In Week 14 of the NFL season, fantasy football managers are dealing with the challenge of six teams on a bye, making it a crucial week for finding sneaky start options. The article provides a list of recommended players to consider based on matchups and circumstances.
For quarterbacks, Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers is highlighted as a sneaky start, ranking as QB8 for the week. Despite injury concerns and a recent subpar performance, Purdy faces the Chicago Bears, who have been more vulnerable to the pass due to a strong run defense. With the 49ers’ running back situation in flux, Purdy is expected to see more passing volume, making him a viable QB1 option in this matchup. Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks is also a consideration, though ranked slightly lower at QB14.
In the backfield, Isaac Guerendo of the 49ers ranked as RB13, is a sleeper pick after San Francisco lost both Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason to injuries. Guerendo, who had success in earlier games this season, should get significant work against the Chicago Bears, who have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to running backs. Kareem Hunt of the Kansas City Chiefs, despite a disappointing performance last week, is another option for those in need, ranking as RB28.
For wide receivers, DeVonta Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles is a potential returnee from a hamstring injury, ranked as WR32. He is expected to face a weak Carolina Panthers defense and could provide value even with limited passing volume. Quentin Johnston of the Los Angeles Chargers, facing a struggling Kansas City pass defense, also provides upside, ranking as WR38. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine of the Tennessee Titans, ranked as WR39, continues to find the end zone and faces a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that ranks last in EPA against the pass.
At tight end, Will Dissly of the Los Angeles Chargers is a sneaky pick due to the Chiefs’ struggles against tight ends, despite having limited touchdown upside. John Parker Romo, the kicker for the Minnesota Vikings, is another standout, ranking as K9 due to his high conversion rate and favorable matchup against the Falcons, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to kickers.
Lastly, for defense, the Jacksonville Jaguars are recommended as a sneaky start, especially with the Titans’ turnover issues and poor offensive output. They rank 18th in fantasy points per game allowed to defenses, making them a solid option this week. The Tennessee Titans are also an option, ranked as D/ST10.
Week 14 presents a challenging terrain for fantasy managers, but these sneaky starts could provide the edge needed in crucial matchups.
