. Javonte Williams (DEN) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs.
Who to sit: Alec Pierce (IND) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in 10 of the last 11 games. Since Week 5, Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) has double-digit touches only once. Both Devaughn Vele (DEN) and Marvin Mims (DEN) remain boom-or-bust candidates.
Sleeper: Since getting his starting gig back, Anthony Richardson (IND) has finished as the weekly QB4, QB21 and QB9.
BUFFALO AT DETROIT
Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), David Montgomery (DET).
Who to start: Khalil Shakir (BUF) is the overall WR32 in standard formats (WR22 in PPR) through 14 weeks. Amari Cooper (BUF) has WR3/flex upside after receiving 14 targets against the Rams last week. Jameson Williams (DET) is the overall WR16 in standard formats (WR17 in PPR) since Week 11. Jared Goff (DET) faces a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in four of the last five games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Dalton Kincaid (BUF) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Ray Davis (BUF) remains TD-dependent against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m fading both the Bills D/ST and Lions D/ST in a potential offensive bonanza. I’m also fading Sam LaPorta (DET) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.
Sleeper: Keon Coleman (BUF) faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
PITTSBURGH AT PHILADELPHIA
Obvious starters: Najee Harris (PIT), Saquon Barkley (PHI), Jalen Hurts (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI).
Who to start: George Pickens (PIT) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (hamstring), but reports are he has an “outside chance” of playing this Sunday. It’s hard to sit the Steelers D/ST despite a difficult matchup. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) faces a defense that has allowed four TDs to tight ends in the last four games. The Eagles D/ST are tied with the Broncos and Texans for highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 7.
Who to sit: Jaylen Warren (PIT) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Russell Wilson (PIT) faces a defense that has allowed seven TD passes in the last nine games. Calvin Austin (PIT) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in 10 straight games. I’m fading DeVonta Smith (PHI) against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Grant Calcaterra (PHI) is TD-dependent with only 12 targets in four games as a replacement for Dallas Goedert.
Sleeper: There’s a high probability Mike Williams (PIT) receives his highest usage of the season with Pickens likely out.
NEW ENGLAND AT ARIZONA
Obvious starters: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), Hunter Henry (NE), Kyler Murray (ARI), Trey McBride (ARI), James Conner (ARI).
Who to start: DeMario Douglas (NE) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 35 receptions for 474 yards and two TDs to wide receivers in the last three games. Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR29 across most fantasy formats since Week 8. The Cardinals D/ST faces an offense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Michael Wilson (ARI) has flex appeal with at least 54 receiving yards or a TD in three straight games.
Who to sit: Antonio Gibson (NE) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 6. Trey Benson (ARI) only has 10 touches in the last three games.
Sleeper: Drake Maye (NE) was the overall QB10 in the eight games before the Patriots’ bye last week.
TAMPA BAY AT L.A. CHARGERS
Obvious starters: None.
Who to start: Mike Evans (TB) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (hamstring). Rachaad White (TB) is the overall RB11 in standard formats (RB10 in PPR) since Week 7. Bucky Irving (TB) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (back/hip), but it isn’t looking good. Ladd McConkey (LAC) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (knee/shoulder). Justin Herbert (LAC) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Quentin Johnston (LAC) is the overall WR21 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) since Week 9. The Chargers D/ST deserve streaming consideration at home against a banged up offense.
Who to sit: Baker Mayfield (TB) only has five TD passes against four interceptions in the last four games. Cade Otton (TB) is the overall TE24 in standard formats (TE26 in PPR) since Week 10. I’m fading both Jalen McMillan (TB) and Sterling Shepard (TB) on the road with a difficult matchup. Gus Edwards (LAC) is TD-dependent with only 16 carries in two games without J.K. Dobbins.
Sleeper: Stone Smartt (LAC) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends with Will Dissly doubtful to play.
GREEN BAY AT SEATTLE
Obvious starters: Josh Jacobs (GB), Jayden Reed (GB), D.K. Metcalf (SEA), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA).
Who to start: Jordan Love (GB) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in seven of the last 10 games. Tucker Kraft (GB) is the overall TE4 in standard formats (TE9 in PPR) since Week 4. The Packers D/ST face an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Kenneth Walker (SEA) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (calf).
Who to sit: Christian Watson (GB) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 10 receptions in the last four games. Dontayvion Wicks (GB) remains TD-dependent with only 11 receptions in the last six games. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) has RB2/flex upside if Walker is out again. Tyler Lockett (SEA) has three-or-fewer receptions in six straight games. Geno Smith (SEA) has six TD passes against six interceptions in the last six games. I’m fading the Seahawks D/ST against an offense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Noah Fant (SEA) remains TD-dependent with four-or-fewer targets in six of his last seven games.
Sleeper: Romeo Doubs (GB) has flex appeal if he’s active (concussion).
CHICAGO AT MINNESOTA
Obvious starters: D.J. Moore (CHI), Justin Jefferson (MIN), Aaron Jones (MIN), Vikings D/ST.
Who to start: Keenan Allen (CHI) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR9 in standard formats (WR8 in PPR) since Week 12. Jordan Addison (MIN) is the overall WR2 in standard formats (WR3 in PPR) since Week 9 with 30 receptions for 477 yards and six TDs in the last six games. T.J. Hockenson (MIN) faces a defense that has allowed 19 receptions for 295 yards and two TDs to tight ends in the last three games. Sam Darnold (MIN) is the overall QB3 since Week 11, completing 68% of his passes for 1,158 yards with 11 TDs and no interceptions.
Who to sit: I’m fading D’Andre Swift (CHI) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Caleb Williams (CHI) faces a defense that has only allowed four TD passes in the last six games. Cole Kmet (CHI) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in six of the last seven games. The Bears D/ST are 26th in fantasy points since Week 8.
Sleeper: Rome Odunze (CHI) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers.
ATLANTA AT LAS VEGAS
Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Brock Bowers (LV), Jakobi Meyers (LV).
Who to start: Darnell Mooney (ATL) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (foot). Kyle Pitts (ATL) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Ray-Ray McCloud (ATL) has flex appeal — especially if Mooney is out or limited — after finishing with at least four receptions and 95 receiving yards for the second straight game. The Falcons D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) remains TD-dependent with only 19 touches in the last three games. Alexander Mattison (LV) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs.
Sleeper(s): Kirk Cousins (ATL) faces a defense that has allowed 14 TD passes in the last five games. Tre Tucker (LV) faces a defense that has allowed 10 TDs to wide receivers in the last four games.
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