There's still a little over a month left in the NFL regular season, but Week 14 signals the end of the regular season in many fantasy leagues. So, as high as the stakes are for some NFL teams this week, they are that much higher in fantasy.
Thursday's NFC North matchup between the Packers and Lions in Detroit has big-time playoff implications. But given how choked that game is with fantasy-relevant players, it's also going to have a major impact on the fantasy playoff chase.
There are any number of other questions from this week's slate that will determine which fantasy managers move on to the playoffs and who calls it a year.
Can rookie Isaac Guerendo be trusted as the new lead back for the San Francisco 49ers? Can Jameis Winston and the Cleveland Browns back up last week's ridiculous passing numbers against the Pittsburgh Steelers? Will there be a punt in Monday night's matchup between the Bengals and Cowboys?
We have the answers to those questions and many more with a game-by-game fantasy breakdown of who to start, who to sit, sleepers and injury news for Week 14.
Let's get rolling with a game that should start the week with a bang.
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are the hottest team in the NFL, and one that has been blasted by injuries on defense. The offense is in better shape injury-wise, with no skill-position players of importance in danger of missing Thursday's big NFC North showdown.
The Packers aren't quite as fortunate. Running back Josh Jacobs has been limited in practice but is expected to play. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs is out as he's in the NFL's concussion protocol.
Start of the Week
Jayden Reed, RB, Detroit Lions [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,200]: Reed ranks just outside the top-10 wide receivers in PPR points for the season, and he takes on a Detroit pass defense that ranks 25th in the NFL this year.
Sit of the Week
Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,200]: In a week with six teams on bye, Jacobs is next to impossible to sit for most fantasy managers. But no team in the NFC has given up fewer PPR points per game to running backs this year than the Lions.
Sleeper
Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,200]: LaPorta hasn't been able to duplicate his rookie success in 2024, but he now faces a Packers team that has allowed the eighth-most PPR points per game to tight ends this season.
Stat to Know
154.4. The number of rushing yards per game the Lions have tallied this year, which ranks fourth in the NFL. Both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery rank among the top-10 running backs in PPR points, and both are on pace to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards for the season. This will be the first time two backs on the same team eclipsed 1,000 yards on the ground since Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams of the Carolina Panthers in 2009.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
All of the Jets are suffering from wounded pride after a miserable 2024 season. They also have problems in the backfield--running back Breece Hall sat out practice all week with a knee issue and is doubtful.
Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) also had his 21-day window opened to return from injured reserve and is expected to be activated ahead of Sunday's game.
The Dolphins desperately need a win this week, and they will be at close to full strength offensively--the only injury of any import to fantasy managers is running back Raheem Mostert, who is questionable with a hip injury.
Start of the Week
Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,100]: The Jets haven't been a good matchup for opposing receivers this year, but with Sauce Gardner expected to sit Sunday the New York secondary is a lot less imposing. Hill is overdue for a huge game--it happens in Week 14.
Sit of the Week
Davante Adams, WR, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: Like just about everything in New York this year, Adams has been a disappointment for fantasy managers. That isn't likely to change against a Dolphins defense allowing the second-fewest PPR points per game to wide receivers in 2024.
Sleeper
New York Jets Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,700]: The Jets still have a solid defense, and the Dolphins have been surprisingly kind to opposing defenses this year. They are eighth in fantasy points per game surrendered to the position.
Stat to Know
87.5. That's the passer rating of Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2024, a career low for a full season. The 41-year-old was supposed to be the player who would put New York over the top this year. Instead, there has been talk of benching him the rest of the way. His first full season as Jets starter under center will likely be his last.
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings
The Atlanta Falcons have been reeling of late, but as they travel to take on the Vikings, they will do so at relatively full strength. No fantasy-relevant players are in danger of missing Sunday's contest.
The two-loss Vikings are in similarly good shape as they attempt to maintain pace with the Lions in the NFC North. There are no offensive injuries in the Twin Cities of particular interest to fantasy managers.
Start of the Week
Sam Darnold, QB, Minnesota Vikings [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: Darnold is quietly eighth among fantasy quarterbacks in points through 13 weeks, and he takes on an Atlanta Falcons defense Sunday that has given up the seventh-most fantasy points per game to QBs this season.
Sit of the Week
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,500]: Robinson is another player who is hard to sit with six teams taking Week 14 off. But no team in the NFL is harder to run on than the Vikings, who have allowed just 81.3 yards per game on the ground this year.
Sleeper
Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: Addison has had an up-and-down fantasy season, including just two games with 70 or more receiving yards. He should make it three against a Falcons defense surrendering the fifth-most PPR points per game to wide receivers in 2024.
Stat to Know
Five. The number of catches Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts has amassed over the past three weeks combined. That includes a goose egg last week against the Los Angeles Chargers and just one catch for nine yards two weeks ago against the Denver Broncos.
Since Week 9, he is a dismal 44th in PPR points among tight ends behind the likes of Johnny Mundt of the Minnesota Vikings.
New Orleans Saints at New York Giants
The Saints have already been hit hard by injuries this season, and last week brought another hammer blow when tight end Taysom Hill suffered an ACL tear that has ended his season. Fellow tight end Foster Moreau (shoulder) was limited in practice Wednesday, but he's off the injury report.
The Giants are on their third quarterback of the season, but while Tommy Devito (forearm) may be able to return to action in Week 14, Drew Lock will make his second straight start for the G-Men. Wide receiver Malik Nabers was a late-week addition to the injury report, missing practice Friday with a hip injury.
Start of the Week
Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints [DraftKings DFS Value: $8,000]: Kamara has been the Saints most consistent weapon in 2024, and there's a real chance he could be the top running back in fantasy football in Week 14 given the Giants' issues stopping the run and injuries at linebacker.
Sit of the Week
Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, New York Giants [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: The Saints are a favorable matchup for opposing running backs. But the odds of a negative game script that could leave the Giants abandoning the run is a real possibility this week.
Sleeper
New Orleans Saints Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,900]: The Saints haven't been an especially productive fantasy defense this year, but the Giants have spent much of the season making opposing defenses look good. No team in the NFC has given up more fantasy points per game to the position this year.
Stat to Know
112.0. That's how many total yards Saints running back Alvin Kamara has averaged this season, numbers that rank the eighth-year veteran third for the season in PPR points among running backs. This week, he draws a Giants defense that has allowed 145.8 yards per game on the ground--fourth-most in the league.
Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles
The Carolina Panthers are playing much better of late, and there's hope the team will be at full strength Sunday, with rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (neck) likely to play after a full practice Friday.
The Eagles are grateful they will have wide receiver DeVonta Smith back after missing time with a hamstring injury. However, Philadelphia will be without the services of tight end Dallas Goedert, who injured his knee in last week's win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Start of the Week
Philadelphia Eagles [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,700]: The Eagles are playing excellent defense this year and rank first in total defense and fourth in scoring defense. Meanwhile, the Panthers are the third-worst offense in terms of both yards and points per game this season.
Sit of the Week
Adam Thielen, WR, Carolina Panthers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: The return of Thielen has provided a boost to the Panthers offense. But the Eagles are much better against the pass this year than last, allowing the eighth-fewest PPR points per game to wideouts this season.
Sleeper
Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,200]: The Eagles aren't a good fantasy matchup for quarterbacks. But Young has played much better since being benched earlier this season, and the Panthers will almost certainly be playing from behind Sunday.
Stat to Know
124.9. The number of rushing yards per game Saquon Barkley has averaged this season. That puts fantasy football's highest scoring running back on pace to break Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record. Barkley and the Eagles now take on a Panthers team giving up an NFL-high 166.8 yards per game on the ground this year.
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Cleveland Browns put on quite an offensive show last week in Denver, and they did so without Cedric Tillman. They will also be without the wide receiver in Pittsburgh, as he remains in the concussion protocol.
For the Steelers, wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday after a limited practice Friday.
Start of the Week
George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,800]: With Russell Wilson under center, the Steelers' passing game has hit a new gear. This week, they play a Browns team that has given up the ninth-most PPR points per game to wideouts this season. Assuming Pickens plays, he could be in for a big game.
Sit of the Week
Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Harris is coming off a big Week 13: 129 total yards and a score against the Bengals. The Browns aren't an easy matchup for running backs this season, though. They are 26th in PPR points given up to RBs in 2024.
Sleeper
Elijah Moore, WR, Cleveland Browns [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,800]: The Steelers aren't a great matchup for wide receivers, but neither were the Denver Broncos. Last week, Moore reeled in eight of 14 targets for 111 yards, and with Tillman out Moore could again see a huge target share.
Stat to Know
497. That's how many passing yards Cleveland quarterback Jameis Winston had last week against the Broncos—a franchise record. He threw four touchdown passes against Denver, but he also threw three picks, including two that were returned for touchdowns. He certainly isn't boring.
Las Vegas Raiders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Las Vegas Raiders are all kinds of banged up at running back. Both Zamir White (quad) and Alexander Mattison (ankle) missed last week's loss to Kansas City. White is out, while Mattison is questionable for Week 14. So is wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who has an ankle injury.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving had, arguably, the best game of his career last week against the Carolina Panthers. The rookie also picked up a hip injury on a kickoff return and is questionable for Sunday after limited practice Friday. Wide receiver Mike Evans is nursing a hamstring injury, but he's off the injury report.
Start of the Week
Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,400]: Mayfield is having the best season of his career and is sixth in fantasy points among quarterbacks. This week, he takes on a Las Vegas Raiders defense surrendering the ninth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.
Sit of the Week
Cade Otton, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,400]: This isn't a matchup issue: The Ravens have been kind to opposing tight ends this season. But since Mike Evans made his return in Tampa, Otton's target share has taken a sizable hit. It's hard to tally fantasy points without the ball.
Sleeper
Aidan O' Connell, QB, Las Vegas Raiders [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,800]: O' Connell had his best-ever game last week against the Chiefs, throwing for 340 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Now he faces a Tampa Bay defense that ranks 30th in the league against the pass in 2024.
Stat to Know
95.8. The number of receiving yards Evans will need to average over the last five games of the 2024 campaign to notch his 11th-straight 1,000-yard season. It's not outside the realm of reason that he will do that, but his streak of 1,000-yard years is in real jeopardy.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been hit hard by injuries this year. A dirty hit from Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair last week earned him a three-game suspension and landed quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the concussion protocol and on injured reserve.
The Titans are in better shape offensively. There are no fantasy-relevant offensive players on their injury report.
Start of the Week
Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,400]: Pollard has been somewhat hit-or-miss this season, but he should hit this week against a Jaguars run defense surrendering more PPR points per game to running backs than any team in the AFC.
Sit of the Week
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: Thomas has had a fine rookie season, but there's a lot working against him this week. Mac Jones will likely be starting at quarterback for the Jaguars, and the Titans have given up the fifth-fewest PPR points per game to receivers this season.
Sleeper
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR, Tennessee Titans [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,700]: Westbrook-Ikhine has been on quite the rip of late: He has found the end zone in three straight games, including two scores a week ago. The Jaguars have allowed the third-most PPR points per game to wide receivers.
Stat to Know
184.3. That's how many passing yards per game Titans quarterback Will Levis has averaged this season--30th in the NFL. He is also a moribund 32nd in fantasy points per game among QBs. However, with Levis taking on a Jags team that leads the league in fantasy points per game given up to quarterbacks, there's at least some desperation appeal here for fantasy managers being hit hard by the six-team bye week.
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf tweaked his knee last week, but he missed just a couple of plays and isn't believed to be in any danger of missing this week's trip to Arizona. However, running back Kenneth Walker is truly questionable with an ankle injury.
The Cardinals haven't won since their bye week and badly need to topple the Seahawks come Sunday. They will attempt to do so at relatively full strength, with no big names on offense on the injury report.
Start of the Week
James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: Conner was held in check last week by Minnesota's stout run defense. Seattle is a bit more forgiving in that regard, allowing 127 rushing yards per game. A win for the Cardinals likely means controlling the tempo of the game, and that means a heavy dose of Conner.
Sit of the Week
Geno Smith, QB, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: The Seahawks are winning, but Smith's numbers haven't been especially good. He ranks outside the top 25 in fantasy points at quarterback over the last month. Those aren't the sort of numbers fantasy managers want in a must-win game.
Sleeper
Arizona Cardinals Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,000]: The Cardinals are neither an especially good defense nor an especially bad one. But they draw a good matchup in Week 14, as the Seahawks have surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points per game to defenses this season.
Stat to Know
Nine. That's where Seattle Jaxon Smith-Njigba ranks among wide receivers in PPR points since Seattle's Week 10 bye. Over that span, the second-year pro has 20 catches and has averaged almost 18 PPR points per game. The Ohio State product is coming into his own as an NFL player.
Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams
The Buffalo Bills have a banged-up group of pass-catchers. Wide receiver Curtis Samuel (foot), wideout Keon Coleman (wrist) and tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) were all limited in practice Wednesday. Coleman and Kincaid are questionable, while Samuel is off the injury report.
The Rams aren't without injury issues of their own. Quarterback Matthew Stafford (ankle) and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (hand) were both questionable after getting hurt a week ago. Both are off the injury report now though.
Start of the Week
Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,300]: Williams ran for a season-high 104 yards last week against the New Orleans Saints, and he now takes on a Buffalo Bills defense that has surrendered the third-most PPR points per game to running backs. He could also clean up on dump-off passes late if the Rams fall behind.
Sit of the Week
Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,000]: Kupp was a non-factor last week against the Saints, catching just three passes for 17 yards. Now he takes on a Bills team giving up the third-fewest PPR points per game in the league to wide receivers in 2024.
Sleeper
Dawson Knox, TE, Buffalo Bills [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,900]: Knox has seen his target share increase with Dalton Kincaid on the shelf. But even if Kincaid makes it back on the field Sunday, Knox is still one of Josh Allen's preferred targets in the red zone.
Stat to Know
Four. That's how many total touchdowns Bills quarterback Josh Allen had last week against the San Francisco 49ers. That included two on a single play, when his pass to Amari Cooper was then lateraled back to the QB for a score, he was credited with both a passing and receiving score. Essentially, Allen threw a touchdown pass to himself.
Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers
The Bears head into Week 14 with a few injuries. Wide receiver Keenan Allen (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday. Neither did fellow wideout D.J. Moore (quad), running back D'Andre Swift (quad) or running back Roschon Johnson (concussion). Johnson is out, while Moore and Swift are questionable. Allen is off the injury report.
The 49ers were blasted by injuries at running back even more against the Bills a week ago. Running back Christian McCaffrey's fantasy season is over after he went on injured reserve (again) with a knee issue. He will likely be joined by Jordan Mason, who hurt his ankle in Buffalo.
Start of the Week
D'Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]
Swift's health is a concern, but he's been playing through the injury and will more than likely do so again in Week 14. The 49ers have been surprisingly porous against the run this season, giving up the fifth-most PPR points per game to running backs this season.
Sit of the Week
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, San Francisco 49ers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]: Samuel has been a disappointment for fantasy managers this season, and that will likely continue Sunday against a Chicago defense surrendering the third-fewest PPR points per game to wideouts in 2024.
Sleeper
San Francisco 49ers Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,100]: The 49ers defense hasn't been immune to the injuries that have ravaged the team this season, and the unit has struggled at times. But so has the Chicago offense, allowing the ninth-most fantasy points per game to defenses.
Stat to Know
135.1. The number of rushing yards per game the Bears are giving up this season. That bodes well for rookie running back Isaac Guerendo, who was the belle of the ball on fantasy waiver wires this week. Guerendo-mania may be a bit out of hand, but his first start should be a good one.
Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
After losing running back J.K. Dobbins to a knee issue, the Chargers can't afford any more significant offensive injuries. But No. 1 wide receiver Ladd McConkey (knee/shoulder) was limited in practice this week and is questionable.
The Kansas City Chiefs aren't exactly tearing it up, but they keep winning. They are also mostly healthy and don't have any offensive injuries of interest to fantasy managers outside wideout Mecole Hardman, who has a knee injury and is questionable.
Start of the Week
Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]: The Chargers aren't a great matchup for tight ends, but Kelce has at least eight targets in four of the last five games and double-digit targets in three of those contests. Most of his fantasy value in 2024 has been based on target volume, and Week 14 won't be any different.
Sit of the Week
Gus Edwards, RB, Los Angeles Chargers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: Edwards was a non-factor for the Chargers against the Atlanta Falcons last week and faces a Chiefs defense allowing the fewest PPR points to RBs this season. Other than that, everything's fine.
Sleeper
Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,900]: Most of the offensive plays in this contest are dart-throws. But sooner or later, Worthy and Patrick Mahomes are going to hook up on a long touchdown in which the rookie receiver keeps his feet in bounds.
Stat to Know
187. The number of total yards the Chargers had last week in a dismal offensive performance against the Falcons. The loss of Dobbins was a massive blow to the L.A. offense, which isn't going to have an easy go of it Sunday night against the NFL's eighth-ranked defense.
Cincinnati Bengals at Dallas Cowboys
The Bengals have just one fantasy-relevant injury...sort of. Kicker Evan McPherson has been placed on injured reserve with a groin injury.
The Cowboys have a couple of big-name pass-catchers banged up in tight end Jake Ferguson (concussion) and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder). But there's optimism that both will be available Monday night against the Bengals.
Start of the Week
Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: Brown has emerged as a viable lead back for the Bengals, posting 100 total yards and a touchdown last week against the Steelers. He should be able to match those numbers in a top-10 fantasy matchup for running backs with Dallas.
Sit of the Week
Rico Dowdle, RB, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Dowdle has been solid for the Cowboys, and he's a viable RB2 this week. But the Bengals run defense is about the only matchup in this shootout waiting to happen that is even marginally unfavorable.
Sleeper
Brandin Cooks, WR, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,700]: Cooks missed most of the season with injury, but he found the end zone in his return to action on Thanksgiving. The Bengals rank 27th in the league against the pass this year, surrendering 241.0 yards per game.
Stat to Know
30. That's how many passing touchdowns Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has, tops in the NFL. Given he also leads the league with 3,337 passing yards, it should come as no surprise that he ranks third among all fantasy quarterbacks for the season.
If Cincinnati's season wasn't in the toilet because of an atrocious defense, he might be garnering MVP buzz this year instead of just playing out the string.
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Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow him on X at @IDPSharks.
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