👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

10 Lineup Busts and Avoids for Week 14

It's time to turn up the pressure! Week 14 is here and that means the playoffs have probably begun in your leagues. If you made it, congrats! If you didn't, there's always next year! Or there's the consolation bracket, which comes with a tiny, tiny amount of bragging rights. Or there's daily fantasy. Fantasy football never ends! (Unless it's after the Super Bowl. There's probably some arena football fantasy leagues that you can play in, but I'm not sure we can help you much with those here at Rotoballer, though if anyone reading this wants to put one together feel free to shoot me an email because that sounds like the kind of weird fun I'd enjoy.)

A couple of changes to the column this week and for the rest of the regular season: no more recap of last week. Instead, the 200 or so words that usually comprise that are going to be redistributed to the rest of the column so you can have more information to use for making your lineup calls this week. We're talking about playoffs! You've got to have as many chances as possible to not screw it up!

Below are ten lineup busts and avoids for Week 14 of NFL action.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Top 10 Busts - NFL Week 14

Eli Manning (Quarterback, New York Giants)

This one feels obvious since Manning has played poorly enough this season that former head coach Ben McAdoo benched him for Geno Smith last week, but McAdoo has been fired and Manning has returned to the starting lineup. It feels like people often expect a player to receive a bump in production in a situation like this, but that's a flawed narrative, especially in this particular situation. The Giants still have an extremely weak receiving core, Manning is still the same guy who didn't throw a touchdown in the two weeks before his benching, and didn't throw for a touchdown in Week 1 against the Cowboys.

Cam Newton (Quarterback, Carolina Panthers)

It took a lot of thinking to not put Russell Wilson here, since he plays against the league's best defense. I ultimately decided that Seattle relies SO much on Wilson that he's unlikely to post a complete dud. Cam Newton against Minnesota? I don't feel nearly as confident about that. The Vikings are the fourth-best defense against opposing quarterbacks and Newton's thrown for 200 or more yards just once in his past five games. Newton will need to use his legs this week to find fantasy value, but the Vikings are allowing less than five rushing yards per-game to quarterbacks. I don't like Cam this week.

Jordan Howard (Running Back, Chicago Bears)

As someone who has Howard in a ton of leagues, his recent production has worried me. 13 carries for 38 yards against a 49ers defense that is currently ranked as the third-worst against running backs. Seven carries for six yards against the Eagles. Before Chicago's bye week, Howard had run the ball 18 times or more for six consecutive games. In four games since the bye? Not a single with that large of a workload. The Bengals aren't necessarily a top defense against running backs, but if Howard can't succeed against the 49ers then I'm not sure I trust him against a better defense this week. Factor in that the Bears could be without guard Kyle Long and this is a risk I'd rather avoid.

Mike Davis (Running Back, Seattle Seahawks)

Like the rest of the fantasy football world, I like Mike Davis and think the Seahawks found a pretty good running back. The Seattle backfield has looked terrible most of this year, but a Chris Carson/Mike Davis combo could be really intriguing in 2018. That's beside the point right now, though, because Mike Davis plays Jacksonville this week. They aren't as good against the run game as they are against the passing game, but they're good enough that I'm not at all sold on Davis being successful.

Leonard Fournette (Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars)

I've spent a lot of time talking about the other side of this match-up, but let's not sleep on the Seattle defense, which is currently allowing the third-fewest points to opposing running backs. Obviously Fournette has value down around the goal line, but without a touchdown? After a great start to the season, Fournette has only one 100-yard game in his past four outings. In two of those games, he ran for 33 yards or less. T.J. Yeldon's usage is trending upwards as well as the Jags look to keep Fournette fresh.

T.Y. Hilton (Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts)

Look, it's T.Y. again! Hilton found the end zone last week (oops!), but he's followed every double-digit fantasy performance this season up with a complete dud (30 yards against Seattle, 19 yards against Tennessee, and 23 yards against Pittsburgh). I understand that anecdotal evidence is a bad thing to base real decisions off of, though, so here are some statistical reasons to avoid him: the Bills have been one of the league's best defenses against opposing wide receivers, the Bills are at home, and Jacoby Brissett is still the quarterback for Indianapolis.

Devin Funchess (Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers)

I hate how much of my fantasy team is ending up on this list this week! I have Newton on here, so it makes sense that I have Newton's number one option, Funchess, here as well. The Vikings are a team that shuts down opposing wide receivers on a fairly consistent basis, and Funchess took awhile to get involved last week against New Orleans. Tight end Greg Olsen is back too, though who knows how that will end up affecting Funchess.

Doug Baldwin (Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks)

I called Baldwin a potential bust last week and wasn't right, but I feel better about that call this week against the Jaguars, who allow the least points to wide receivers but are just in the middle-of-the-pack against tight ends. Expect Jimmy Graham to be Russell Wilson's top target in a low-scoring game, which really hurts Baldwin's upside. I know there's this narrative about Baldwin being a must start in the final quarter of every season, but the numbers don't support that narrative this week.

Jared Cook (Tight End, Oakland Raiders)

HA HA HA HA HA HA WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE. Cook was expected to be the primary beneficiary of Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper missing last week's game against the Giants (the worst team against tight ends!) and finished with one catch for nine yards. The week before, against a Denver team that allows the second-most points to tight ends, he finished with one catch for two yards. Now he plays a Chiefs team that is actually good at defending tight ends. There's no way he even gets close to any of my lineups.

Eric Ebron (Tight End, Detroit Lions)

Just for old times sake, here's Eric Ebron. The Buccaneers defense has struggled this year, but one position they haven't struggled against the tight end position. Ebron has caught four passes in each of Detroit's last three games, so it wouldn't be a shock to see him creeping back into lineups. Don't do it, though, because again: Tampa Bay is allowing the least points to tight ends.

 

More Week 14 Lineup Prep




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Logan Stankoven

Presumed Ready for Game 1
NFL

First Round of NFL Draft Could Feature Plenty of Trades
Max Muncy

has Another Multi-Homer Game at Coors Field
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Expected to Make Season Debut on Saturday
Austin Riley

Hits Two Home Runs in Shutout Win Over Phillies
Daulton Varsho

Removed Early on Friday With Knee Discomfort
Rashawn Slater

Joe Alt Expected to Participate in Offseason Program
Aaron Gordon

Available for Game 1 Against Timberwolves
Julius Randle

Cleared for Playoffs
Jaxson Hayes

Available Saturday Night
Grayson Allen

Will Play Against Warriors
Kristaps Porzingis

Cleared for Friday's Game
Kevin Durant

Iffy for Saturday's Game 1
Mark Williams

Won't Play Friday Night
Spencer Jones

is Questionable for Game 1 on Saturday
Peyton Watson

is Ruled Out for Game 1 on Saturday
Edwin Uceta

Having More Shoulder Issues, "Shut Down for a Few Days"
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate is Available on Friday
Ayo Dosunmu

is Available for Saturday's Game
Anthony Edwards

Questionable for Saturday's Action
Jonathan Isaac

Remains Out Friday
NFL

Jeremiyah Love Considered the Top Overall Talent in 2026 NFL Draft?
Jarrett Allen

Removed From Injury Report Ahead of Playoffs
Donovan Mitchell

Good to Go for Playoff Opener
Mitchell Robinson

Ready for Game 1 Against Hawks
OG Anunoby

Cleared to Play Saturday
Jalen Brunson

Available for Game 1 Saturday
Thomas Bryant

Won't Play Saturday
Immanuel Quickley

Questionable for Game 1
Kristaps Porzingis

Expected to Play Friday
Aaron Jones Sr.

Role in Minnesota Could Continue to Decrease in 2026
Romeo Doubs

Appears Poised for Larger Role in New England
Isiah Pacheco

Is Isiah Pacheco a Worthy Buy-Low Target for Dynasty Managers?
Rico Dowdle

Will Rico Dowdle Emerge as the Clear RB1 in Pittsburgh?
Rashid Shaheed

Can Rashid Shaheed Establish a Higher-Volume Role in Seattle in 2026?
Marcus Mariota

Set for Backup Role in 2026
Josh Hader

Moved to 60-Day Injured List
Ruke Orhorhoro

Jaguars Acquire Ruke Orhorhoro From the Falcons
NFL

Jordyn Tyson Could Come Off the Board as Early as Fifth Overall
Willson Contreras

Returns to Red Sox Lineup on Friday
Daniel Palencia

Goes on 15-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Jacoby Brissett

Sitting Out Offseason Workouts, Asking for Extension
Will Anderson Jr.

Texans Agree to Three-Year Extension With Will Anderson Jr.
Juan Soto

Still on Track to Return Next Week
Los Angeles Angels

Garret Anderson Dies at 53 Years Old
Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Not Expected to Take a QB at No. 21 Overall in the Draft
NFL

Jordyn Tyson's Friday Workout to be Heavily Attended
Quentin Johnston

Chargers Shut Down Trade Rumors Surrounding Quentin Johnston
Najee Harris

a Name to Remember After the NFL Draft
Mike Malott

A Favorite At UFC Winnipeg
NFL

Malachi Fields Could Provide More Value to NFL Team Than Fantasy Managers
Gilbert Burns

Set For UFC Winnipeg Main Event
Travis Etienne Jr.

Entering a Second Dynasty Peak
Kyler Phillips

Set UFC Winnipeg Co-Main Event
Charles Jourdain

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Tyler Allgeier

Familiarity with System Could Give Him an Early Edge
Jai Herbert

An Underdog At UFC Winnipeg
Kenneth Gainwell

Should Carve Out Meaningful Role with Buccaneers
Mandel Nallo

Set For His UFC Debut
Karine Silva

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Looks To Bounce Back
Robert Thomas

Wraps Up Season With a Hat Trick
Macklin Celebrini

Establishes Sharks' New Scoring Record
Scott Wedgewood

Keeps Kraken From Scoring Thursday
Nathan MacKinnon

Wins Rocket Richard Trophy With 53 Goals
Connor McDavid

Secures Sixth Art Ross Trophy With Four-Assist Performance
Connor Dewar

Ready for Game 1
Nikita Grebenkin

Unavailable at Start of Playoffs
Parker Messick

Flirts With No-Hitter in Latest Gem Against Orioles
Mike Trout

Hits Five Homers in Series Versus Yankees
CGY

Arsenii Sergeev to Make NHL Debut Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Cleared for World Championship
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Dealing With Fractured Hand
Zach Whitecloud

Ready to Rock Thursday
Matt Coronato

Available Against Kings
Josh Manson

Expected to Return for Postseason
Nathan MacKinnon

Martin Necas Sit Out Regular-Season Finale
Spencer Arrighetti

Fans 10 in Season Debut, to Remain a Focal Point in Rotation?
Nick Pivetta

Dealing With Flexor Strain, Could Miss Months
Nico Hoerner

Homers, Drive in Five in Win Over Phillies
Shota Imanaga

Strikes Out 11 in First Win of the Season
Sal Stewart

Continues to Hit, Goes Deep Twice on Wednesday
Shohei Ohtani

Strikes Out 10 in Win Over Mets
Connor Bedard

Has Two Assists in Season Finale
Claude Giroux

Sends Out Two Assists in Battle of Ontario Win
Tye Kartye

Registers First Career Three-Point Game
Owen Power

Records Two Assists Wednesday
Esa Lindell

Tallies Two Points in Regular-Season Finale
Reilly Smith

Produces Three-Point Performance Wednesday
Shohei Ohtani

Will Pitch on Wednesday, But Won't DH
Nick Pivetta

Confident he'll Pitch Again This Year
Trevor Story

Carries Red Sox With Five RBI on Wednesday
CFB

Michigan Lands Commitment From Quarterback Kamden Lopati
Sahith Theegala

Brings Strong Form Into Harbour Town
Wyndham Clark

Needs Putter to Show Up at RBC Heritage
Jacob Bridgeman

Looks to Return to Elite Form at Harbour Town
J.J. Spaun

a Volatile Option at RBC Heritage
PGA

Sungjae Im Offers High-Upside Value at RBC Heritage
Matt Fitzpatrick

Set for Another Strong Showing at RBC Heritage
Jason Day

Eyes Bounce-Back After Sunday Struggles at the Masters
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Rebound at Harbour Town
Cameron Young

Hoping to Secure Second Win of Season at RBC Heritage
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Again at RBC Heritage
Shane Lowry

Has Disappointing Final Round at Masters
Viktor Hovland

Hoping to Build on Final Round at Masters
Brian Harman

Struggling For Consistency Heading to RBC Heritage
Chris Gotterup

Putting Together Outstanding 2026 Season
Justin Thomas

Looks to Defend in Hilton Head
Jordan Spieth

in Search of Improved Putting at RBC Heritage
Marco Penge

May Continue Up-and-Down Ride at the RBC Heritage
Xander Schauffele

Could Get The Job Done at RBC Heritage
Jake Knapp

Keeps Building Strong Results in 2026
Kurt Kitayama

Trying to Regain Form From Florida
Collin Morikawa

Continues to be a Scary DFS Play at RBC Heritage
CFB

Tramell Jones Jr. Outperforms Aaron Philo During Florida's Spring Scrimmage
CFB

Keelon Russell Flashes in Alabama's Spring Game
Ty Gibbs

Holds off the Field for His First Cup Series Victory at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Earns His First Runner-Up Finish at Bristol
Kyle Larson

Dominant Performance At Bristol Falls Short of Victory
Tyler Reddick

Matches his Career-Best Finish at Bristol
Alex Bowman

Crashes Early at Bristol in Return From Injury
Carlos Ulberg

Is The New Light Heavyweight Champion
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Azamat Murzakanov

Suffers His First Loss
Paulo Costa

Wins Back-to-Back Fights
Curtis Blaydes

Drops Decision At UFC 327
Josh Hokit

Remains Unbeaten
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar A Worthy DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
NASCAR

Could Bubba Wallace Be A Solid DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF