Week 14 Boom/Bust Fantasy Football – The Gauntlet Edition
Welcome to Week 14! If you’re reading this, there’s a solid chance you’re still in the playoff hunt—so, congrats! You’ve survived the chaos that was the fantasy football season, dodging injuries, bye weeks, and the occasional “Why did I start that player?” moment. But hold onto your seats, because this week is going to test you like never before.
This week is a playoff-or-bust moment for many of us, and you’ll probably have to make a few tough calls with your roster—especially considering half the league’s stars are sipping margaritas on their bye weeks. That said, let’s dive into the Booms and Busts for Week 14, and hopefully, this’ll help you lock in those crucial playoff spots!
Booms of the Week
Let’s start with the players who could save your fantasy week.
1. Isaac Guerendo (RB, San Francisco 49ers)
You know those moments when a guy just gets thrust into the spotlight out of nowhere? That’s Isaac Guerendo this week. With the 49ers’ backfield shaken up after injury, Guerendo has been tapped as the new RB1. And he’s got a tasty matchup against the Chicago Bears, who have made a habit of letting opposing running backs run all over them this season. In his only real outing this year, Guerendo racked up nearly 20 PPR points on just 11 touches. In a week filled with bye week horrors, this is the kind of breakout candidate you want in your lineup.
Waiver Wire Pickup? Yep, Guerendo was likely on your waivers, and if you grabbed him, congratulations. You’ve just found a potential gem at the perfect time.
2. Tony Pollard (RB, Tennessee Titans)
Tony Pollard might not be having the season we expected, but this week he’s got an absolutely delicious matchup. Tennessee faces Jacksonville, who have struggled to stop the run all year, ranking 31st in run defense. With Trevor Lawrence likely out for the rest of the season, the Jaguars’ offense will be far less threatening, which could turn this into a “run the ball” kind of game. Pollard should get plenty of chances to rack up yards, and with some passing work on the side, he has the potential to put up solid numbers in this one.
3. Jacoby Myers (WR, Las Vegas Raiders)
Myers has quietly been one of the more consistent wide receivers this season. He’s a little under the radar, but this week against Tampa Bay, he should shine. The Buccaneers’ secondary is one of the easiest matchups for wide receivers in fantasy, and with the Raiders likely needing to throw to keep pace, Myers could rack up targets—and points. Don’t let his low-key status fool you; Myers has been a steady WR2, and this could be one of his bigger weeks. If you’ve got him, don’t hesitate to start him.
4. Khalil Shakir (WR, Buffalo Bills)
Shakir is a sneaky flex play this week. He’s been getting more and more targets every game, and with the Buffalo Bills facing off against the Rams, this could turn into a high-scoring affair. Shakir is working his way into the offense and has been consistently involved, especially with Cole Beasley now out of the picture. He’s a bit of an unknown, but in a week where you’re likely scrambling for a decent option, Shakir is worth a shot. The matchup is favorable, and the game script should lead to plenty of passing.
Busts of the Week
Now, let’s talk about the guys who could disappoint and leave you wishing you’d made different calls.
1. Garrett Wilson (WR, New York Jets)
Garrett Wilson has been a bit of a rollercoaster this season, and right now, he’s on a steep decline. With the Jets struggling offensively and Aaron Rodgers’ return still in limbo, Wilson is in a tough spot. Miami’s defense has been surprisingly effective against the pass, and Wilson has had trouble getting into a rhythm, even when the Jets have been forced to air it out. The matchup is difficult, and while you might have no choice but to start him, you should lower your expectations significantly this week. Don’t expect the WR1 numbers you might’ve been hoping for earlier in the season.
2. Chuba Hubbard (RB, Carolina Panthers)
Hubbard’s been a solid flex option for some of us this season, but it’s time to admit that things are starting to go south. The Panthers have been mixing in Jonathan Brooks more and more, which is cutting into Hubbard’s workload. Plus, this week they’re facing the Philadelphia Eagles, who are 5th in the league against the run. The Eagles have completely shut down top running backs in recent weeks, and Carolina is likely going to be playing catch-up for most of the game. With Hubbard’s role diminishing and the brutal matchup, it’s time to bench him.
3. Travis Etienne (RB, Jacksonville Jaguars)
Etienne has been one of the more disappointing RBs in recent weeks. Since his hot start to the season, he’s failed to score double-digit points since Week 5, and with Jacksonville’s offense sputtering, he’s not been as involved as expected. Tennessee’s defense has been quietly excellent against the run recently, and with the Jaguars likely trailing for most of this game, Etienne might get even fewer opportunities. The lack of usage in the passing game is a huge red flag. If you’ve got better options, don’t hesitate to sit him.
4. Jonnu Smith (TE, Miami Dolphins)
Smith has been a pleasant surprise this season, but it’s time to temper your expectations. Going up against the Jets, who have been tough on tight ends all year, Smith might struggle to make an impact. With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle dominating the passing game, there might not be enough leftover for Smith to have a productive week. His usage has been inconsistent, and while he’s had a couple of big games, he’s not likely to repeat that success in a tough matchup. If you’ve got better options at tight end, it might be time to look elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
Week 14 is a strange beast. If you’re in the playoffs, congratulations—now it’s time to make the right calls and get to the next round. If you’re trying to fight for a playoff spot, your waiver wire moves and start/sit decisions are about to be under a microscope. But here’s the thing: This week is full of potential. You might have to take some risks, especially with the bye-week chaos, but that’s the name of the game in fantasy football.
Good luck out there, folks. May your playoff dreams be realized—and may you somehow survive the week of widespread fantasy carnage. Keep your head on a swivel and remember, no matter what happens, there’s always next season… or at least, next week.
See you in Week 15, winners!
