Fantasy Football News

A.J. Brown • WR • Eagles

A.J. Brown has the Hot Hand in Eagles Offense

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown had his best performance of the season last week, lighting up the Bears with 10 catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns. His heavy involvement was in large part thanks to Jalen Hurts throwing 34 passes-his third-most in a game this year. Brown will likely have a tougher time this week as Philly visits the Chargers. Los Angeles boasts one of the best pass defenses in the league, giving up just 12 receiving touchdowns this season-tied for the second-fewest in the NFL. They also allow the second-fewest fantasy points to WRs this year. However, Brown has really hit his stride lately, accumulating a mouth-watering 33 targets over his last three outings, which makes it tough to doubt him now. It'll be a challenge, but slot him in as a high-end WR2 in Week 14.

Dec 6

Tank Bigsby • RB • Eagles

Tank Bigsby Coming Off of Dip in Usage

Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby only saw the field for one play in last week's loss to the Bears, getting out-snapped by fellow RB Will Shipley. Granted, Shipley himself only got four snaps on offense. Philly had to rely more on the passing game against Chicago due to trailing for over three full quarters, leaving even Saquon Barkley with a light workload. It wasn't a great game to be a backup in this backfield, but Bigsby has shown that he's probably the guy to turn to when Barkley needs relieving going forward. Expect him to see some more action this week against the Chargers, but still not enough to warrant a fantasy start.

Dec 6

Saquon Barkley • RB • Eagles

Saquon Barkley Looking to Snap Scoreless Streak

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has now gone four straight games without a touchdown, which is his longest scoring drought since 2021. Barkley has also seen a dip in usage over the last couple of weeks, averaging 11.5 carries in his last two outings compared to the 20 he was averaging in Weeks 7-11. Although, this could be chalked up to Philly having to play from behind in their recent back-to-back losses. In Week 14, Barkley faces off against a Chargers defense that allows 106.9 rushing yards per game and has given up 14 touchdowns on the ground through 12 games. It's no daunting matchup, and the reigning Offensive Player of the Year is due for a boom game. As long as the Eagles don't find themselves in too big of a hole in this contest-which they shouldn't-bank on Barkley to find his footing again despite the rough patch. He's a low-end RB1 this week.

Dec 6

Darnell Washington • TE • Steelers

Darnell Washington a Deep-League Streaming Option in Week 14

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington led the team in receiving yards last week and should remain involved against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. While the Ravens have been solid against opposing tight ends this season, Washington's blend of size and athleticism may be important for Pittsburgh to keep pace with its division rival. The third-year pro has emerged as a reliable option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) and leads all Steelers tight ends in yards after catch and red zone targets. That said, projecting usage remains tricky with Washington sharing snaps alongside Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth. He's not a viable option in most redraft formats, but desperate fantasy managers in deeper leagues can consider streaming him in this AFC North clash.

Dec 6

Rhamondre Stevenson • RB • Patriots

Rhamondre Stevenson Now in the Shadow of Rookie RB

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was finally back to full speed during last week's win over the New York Giants. Stevenson missed three games due to a toe injury. During that time, rookie TreVeyon Henderson went wild with five touchdowns in three games. The rookie back has rushed for over 60 yards in five of his last six games. Henderson is playing so well that the Pats can't take the ball out of his hands. The expectation is that the two backs will split up the workload down the stretch of the season. Stevenson rushed for 40 yards on 12 attempts last week, while Henderson finished with 67 yards on 11 carries. The Patriots are on a bye this weekend, but the expectation is that Henderson will see a larger chunk of carries over the final four games. Fantasy managers should continue to hold Stevenson while lowering their expectations.

Dec 6

Jalen Hurts • QB • Eagles

Jalen Hurts May Struggle to Pass Against Chargers

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw two touchdowns but partnered those with two turnovers in last Friday's 24-15 loss to the Chicago Bears. Philly's offense has only managed to put up more than 20 points once in their last four games, and they'll have their hands full this week with a Chargers defense on Monday Night Football. Los Angeles has the second-best pass defense in the league this season in terms of touchdowns and yards allowed, giving up just 12 total scores and 168.3 yards per game through 12 contests. However, with Hurts' dual-threat ability and tush pushes always on the table, he's going to be worth a vote of confidence. The Eagles should find their stride on offense with playoffs around the corner, but temper expectations for their passing game in this matchup. Consider Hurts a low-end QB1 in Week 14.

Dec 6

Calvin Austin III • WR • Steelers

Calvin Austin III Hard to Trust in Week 14

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III went catchless on two targets in Week 13 and will look to carve out a larger role against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. Baltimore allows the 10th-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers, but while the matchup is appealing, Austin's role is becoming increasingly uncertain. Pittsburgh claimed veteran Adam Thielen off waivers earlier this week, signaling a desire to upgrade its receiving corps. It's unclear how involved Thielen will be in his Steelers debut, but any added competition only further clouds Austin's already inconsistent usage. That said, Austin is not a viable fantasy option this week and should remain on waiver wires in most redraft formats.

Dec 6

Jonnu Smith • TE • Steelers

Jonnu Smith Becoming a Cut Candidate

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith has been extremely quiet on the field outside of his nine receptions through the first two games of the season. It has become much worse of late, with Smith posting some games with less than 10 receiving yards. Over the last four games, he has finished with one catch or fewer in three of them. The Steelers have too many tight ends to feed them all consistently. At this point, Smith has fallen behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington in the pecking order at the position. Smith is unlikely to have much success against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. None of these tight ends should be viewed as consistent options, but Smith is by far the worst of the bunch.

Dec 6

DK Metcalf • WR • Steelers

DK Metcalf Draws Plus Matchup Against Ravens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has been held below 50 receiving yards in five straight games but will hope to turn things around against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. Baltimore has been vulnerable to receivers this season, allowing the 10th-most fantasy points, the third-most targets, the ninth-most receptions, and the eighth-most receiving touchdowns to the position. With Pittsburgh entering Sunday's divisional showdown as underdogs, quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) could be forced to throw often to keep pace in a game that may determine the AFC North front-runner. Despite his recent struggles, Metcalf remains the clear top option in the Steelers' passing game and will need to play a crucial role if they hope to compete. Fantasy managers can deploy Metcalf as a boom-or-bust WR3 or flex play this week.

Dec 6

Oronde Gadsden • TE • Chargers

Oronde Gadsden Continues to Struggle

Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden was being viewed as a league-winner when he was in the midst of a mid-season surge. He came out of nowhere and had four straight performances with 60 receiving yards or more. Since Week 10, though, Gadsden has been basically invisible on the field. During that span, he has six receptions for 81 yards and hasn't scored a touchdown. Another factor to consider is that quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) recently underwent surgery on his left (non-throwing) hand. Herbert is hopeful to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, but it's unclear how much he will be impacted by the injury. The Chargers have a lot of mouths to feed and could lean on the running game more with rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) on track to make his first appearance since Week 5. Gadsden probably won't offer more than TE2 value in Week 14.

Dec 6

Romeo Doubs • WR • Packers

Romeo Doubs is Quickly Losing Steam

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs had a solid mid-season run where he was posting performances in the WR20 range. Now, Doubs appears to have taken a back seat in the receiving game with Christian Watson becoming quarterback Jordan Love's go-to target. Over the last four games, Doubs has finished with fewer than 50 receiving yards in three of them. Doubs managed to salvage his fantasy value with a touchdown during last week's Thanksgiving Day win over the Detroit Lions. Given his recent play, Doubs hasn't earned much faith from fantasy managers. The impending return of Jayden Reed (shoulder, foot) will make it even more difficult for Doubs to make an impact in Green Bay's crowded receiving room. For now, Doubs can be viewed as a low-end flex option for the Week 14 divisional matchup against the Chicago Bears.

Dec 6

Kenneth Gainwell • RB • Steelers

Kenneth Gainwell Carries PPR Flex Value in Week 14

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell had just seven touches in last week's loss but will look to bounce back against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. Despite the light workload in Week 13, Gainwell logged a 42% snap share and posted 25 receiving yards, good enough for third-most on the Steelers. His contributions in the passing game could be especially important on Sunday, as the Ravens surrender the seventh-most targets, ninth-most receptions, and eighth-most receiving yards to opposing running backs. With Pittsburgh lacking consistent playmakers and entering the week as underdogs, quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) will need his weapons to step up in the short passing game. Gainwell fits that role well and profiles as a middling PPR flex option for fantasy managers in Week 14.

Dec 6

Matthew Golden • WR • Packers

Matthew Golden Looking at Reduced Role When he Returns

Green Bay Packers rookie first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden (wrist) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 14 matchup versus the Chicago Bears. When healthy, Golden has been barely noticeable on the field. The rookie wideout has been held to under 30 receiving yards in three of his last four games. The return of Christian Watson has played a role in Golden's lack of production. It's not going to get better for Golden with fellow wideout Jayden Reed (shoulder, foot) nearing his return from Injured Reserve, possibly this Sunday. Golden played less than 40 percent of the offensive snaps in his last two games. Even if he returns to action this weekend, Golden isn't someone to trust in 12-team fantasy leagues.

Dec 6

Jaylen Warren • RB • Steelers

Jaylen Warren a Rock-Solid RB2 Against Baltimore

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has scored in two consecutive contests and will look to keep that momentum going in a Week 14 road matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have been below average against the run this season, surrendering over 4.4 yards per carry and 11 rushing touchdowns. Baltimore has also struggled to contain pass-catching running backs, allowing the seventh-most targets, ninth-most receptions, and eighth-most receiving yards to the position. Warren hasn't been as consistently utilized through the air as he was early in the season, but he remains fully capable as a check-down option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist). Even with Kenneth Gainwell emerging as a reliable weapon for Pittsburgh, Warren is still the team's primary runner and preferred option on early downs. Fantasy managers should treat Warren as a solid RB2 heading into Sunday.

Dec 6

John Metchie III • WR • Jets

John Metchie III Still a Key Piece for Jets Passing Attack

New York Jets wide receiver John Metchie III broke a two-game touchdown streak in last week's win over the Atlanta Falcons, although it wasn't a terrible day for the 25-year-old. Metchie went for only 19 yards on four catches, but he drew a season-high eight targets from quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Since being acquired in a trade with the Eagles, Metchie has quickly moved his way up to the top of the receiving depth chart in New York, with Garrett Wilson (knee) on Injured Reserve. In the last three weeks, Metchie has 13 catches on 18 targets for 129 yards and two touchdowns while playing at least 82% of the snaps. Fantasy managers who used him as a streamer in Week 13 were surely disappointed, but don't let that convince you to bench him this week against the Dolphins, who have allowed the eighth-most half-PPR points to wideouts in the last three weeks.

Dec 6

Darren Waller • TE • Dolphins

Darren Waller Is A Solid Streaming Option Against the Jets

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller is a viable streaming option if you're desperate for a tight end solution this week, as he and the Dolphins visit the Jets. Waller played 47% of snaps last week in his return from the IR and hauled in two of his three targets for a team-leading 47 receiving yards. Waller played three full games before his pec injury and had 10 catches for four touchdowns and 117 receiving yards. The Dolphins haven't been throwing the ball very much in their recent offensive game plans, typically relying on De'Von Achance to do most of the work. However, since Waller showed upside earlier this season, he is worth a look if you need help at the position. He's the No. 11 TE in RotoBaller's Week 14 rankings, making him a fringe starter in standard-sized leagues.

Dec 6

Ricky Pearsall • WR • 49ers

Ricky Pearsall a Drop Candidate?

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has not had the second-year breakout that many were predicting back in training camp. Injuries have been a big issue yet again, as he didn't return from a PCL sprain in his knee until Week 11 after getting hurt in Week 4. In three games since his return, the 25-year-old former first-rounder has caught only five passes for 20 yards on nine targets. Overall, he's sporting a 25-347-0 line in seven games. It's not like he hasn't been on the field since his return, as he's played at least 75% of the snaps in all three games. Fantasy managers who have hung onto Pearsall will be hoping that the Niners will devise a plan to get him more involved when they come out of their Week 14 bye to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 14. Better days could be ahead, but Pearsall is likely to continue to struggle for a high target share in an offense that has plenty of mouths to feed between Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings.

Dec 6

Aaron Rodgers • QB • Steelers

Aaron Rodgers Just a Low-End QB2 in Week 14

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) was a full participant in Friday's practice and is set to face the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. Rodgers struggled in a Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills, but this matchup is much more favorable on paper. Although the Ravens have improved defensively in recent weeks, they have still allowed the 13th-most fantasy points per game to opposing signal-callers. Just last week, Joe Burrow accumulated 261 passing yards and two scores against Baltimore. Nonetheless, the Steelers' offensive woes remain a major concern. Rodgers hasn't thrown multiple touchdowns in a contest since Week 8 and has failed to eclipse 200 yards in three straight starts. As a result, it's difficult to rely on Rodgers as anything more than a low-end QB2 in superflex formats heading into Sunday's road bout.

Dec 6

Malik Washington • WR • Dolphins

Malik Washington Continues to Get Plenty of Chances

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington is getting plenty of catches in his role as the team's second receiver, but he isn't turning those catches into big numbers, making him a high-risk play against the Jets. He has multiple catches in 10 straight games dating back to Week 3, and he has at least three catches in seven of his last eight. He hasn't hit 50 yards in any contest yet, though, and didn't find the end zone in either of his last two games. He has a decent PPR floor in the Dolphins' low-risk, dink and dunk passing game, but he doesn't have a high ceiling since he hasn't been able to break loose for any big plays. Washington is the WR52 in RotoBaller's Week 14 rankings, so he's only a desperation WR5 or flex play in the deepest of leagues.

Dec 6

Dont'e Thornton Jr. • WR • Raiders

Dont'e Thornton Jr. Won't Play Against Broncos

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (concussion) did not practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 14 contest this Sunday against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Thornton will miss at least one game with the concussion that he suffered in last Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The fourth-round pick out of Tennessee has had a forgettable first year in the league with eight catches on 25 targets (28% success rate) for 123 yards and no touchdowns in 11 games (seven starts). In his defense, the Raiders' offense has stalled more often than not, limiting his opportunities in a depth role. Thornton hasn't had more than one catch in a game this year since Sept. 21 against the Commanders. With Thornton out this weekend, it will give fellow rookie Jack Bech a chance for more playing time, although we aren't expecting much from him against the Broncos' stout defense.

Dec 6

Fantasy Football News

LEGEND