Fantasy Focus – Week 14 Matchups
Fantasy Focus – Week 14 Matchups
An incredible Brady comeback victory over the Saints helped my prediction to two out of three. Joey Burrow’s Bengals are looking very spicy and won a special game against the Chiefs. Week 14 is brutal for byes, and most fantasy leagues find themselves in the playoffs now. The waiver wire couldn’t be more important. Here are the three games I picked to review in week 14’s Fantasy Focus:
Jets (7-5) @ Bills (9-3)
This is a big game in the battle for the AFC East. Final seedings in the AFC will be important for the playoffs. The Bills are out to secure the AFC East and AFC top seed. The Mike White revitalised Jets struggled against a well coached Vikings last week. They left their comeback too late and paid the price in a narrow defeat. The Bills had an impressive display against the Patriots last week and with the Bengals win over the Chiefs. It puts the Bills back in pole position for the AFC.
Fantasy Factors
Jets in a battle for an AFC Wildcard spot
The Mike White-led Jets, are playing with a new found confidence. Although White was unable to pass for a touchdown against the Vikings, he does have this Jets team playing at a higher intensity. White attempted 57 passes with no less than 15 targets going the way of rookie receiver Garrett Wilson. One can expect the game script to go along a similar narrative with the Jets playing from behind and passing a high percentage of snaps. Garrett Wilson should see a lot of volume again in week 14.
Bills out to secure top seed in AFC
The Bills played in a very mature manner in their game last week against the Patriots. They went ahead in the second quarter and controlled both the possession and the territory of the game thereafter. James Cook is crafting a relevant role for himself in this offence as he went for over 100 scrimmage yards. Gabe Davis was only able to reel in two of his seven targets so expect him to get a production bump next week. Against the Jets the Bills should control the narrative of this game and that will lead to a number of carriers for Allen, Singletary and Cook.
My Predictions:
- Bills comfortable win by 6+ points
- White 50+ pass attempts, Wilson 100+ receiving yards, C.Davis 75+ receiving yards
- Josh Allen 1 rushing TD, G.Davis 75+ receiving yards
Eagles (11-1) @ Giants (7-4-1)
The no.1 seed in the NFC, Philly Eagles, travel to their divisional rivals in New York this week. The Eagles are flying high as they put up yet another impressive performance in their 35-10 victory over the Titans. The Giants couldn’t get their business done versus the Commanders last week and have put themselves in a difficult position now in the NFC. The Giants know another defeat or tie to divisional rivals and their destiny won’t be in their control.
Fantasy Factors
Eagles in cruise control
Is this the potential banana skin we are expecting for the Eagles? The Eagles dominated Tennessee through the air last week. Both Smith and Brown had 100+ receiving yard games. The game had huge significance to Brown, having only recently left the Titans in a 2022 draft day trade. One should expect a less emotionally volatile game, and this could lead to complacency. The Eagles will want to keep their noses in front at the top of the NFC and in order to do so Sanders will need to be more efficient in week 14.
Giants can’t afford to slip up again
The Giants will be disappointed in their result last week against the Commanders. Daniel Jones was efficient completing 25 of his 31 passes, although only for 200 yards. And between Jones and Barkley they carried for 130+ rushing yards. Slayton is emerging as the number for the “G-men” and he will need to be helped in the receiving attack in order to keep up with the Eagles. Game script could lead to more pass attempts for Danny Dimes, but the big worry is who is catching them. I.Hodgins or R.James have to be productive if they are to win this divisional battle.
My Predictions:
- Giants hang around but Eagles win by <3 points
- Hurts 75+ rushing yards, no AJB TD
- Richie James TD reception, Barkley 150 scrimmage yards
Dolphins (8-4) @ Chargers (6-6)
Both these teams are coming off frustrating defeats in week 13. The Dolphins were out played by Mr Irrelevant (Brock Purdy) as they struggled to contain the 49ers weapons. And the Chargers lost to the rejuvenated Raiders. Both Quarterbacks were inaccurate and will need to address these issues in week 14, or else they will be left behind in the race for a wildcard place in the playoffs.
Fantasy Factors
Fins looking to remain in the hunt
Tua had arguably his worst performance of the season last week, only completing 18 of his 33 passing attempts with two interceptions. Waddle suffered an injury, and the Dolphins run game was non-existent. They will have to turn things around quickly as they remain on the west coast of the US. They will need Mostert and J.Wilson to be more efficient. Assuming Waddle returns without missing time, he will inevitably be targeted a huge amount in order to balance their offence.
Chargers in a must win game
The Chargers got off to a lead last week, but lost their way either side of the half. Justin Herbert only completed 28 of his 47 passing attempts but the real worry was the lack of production on the ground. The Chargers only rushed for 70 odd yards on 22 attempts. This will need to improve and hopefully Mike Williams is not too far off returning to the field. The Chargers will need to win this to keep up the pace for those elusive wildcard spots in the AFC this season. Gerald Everett was one of the shining lights for the Chargers with 80 receiving yards. Keenan Allen saw 14 targets last week, but Herbert and this Chargers offence will need to find alternative options to diversify and improve their offensive efficiency.
My Predictions:
- Fins get crucial road win, to keep up the pace in the AFC East
- Tua throws for 300 yards, Waddle + Hill 100 receiving yards each
- Keenan Allen 100+ yards, Ekeler 100 scrimmage tards
Nathan – @mountaindrew92
