Uncover the Hidden Gems and Disappointments of Week 14
Quarterback
Josh Allen (QB – BUF) truly shone this week. Despite facing a tough defense from the Los Angeles Rams, Allen managed to complete 22 of 37 pass attempts for 342 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 82 yards on the ground and three more touchdowns. His six-touchdown performance was nearly double that of other top-five options at the position and eclipsed his point total from the previous three weeks combined. With Buffalo traveling to Detroit to take on the 12-1 Lions in Week 15, fans are eagerly anticipating another epic showdown. Early betting totals have the total opened at over 54 points, promising an outstanding game.
On the other hand, Will Levis (QB – TEN) had a disappointing outing. Coming off consecutive strong performances, Levis was expected to continue his trend against a struggling Jacksonville defense. However, he completed only 19 passes on 32 attempts for 168 yards and no touchdowns. He aggravated an AC joint sprain in his shoulder on the final play before halftime and wasn't at full strength in the second half. With Tennessee now 3-10 and out of playoff contention, the team is taking things slow with Levis.
Running Back
Zach Charbonnet (RB – SEA) made the most of the opportunity when Kenneth Walker was inactive. He rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries and added another 59 yards as a receiver on seven receptions. His strong performance pulled Seattle two games ahead in the NFC West division. Walker participated in a limited practice last Wednesday but is still dealing with ankle/calf injuries. Managers should keep an eye on the team's practice reports as they prepare to face Green Bay in Week 15. Charbonnet would be a great RB2 play if Walker needs more recovery time.
James Cook (RB – BUF), on the other hand, had a relatively quiet game. Despite Buffalo scoring 42 points and having over 100 rushing yards, Cook received just eight touches, rushing for 20 yards on six attempts and catching two passes for nine yards. He will face a tough challenge against the Detroit Lions' defensive front in Week 15, which surrenders less than 94 rushing yards per game.
Wide Receiver
Puka Nacua (WR – LAR) had an outstanding performance. He snagged 12 receptions on 14 targets for 162 yards and a touchdown, adding another 16 yards on the ground and a score on five rushing attempts. His multiple highlight-reel receptions kept the Los Angeles Rams in playoff contention. Nacua has now had three 100-yard games in the last four weeks and has established himself as the alpha wideout over Cooper Kupp. The Rams face their divisional rival, the San Francisco 49ers, in Week 15, and the 49ers' secondary is a top-three option in passing yards allowed per game.
A.J. Brown (WR – PHI) had a rough game. Many expected Philadelphia to have an easy win against Carolina, but the Panthers shut him down. Brown finished with just four receptions for 43 yards, his second-lowest fantasy point total of the season. With Saquon Barkley in the backfield, the urgency to pass hasn't been there for Philadelphia. Brown has only one touchdown reception since Week 7 and only four games over 100 yards all season. He might need to step up in the upcoming matchups against Pittsburgh and Washington.
Tight End
George Kittle (TE – SF) made a triumphant return. He led all San Francisco receivers with 151 yards and six receptions in a 38-13 win over the Chicago Bears. Kittle was able to move the ball at will and enjoyed minimal defensive attention. With San Francisco's back against the wall and needing to win out to make the postseason, Kittle will remain a key part of the offense. He has leapfrogged over Deebo Samuel in the target pecking order and has a great rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy.
Brock Bowers (TE -LVR) had a subpar game despite leading the position in receptions and receiving yards as a rookie. He secured just three receptions on five targets for 49 yards, his first time not seeing double-digit targets since the team's Week 10 bye. His totals were likely affected by Aidan O'Connell's knee injury in the second half. With Desmond Ridder taking over as the quarterback, Bowers's upside might be limited.