As Week 14 approaches, fantasy managers are once again faced with crucial start/sit decisions. To aid in these decisions, here’s a look at six players with bust potential for this week. It’s important to remember that a “bust” or “fade” designation doesn’t always mean you should bench a player, depending on your roster’s depth and available options.
QB Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy is coming off one of the worst fantasy performances of his career, scoring just 2.16 fantasy points in Week 13 after passing for only 94 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Despite a shoulder injury that kept him out the previous week and the loss of Christian McCaffrey to a season-ending knee injury, Purdy faces a tough matchup against the Bears this week. The Chicago defense may not always shut down opponents, but they have a strong secondary, led by cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, along with safety Kevin Byard. The Bears have allowed just 11 passing touchdowns all season, making Purdy’s chances of bouncing back slim, especially with his health issues. Expect the 49ers to lean on their running game instead. Therefore, Purdy is best left on the bench in most single-QB leagues.
RB Gus Edwards, Los Angeles Chargers
With J.K. Dobbins placed on IR, Gus Edwards was expected to step up as the lead back for the Chargers, but his performance in Week 13 was underwhelming. He recorded just six carries for 32 yards, sharing the load with Kimani Vidal and Derius Davis. This week, the Chargers face the Kansas City Chiefs, who have been tough on running backs this season. Only one RB has scored more than 15 fantasy points against the Chiefs in 2024. Given Edwards’ low floor and the difficult matchup, he’s more of a boom/bust option for Week 14, with bust being the more likely outcome.
RB Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Nick Chubb’s return from a catastrophic knee injury has been one of the most inspiring stories of the season. However, his production has been disappointing. In six games since his activation from IR, Chubb has averaged just 3.3 yards per carry and 40.5 rushing yards per game. His declining efficiency has been reflected in his reduced snap share, with Jerome Ford taking on a larger role. The Steelers have a solid run defense, ranking among the best in the league in yards per carry allowed, making this a tough matchup for Chubb. With his limited role and a challenging opponent, Chubb should be benched if you have better options.
WR DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks
DK Metcalf has a troubling history against the Arizona Cardinals, having never exceeded 59 receiving yards in 10 career games against them. This week, he faces the Cardinals again, and his performance may be hampered by a nagging shoulder injury. Arizona’s defense has been strong against wide receivers recently, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game and the fewest receiving touchdowns since Week 7. Despite Metcalf’s talent, this matchup is unlikely to help him deliver a big performance, so he may not be the player to rely on for a game-winning week.
WR Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers
Adam Thielen had a standout performance in Week 13, posting 8 receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown. However, he’s in for a tough matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie slot corner Cooper DeJean, who has been outstanding since taking over the starting role. DeJean has allowed only 6.9 yards per reception and has made numerous pass breakups and tackles. Given the challenges of facing such a tough defender, Thielen’s hot streak could come to an end in Week 14, making him a risky play.
TE Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars
With the Jacksonville Jaguars dealing with significant injuries to their receiving corps, including the loss of Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis for the season and Trevor Lawrence’s shoulder surgery, the offense is in disarray. Engram will face the Tennessee Titans in a matchup that is tough for opposing tight ends. The Titans have allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends and have been particularly effective in limiting receiving yards. Although Engram may see more targets due to the lack of depth at receiver, the downgrade at quarterback with Mac Jones under center lowers his potential, making him a risky play in Week 14.
As fantasy playoffs begin, it’s critical to make informed decisions, and these players could struggle based on matchups, health, and general usage. Be sure to consider your roster’s depth and available waiver options before making your final calls.
