What You Need to Know From Week 14

Photo: Charles LeClaire, USA Today Sports

LV @ LAR

• Derek Carr was a disaster and can’t be trusted in 1QB leagues in the fantasy playoffs.
• Davante Adams was strong in the first half, but the team went away from him while they were nursing a lead. He should be fine, but the overall competence of the team and offense could be a limiting factor as they fall out of the playoff race.
• Baker Mayfield was mediocre for most of the game - which was understandable considering the quality of his supporting cast and that he joined the team mid-week - but led two touchdown drives late in the fourth quarter to author a stunning comeback victory. This offense has a little more potential going forward.
• Cam Akers scored again and appears to be firmly ahead of Kyren Williams. He’s a what-the-heck flex against Green Bay.
• Ben Skowronek was Mayfield’s favorite receiver and could have value in deep leagues. Likewise, Tutu Atwell is getting more chances to show his speed and should be rostered in deep leagues.

MIN @ DET

• The Vikings pass defense spotted the Lions a lead, so Kirk Cousins had to throw a ton, with great fantasy results for him, Justin Jefferson, and Adam Thielen.
• Dalvin Cook was held in check and fumbled inside the five. This could continue to be a pass-heavy offense if he is slowing down.
• Jameson Williams caught a long touchdown to open the scoring but was still used sparingly. He’s only a bench stash for now.
• D.J. Chark Jr and Josh Reynolds also caught touchdowns. Chark is looking good in the deep passing game, and he’s worth a WR3/Flex play against the Jets.
• Justin Jackson scored the only rushing touchdown, so D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams had bad fantasy days. They’re both what-the-heck RB2/Flex plays in the tough matchup at the Jets.
• Jared Goff is in top form and should be considered a QB1 going forward with a league-winning matchup at home indoors against the Bears in Week 17.

BAL @ PIT

• Tyler Huntley left with a concussion, and UDFA rookie Anthony Brown took over. He could start on Saturday vs. Cleveland. The Ravens will be run heavy no matter who starts.
• J.K. Dobbins looked better than he did earlier this year and should be considered an RB2 play in Week 15. Gus Edwards was also more efficient and has what the heck RB2/Flex value this week.
• The passing game shriveled up for the Ravens, but you should still play Mark Andrews in Week 15.
• Kenny Pickett left with a concussion. Mitchell Trubisky came in and threw the ball well enough to support George Pickens and Diontae Johnson’s value, but also threw three back-breaking interceptions in Baltimore territory.
• The Ravens run defense is strong right now (they’ll get Nick Chubb this week) and held a hot Steelers running game in check. Najee Harris is only a low-ceiling RB2 against Carolina.

CLE @ CIN

• Deshaun Watson leaned on Donovan Peoples-Jones and David Njoku in the passing game. Watson was better than in Week 13 but still not completely back in midseason form. The Bengals defense is still a negative matchup for opposing pass offenses with Tom Brady up next.
• Amari Cooper was a game-time decision. He played but wasn’t targeted frequently. Peoples-Jones might be a better play than Cooper this week if Cooper draws Marlon Humphrey from the Ravens secondary.
• Nick Chubb was bottled up by the Bengals. They’ll face the Tampa backfield in Week 15, while Chubb has another tough draw vs. Baltimore but should stay in lineups.
• Tyler Boyd left with an injury, and Tee Higgins didn’t play because of a hamstring injury. Trenton Irwin was the #2 and scored on a flea flicker, but is only a desperation play for Week 15.
• Joe Burrow’s ceiling goes down in Week 15 with the injuries at receiver, but he’s still a solid QB1.
• Samaje Perine scored and was on the field for a larger share of snaps than he was before Joe Mixon’s injury. He could be a solid flex play with the injuries at wide receiver.

NYJ @ BUF

• Mike White suffered a rib injury in this game, and the Bills defense was tough in wintry conditions. White isn’t a sure thing to play in Week 15, and we aren’t sure if Joe Flacco or Zach Wilson would start if White can’t play.
• Corey Davis went down with a concussion, and Elijah Moore was productive in his absence. Moore will be a WR3/Flex play if Davis can’t go in Week 15 and Flacco or White starts vs. the Lions.
• Zonovan Knight was still the clear lead runner with Michael Carter II back, and he played well. He should be in an RB2/Flex play against the Lions, even though their run defense has turned into one of the best units in the league over the last six weeks.
• Josh Allen struggled in the conditions against a strong Jets pass defense. His fantasy ceiling isn’t as high as it was earlier in the season.
• James Cook was on the field over 40% of the time again this week, but the Bills curiously decided to not use him nearly as much. There’s no reliable play in this backfield, and Cook isn't an essential hold in short bench leagues.
• Cole Beasley was signed by the Bills, so Isaiah McKenzie is droppable going into Week 15.