Just like that, the fantasy football playoffs are among us! I think this is a good time to reflect on the crazy NFL season and appreciate some of the stats that you may find surprising. I hope this list of stats encourages you to stop and assess the possible impact each stat could have on fantasy values in NFL Week 14 and beyond. Conversely, stats are fun. Enjoy each one for what it is and don’t overthink everything presented.
Looking for Week 14 Reinforcements? Check out our Waiver Wire and FAAB Guide to see which players you should be targeting.
12 Fantasy Football Stats to get you ready for NFL Week 14
All stats listed are based on .5 PPR.
1.) I looked like a fool when I tweeted about how much I like Mike Gesicki going forward a few weeks ago but he’s starting to click now that Ryan Fitzpatrick is on fire. Gesicki finished Week 13 as the#2 TE. He is the #4 TE in the last two games played totaling 107 receiving yards and two TDs. If you jumped off my Gesicki ship recently, it’s time to get back on. I expect he’ll continue to see an increase in work and draws the Jets in Week 14.
2.) It seems the fantasy community has given up on Robby Anderson lately. Well, he now has 193 yards and two touchdowns in the last three weeks. Sure his opponents have been favorable (WAS, OAK, CIN) but he now has the Dolphins in Week 14. They have given up the 5th most points to WRs this season. Stick with Robby Anderson this week. His upside in this matchup is worth the spot in your lineups.
3.) Patrick Mahomes has not been the same quarterback since Week 4 this season. In fact, Patrick Mahomes has now scored less than 20 fantasy points in 6 of his last 7 games (4-point per pass TD). If there is confidence in a bounce-back week approaching, I’d hold off on those expectations in Week 14. Mahomes has a tall task in Foxborough, MA against the best defense vs. quarterbacks this season.
4.) Another QB has been trending in a positive direction recently. Josh Allen has 19 or more fantasy points in each of his last four games. His mobility certainly adds to his fantasy value. Allen leads all QBs with eight rushing TDs. He’s very hard to trust for the fantasy playoffs, however. Unfortunately, Allen has the Ravens, Steelers, and Patriots ahead of him. If you own Allen, it would be wise to look to stream QBs for the playoffs.
5.) Rashaad Penny is making himself a relevant fantasy option as we head into the playoffs. He finished as the #3 RB in Week 13. He’s got 29 carries for 203 yards and two TDs in the last 2 weeks. Tack on another 33 receiving yards and a TD reception and he’s all of a sudden someone you can’t bench. If you’re worried about Chris Carson, I would remind you that this production comes along with Carson’s 23 carries for 102 yards and a TD this past week. Honestly, I wouldn’t be against starting both of these backs in the case one of them goes off and gives you the production of two RBs.
6.) DeVante Parker continues his reign of terror on opposing defenses. He now has double-digit fantasy points in 7 of his last 9 games. It’s not like he killed you in the two games he had single-digit points either with 9.4 and 8.9 points respectively. He has dream matchups for the fantasy playoffs with the Jets, Giants, and Bengals. This honestly, couldn’t be better for Parker owners. He should be a lock in your lineups and DFS lineups as well.
7.) Jared Goff has a favorite target and his name isn’t Cooper Kupp. Robert Woods now has 38 targets over his last three games, including 18 in Week 13. He’s accumulated 364 yards in that time. Unfortunately, Woods hasn’t found the end zone during that span but it’s bound to happen given the amount of target-share he’s drawing. Keep him in your lineups and the TDs will come in the most critical time of the fantasy season.
8.) Kareem Hunt could end up being a league winner for the lucky people that held onto him for multiple weeks and in some cases all season long. Since the return of Kareem Hunt, there are just 1.3 PPR fantasy points that separate himself (56.3) & Nick Chubb (57.6).
Rush attempts – Chubb: 84/Hunt: 25
Receptions – Chubb: 6/Hunt: 20
Average fantasy points per touch – Chubb: 0.64/ Hunt: 1.25
Kareem hunt has been very efficient with his touches and they continue to increase.
9.) There are two quarterbacks that have been surprisingly efficient this season and in fact, lead the NFL in passing rating. Ryan Tannehill has the best passer rating in the league with 113.87 in seven games played. Who has the best passer rating of all QBs that have played all 12 games thus far? That would be Kirk Cousins with 113.86. Both are decent options at the position for Week 14 to kick off your playoffs should you need the help at QB.
10.) There isn’t much going right for the Colts recently but WR, Zach Pascal may be someone you’ll want to consider in Week 14. He’s coming off a seven catch, 10 target game for 109 yards and has the worst defense against the WR position ahead of him in the Buccaneers.
11.) Lamar Jackson has had the most dominant season of all QBs in 2019. He has more than double the rush yards (977) than the next closest QB. This would rank him as the #9 RB in rush yards. He’s also tied with the 8th most rushing TDs in the NFL with seven. Think he’s just a runner? He has the 2nd most TD passes with 25 & just 5 INTs. There aren’t as many players as we would like to be an automatic start every week but Lamar Jackson is a no brainer.
12.) Of course, I need to throw in a weekly reminder of how awful the tight end position is. Austin Hooper is the #4 TE on the season and he hasn’t played since Week 10. He’s expected to return in Week 14 and if he does, you have to throw him in as the quality options are lacking.
Thanks for reading and good luck to all of you in NFL Week 14!
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