As Week 14 of the NFL season approaches, fantasy football managers face crucial start/sit decisions. Here’s a breakdown of six players with bust potential, offering guidance to help navigate these decisions. However, it’s important to remember that the “fade” or “bust” designation doesn’t automatically mean you should sit these players—it depends on the depth of your roster or waiver wire options.
QB Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy is coming off a dismal fantasy performance in Week 13, earning only 2.16 points with a 94-yard game and zero touchdowns. While he’s recovering from a shoulder injury and is one week further from Christian McCaffrey’s season-ending injury, Purdy faces a tough matchup against the Chicago Bears in Week 14. Despite the Bears’ secondary not being dominant, cornerbacks like Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, along with safety Kevin Byard, have been solid, allowing only 11 touchdowns this season. The Bears are more vulnerable on the ground, and with Purdy’s injury and missing weapons, coach Kyle Shanahan may lean on the run game instead of emphasizing the passing attack. This makes Purdy a risky start in most single-QB leagues.
RB Gus Edwards, Los Angeles Chargers
Gus Edwards was expected to step up as the workhorse after J.K. Dobbins’ injury but failed to deliver in Week 13, managing just 32 yards on six carries. The Chargers face the Kansas City Chiefs this week, a team that has been tough on running backs. Only one RB has scored over 15 fantasy points against the Chiefs in 2024, and with Edwards competing for touches and facing a tough defense, he is a boom/bust option with a higher bust likelihood.
RB Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Nick Chubb’s return from a major knee injury has been a great story, but his performance this season has been underwhelming. He’s averaging a career-low 3.30 yards per carry and has struggled to make an impact, even with increased usage. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14, who allow just 4.1 yards per carry and rank among the top teams in limiting fantasy points to running backs, Chubb faces a difficult challenge. His diminishing workload and declining efficiency make him a risky fantasy start.
WR DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks
DK Metcalf has struggled historically against the Arizona Cardinals, failing to surpass 59 yards in any of his 10 games against them. With a nagging shoulder injury and the Cardinals’ strong defensive play against wide receivers recently, Metcalf may not be the best bet for a big performance in Week 14. While it’s hard to sit Metcalf, this matchup doesn’t favor him.
WR Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers
Adam Thielen had an impressive Week 13 performance with 99 yards and a touchdown, but Week 14 brings a tough matchup against rookie slot corner Cooper DeJean of the Philadelphia Eagles. Since taking over in Week 6, DeJean has been a standout performer, limiting receivers to just 6.9 yards per reception. Despite his recent success, Thielen may struggle against this formidable defender, making him a risky start in fantasy leagues.
TE Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars
Evan Engram has had a solid season, but with Jacksonville’s offense facing multiple injuries, including the loss of starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence to a shoulder injury, his fantasy prospects are less promising. The Jaguars face the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, who have been stingy against tight ends, allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to the position. Engram may still see volume due to injuries on the team, but with a backup quarterback under center, his ceiling is significantly lower.
Week 14 presents a set of tough decisions for fantasy football managers, with these players showing significant bust potential due to difficult matchups, injuries, or diminishing roles. Keep these factors in mind as you finalize your lineup for the week.
