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
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Under-the-Radar Booms/Busts: Week 14

This is arguably the most important week of the fantasy football regular season.

Week 14 is the last week of the regular season in many if not most fantasy leagues. Postseason berths and playoff positioning are up for grabs during this week, and fantasy players do not have to worry about any of their superstars or kickers being on bye. So if there was ever a week for me to choose the correct under-the-radar booms and busts, it’s this week.  Gulp!

Here are some under-the-radar booms and busts for the 14th week of NFL action to help you set a winning lineup. Good luck RotoBallers!

Editor's Note: Steer clear of costly draft mistakes with RotoBaller’s expert Fantasy Football Bust analysis. We break down overvalued players, potential letdowns, and risky ADPs to avoid, so you can build a smarter, safer roster.

 

Week 14 Under-the-Radar Booms

Baker Mayfield (QB, CLE) vs. CAR

After five consecutive multiple-touchdown games, Mayfield may have ruined the playoff hopes of millions of fantasy owners last week with his three-interception trainwreck against Houston. While he did throw for a career-high 397 yards in the game, the trio of turnovers and one lone touchdown toss probably hurt fantasy players more than the extra yardage helped.

Somebody call the rebound police! Mayfield is going to rebound this week better than Moses Malone did back in his Houston Rockets days. Carolina’s pass defense has fallen steadily to 22nd in the league and has allowed 14 touchdown passes over its past five contests. Now the Panthers have reshuffled their defensive coaching staff, which is never a good sign. I think 280 passing yards and three touchdown heaves is certainly within Mayfield’s wheelhouse this week.

Chris Godwin (WR, JAX) vs. NOR

Fantasy owners have waited patiently while Godwin has had to deal with Tampa Bay flip-flopping its quarterbacks all season long while allowing Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Adam Humphries, O.J. Howard, Cameron Brate and Godwin to fight over the targets.  Godwin started the season with touchdown catches in four of his first five games, but having to fight and claw for attention with five other above-average pass catchers slowed his fantasy growth. He went six straight games without a touchdown before his past weekend and averaged just 50 yards per game during that juncture.

Godwin had his second 100-yard-game of the season against Carolina last Sunday with Jackson sidelined with an injured thumb and Howard out for the year with an injured knee. Do not be surprised if Godwin repeats his performance this week against New Orleans’ 30th-ranked pass defense in a game shaping up to be a shootout. The Saints have had problems with their No. 2 and No. 3 cornerbacks throughout the season, and acquiring Eli Apple from the New York Giants at the trade deadline has actually made things worse. Godwin is a great low-priced buy this week, especially if Jackson misses the game.

Randall Cobb (WR, GB) vs. ATL

Green Bay’s offense is in a state of flux, and it is hard to tell what direction it will go now that longtime head coach Mike McCarthy was fired after the Packers’ embarrassing loss to the Arizona Cardinals. You would think Aaron Rodgers and company should turn things around with fresh voices running the show and the urgency to win games ASAP. This comes at a welcomed time for Cobb, who since racking up nine catches for 142 yards and a touchdown in the opening game of the season has fallen off the fantasy map. He has not had more than 40 receiving yards in a game or scored a touchdown since.

Cobb is now an afterthought in a passing attack that revolves around ultra-skilled Davante Adams and younger receivers with much longer names than Cobb’s. But I think the Packers will go back to the basics and get their veteran slot receiver more involved in the offense this weekend against Atlanta’s injury-riddled 25th-ranked pass defense. Look for Cobb to have his second-best game of the season this week and be an underrated help in PPR and DFS leagues.

 

Week 14 Under-the-Radar Busts

Eli Manning (QB, NYG) at WAS

Dr. Phil says the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. If that is the case, Manning’s future is looking bleak this week. He is facing a Washington defense that has owned him in recent years. In Manning’s last half-dozen games against the Redskins, he had a five-to-nine TD-to-INT ratio and had three stinkers where he threw for 180 yards or less.

Manning and the Giants are playing the best ball of the season while Washington is freefalling faster than Kareem Hunt’s fantasy value these days. But just because Mark Sanchez is quarterbacking for the Redskins, that does not mean that Manning will have an easier time on his side of the field. Manning has yet to throw for multiple touchdown tosses against a division rival this season (three TD in four games) and could be a clunker away from Kyle Lauletta getting some snaps. Look for Washington’s defense to step up in a must-win home game and clamp down on Manning and his receiving corps…again.

Doug Baldwin (WR, SEA) vs. MIN (Monday)

Baldwin has ceded his spot as Seattle’s No. 1 wideout to Tyler Lockett this year. He has had more problems below the belt this season than a boxer who gets punched repeatedly in the groin. Lower-body injuries have sapped Baldwin of some of his speed and kept him off the field a lot, although his fantasy value has been on an upturn recently with touchdowns in two of his past three games.

Baldwin has to find open areas against Minnesota’s ninth-ranked pass defense, which will not be an easy chore. In four games against Aaron Rodgers (two games), Drew Brees and Tom Brady this season the Vikings only allowed a combined four touchdown passes. Even though his target totals have been increasing and Lockett is not a hard receiver to surpass to become No. 1 again, this is not the week for Baldwin to have his first 100-yard-game of 2018.

Chris Conley (WR, KC) vs. BAL

Conley has thrived while Sammy Watkins and his perennially sore foot have been sidelined the past two games. Conley caught 10 passes for 99 yards and three touchdowns while Watkins was away and could be in line for another start this weekend if Watkins does not get healthy real soon, which has never been his forte. With Kansas City’s running attack severely downgraded in the wake of the Kareem Hunt fiasco, you would assume Conley could have another eight targets and a resulting touchdown coming his way this Sunday.

This weekend’s Baltimore-Kansas City contest is going to be one of the most interesting and entertaining of the season since the Ravens’ top-ranked scoring defense will be up against the Chiefs’ top-ranked scoring offense. Between Baltimore’s penchant for bottling up pass catchers (no receiver has had more than 80 yards against the Ravens in their last four games) and the possibility of Watkins returning (his status is questionable), there are other receivers at the same price in DFS leagues I’d rather hang my helmet on.

More Weekly Lineup Prep




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF