Studs, Duds and Sleepers: Week 14

It’s the time of the fantasy season where you cannot afford to make mistakes – it’s playoff time. Before making those final decisions be sure to check out our Studs, Duds and Sleepers for Week 14 of the 2017 season.

QUARTERBACKS
Stud: Alex Smith – Smith is coming off of a 366-yard, four touchdown performance in Week 13. He should have a chance to post big numbers this week against Oakland. The Raiders have allowed the 12th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Smith threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns in his first matchup against the Raiders.

Dud: Case Keenum – Keenum has been a QB1 at times this season, but he could struggle this week against the Panthers. Carolina has held opposing quarterbacks to 15 fantasy points or less in seven of their 12 games.

Sleeper: Dak Prescott – Prescott has struggled over the past month, but gets a chance to rebound against a shaky Giants’ defense this week. New York has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Prescott is a risk and hasn’t scored more than 15 fantasy points in a game since Week 9. Starting him is a risk, but it could pay off for fantasy owners this week.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud: Dion Lewis – Lewis has taken over the lead role in the Patriots’ backfield. He has at least 55 yards rushing in his last four games. With Rob Gronkowski out, Lewis could get more touches this week against a beatable Dolphins’ defense.

Dud: Christian McCaffrey – McCaffrey has been underwhelming in recent weeks and has a tough matchup against Minnesota this week. The Vikings have held running backs to the fewest fantasy points this season. McCaffrey is a risky RB2 play in Week 14.

Sleeper: Semaje Perine – Perine is a sneaky RB2 play this week. He has a great matchup against Los Angeles. The Chargers have a great pass rush, but they’re allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. The Redskins will have to rely on the run game to make sure Kirk Cousins stays upright. Perine has plenty of upside for Week 14.

WEEK 14 ADVICE

• GSI Cheat Sheet – Rankings
• Week 14 Fantasy Stock Market Report (via Pro Football Focus)
• ESPN 1530: Week 14 Fantasy Football Preview
• Week 14 Podcast – Kicking Off the Fantasy Playoffs
• Office Pool Picks: Week 14

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud: Josh Gordon – I expect a huge week from Gordon. He showed plenty of ability last week and should be more in sync with Deshone Kizer. The Packers struggle to cover opposing wide receivers and Cleveland could get its’ first win of the season. If they do, it will be because Gordon has a huge game.

Dud: Stefon Diggs – Diggs has struggled in recent weeks. He hasn’t scored a touchdown in three games and has been held to 32 yards or less in three of his past five games. He’s hard to trust against a Panthers defense that’s allowing 208 passing yards per game.

Sleeper: Corey Davis – Davis is going to put up solid numbers at some point. This week sounds like a good bet. Richard Matthews is expected to be back and Patrick Peterson could shadow him. If that’s the case, Davis may get a chance to score his first NFL touchdown.

TIGHT END
Stud: Jimmy Graham – If anyone is going to have a decent day against a tough Jaguars defense, it’s Graham. Russell Wilson needs to throw it to someone and he’s scored a touchdown in four straight games. Graham is second in my tight end rankings for Week 14.

Dud: Greg Olsen – Olsen missed last week and has an awful matchup against Minnesota this week. It’s hard to trust him coming off of an injury. Olsen has 38 yards receiving all season. Make him prove he’s healthy before inserting him in your fantasy lineups.

Sleeper: Jack Doyle – The Bills are allowing 64 yards per game to tight ends. Doyle leads the Colts in targets and has a chance to put up solid numbers against Buffalo. He has at least five targets in every game since Week 1.

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Stud: New England – The Patriots’ defense has been better and have forced four turnovers over the past two weeks. Miami has given up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses this season.

Dud: Cincinnati – The Bengals are banged up on defense. Vontaze Burfict is concussed and multiple cornerbacks are banged up. I can’t trust them this week even with a great matchup at home.

Sleeper: Buffalo – The Bills’ defense isn’t great, but they may not have to be to have a big week against the Colts. Indianapolis is allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses this season. I’d start the Bills over the Bengals in Week 14.