RADIO
Week 14 is one of the most critical weeks of the fantasy football season, as it's the final week before most fantasy playoffs kick off. With most trade deadlines already behind us, the focus now shifts to making the right start/sit decisions, especially when a win is needed to secure your playoff spot. The pressure is on this week, and your lineup choices could make or break your season.
In the buy-low section, we'll highlight lesser-started players who may have been inconsistent week-to-week but have the potential to help you make a late playoff push. These players might not always be top names, but they could be the hidden gems you need to confidently slot into your lineup for a crucial Week 14 victory.
In our sell-high section, we’ll examine big-name players who may be popular plays but should be worth benching this week if you have a comparable option. Whether you’re still able to trade or just considering your lineup, these players could help you maximize your chances of winning in Week 14 while positioning yourself for a deep playoff run.
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Fantasy Football Buy-Low Trade Targets
QB Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
While few could have predicted this at the start of the season, Sam Darnold could be the key to many fantasy managers’ playoff hopes in Week 14. Over his last three games, Darnold has been on a tear, with solid performances, including two matchups against formidable pass defenses in Chicago and Arizona.
Now, heading into Week 14, Darnold faces a vulnerable Atlanta pass defense, making him a must-start quarterback for the week.
Looking beyond this week, Darnold has a relatively favorable playoff schedule, facing the Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers. While not the absolute best stretch, these are defenses that can be exploited, and Darnold's recent play suggests he can continue to put up serviceable fantasy numbers.
With elite wide receiver talent like Justin Jefferson at his disposal, Darnold has the potential to keep rolling through the fantasy playoffs.
Sam Darnold - Last 3 weeks:
811 yards
7 total TDs
0 INT's
3-0All with a makeshift offensive line pic.twitter.com/0MPBIZe8SD
— Edge (@SomethingEra2) December 3, 2024
If you're looking for a quarterback to ride into the postseason, don’t hesitate to start Darnold this week against Atlanta, and feel confident in his ability to keep producing in the coming weeks. His upward trajectory and favorable matchups make him a solid option for fantasy managers needing a late-season push.
TE Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
While many fantasy managers may be ready to write off Cade Otton after a few lackluster weeks, Week 14 is not the time to bench him. Otton and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an excellent matchup against a struggling Las Vegas Raiders defense that has been unable to defend tight ends all season.
Over the past six weeks, the Raiders have allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends, giving Otton a prime opportunity to make an impact.
#NFL Week 14 Sunday Prop 2
Cade Otton over 42.5 Receiving Yards (-106 CZRS)
Cade Otton is Baker’s go to target machine after Mike Evans. He’s over this in number in the last 6/10 and only in 2 out of his last 5 - missing in the last three games. But diving into these numbers… https://t.co/yv6F3s1bHm pic.twitter.com/G2rnDVI1WU
— JesusWhale_Props (@Jesuswhale_) December 6, 2024
Additionally, Tampa Bay’s star wide receiver, Mike Evans, is dealing with injuries. Earlier in the season, when Evans was sidelined, Otton became a favorite target for quarterback Baker Mayfield, consistently seeing a higher target share.
If Evans misses this game, Otton would once again likely step into a more significant role as Mayfield’s go-to option in the passing game. Even if Evans plays, Otton should still be heavily involved in the offense, especially given the Raiders' struggles against the position.
With Tampa’s bruising running back, Bucky Irving, also nursing injuries, it’s possible the Buccaneers lean more on the passing game to alleviate Irving’s workload. This would create even more opportunities for Otton to thrive, making him an even more valuable fantasy asset in Week 14.
Given the favorable matchup, his potential volume, and the state of the Buccaneers’ offense, Otton should be started with confidence this week as he plays a crucial role in helping you push toward the fantasy playoffs.
WR Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills
Khalil Shakir has quietly emerged as one of the most consistent wide receivers in fantasy football this season. Despite adding Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills roster, it’s been Shakir who has developed a strong rapport with quarterback Josh Allen.
Over the past few weeks, Shakir has been Allen’s go-to target, leading the team in targets in each of the last three games. With no signs of this trend slowing down, Shakir looks poised to continue being a key piece of the Bills' offense for the rest of the season.
Looking ahead to Week 14, Shakir finds himself in a prime position for a big game. The Bills face off against the Los Angeles Rams, who have struggled to defend the pass all season. Their secondary is among the league’s most vulnerable, making this an ideal matchup for Shakir to take advantage of.
With Buffalo’s high-powered offense likely to put up points, Shakir should see plenty of opportunities to rack up both receptions and yards.
Given his consistent production and the favorable matchup, Shakir is a must-start wide receiver in Week 14. If you're looking for a solid flex play or wide receiver with high upside, Shakir is a reliable option to help you make a push toward the fantasy playoffs. Don’t hesitate to get him into your lineup for this week’s critical matchup.
Fantasy Football Sell-High Trade Targets
WR Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins
It is time to consider trading Tyreek Hill now that he is at his highest value? After a bounce-back performance in Week 13, Hill’s stock is solid again—but it’s essential to take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding his recent production.
Hill’s big game was primarily bolstered by a garbage-time touchdown late in a game that was already decided, which distorts the actual value of his performance. As we head into Week 14, Hill faces a tough matchup against the New York Jets, a defense that has stifled wide receivers all season.
The Jets currently rank dead last in fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, which spells trouble for Hill, who has been struggling to find his groove this year. New York is also surrendering the fewest receptions, the third-fewest receiving yards, and the second-fewest touchdowns to wide receivers in 2024.
Going against a stingy defense, Hill’s potential to put up a strong fantasy performance this week is significantly diminished. If you have the depth at wide receiver to bench Hill, this might be the time to do so and avoid this unfavorable matchup.
Beyond the tough matchup, another reason to consider moving Hill now is the changing dynamics of the Miami offense. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been spreading the ball around more this season than in previous years, with playmakers like De’Von Achane and Jonnu Smith becoming increasingly involved.
Hill no longer has the same hyper-targeted role in the offense that he did in the past, which further lowers his ceiling. If you’re in a position to sell high, now is the time to capitalize on his value, as Hill’s fantasy outlook for Week 14 and beyond could be more volatile than it appears.
Even if you can’t trade him, benching Hill this week is a valid option, given the tough matchup and shifting offensive tendencies.
WR Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
Cooper Kupp is coming off his worst performance of the season, and unfortunately, his struggles may continue into Week 14. The Los Angeles Rams are set to face the Buffalo Bills, a team with one of the league’s top pass defenses and an offense that often dominates time of possession with its strong running game.
This combination of factors limits Kupp's opportunities, as the Rams will likely have fewer chances to sustain drives and take shots downfield. With Buffalo’s defense ranking among the best in terms of limiting wide receiver production, Kupp could be in for another difficult outing this week.
Additionally, Kupp is no longer the undisputed No. 1 target in the Rams’ offense. Puka Nacua has become a legitimate top playmaker and Matthew Stafford’s preferred option in critical moments.
While Kupp still commands a respectable target share, he’s no longer the first read in the passing game as he once was. This shift in the Rams' offensive hierarchy has led to less consistent production from Kupp, particularly in high-pressure games.
It's indisputable.
Puka Nacua IS the Rams WR1.
Last week, he saw a 47.8% first-read share (good lawd)
(per @FantasyPtsData)— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) November 13, 2024
Another primary concern for Kupp is the Rams' overall outlook for the rest of the season. With Los Angeles on the fringe of playoff contention, it’s possible that Kupp’s role could be dialed back if the team finds itself out of the playoff race in the final weeks.
Kupp is an aging receiver with a lengthy injury history, so there’s a real chance that the Rams may look to preserve his health for the future if they are no longer playing meaningful games. With a tough matchup in Week 14 and questions surrounding his usage going forward, it’s worth considering sitting Kupp or exploring trade opportunities if you’re able to do so.
RB Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers
It’s tough to say, but it looks like Chuba Hubbard’s time as a top-notch, reliable fantasy asset may be coming to an end—at least for now. Hubbard has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers, especially those who snagged him as a late-round pick.
However, with the Panthers facing one of the most formidable defenses in the NFL in Week 14, Hubbard is poised to struggle against the surging Philadelphia Eagles defense. Philadelphia’s front seven has been playing lights out, and they are more than capable of dominating the trenches, which spells trouble for Hubbard and the Panthers’ rushing attack.
The Eagles’ defense isn’t the only concern for Hubbard. On the offensive side, Philadelphia will likely control the game with their high-powered offense, leading to a significant time-of-possession advantage.
This could result in fewer opportunities for Hubbard to get touches, especially if the Panthers fall behind early and are forced to pass to keep up. With the Eagles’ ability to take control of games and wear down opposing teams, Hubbard’s role in the game could be further diminished.
📊RB Matchups for Week 14 Fantasy Football
[WR, QB, and TE opponent-adjusted fantasy matchups are in this same thread]
How to Interpret:
Chuba Hubbard's matchup against PHI this week is -4 PPR➡️after adjusting for RBs faced, PHI's defense gives up 4 FEWER PPR fantasy points to… pic.twitter.com/TKmc2Klj2c— Josh Larky (@jlarkytweets) December 4, 2024
To make matters worse, Hubbard must also contend with the growing presence of rookie running back Jonathan Brooks, who has looked impressive in his limited opportunities. Last week, Brooks saw nine touches on just 15 offensive snaps, showcasing his ability to make an impact even with limited involvement.
As Brooks continues to carve out a more prominent role, Hubbard’s touches could become even more uncertain, making him a risky start for Week 14 and beyond. With a brutal matchup and competition for carries, Hubbard might be a player to sit or move on from if you're looking to make a push for the fantasy playoffs.
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