Week 14 Fantasy Takeaways

Lamar Jackson Still Not Himself, but Delivers

Lamar Jackson once again failed to look fully like the MVP-caliber version of himself, yet he produced both a passing and rushing touchdown to salvage his day. He also delivered big for Zay Flowers, who had his best game since Week 1, catching 8 of 11 targets for 124 yards. Isaiah Likely nearly came down with a second touchdown but failed to complete the catch. Notably, Mark Andrews ran a route on a season-high 86% of Jackson’s dropbacks but finished with just two targets.

Joe Burrow Returns to Must-Start Territory

Against a Bills defense allowing the fewest yards and second-fewest touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks, Joe Burrow still finished with 284 yards and four touchdowns. While the performance wasn’t perfect and Ja’Marr Chase didn’t deliver, Tee Higgins stepped up with 6 receptions for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns on a team-leading 11 targets. Even Mike Gesicki made noise with a 6/6/86/1 line, although his 45% route participation suggests he shouldn’t be chased on waivers.

Injuries Derail Commanders in Blowout Loss

Jayden Daniels exited in the third quarter after landing on his previously injured non-throwing elbow. The team held him out for precautionary reasons, and he appears on track to return to lineups next week. Zach Ertz’s injury may be more significant, with fears of a torn ACL. Given his age-35 season, his long-term outlook is uncertain. Expect Washington’s targets to consolidate toward Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel moving forward.

Justin Jefferson Frustrations Continue

Despite JJ McCarthy throwing three touchdowns, all scores went to Josh Oliver (two) and T.J. Hockenson (one). McCarthy managed just 163 passing yards, and Jefferson now has only 15 receiving yards over his last two games. This was one of his softest matchups of the season, but a positive game script limited passing volume. With matchups against Dallas, the Giants, and Detroit on deck, Jefferson remains difficult to bench despite the slump.

Tony Pollard Shows Signs of Life

Tony Pollard re-emerged with 25 carries for 161 yards and two touchdowns after averaging just 36 rushing yards over his previous seven games. The breakout came on the road against Cleveland’s defense, making it even more surprising. Despite the performance, he remains an unreliable start entering Week 15.

Shedeur Sanders Steps Up for Cleveland

Shedeur Sanders delivered 364 passing yards and three touchdowns, along with 29 rushing yards and another score. His performance created opportunities for the Browns' receiving corps: Harold Fannin posted an 8/11/114/1 line, and Jerry Jeudy added 3 catches for 76 yards and a 60-yard touchdown. With Cedric Tillman (concussion) and David Njoku (knee) injured, Sanders could produce tightly consolidated target trees next week. He should be rostered in 2QB formats.

Daniel Jones Feared to Have Torn Achilles

Daniel Jones’ potential Achilles tear is the most impactful injury of the week. His breakout season ends abruptly, and the Colts' offense takes a significant hit. Without Jones’ deep-passing ability, defenses will be free to stack the box against Jonathan Taylor. Riley Leonard filled in admirably, connecting with Alec Pierce (5 for 80) and Michael Pittman (9 of 12 for 79 yards). Leonard flashed enough to justify starting Pittman and Pierce, though both see a slight downgrade. His rushing ability also makes hima QB-streamer relevant.

Tyrod Taylor’s Injury Sinks Jets Offense

Tyrod Taylor left early with a groin injury, forcing undrafted rookie Brady Cook into action — and the offense collapsed. Adonai Mitchell caught just one pass for 24 yards on six targets, while Breece Hall managed only 43 yards on 14 touches with a single target. All Jets players likely become sits next week unless Taylor or Justin Fields can return.

De'Von Achane Leaves Early but Produces

Despite suffering a rib injury, De’Von Achane still produced 105 total yards and a touchdown on eight touches. X-rays were negative, and Mike McDaniel said he could have returned if necessary. Interestingly, Jaylen Wright, not Ollie Gordon, received the hot-hand treatment after Achane exited and closed the game with 24 carries for 107 yards and a score. The handcuff situation appears fluid.

Chris Godwin Back in Full-Time Role

Emeka Egbuka led the team with nine targets but caught only two for 15 yards, including a missed opportunity on what could’ve been a walk-in touchdown. Chris Godwin saw nearly identical usage, catching 5 passes for 55 yards while running the same number of routes. Mike Evans may return Thursday against Atlanta, restoring the full receiving corps. Evans projects as the WR1 with Egbuka potentially benefiting from softer coverage.

RJ Harvey’s Role Expands Significantly

RJ Harvey entered Week 14 with a growing role, but Sunday marked a full breakout in usage. His snap share jumped to 68% and his route participation climbed to 60%, leading to a 6-catch day alongside full goal-line work. After finishing as the RB2 in Week 13 and likely a top-five back again this week, Harvey becomes a high-end RB2 if this role holds — even with a challenging schedule ahead.

Troy Franklin’s Role Shrinks

Over the last three weeks, Troy Franklin’s route participation has dropped from 87% to 79% to 67% — and now all the way to 40%. Pat Bryant has overtaken him, while Courtland Sutton maintains a full-time role. The shift is meaningful: with Franklin’s high target-per-route rate diminishing, Sutton may see increased volume, as reflected by his 26% target share on Sunday.

Jack Bech Moves Into Full-Time Role

Jack Bech ran the third-most routes for Las Vegas, trailing only Brock Bowers and Tre Tucker, and led the team in receiving with a 6/6/50 day. He saw increased usage after Geno Smith left with a shoulder injury and Kenny Pickett entered. If Smith misses time, Bech becomes a viable deeper-league option.

Michael Wilson Continues Part-Time Dominance

Michael Wilson once again exploded in Marvin Harrison Jr.’s absence, posting a massive 16-target, 11-catch, 142-yard, 2-touchdown performance. In three games without Harrison, Wilson has transformed into an elite producer with stat lines of:

• 18/15/185

• 15/10/118

• 16/11/142/2

If Harrison sits again vs. Houston, Wilson is a clear WR1. Even if Harrison returns, Wilson remains a justifiable gamble.

Blake Corum Capitalizing on Increased Usage

The Rams are committed to rotating Kyren Williams and Blake Corum drive-to-drive to keep Williams fresh for the playoffs. Corum has taken advantage of the expanded role, averaging 11.6 yards per carry in Week 13 and 10.7 yards per carry this week, amassing 128 yards and 2 touchdowns on 12 attempts. Given the efficiency and the coaching staff’s comments, Williams is unlikely to return to a full workhorse status. Corum belongs on rosters everywhere.

Luther Burden Still Limited by Usage

Even with Rome Odunze out, Luther Burden wasn’t elevated to a full-time role, though he still led the team in targets and receiving with a 6/4/67 performance. Olamide Zaccheaus played ahead of him again, limiting Burden to 69% route participation — only slightly above his prior slot-only usage. With Odunze now week-to-week, Burden is a priority waiver pickup and a candidate for expanded playing time.

Bears Backfield Remains Split

Kyle Monangai has out-carried D’Andre Swift for three straight weeks. While Monangai’s touchdown streak ended, he did convert a two-point attempt, and the two backs continue splitting goal-line work evenly. Swift remains the preferred pass-catcher due to higher route participation, giving him a slightly safer weekly floor.

Jayden Reed Returns to Full-Time Slot Role

Jayden Reed immediately resumed full slot duties, running 82% of his routes inside. With Tucker Kraft out, Green Bay may deploy more three-receiver sets, helping Reed stabilize in usage. Christian Watson delivered explosive results on limited opportunities, but Reed tied for the team lead in targets and added 22 rushing yards on two carries. Available in nearly half of Sleeper leagues, Reed profiles as a weekly WR3/flex moving forward.