by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)
It feels like the NFL season just started yet for most this week marks the beginning of the fantasy playoffs. It’s amazing how quickly that “snuck” up on us, isn’t it? Who are the quarterbacks we are ready to depend on? Who could be worth the gamble? Which bigger name are you willing to leave on your bench? Let’s break it all down for Week 14:
- Drew Brees – New Orleans Saints – at Tampa Bay
- Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs – vs. Baltimore
- Philip Rivers – Los Angeles Chargers – vs. Cincinnati
- Ben Roethlisberger – Pittsburgh Steelers – at Oakland
- Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers – vs. Atlanta
- Cam Newton – Carolina Panthers – at Cleveland
- Deshaun Watson – Houston Texans – vs. Indianapolis
- Jameis Winston – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – vs. New Orleans
- Andrew Luck – Indianapolis Colts – at Houston
- Kirk Cousins – Minnesota Vikings – at Seattle
- Russell Wilson – Seattle Seahawks – vs. Minnesota
- Baker Mayfield – Cleveland Browns – vs. Carolina
- Matt Ryan – Atlanta Falcons – at Green Bay
- Tom Brady – New England Patriots – at Miami
- Jared Goff – Los Angeles Rams – at Chicago
- Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens – at Kansas City
- Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys – vs. Philadelphia
- Marcus Mariota – Tennessee Titans – vs. Jacksonville
- Mitchell Trubisky – Chicago Bears – vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Derek Carr – Oakland Raiders – vs. Pittsburgh
- Carson Wentz – Philadelphia Eagles – at Dallas
- Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills – vs. New York Jets
- Ryan Tannehill – Miami Dolphins – vs. New England
- Matthew Stafford – Detroit Lions – at Arizona
- Case Kennum – Denver Broncos – at San Francisco
Thoughts:
- The last time that Philip Rivers threw for less than 2 TD was Week 16 of the 2017 season against the New York Jets, meaning he’s thrown for 2+ TD in 13 straight regular season games. That’s a highly impressive streak and there’s little reason to think he won’t continue it, taking on a Cincinnati defense that entered Week 13 having allowed the most points per week to opposing quarterbacks. Rivers isn’t generally viewed as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league, but at least for this week he deserves to be considered as such.
- Drew Brees is coming off one of the most disappointing performances of the season, throwing for 127 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT against the Dallas Cowboys. He’s now thrown for 171 yards or fewer in back-to-back games and we all know that the Saints’ offense is notoriously better at home than on the road. While they will battle the Buccaneers, in Tampa Bay, this week does anyone believe that they won’t bounce back? In Week 1 Brees burned them for 439 yards and 3 TD and Tampa Bay’s defense has struggled to stop opposing quarterbacks all season long. Don’t make the mistake of downgrading Brees off of one poor performance (even one that came at the most critical of times).
- Andrew Luck was stymied in Week 13 and draws another tough matchup on the road in Week 14, taking on the Houston Texans. Luck has not performed as well away from home this season (he’s averaging 249.3 yards/game with 13 TD and 8 INT), and while he should be able to get some yards (Houston did allow Baker Mayfield to throw for nearly 400 yards in Week 13) he’s not going to be ranked as highly as we have become accustomed to this season.
- Taking on the Miami Dolphins we all want to push Tom Brady back up the rankings, but is it justified? Sure he threw for 311 yards in Week 13 but it came with 1 TD and 1 INT, giving him 4 TD over his past five games. He could put together a big game at any moment, but are you willing to depend on him?
- The Chicago Bears have a league high 21 INT and they have been tough against opposing quarterbacks all season long. Obviously that’s not going to eliminate the value of Jared Goff, but he’s coming off a poor performance against the Detroit Lions (17-33, 207 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT), will be on the road again and the offense could easily run through Todd Gurley. Consider him a borderline QB1, but not necessarily a must start option.
- It was a disappointing performance for Baker Mayfield, with 3 INT, but he also threw for 397 yards as he tried to rally the team against the Texans. He’s going to have a favorable matchup against the Carolina Panthers, who have allowed 10 TD vs. 0 INT over the past four games.
- With Joe Flacco expected back this week will Lamar Jackson be “the man” or will the Ravens move to a timeshare under center? That risk has to suppress Jackson’s value, who continues to show how much of an impact he can make (despite the fact that he’s still developing in his passing ability). Depending on the news this week his ranking could definitely change.
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Make sure to check out all of our Week 14 rankings:
Quarterbacks |
Running Backs |
Wide Receivers |
Tight Ends |
Kickers |
Defenses |
Made playoffs and on a bye this week. If Cam is limited weeks 15 & 16 who would you pick up. Jamie’s, Dak, Lamar or Derek.
Jameis would be the highest upside, though I like Jackson (assuming he’s starting)
Not sure I trust Russell Wilson this week as much as i want to. Would you start Josh Allen over him this week? I feel josh is in a great spot after consecutive QB1 weeks.
Thoughts?
thanks Professor!
I would stick with Wilson myself. I know Allen is hot, but hard to have faith considering the WR
Thanks for all of your help this season! I feel stuck between a rock and a hard spot this week. I HAVE to win to make my playoffs, defending my title so everyone is hoping I lose! Anyway, I need to choose between Cousins (my team name is scorin’ w/my cousins so maybe I should let the ship sink with him, lol)or Ryan this week (seriously considering picking Allen up from the wire but I may be over thinking this).Also, need 2 RB’s and a flex from these guys: D. Johnson, Edwards, Chubb, Mixon, Carson, or Ware. Wilson Jr. is still available on the waiver wire as well. PLEASE HELP!
Thanks again,
QB – First thanks for the support! I wouldn’t overthink it with Allen, who is hardly a lock. I’d roll with Cousins
RB/FLEX – Mixon/Edwards/Johnson (though that’s an enviable spot to be in). Good luck!!
Thank you! Fingers crossed.
Eli , Driskel or D Carr for weeks 15 and 16 in deep league for my back up to L Jackson o
In case situation with Flacco goes sideways.
I still think Eli is in the best situation
why isn’t eli manning up there!!!