Scott Engel, an acclaimed Fantasy Football analyst, offers crucial insights to help fantasy managers navigate Week 14, a critical week for playoff positioning. With six teams on bye (Ravens, Broncos, Texans, Commanders, Colts, and Patriots), winning requires strategic lineup decisions and smart waiver wire pickups. Engel’s analysis caters to PPR formats and includes recommendations for immediate and long-term roster improvements.
Running Back Starters
Engel highlights Rico Dowdle as a top start after his RB6 finish in Week 12, bolstered by a favorable matchup against Cincinnati’s weak rushing defense. Nick Chubb, with three touchdowns in two games, remains a must-start against a Pittsburgh defense vulnerable to running backs. D’Andre Swift and rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. also make the list, thanks to exploitable matchups against struggling 49ers and Saints defenses.
Waiver Wire Running Backs
Isaac Guerendo, stepping in for the injured Christian McCaffrey, headlines the waiver wire pickups. Other promising options include Jaleel McLaughlin (Broncos) and Sincere McCormick (Raiders), who are seeing increased workloads. Zach Charbonnet and Ray Davis serve as crucial insurance for managers with Kenneth Walker III or James Cook on their rosters.
Wide Receiver Starters
Jakobi Meyers is a standout, benefiting from an exploitable Tampa Bay defense. DeAndre Hopkins, Jordan Addison, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine also earn starter recommendations due to strong matchups and recent performances. Westbrook-Ikhine’s eight touchdowns in eight games make him a particularly enticing option.
Waiver Wire Wide Receivers
Players like Keon Coleman, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Elijah Moore offer potential upside for depth or streaming purposes. Moore, in particular, has excelled under Jameis Winston’s aggressive passing approach. Ray-Ray McCloud and Tre Tucker are viable additions for deeper leagues.
Quarterback Insights
Engel recommends starting Baker Mayfield against a weak Raiders defense and Sam Darnold against Atlanta. On the waiver wire, Jameis Winston, Russell Wilson, and Aidan O’Connell stand out as reliable streamers. Each has demonstrated strong recent performances, with Winston’s Week 13 career-high 497 yards particularly notable.
Tight End & Defensive Picks
Pat Freiermuth and Will Dissly lead tight-end options, benefiting from favorable matchups. Waiver wire picks include Noah Gray, Dalton Schultz, and Austin Hooper. Engel also suggests streaming defenses like Tennessee, New Orleans, and Miami for Week 14.
By leveraging these recommendations, fantasy managers can secure crucial victories and set themselves up for postseason success. Engel’s detailed analysis ensures a well-rounded approach to going this pivotal week.
