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Danny Boily looks at fantasy football landmines, busts, and avoids for Week 14 of 2024. Given these Week 14 fantasy situations, consider benching these players.
With six teams on bye in Week 14, fantasy managers are navigating a perilous minefield. Options are limited, playoff spots are on the line, and every lineup decision carries heightened stakes. This isn’t the time for blind loyalty or playing it safe with big names. You need calculated choices—and that’s where this analysis comes in.
The players highlighted here are those you may consider starting, but this week’s matchups, trends, and circumstances suggest caution. It might be time to consider pivoting if you've got viable alternatives. Always play your stars, but if you’re sitting on the fence with these players, this guide might save you from stepping on a landmine.
Let’s break down five players likely to underperform their rankings in Week 14.
Editor's Note: Identify fantasy football draft busts, overvalued ADPs, and key players to avoid so you can draft with confidence this season.
Geno Smith, QB, vs. Arizona Cardinals
With the exception of passing yards, Geno Smith has been the epitome of fantasy mediocrity this season, ranking as the 16th QB in fantasy points per game. With 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on the year, his ceiling has been modest at best. Now, he faces a brutal road test against a surging Arizona Cardinals defense.
The Cardinals have been a nightmare for opposing QBs over the past four weeks, allowing just 12 fantasy points per game to the position, ranking second in the NFL during that span. They’ve given up a mere 14 passing touchdowns all season (tied for fourth-fewest in the league), and their 21.6 points allowed per game ranks 11th overall.
Two weeks ago, in a home matchup against these same Cardinals, Geno mustered only 13.36 fantasy points on 254 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Expecting a better performance on the road against this defense feels like wishful thinking. If you’re considering starting Geno because your starter is on a bye, it might be time to explore other streaming options.
Geno Smith absolutely LOVES Garrett Williams 🤭
2 career games against the Seahawks. 2 INTs.
Can they keep the connection going this Sunday?🤔 pic.twitter.com/o6lIb5maUt
— Maserati Marv 🏎️💨(fan) (@MHJera_) December 5, 2024
Ameer Abdullah, RB, vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Since taking over as the starter in Week 12, Ameer Abdullah has been serviceable but unspectacular, averaging 12.4 fantasy points per game. While his dual-threat capability offers some appeal, this week’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is unfavorable.
The Buccaneers’ run defense ranks 12th in the league, allowing just 117.2 rushing yards per game. More importantly, they’ve allowed only 11 rushing touchdowns in 12 games this season. Over the past four weeks, Tampa has been even better, ranking sixth against opposing running backs in fantasy scoring.
Abdullah’s inefficiency on the ground (3.0 yards per carry) and lack of rushing touchdowns make him reliant on receiving work, but Tampa excels at limiting running back production through the air. Unless you’re desperate, Abdullah should be benched in favor of a safer option, even in this bye-week crunch.
Keenan Allen, WR, vs. San Francisco 49ers
Keenan Allen’s fantasy resurgence over the past two weeks has been a sight to behold, with three touchdowns and strong performances. But don’t let recent success cloud your judgment—Week 14 presents a daunting matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, the fourth-ranked passing defense in the league.
San Francisco allows just 190 passing yards per game, and they’ve surrendered only 15 passing touchdowns all season. With the Bears’ offensive line struggling, Allen could see a dip in target quality and volume.
Allen thrives on heavy usage, but his 17.1% target share this season isn’t as dominant as it once was. He’s still a WR3 in many scenarios, but temper your expectations—and consider alternatives if you’ve got a deep bench.
Caleb escapes and finds Keenan Allen for a Bears TD
📺: #MINvsCHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/AhtGzUXqdv— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024
Evan Engram, TE, vs. Tennessee Titans
Despite ranking as the ninth-best TE in fantasy points per game, Engram’s scored just one touchdown and hasn’t cracked double-digit points since Week 8. Unfortunately, things don’t look any brighter in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans rank first in the NFL against the pass, allowing just 171.8 yards per game, and they’ve been particularly stingy against tight ends, ranking seventh in fantasy points allowed to the position. Their defense excels at clogging the middle of the field, making it difficult for players like Engram to operate in space.
With the Jaguars mired in a five-game losing streak and their offense sputtering, it’s hard to trust Engram to deliver in a must-win week for fantasy managers. Look for streaming options like Will Dissly or Noah Gray, who offer better upside in Week 14.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, vs. New York Jets
Jaylen Waddle has been a frustrating player for fantasy managers this season, breaking double-digit points only twice. While his 24.4-point explosion in Week 12 teased a potential breakout, he came crashing back to earth with 9.3 points in Week 13.
Unfortunately, Week 14 offers little reason for optimism against the New York Jets. The Jets boast the NFL’s best defense against wide receivers in fantasy points allowed. They’re second in passing defense, surrendering just 174.9 yards per game and a league-low nine passing touchdowns all season.
Waddle’s 13.8% target share and two touchdowns on the season underscore his limited involvement in Miami’s high-powered offense. In a matchup this tough, he’s more likely to frustrate than flourish. He’s a risky flex play, and managers should explore other options if possible.
the waddle game was nearly even bigger
btw @notJDaigle noted the Dolphins are 1st in EPA per dropback since Tua returned in Week 8 pic.twitter.com/zgKGiikeJo
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) November 25, 2024
Final Thoughts
With playoffs looming, every decision counts, and identifying potential landmines in your lineup can make the difference between a win and an early exit. Geno Smith, Ameer Abdullah, Keenan Allen, Evan Engram, and Jaylen Waddle all face uphill battles this week. If you’ve got alternatives, don’t be afraid to pivot.
Fantasy football is a game of matchups, not just talent. Trust the data, consider the context, and make the tough calls. Good luck out there—may your Week 14 lineup be explosive (in a good way) and free of landmines!
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