Start 'Em
Quarterbacks
Will Levis vs. JAX
Will Levis has been on a bit of a tear recently when it comes to Fantasy Football. Last week against the Commanders, Levis threw for 212 yards and 2 TDs. Since coming back from injury in Week 10, Levis has been pretty consistent, averaging 240 passing yards and 1.8 TDs in that span. His 7 to 2 TD/INT ratio is also promising. Levis goes up against the Jaguars this week, who give up the most passing yards per game (273.3) and Fantasy points per game to QBs. Is he QB1 material? No, probably not, but if you are one of the many managers whose QB is on a bye, Levis’ surprising consistency as of late and his favorable matchup may be your best option. With Levis only being rostered in 17% of Yahoo leagues and 21% of ESPN leagues, go out and get him for this week and start him if one of those leagues is yours.
Aidan O'Connell vs. TB
Aidan O’Connell shined last week against the Chiefs. The Raiders QB threw for 340 yards and 2 TDs. O’Connell has not had a great year when he has started for the Raiders, but last week’s performance was extremely positive. Though he did lose a fumble, O’Connell did not turn the ball over otherwise against an good Kansas City secondary. This week, O’Connell has a very favorable matchup against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay currently ranks 3rd in passing yards allowed per game (258.3) and 2nd in Fantasy points allowed to QBs. Tampa also ranks 8th in passing TDs allowed (1.8), which should bode well for O’Connell and the Raiders' offense. Similar to Levis, if you're looking for a plug-and-play QB, O’Connell is another great option this week.Â
Running Backs
Chase Brown vs. DAL
Chase Brown has been phenomenal since becoming the RB1 in Cincinnati, last week being no different. Brown carried the ball 12 times for 70 yards and a TD, while adding an extra 30 receiving yards on 3 catches. Brown has been one of the biggest breakouts of the season. What is most impressive is that Brown is doing this on limited touches. Brown ranks 26th among RBs in touches per game (15.8), but is the RB3 on the year (according to fantasypros.com). Though you may perceive Brown as an every-week starter, his matchup this week makes him a slam-dunk candidate to be the RB1 of the week. With Dallas currently ranking 2nd in rushing yards allowed per game (147.6) and 6th in fantasy points allowed to RBs, Brown could be the biggest reason why his managers win this week.  Â
D'Andre Swift vs. SF
D’Andre Swift was not great last week, but he was up against an elite run defense in the Lions. Swift carried the ball 11 times for 39 yards. He also caught two of his three receiving targets for an extra 35 yards. In a game where the Bears abandoned the run game, Swift was still able to produce 74 total yards. Although he has had a stretch of mediocrity over the past 5 weeks (50 yards per game on average), his matchups have not been in his favor. However, even with those tough matchups, he is still heavily involved in the offense, averaging 16.8 touches a game in the same span. Swift finally faces a favorable matchup this week against the 49ers, who have been unable to stop the run for a majority of the year. San Francisco ranks 5th in rush yards allowed per game (119.9) and 3rd in the last three games (161.0), while allowing the 5th most Fantasy points per game to RBs. Swift should be able to return to RB1 form this week against a struggling and banged-up 49ers team.
Wide Receivers
Darnell Mooney vs. MIN
Last week, Mooney was quiet in an abysmal offensive performance for the Falcons. He recorded 3 catches on 6 targets for just 20 yards. Mooney has been an extremely solid WR2 for the Falcons. The only thing holding him back is the fact that his QB is making too many mistakes. Over the last 5 weeks, Mooney has averaged 63.4 yards per game and 4.2 receptions, which, for a WR2 on a team, is quite solid. The last two weeks have been tough for Mooney, but he has a great chance to turn it around against the Vikings. The Vikings have been amazing this year, but they do have one major flaw: their pass defense. Minnesota ranks 5th in passing yards allowed per game (243.3), while also allowing the most fantasy points per game to WRs. Look for Mooney to break out for some big plays this week against a poor Vikings pass defense.Â
Jayden Reed vs. DET
Jayden Reed's slump continued last week against the Dolphins, but he produced a solid Fantasy result. Reed caught 3 of his 6 targets for 24 yards, but saved himself by scoring 2 TDs. He also had an impressive 23-yard rushing attempt. Though Reed has been an almost non-factor in the Packers' offense as of late (24.3 yards a game over his last three games), his matchup this week comes at the perfect time. Last time Reed played the Lions, he tore them up for 113 yards on 5 receptions. This could very well happen again in a game that will likely be a passing shootout. In addition, the Lions' pass defense has been their biggest flaw. Detroit ranks 8th in passing yards allowed (226.8), while also giving up the 4th most points a game to WRs. Look for Reed to get out of his slump on TNF.
Tight Ends
Will Dissly vs. KC
Will Dissly was nonexistent last week against the Falcons. He did not record a receiving yard and was targeted only once. Though Dissly was not a part of the offensive scheme last week, since the Chargers' Bye Week in Week 5, the Chargers' TE has been a very solid receiving option for QB Justin Herbert. Ranking 12th in receiving yards and receiving TDs over the past month has made him a TE1 caliber player over that span. Dissly also has a favorable matchup against Kansas City, who rank 10th in receiving yards allowed per game and allow the 3rd most Fantasy points per game to TEs. Having accounted for over 40 receiving yards 4 times since the Bye, look for Dissly to be open early and often this Sunday night.
Cade Otton vs. LV
Cade Otton struggled last week against the Panthers, catching 4 of his 7 targets for only 20 yards. Since WR Mike Evans returned from injury a couple of weeks ago, Otton has taken a significant backseat. Compared to his numbers while Evans was injured, Otton has been a borderline play. However, Otton's volume since Evans returned has not fallen off (averaging 5 targets a game), which can be seen as a positive sign. Otton is too big a part of the Bucs' offense to continue his slump for much longer; what better way to break it than against the Raiders, who give up the 4th most Fantasy points to TEs. Managers should continue to ride with Otton until his volume significantly decreases.
Sit 'Em
Quarterbacks
Patrick Mahomes vs. LAC
Patrick Mahomes had a solid outing against the Raiders last week. He threw for 306 yards and a TD. Mahomes has obviously not had a great season compared to his usual stats. The Chiefs QB only ranks as the QB9 on the season (according to fantasypros.com). Though he has been solid enough, most of his better games have been against weak defenses. Whenever Mahomes has played an above-average defense, he tends to fold for his fantasy managers. This is one of those weeks where Mahomes may struggle. The Chargers currently rank 10th in passing yards allowed per game (206.4) and allow the 9th fewest points per game to QBs. Plus, Mahomes has already struggled when he last played the Chargers, throwing for 245 yards but only 1 TD and an INT. Do not trust Mahomes in Week 14.
Jared Goff vs. GB
Goff had a decent showing against the Bears last week, where he threw for 221 yards and 2 TDs. Goff may be the most efficient QB in the NFL this year, but that doesn't always translate to Fantasy success. Goff has been prone to bad fantasy production. The most recent include Week 12 against Indianapolis (269yds, 0 TDs), Week 10 against Houston (240yds, 2 TDs, 5 INTs), and Week 9 against Green Bay (145yds and 1 TD), who they play this week. Though Goff did what he needed to do to win those games for his team, he may not be putting up numbers for yours. With Green Bay's defense flying around the field this season and giving up the 6th fewest points per game to QBs, Goff will put up another poor fantasy performance in Week 14.
Running Backs
Aaron Jones Sr. vs. ATL
Aaron Jones had one of his worst performances of the season last week against Arizona. The Vikings RB carried the ball just 5 times for 33 yards, while adding 6 more yards on three catches. Aaron Jones is a fantastic RB, but his lack of ball security has been a problem, fumbling 4 times in the last 3 games. Jones has a less than favorable matchup in Atlanta, who allow the 8th fewest points per game to RBs. If you have a serviceable option, benching Jones this week is worth the risk.
Kareem Hunt vs. LAC
Kareem Hunt took a major backseat last week, carrying the ball only 7 times for 15 yards. Though RB Isaiah Pacheco may not have had the best return from injury last week, he did outrun Hunt on the same amount of carries (44-15). It may take some time for Pacheco to get back into game shape, but once he does, Hunt's run will likely be over, making him unstartable for the rest of the season.
Wide Receivers
Garrett Wilson vs. MIA
Garrett Wilson put up yet another poor stat line, unable to capitalize on his opportunities. Wilson caught 5 of his 10 targets for only 41 yards. Besides Aaron Rodgers, Garrett Wilson might be the biggest victim of the Jets' disappointing season this year. Not getting 100 yards since week 8, Wilson has had targets taken away ever since Davante Adams came to town. The last three games have been especially brutal for the young Jets WR, who has averaged 33.3 yards and 4.7 receptions in that span. Based on that alone, Wilson has become completely unreliable. His opponent this week, the Miami Dolphins, also have an elite passing defense, allowing the 9th fewest passing yards per game (203.9) and 2nd fewest points per game to WRs. Wilson should ride the bench unless his matchup says otherwise.
D.K. Metcalf vs. ARI
D.K. Metcalf disappointed last week against the Jets, as he produced only 66 yards on 4 receptions. D.K. has had a great year when healthy, but unfortunately for him and the Seahawks, that hasn't been too often. Dealing with knee and shoulder injuries currently, Metcalf has been plagued by these injuries, especially in the last 6 weeks. With a big divisional matchup coming up in Arizona this week, Metcalf will do everything possible to be ready for game time but will almost certainly not be 100%. The matchup of a divisional opponent Metcalf only had 4 catches for 59 yards against last time and the piling up of injuries mean Metcalf will probably be best served on your bench and nowhere near your starters.
Tight Ends
Jonnu Smith vs. NYJ
Jonnu Smith had another fantastic outing against the Packers last week, catching 10 of his 11 targets for 113 yards. In what has been one of the best midseason resurgences of the year, Smith's matchup may halt his consistent production. Yes, Smith is currently ranked 4th for TEs in Fantasy points this season, but his impressive form as of late will likely come to an end when he faces a divisional opponent in the Jets this weekend, who allow the 5th fewest points per game to TEs.
David Njoku vs. PIT
David Njoku will be coming off his best game of the season this week. The Browns' TE caught 9 of his 17 targets for 52 yards and 2 TDs. Though Njoku was great last week, it is hard to expect that level of offensive production from the Browns, who were a part of an offensive shootout last week. When he's played this season, Njoku has been pretty bad, having only 4 50+ yard games. Don't be fooled by Njoku's performance last week.
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