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RotoBaller staff's fantasy football sleepers, avoids, and start 'em sit 'em picks for Week 14 of 2025. Expert lineup advice from Frank Ammirante and Thunder Dan Palyo.
It's a must-win week for many fantasy managers on the playoff bubble, making it critical to crush your lineup decisions. Even if you're already in the postseason or have already been eliminated, it's still fun to play spoiler, right? We're here to help you make those tough choices!
It's time for the next edition of our RotoBaller staff start-or-sit calls. Two of the industry's best analysts are here to break down potential sleepers and busts ahead of the full slate of Week 14 NFL action.
These fantasy football sleepers, avoids, and busts are from top RotoBaller contributors Frank Ammirante and "Thunder Dan" Palyo.
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Week 14 Fantasy Football Start 'Em Picks
Michael Wilson, Cardinals vs. Rams (Frank Ammirante)
Injury Update: Marvin Harrison Jr. has been ruled OUT
After taking a backseat to Marvin Harrison Jr. in Week 13, Michael Wilson is back in the circle of trust against the Rams in Week 14. Harrison is dealing with a heel injury that has kept him out of practice. There's a legit chance that he'll be unable to play against the Rams. That would force Wilson back into a prominent role as a target hog alongside Trey McBride in an extremely pass-heavy offense. With the Cardinals likely playing from behind against the high-octane Rams, that would give Wilson plenty of opportunities to rack up yards and receptions.
Brenton Strange, Jaguars vs. Colts (Thunder Dan)
Strange has returned from injury and resumed a high-usage role in the Jags offense. He's earned nine targets over the last two weeks and converted those into 8-138-1. It's becoming quite clear that the Jacksonville pass offense is going to be a pretty balanced attack with Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Parker Washington all sharing the load, as well as Strange.
Trevor Lawrence to Brenton Strange TD!
JAXvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/7WDhrUO1wb
— NFL (@NFL) November 30, 2025
But the matchup this week is best for Strange as the Colts have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. This should be one of the more high-scoring games of the week, and Strange offers some TE1 upside in this spot with his steady involvement paired with an elite game environment.
Chris Godwin Jr., Buccaneers vs. Saints (Frank Ammirante)
Injury Update: Mike Evans has been ruled OUT
Chris Godwin is one of my featured picks on Week 14 Bold Predictions. The veteran wideout put up 78 yards in his second game back from injury last week, but it could have looked even better, as he dropped a touchdown. Can you imagine the hype that Godwin would be getting this week if he didn't drop that pass? You have to love the spot at home against the Saints, as the Bucs have the sixth-highest implied total on the slate. Consider Godwin as an upside WR3 in this matchup, even if Mike Evans is able to play, as his downfield ability would open up room for the rest of the offense.
Christian Watson, Packers vs. Bears (Thunder Dan)
I am all in on Watson for the second straight week, and I just hope that the Packers don't shy away from the passing game. I am not sure they can this week, as the Bears have enough offense to make this a close, competitive game throughout, and we could even see Green Bay have to pass more if they are playing from behind.
Watson caught only 4 of 10 targets last week, but the 10 targets (and 7 the week before) simply can't be ignored. The Bears play the fifth-most man-to-man coverage of any defense and have allowed the second-most yards per route run to opposing wideouts while in man coverage. That sounds like a recipe for a huge game from Watson, who can win against single coverage down the field.
Devaughn Vele, Saints at Buccaneers (Frank Ammirante)
Devaughn Vele is a veteran wideout who is coming on strong for the Saints. We just saw him put up his biggest game of the year, where he caught all eight of his targets for 93 yards and a touchdown. Vele now has 15 targets in his last two games. Up next is an exploitable matchup against the Buccaneers, who rank 22nd in fantasy points per game allowed to wideouts. If you're in a deeper league wtih a clear need at WR3, Vele is your guy. He's even better if it's a full-PPR format, since he's more of a possession receiver.
Adonai Mitchell, Jets vs. Dolphins (Thunder Dan)
It was a full-fledged breakout last week for Mitchell, as he went 8-102-1 on 12 targets. He's finally starting to get his footing with his new team and is clearly the most talented player in the wide receiver room. With a plus matchup this week against a porous Miami secondary, Mitchell could end up having another big week, and he makes for an appealing WR3 or FLEX play.
Tyrod goes DEEP to AD Mitchell for the 52-yard TD!
ATLvsNYJ on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/1Vn37w4nNN
— NFL (@NFL) November 30, 2025
Week 14 Fantasy Football Busts and Sits
DK Metcalf, Steelers at Ravens (Frank Ammirante)
DK Metcalf plays in a slow-paced, vanilla offense while catching passes from a quarterback who is well past his prime. It's been a disappointing season for the former Seahawk, who is currently averaging only 10.0 fantasy points per game, which ranks as WR33 (half-PPR formats). Metcalf has been held to 7.5 fantasy points or fewer in four of his last five games. Simply put, he's nothing more than a name right now. I'd have no issue starting the likes of Devaughn Vele or Josh Downs over Metcalf this week. The Ravens' defense continues to improve. This matchup looks like your classic low-scoring AFC North showdown.
Troy Franklin, Broncos at Raiders (Thunder Dan)
Usually, we like targeting wide receivers against a leaky Las Vegas secondary, but Franklin appears to have been passed up by Pat Bryant as the WR2 in this Denver offense. Bryant had more targets and routes run last week, so as long as he's healthy (currently questionable), I am operating on the assumption that he'll continue to trend up, while Franklin sees fewer opportunities.
Oronde Gadsden, Chargers vs. Eagles (Frank Ammirante)
Oronde Gadsden got off to a roaring start in his rookie season, but he's cooled off considerably, averaging only 5.1 fantasy points per game since Week 9, which ranks as TE26 during that stretch. There's no reason to be optimistic for improvement this week, as the Chargers take on an elite Eagles defense that has shut down tight ends so far. Philadelphia ranks 4th in fantasy points per game allowed to tight ends. On top of that, Justin Herbert is banged up, which puts his status in question.
Even if Herbert does play, he'll be at less than 100 percent. Bet on the Chargers to lean on their running game against the Eagles, who got gashed by D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai last week. Jalen Carter is out for this game, so it's likely to be low pass volume for the Chargers, which is bad news for Gadsden.
Kareem Hunt, Chiefs vs. Texans (Thunder Dan)
Hunt has been the workhorse for the Chiefs over the last month, but between splitting touches with Isiah Pacheco and a very tough matchup against a solid Houston run defense, I think he could struggle to make value if he doesn't find the end zone. Houston is probably going to force the Chiefs to throw the ball more than they want to, limiting the number of running back touches that will be available in this one.
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