Fantasy Football Week 14 presents another round of challenging start/sit decisions, with several players facing bust potential. Here’s a detailed look at six such players and their outlooks:
QB Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy comes off the worst fantasy performance of his career, scoring only 2.16 points after a 94-yard, 0-TD game against Buffalo. Contributing factors included a lingering shoulder injury and the mid-game loss of Christian McCaffrey. Unfortunately, things may not improve as the 49ers face the Chicago Bears. While Purdy is further removed from his injury, Chicago’s secondary, led by Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, has allowed only 11 passing TDs this season. The Bears are more vulnerable against the run, so expect coach Kyle Shanahan to exploit this weakness.
Heat Check: Purdy is best left on the bench in most single-QB leagues.
RB Gus Edwards, Los Angeles Chargers
With J.K. Dobbins on IR, Gus Edwards was expected to shine but managed only six carries for 32 yards in Week 13. Facing the Chiefs this week, Edwards faces an uphill battle. Kansas City has allowed only one RB to score more than 15 points this season, showcasing their stingy run defense. Despite being the presumed lead back, Edwards’ workload competition and tough matchup make him a risky play.
Heat Check: Edwards remains a boom-or-bust option, with bust being the likelier outcome.
RB Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Nick Chubb’s return from a severe knee injury has been underwhelming, averaging just 3.30 yards per carry. In Week 13, he split backfield duties with Jerome Ford, who was more efficient. The Browns face the Steelers in Week 14, a team that held Chubb to under 60 yards in Week 12 despite two TDs. Pittsburgh’s strong run defense spells trouble for Chubb.
Heat Check: Chubb’s declining efficiency and reduced usage make him a bench candidate if alternatives exist.
WR DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks
DK Metcalf has historically struggled against the Arizona Cardinals, never exceeding 59 yards in 10 matchups. Adding to the concern, he’s dealing with a shoulder injury. Arizona’s defense has allowed just one WR touchdown since Week 7 and ranks top-10 in key defensive metrics against wideouts.
Heat Check: While sitting Metcalf is tough, expectations should be tempered in this unfavorable matchup.
WR Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers
Adam Thielen posted an impressive Week 13 performance with 99 yards and a TD. However, facing rookie slot corner Cooper DeJean of the Eagles in Week 14 could pose challenges. DeJean has excelled since Week 6, allowing minimal yardage and leading in key defensive stats.
Heat Check: Thielen could struggle to replicate his success but remains startable if options are limited.
TE Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars
Evan Engram’s outlook dims with Mac Jones replacing injured QB Trevor Lawrence. Facing the Titans, who have allowed the eighth-fewest points to TEs, further complicates matters. Despite injuries to Jacksonville’s receiving corps, Engram’s ceiling is capped in this matchup.
Heat Check: While volatile, Engram is likely still worth starting in most leagues due to the TE position’s scarcity.
Players face uphill battles in Week 14. Adjust your lineups carefully, considering matchups and available alternatives.
