Lineup Prep: Week 14
Wed Dec 8 9:45am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Rodgers is peaking at right time
It is do or die time for a lot of fantasy teams this week. And for the first time ever, we are dealing with some teams on a bye week in Week 14. And it is some big-time players that are off, including Jonathan Taylor. So the best fantasy player in the game is off in a crucial week for fantasy teams. That stinks, but hopefully it doesn’t sink your fantasy team. It is just the nature of the beast now in the NFL with the season a week longer.
Now for my random thought for the week. . . . .
Diontae Johnson is underrated in my view. He has been so consistent this year and is seventh overall in fantasy receiver scoring. Remember, he is doing this with Ben Roethlisberger as his starting quarterback. I’m really excited to see what Johnson can do next year with an upgrade at quarterback. He really could be a top-five receiver. His stock is just going up and up in my view.
Patrick Mahomes has been a killer for fantasy teams down the stretch. He has fewer than 18 fantasy points five of six games. He is still fifth overall in fantasy quarterback scoring, but his fantasy production down the stretch is going to knock a lot of teams from the fantasy playoffs. You just expect better from Mahomes, especially since you used a high pick come draft day to get him.
Javonte Willams was the talk of fantasy land last week and for good reason. He got his chance to start and looking amazing. Fantasy owners rejoiced. With Melvin Gordon likely gone next year, the sky is the limit for the talented back. He really could be in the top five of my fantasy rankings in 2022. This guy is the real deal. He makes plays after contact, has enough speed to make big plays, and catches the ball well. Williams is the complete package.
Have you ever seen a game like that Patriots/Bills one last week? Wow, that was crazy, especially for me. I needed Nick Novak to score seven points in one of my leagues to win the game. I thought I had it in the bag. Well, the wind had another idea. I’m not sure I have ever seen a game played in such windy conditions. It is a good lesson for fantasy owners to check the forecasts for games, especially this time of the year. Conditions can play a factor in production on the field.
Leonard Fournette is going to be on a lot of fantasy championship teams. He is having a huge value and was great value to all the fantasy teams that picked him in drafts. Fournette had some concerns with Ronald Jones around but has been the clear top back for the Bucs. And the biggest surprise has been all his work in the passing game. If you can believe this, Fournette leads all backs in receptions with 58 catches. He is fourth overall in fantasy running back scoring because of al this work in the passing and running game.
I’m intrigued by Rondale Moore going forward. He is going to look better when some of the options ahead of him on the depth chart are out of the way in Arizona. But even with that said, Moore is obviously liked by the Cardinals. He has 63 total touches, including 15 rush attempts. Moore is a playmaker with a high weekly ceiling in a great offense. Moore has a chance to be a really good fantasy player in the year to come.
HOT PLAYS
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers. Rodgers might be battling a painful toe injury but it isn’t showing in his play. He has two straight games with 29-plus fantasy points. He also has throwing for at least 292 yards three straight. Rodgers is coming out of a bye and gets a leaky Bears pass defense this week. He had a three-touchdown game against Chicago in Week 6. The Bears allow the 11th most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Javonte Williams, RB, Broncos. Williams finally got his chance to start and lead the Broncos backfield in carries with Melvin Gordon out. He responded with a big-time performance. He had 178 total yards and a touchdown, scoring 29.8 fantasy points. He has 20-plus fantasy points two straight games. He should get the bulk of the work again this week - even if Gordon happens to play. Williams carried the offense last week, so it only makes sense to make him more of the focal point. He gets a Lions defense that allows the fifth most fantasy points to running backs and rank 28th overall against the run.
Elijah Moore, WR, Jets. Moore is living up to his preseason hype. He has touchdowns four of five games. He has 20-plus fantasy points two of three games. He is getting consistent work, having at least six targets seven straight games. He is capable of the huge game getting that much work on a weekly basis. Expect more of the same this week against the Saints, a team that allows the seventh most fantasy points to running backs.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs. Edward-Helaire had 14 carries last week, his highest total since Week 4. He looks healthy and is making plays with his chances. He had 82 total yards and has double-digit fantasy points two straight games. Look for Edwards-Helaire to really get it going this week against the Raiders. Las Vegas allows the third most fantasy points to running backs and rank 26th overall against the run.
D.J. Moore, WR, Panthers. The Panthers passing game is a bit of a mess right now, but Moore is still producing. He had a 100-yard game his last time out and has at least 14 fantasy points two straight games. You have to think the passing game will be better this week, coming out of a bye and with a new offensive coordinator calling plays. This bodes well for Moore, who gets a Falcons defense that allows the fifth most fantasy points to receivers.
COLD PLAYS
Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons. Ryan had some big games earlier in the season, but those are a thing of the past right now. He has fewer than 15.5 fantasy points four straight games. He has less than 200-passing yards three of those games. And he has just a touchdown his last four games. Ryan is a player to avoid right now. He also has a tough matchup against the Panthers, a team that held him to 9.6 fantasy points in Week 8. Carolina allows the third fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Brandin Cooks, WR, Texans. The Texans offense is a mess right now, which is not a good thing for the talented Cooks. His numbers have really tailed off in recent weeks, having fewer than 50 yards three straight games. He does not have a 100-yard game since Week 3 of the season. Look for more of the same against the Seahawks, a team that allows the eighth fewest fantasy points to receivers. Cooks is a hard player to rust in this bad offense.
Tevin Coleman, RB, Jets. Coleman is leading the way in the Jets backfield right now, but his numbers haven’t been too impressive. He has 27 carries for 125 yards his last two games without a touchdown. We would expect another ho-hum performance from Coleman this week against the Saints. New Orleans is fifth overall against the run and allow the fewest fantasy points to the Saints. We would steer clear of Coleman in this one unless you are desperate for options.
D’Onta Foreman, RB, Titans. Foreman had a solid 100-yard showing his last time out. The concern for Foreman is a lack of work in the passing game, having four receptions his last four games. This hurts his weekly floor. He will get carries but if he gets shut down even just a little or misses the end zone, that is not good news for his fantasy owners. He is going to be a risky play for fantasy teams - even if he is the lead back for the Titans.
Any Giants receiver. We aren’t sure who is going to be healthy enough to play but none of these guys are worth using right now. This unit is a mess and it doesn’t help that the Giants are down to their third-string quarterback. Plus, New York plays the Chargers, a team that allows the fourth fewest fantasy points to receivers and rank seventh overall against the pass. We would just avoid these options altogether.
SLEEPERS
Taylor Heinicke, QB, Washington. Heinicke had another multiple touchdown game last week, giving him five this season. He has five games with 24-plus fantasy points, showing some big-game ability for his fantasy teams. He is playing with confidence and leading Washington to wins. Heinicke can have one of his big games this week against Dallas. This should be a high-scoring game with a lot of fantasy points to be had. Dallas allows the seventh most fantasy points to quarterbacks and rank 28th overall against the pass.
K.J. Osborn, WR, Vikings. Osborn is going to play a bigger role in the offense the next few weeks with Adam Thielen out. He found the end zone last week and had 14.7 fantasy points. This was his fourth game of the season with 14-plus fantasy points. The Vikings should air it out this week against a bad Steelers secondary, giving Osborn plenty of targets. Pittsburgh allows the ninth most fantasy points to receivers, making Osborn a good streaming play in Week 14.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers. Roethlisberger is nearing the end of his career and looks a shell of himself at times, but has shown some signs of life in recent weeks. He has 21-plus fantasy points two of three games. He also has multiple touchdowns three of four games. His best fantasy numbers have been the last few weeks. He might be worth a look in Week 14 against the Vikings. Minnesota just let Jared Goff and the Lions throw all over them. The Vikings allow the fifth most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Laquon Treadwell, WR, Jaguars. Treadwell has four receptions each of his last two games. He has been targeted 13 times, getting a lot more chances for the Jaguars. His numbers aren’t flashy but consistent. It would not surprise to see him get four-plus catches once again this week against the Titans. Tennessee allows the most fantasy points to receivers and are 26th overall against the pass. Treadwell could be a good spot play this week.
Rashaad Penny, RB, Seahawks. Penny was the best Seahawks back last week, getting 62 total yards. He looked much better than the aging Adrian Peterson, who did next to nothing with his chances. And although Alex Collins might be back this week, we think Penny might be the back that gets the most work going forward for the Seahawks. If he gets double-digit carries this week against the Texans, Penny can do some damage. Houston is now dead last against the run, allowing 144.2-rushing yards per game.
High/Low Scoring Games
Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.
High Scoring Games: Steelers/Vikings, Raiders/Chiefs, Cowboys/Washington, Bills/Bucs, Rams/Cardinals.
Low Scoring Games: Saints/Jets, Lions/Broncos.
Bye Weeks: Colts, Dolphins, Patriots, Eagles.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
- Jets QB Aaron Rodgers: 'No restrictions' at OTAs
- Former Giants TE Aaron Thomas dies at 86
- Michael Irvin out at NFL Network
- Bills sign Chase Claypool, Deion Jones, Dawuane Smoot
- Dolphins, Odell Beckham Jr. agree to 1-year deal
- Chargers add wide receiver DJ Chark
- Chiefs decline WR Kadarius Toney's 2025 option
- Cowboys' Dak Prescott won't face charges for alleged assault
- Ravens sign 5 draft picks, including first-rounder Nate Wiggins
- Steelers decline RB Najee Harris' fifth-year option
- Colts guarantee edge rusher Kwity Paye $13.4M, pick up 2025 option
- Packers decline CB Eric Stokes' fifth-year option
- Cowboys decline $22.4M option on QB Trey Lance
- K Joey Slye reaches deal with Patriots
- Steelers' Justin Fields in mix for returning kicks
- Gaints sign veteran defensive back David Long Jr.
- Saints signing former Lions DB Will Harris
- Chiefs TE Travis Kelce 'extremely grateful' for new deal
- Bucs decline option on LB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
- Broncos won't pick up QB Zach Wilson's option
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- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Rookie TE Landing Spots
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Rookie WR Landing Spots
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The Paur Report
New York Jets rookie quarterback Jordan Travis (ankle), who was drafted by the Jets in the fifth round last week, won't take part in offseason workouts but should be cleared for training camp at the end of July, according to head coach Robert Saleh. The Jets took the Florida State star as a developmental prospect who can learn behind Aaron Rodgers and veteran backup Tyrod Taylor. Travis suffered a gruesome, season-ending ankle injury on Nov. 18 and required surgery. He rode a stationary bike on Friday during part of practice. "He's a tremendously talented young man and extremely gifted, especially athletically. He's got a lot of work to do for sure, especially with tying his lower half to his arm and all that good stuff, but he's a gifted athlete," Saleh said. Travis threw for 8,643 yards and 65 touchdowns while finishing his career with 17 straight wins for the Seminoles.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Miami Dolphins have signed wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. Dynasty Analysis: Beckham has been flirting with the Dolphins for weeks and now it's official. It's a one-year deal worth $3 million with incentives that can push its max value to $8.25 million. The incentives are likely going to be very tough for OBJ to meet with the likes of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle around. Still, it's another fresh start for Beckham, who hasn't had a 1,000-yard season 2019. He's still a hold in dynasty leagues but expecting a late-career renaissance seems to be asking a little too much at this point.
The New York Jets traded up to the first pick of the third round (No. 65) in the 2024 NFL Draft to select former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley. In a recent media availability, Jets general manager Joe Douglas touted the rookie's run-after-catch skills and believes he's a great fit alongside Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams. "He really excels with the ball in his hands. When guys are really good at running after catch in college, it usually translates well in the pros," Douglas said. "If a guy has the ability to make people miss it's because they're really an elusive high-level athlete and if they're wired to compete. Our coaches are going to use that skill to turn him into an elite route runner." Needless to say, the team has high expectations for the 22-year-old -- and for good reason. In his final two collegiate campaigns, he caught 180 passes for 2,277 yards and 22 touchdowns.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills signed linebacker Deion Jones and defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot on Friday, according to NFL.com. The team moved on from several veterans on both sides of the ball this offseason, so Jones and Smoot could compete for playing time in 2024. Jones, a former second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, earned Pro Bowl honors in 2017, but he hasn't lived up to his breakout campaign. In 109 games with the Falcons, Browns, and Panthers, he has racked up 731 tackles, 12 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 13 interceptions. Smoot, a former Jaguars third-round pick, spent the first seven seasons of his career with Jacksonville and compiled 23.5 sacks through his first 99 games.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh said that there will be no restrictions for quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) when Phase 3 of the offseason begins in two weeks, which consists of 10 organized team activity practices. "Once phase three hits, we're not anticipating any restrictions from what we can and can't do with him," Saleh said. Meanwhile, rookie QB Jordan Travis (ankle), is expected to be ready for training camp after suffering a devastating injury in November. The 40-year-old Rodgers is coming off a torn left Achilles that he suffered on the first offensive series of the season in 2023. The odds are against him returning to his MVP form with the Jets, but he's not lacking for offensive weapons around him if he can stay healthy in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert, who worked as the team's No. 4 wideout in his second season in 2023, is expected to have a bigger role in 2024 alongside CeeDee Lamb and veteran Brandin Cooks. Tolbert essentially split offensive snaps with Michael Gallup last year, but Gallup is now in Las Vegas. In 17 regular-season games (six starts) last year, Tolbert caught 22 of his 36 targets for 268 yards and two touchdowns after recording just two receptions in his rookie campaign in 2022. The 25-year-old former third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft out of South Alabama won't necessarily be worth drafting in standard-sized fantasy leagues this fall, but if Lamb or Cooks go down with an injury at any point, Tolbert would become a popular waiver-wire pickup.
From RotoBaller
Darren Waller's expected retirement could open the door for Daniel Bellinger to become the New York Giants' No. 1 tight end in 2024 like he was as a rookie. Bellinger's receiving opportunities were limited by Waller's presence last year, but the addition of veteran blocking tight ends this offseason should allow Bellinger to be featured more as a receiver in his third season in the league. The 23-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2022 out of San Diego State has caught 55 of his 63 targets for 523 yards and two touchdowns in his two seasons with the G-Men. If Waller hangs up his cleats as things seem to be trending, Bellinger could be a decent under-the-radar TE2 target in deeper fantasy leagues this fall.
From RotoBaller
Unsurprisingly, the Jacksonville Jaguars didn't pick up the fifth-year option on new quarterback Mac Jones, who the team acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots this offseason. Jones was New England's first-round pick in 2021 but failed to make an impact as their starter under center. He went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2021 but was merely a replacement player. Jones started all 42 games that he played for the Patriots, but the team went 4-13 in 2023 and Jones found himself on the bench for the final six games. The 25-year-old from Alabama regressed in each of his three seasons in Boston, but it didn't help that the Patriots were constantly bringing in new offensive coaches during his time there. Now in Jacksonville, Jones will operate as the clear backup to Trevor Lawrence in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was taken in this year's draft with the second overall pick, has the experience and ability to give him a chance to start immediately in his first season in 2024, according to multiple sources. "When that time comes, when he's ready, then that's when we'll do it. But there's no timeline on that," head coach Dan Quinn said. If Daniels doesn't start right away, the Commanders would go with Marcus Mariota. Both Quinn and general manager Adam Peters have said they want to rely on a strong defense and run game to reduce the burden on the rookie QB. The addition of veteran players like tight end Zach Ertz and running Austin Ekeler should lessen the need for Daniels to be the leader of the offense right away. Numerous NFL coaches think Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme will be good for Daniels, and while he has tons of long-term potential, Daniels will be a low-end QB2 with upside in fantasy in 2024.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants running back Eric Gray has a clear path to a bigger role in New York's backfield in his second season in the league now that Saquon Barkley is no longer in town. The Giants signed Devin Singletary to be their No. 1 back, but he's never been the top dog and there will be room for carries for other backs now that Barkley is out of the picture. The Giants haven't signed any other veterans and didn't take a RB in the draft until selecting Purdue's Tyrone Tracy in the fifth round, which is the same spot Gray was taken in 2023. The 24-year-old had 23 touches for 70 yards in 13 games as a rookie last year, but his production should go up considerably in 2024 as long as he stays healthy. Gray won't necessarily be a draft target in standard 12-team leagues, but he'll surely be a waiver-wire target if Singletary misses time with an injury.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills signed former Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool to an undisclosed one-year deal on Friday. Even with the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason, Claypool could face an uphill battle to crack the top three in Buffalo after the addition of rookie Keon Coleman with the first pick of the second round of this year's draft. The 25-year-old former second-rounder by the Steelers in 2020 out of Notre Dame had a career-low eight receptions on 21 targets for 77 yards and one touchdown in 12 games (two starts) with the Bears and Miami Dolphins in 2023. Claypool could connect on some deep plays down the field with quarterback Josh Allen in 2024, but unless injuries open up a starting spot for Claypool, he's a long shot for consistent fantasy production.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Chargers have signed wide receiver DJ Chark,. Dynasty Analysis: Chark brings a lot of experience to the Los Angeles receiving corps but we haven't seen much from him in terms of production since 2019. After stints in Jacksonville, Detroit, and Carolina, Chark will now join his fourth team in four years, still looking to rekindle that magic. While this is clearly a "wait and see" kind of moment for Chark, it should put him back on the map now that he's paired with Justin Herbert in a new-look Chargers offense.
Dynasty | The Steelers have declined the fifth-year option on running back Najee Harris. Dynasty Analysis: Harris will now be in a contract year in 2024 as he attempts to re-establish himself as a starting caliber running back in the NFL. He will again likely be deployed in a committee with Jaylen Warren and look to impress Pittsburgh or another team as he searches for a lucrative second NFL contract. He'll need to be more effective than he was last season to do so but he showed some flashes late in the season after the Steelers threatened to move Warren to the "1A" part of the committee. Regardless, Harris remains a hold in dynasty leagues as we see just what he may have to give now that he's in a contract year.
Dynasty | The Buffalo Bills have signed wide receiver Chase Claypool. Dynasty Analysis: Claypool flamed out in Pittsburgh and was even worse in his time with the Bears and Dolphins over the past two seasons. Still, we know he has talent and this is a pretty good development in dynasty circles, at least putting him back on the map. While he's far from a trade target, this could make him a decent waiver wire pickup in the hopes he can rekindle his career with Josh Allen and a depth chart pretty void of talent.
The Miami Dolphins are signing veteran free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year deal worth up to $8.25 million, according to Tom Pelissero. The three-time Pro Bowler has been linked to Miami for much of the offseason, and he finally found his home for the 2024 season on Friday. While this is an exciting signing for the former superstar, fantasy football expectations should be tempered. The 31-year-old has not reached the 600-yard mark in a single season since 2019, and he will now compete with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle for targets. He's a nice depth boost for Mike McDaniel's offense, but he is nothing more than a late-round flyer in 2024 fantasy drafts. Despite playing in 14 games for the Ravens last year, he caught just 35 passes for 565 yards and three touchdowns, finishing as the WR63 in PPR leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers declined the fifth-year option for cornerback Eric Stokes on Thursday, according to a source. The 29th overall pick in 2021 out of Georgia, Stokes played well in his rookie season but has battled injuries the last two years. He will now be slated for free agency next spring and can make a case for a big payday if he can stay healthy in 2024. The 25-year-old played in 16 games (14 starts) as a rookie in 2021 and had a career-high 55 tackles (43 solo), an interception and 14 passes defended. However, he's played in just 12 games (11 starts) since then and has 26 solo tackles in that time. Stokes played in just three games last season. Despite his injuries the last two years, he's expected to be a starting cornerback for Green Bay in 2024 if he's healthy.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans plan to decline the fifth-year option on cornerback Caleb Farley (back), according to a source. It was the expected move for the Titans after Farley played in just 12 games (two starts) since 2021. The former 22nd overall pick in 2021 out of Virginia Tech will now hit the free-agent market after the 2024 season. Farley missed all of the 2023 campaign due to a back injury and has a total of 14 tackles (13 solo) and one pass defended in his 12 games with the Titans in 2021 and 2022. The 25-year-old defensive back will be trying to stay on the field in 2024 with Tennessee and be productive in what is now his walk year before hitting the open market next spring.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers have signed free agent wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. to a one-year, $5 million contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Chark reportedly visited with the Chargers prior to last week's NFL Draft. He could play a key role in Los Angeles after the team parted with both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason. Right now, their current depth chart is headlined by Chark, Quentin Johnston, and Joshua Palmer, as well as up-and-coming rookies Ladd McConkey and Brenden Rice. Chark spent last season with the Carolina Panthers, catching 35 passes for 525 yards and five touchdowns over the course of 15 games. While the Chargers lack a true alpha receiver at the moment, they have plenty of raw talent at the position, which could make it difficult for Chark to carve out a role. For now, fantasy managers should monitor his performance throughout training camp before they consider selecting him in drafts later this summer.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore "will be relied on to provide more consistency" throughout the 2024 season, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. Notably, the Falcons are expected to deploy numerous three-receiver sets, leaving room for both Mooney and Moore to contribute alongside Drake London. Mooney, a Tulane product, tallied 2,593 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns over his first four pro seasons. His best season came in 2021 when he racked up 1,055 receiving yards and five total touchdowns. If Mooney can return to his 2021 form, he'll be the Falcons' No. 2 wide receiver and a low-end FLEX option in fantasy football. Moore also flashed potential in Arizona prior to his trade from the Cardinals to the Falcons. Over his first three pro seasons, Moore has 1,201 receiving yards, 249 rushing yards, and four touchdowns. He, too, could become a fringe fantasy WR3 in the right situation.
From RotoBaller
The Kansas City Chiefs have declined their fifth-year option on wide receiver Kadarius Toney, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. By doing so, the Chiefs will opt against bringing Toney back for $14.345 million in 2025. Instead, he'll finish out his rookie contract in Kansas City this season before hitting free agency next March. Toney had a fifth-year option due to his status as a former first-round pick. He has been a massive disappointment since the Giants selected him in the 2021 NFL Draft. Toney totaled 760 receiving yards, 119 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns through his first three seasons, and he also struggled to stay healthy, playing in just 12 games for the Giants and 20 for the Chiefs. He remains an inferior receiver to Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, and Xavier Worthy, leaving Toney on waivers in most redraft leagues.
From RotoBaller
