Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations for Week 14
*Mike Barner*
Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations for Week 14
There are some great matchups for Week 14 of the NFL, including the Minnesota Vikings against the Carolina Panthers and the Philadelphia Eagles against the Los Angeles Rams. While those should be exciting, let’s try to add even more excitement to your weekend by coming away with some money in daily fantasy football. Put your favorite recommendations from the article below in our lineup optimizer and hit calculate. You can let it fill in the rest of the spots for you or choose your personal favorites from the NFL Player Lab.
**QUARTERBACKS**
Alex Smith vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
DraftKings = $6,500
FanDuel = $8,200
After a couple of rough games, Smith and the Chiefs offense came alive against the New York Jets Sunday after head coach Andy Reid relinquished play-calling duties to their offensive coordinator. Smith finished with one of his best games of the season as he threw for 366 yards and four touchdowns to go along with 70 rushing yards. While the rushing yards came on one long run, it was encouraging to see Smith regain his early season form with the passing game. Week 14 brings a great matchup against a Raiders defense that he torched for 342 yards and three touchdowns earlier this season. That shouldn’t be much of a surprise as the Raiders have allowed 20 passing touchdowns this year while hauling in only one interception. Look for Smith to keep his improved play going for at least one more week.
Derek Carr vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
DraftKings = $6,400
FanDuel = $7,700
Considering Carr was without Amari Cooper (concussion/ankle) and Michael Crabtree (suspension) last week, the fact he was still managed to throw for 287 yards and a touchdown is noteworthy. Crabtree will return this week, giving Carr a big weapon back even if Cooper isn’t healthy enough to play. Carr had his best game of the season against the Chiefs in Week 7 when he threw for 417 yards and three touchdowns. The Chiefs have struggled to defend the pass all season, allowing the fifth-most net passing yard per game (253) in the league. This could be a high scoring affair that benefits both quarterbacks Sunday.
Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Houston Texans
Stadium = NRG Stadium
DraftKings = $5,500
FanDuel = $7,000
Although he didn’t throw a touchdown, Garappolo’s first start for the 49ers had to be considered a success as he threw for 293 yards against a Chicago Bears defense that is tough against the pass. Garoppolo has already been named the starter for Week 14 and probably will start for the rest of the season. Sunday brings a favorable matchup against a Texans defense that has allowed the third-most passing touchdowns (23) in the league. He may not have the best weapons around him, but his opponent Sunday gives him value at this price.
**RUNNING BACKS**
Le’Veon Bell vs. Baltimore Ravens
Stadium – Heinz Field
DraftKings = $9,100
FanDuel = $8,800
Bell has been a monster in the passing game of late, totaling 26 receptions on 31 targets for 251 yards in his last three games. While his numbers are down overall from last year, it’s pretty hard to argue against playing a guy averaging 129.9 total yards per game. The Ravens have shown to be an excellent defense against the pass, but they are middle of the pack in terms of defending the run. Bell torched them for 186 total yards and two touchdowns in Week 4, so roll with him again this week.
Rex Burkhead vs. Miami Dolphins
Stadium – Hard Rock Stadium
DraftKings = $5,900
FanDuel = $6,400
Burkhead has scored five touchdowns over the last four games, finally establishing a big role in the Patriots offense. While best known for his pass catching abilities, he has still received at least 10 carries in three of his last four games. The Patriots will be without all-world tight end Rob Gronkowski due to a suspension this week, leaving a huge hole in their passing attack. Expect Burkhead to fill some of that void, making him an even better option for your lineup this week.
Kenyan Drake vs. New England Patriots
Stadium – Hard Rock Stadium
DraftKings = $5,400
FanDuel = $6,200
Drake was the featured back last week with Damian Williams (shoulder) out against the Denver Broncos. Drake cashed in his opportunity, rushing for 120 yards and one touchdown on 23 carries. He also showed value in the passing game, hauling in three of five targets for 21 yards. Williams is questionable at best for Week 14, so Drake could be in for another heavy workload. While going up against the Patriots high-powered offense leads most opposing teams to have to throw a lot to catch up, Drake should still provide value based on his role.
**WIDE RECEIVERS**
Tyreek Hill vs. Oakland Raiders
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
DraftKings = $7,100
FanDuel = $7,800
Hill was the main beneficiary of Smith’s improved play last week as he went off for 185 yards and two touchdowns. It marked Hill’s third game with at least 100 yards this season and fifth with at least six receptions. One of those came against the Raiders earlier this season when he had six catches on eight targets for 125 yards and a touchdown. With the Raiders struggles to defend the pass already detailed, don’t be surprised if Hill goes off again this week.
Marvin Jones Jr. vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Stadium – Raymond James Stadium
DraftKings = $6,800
FanDuel = $7,000
Jones had a respectable performance Week 13 as he recorded four receptions on eight targets for 90 yards. While some may have considered it a let down based on his recent big games, you shouldn’t as he had to face the tough Ravens passing defense. There are no such worries this week against a Buccaneers team that allows second-most net passing yards per game (267) in the league. Jones had five touchdowns in four games heading into last week, so don’t be surprised to see him get back to his scoring ways in Week 14.
Kenny Stills vs. New England Patriots
Stadium – Hard Rock Stadium
DraftKings = $4,900
FanDuel = $5,700
While the Dolphins are in the bottom-seven in the NFL in points scored, Stills can still provide you with value. Not only does he have at least 67 receiving yards in three of his last four games, but he has also received at least six targets in six of his last seven games. With the Dolphins often down big, they turn to the pass to play catch up. Expect them to throw a lot this week in an effort to keep up with the Patriots. As a result of team’s playing from behind, the Patriots defense has actually allowed the fourth-most net passing yards per game (255) in the league. At this reasonable price, Stills is someone you should consider this week.
Marquise Goodwin vs. Houston Texans
Stadium – NRG Stadium
DraftKings = $5,100
FanDuel = $5,700
Goodwin played well in Garoppolo’s first start as he hauled in all eight of his targets for 99 yards. It actually marked his fourth-straight week with at least 68 receiving yards. With the 49ers lacking talent at wide receiver, Goodwin has already set career-highs in targets (70), receptions (35) and receiving yards (677) this season. With all of the poor quarterback play the 49ers have had, expect his 50% catch percentage to increase with Garoppolo now at the helm. Considering the favorable matchup the Texans present, Goodwin could be an excellent value play.
**TIGHT ENDS**
Evan Engram vs. Dallas Cowboys
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
DraftKings = $6,000
FanDuel = $6,600
Engram has been the main beneficiary of all the injuries the Giants have suffered at wide receiver, putting together an excellent rookie campaign. He’s become a target monster as he’s had at least seven passes thrown his way in six of the last seven games. Playing in an offense that really struggles to score, Engram has an impressive six touchdowns this season. He’s developed a nice relationship with Eli Manning, so Manning regaining his starting spot Sunday should only help Engram’s cause. Manning may have some extra motivation after being benched last week, so Engram could be in for a big performance.
Jason Witten vs. New York Giants
Stadium – MetLife Stadium
DraftKings = $4,700
FanDuel = $5,800
Witten has owned the Giants historically, hauling in 153 catches for 1,548 yards and 14 touchdowns in 29 career games against them. He was excellent against them Week 1 when he recorded seven receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown. Although the Giants have been better at defending the tight end the last two weeks, they are still among the worst in the league on the season as a whole. With the success Witten has had against them, he could be a nice cost-effective option if you can’t afford Engram.
**DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS**
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Washington Redskins
Stadium – StubHub Center
DraftKings = $3,600
FanDuel = $5,100
The Chargers defense has provided excellent value of late, posting nine sacks, 10 interceptions and two fumble recoveries over their last four games. That’s not good news for the Redskins, who have been decimated by injuries across their offense. The Redskins showed signs of all their injuries catching up with them last week as they could only score 14 points against the Cowboys. This should be another strong performance by the Chargers defense Sunday.
Tennessee Titans vs. Arizona Cardinals
Stadium – University of Phoenix Stadium
DraftKings = $3,200
FanDuel = $4,800
The Titans have put up a few ugly defensive performances this season, but they have righted the ship some the last two weeks against bad offenses in the Colts and Texans. Week 14 brings another struggling offense in the Cardinals who are missing several key players. If it wasn’t bad enough with Carson Palmer (arm) out, Adrian Peterson (neck) couldn’t play Week 13 and may not be able to play this week either. If he can’t go, the Cardinals are going to really struggle to score. The price is right to take a chance on the Titans if you want to save a little money on defense.