Adam Caplan's NFL Daily Fantasy Top Plays for Week 14
It’s finally here.
The end of the fantasy football regular season and the playoffs are starting in season-long leagues. And if you’re in DFS, there are only four weeks left for you to compete.
So it’s time to really hone in on the matchups, by the numbers, for you take advantage of, and I have listed some of those for you to take a look at.
So, without further ado, it’s on to Week 14!
Week 14 Quarterback Best Bet
Baker Mayfield = $7,500 at FanDuel
Matchup: Cleveland Browns vs. Carolina Panthers
It might come to a surprise to some observers, but the rookie signal caller is on pace for over 25 TD passes this season. And keep in mind he didn’t start the first three games.
One of the reasons why Mayfield has done quite well by rookie standards is his willingness to stand in the pocket and throw instead of running. While some “draftniks” thought he would run a lot, he only has 25 carries on the season through his 10 games.
This week, he’ll face a Panthers secondary has been struggling mightily this season, which would explain why head coach Ron Rivera has taken over the play calling on defense.
Over their last four games, the Panthers have given up a whopping 10 TD passes, 1133 passing yards (283.25 per game) and a 70.4% completion rate.
If you’re struggling for a QB this week, Mayfield is worth a shot against a defense that has given up 26 passing TDs so far this season.
Week 14 Running Back Best Bet
Ezekiel Elliott = $8,200 at FanDuel
Matchup: Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
In his first matchup four weeks ago on the road against the Eagles, the third-year back made the most of his 25 touches (19 carries, 6 receptions). Elliott posted 187 total yards and 2 TDs (1 rushing, 1 receiving).
The Eagles, who may be without MLB Jordan Hicks again due to a lingering calf injury, have been struggling mightily against opposing RBs.
Over their last four games, the Eagles have given up a league-high 6.62 yards per carry (556 yards) and eight total TDs (5 rushing, 3 receiving). And they also have given up 21 receptions for 151 yards and an 84% catch rate to RBs.
This is one of those matchups where you’re hoping you’re not going up against Elliott in season-long leagues and where you hope you can afford him in DFS.
Just based on the numbers, Elliott is worth the high price, as it’s hard to see a scenario where he won’t do well. And if Hicks can’t play (he played vs. Dallas in the last game), he might do even better than expected.
Week 14 Wide Receiver Best Bets
Keenan Allen = $7,900 at FanDuel
Matchup: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
At first glance, I was surprised to see that Allen’s salary for this week’s schedule was only $7,900 considering he has been on absolute fire of late. Over his last four games, Allen has posted 36 receptions, 366 yards, and 4 TDs (has also scored in each of those games).
Allen, because the Chargers tight ends are rarely used in the passing game due to Hunter Henry’s absence due to injury, is on pace for a career-high in receptions for a season.
This week, the Chargers will be facing an inconsistent Bengals defense, which has given 39 receptions, 481 yards receiving and four TDs over their last four games to opposing wide receivers. And they also have given up a 71% catch rate to that position.
With all of those numbers taken into consideration, look for Allen to continue his dominance on Sunday at home against the Bengals.
JuJu Smith-Schuster = $7,500 at FanDuel
Matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders
While the Raiders slowed down Chief WR Tyreek Hill last week, keep in mind Hill just missed catching two deep passes for TDs. So, let’s not carried away thinking the Raiders secondary can shut down Smith-Schuster.
The Steelers, who have a solid offensive line, should have no trouble against the Raiders defensive line, which means QB Ben Roethlisberger will have plenty of time to throw in this game.
And the second-year receiver, who has 27 receptions for 342 yards and a TD over his last three games, should have plenty of success this week.
One thing to keep an eye on in this game is his how well offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner moves around their receivers to get them better matchups.
The Raiders secondary, which has given up 6 TD passes in their last four games, figures to be under siege all day, so look for Smith-Schuster to put up solid numbers on Sunday.
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Week 14 Tight End Best Bet
Jared Cook = $6,300 at FanDuel
Matchup: Oakland Raiders vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Don’t look now, but the veteran TE is headed for career-highs in most categories this season.
While it has been a moribund type of season for the Raiders, Cook has been a consistent passing option for QB Derek Carr. Cook, now in his 10th season, has scored in his last three games and is coming off of his 3rd game this season with at least 100 yards receiving.
This week, they’ll be facing a Steeler defenses which tends to struggle against athletic TEs such as Cook.
Being that the Raiders have very little help at the WR position, look for him to have a good catch and yardage total in this game, which means he’s worth using as your TE this week.
Week 14 Flex Best Bet
Courtland Sutton = $5,600 at FanDuel
Matchup: Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers
All of the sudden, the rookie pass catcher will be the Broncos’ top passing target for the rest of the season.
With WR Emmanuel Sanders going on IR this week with a torn Achilles tendon and fellow veteran WR Demaryius Thomas being dealt at the trade deadline, Sutton is the last man standing. There’s really no one else left who could take over the top role other than Sutton.
With that being the case, his role, which began to increase after the Thomas, will grow even larger. And don’t forget the Broncos lost their top-two tight ends for the season due to injury.
This week, the Broncos will be on the road against a very suspect 49ers defense, which has allowed 8 TDs and over 13 yards per catch over their last four games.
Sutton figures to be targeted quite a bit in this game and the 49ers do not have what anyone would call a solid cover cornerback, so use him this week as your third receiver or flex option without hesitation.
Adam Caplan's NFL Week 14 FanDuel Lineup
Position | Player | Matchup | FanDuel Price |
---|---|---|---|
QB | Baker Mayfield | Browns vs. Panthers | $7,500 |
RB | Ezekiel Elliott | Cowboys vs. Eagles | $8,800 |
RB | Mark Ingram | Saints @ Buccaneers | $6,600 |
WR | Keenan Allen | Chargers vs. Bengals | $7,900 |
WR | JuJu Smith-Schuster | Steelers @ Raiders | $7,500 |
WR | Chris Godwin | Buccaneers vs. Saints | $5,600 |
TE | Jared Cook | Raiders vs. Steelers | $6,300 |
FLEX | Courtland Sutton | Broncos @ 49ers | $5,600 |
D | Buffalo Bills | Bills vs. Jets | $4,200 |
Play this lineup at FanDuel.
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