Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry were the stars of the late afternoon games on Sunday, drawing attention from fantasy managers across the league. While neither running back delivered a jaw-dropping performance, both showcased their skills on the ground, outperforming the league averages against their respective defenses. Ultimately, it was Barkley who shone brighter, racking up an impressive 107 rushing yards compared to Henry’s 82. More importantly, Barkley found the end zone, helping the Eagles secure a crucial victory that keeps them in close contention for the No. 1 seed in the NFC, just a game behind the Detroit Lions.
Who are the best fantasy RBs for Week 14?
Looking ahead to Week 14, Saquon Barkley is poised to be a top fantasy running back once again. The Eagles are set to face the struggling Carolina Panthers, who have shown significant defensive weaknesses, especially against the run. With a favorable game script anticipated, expect the Eagles to lean heavily on Barkley to carry the offense. The only potential snag? If the Eagles build a substantial lead, they might rest their starters late in the game. Nonetheless, Barkley is likely to play a pivotal role in establishing that lead.
But let’s not overlook Josh Jacobs, who has been quietly dominating this season. Currently ranking third in the league with 987 rushing yards and nine total touchdowns, Jacobs is making a strong case for fantasy managers. He’ll be facing the Lions on Thursday Night Football, and with Green Bay looking to control the clock and limit Detroit’s offensive opportunities, Jacobs could be in for a big day.
The impact of injuries on fantasy RBs
Injuries are always a concern in fantasy football, and Week 14 is no exception. Christian McCaffrey, a cornerstone for many fantasy teams, left the game against the Bills with a knee injury, later diagnosed as a PCL injury. While the exact timeline for his return is uncertain, there’s a possibility he could miss the remainder of the season. Adding to the woes, Jordan Mason, who would have stepped up in McCaffrey’s absence, has also been sidelined with a high ankle sprain. This opens the door for Isaac Guerendo and versatile fullback Kyle Juszczyk to see increased opportunities.
Meanwhile, J.K. Dobbins is on IR due to a knee injury, and though there’s no long-term concern, fantasy managers will need to find alternatives while he’s out. Alexander Mattison and Zamir White are also dealing with injuries, leaving their statuses uncertain for the upcoming games.
Who are the RBs on byes in Week 14?
As we dive into Week 14, it’s essential to remember that several key running backs will be sitting out due to byes. Here’s a quick rundown:
Denver Broncos: Javonte Williams, Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin
Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Taylor, Trey Sermon
New England Patriots: Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson
Washington Commanders: Brian Robinson, Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez
Baltimore Ravens: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill
Houston Texans: Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce
With six teams on bye, fantasy managers need to be strategic about their lineups this week.
Who are the best fantasy RB waiver pickups for Week 14?
If you’re looking to bolster your roster, consider picking up Chris Rodriguez from the Commanders. Although Washington is on a bye, Rodriguez made waves in Week 13 with 94 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 13 carries, averaging an impressive 7.2 yards per carry. His performance could earn him a more significant role moving forward, especially with Brian Robinson dealing with injuries.
Another intriguing option is Sincere McCormick of the Raiders. While he’s a long shot, McCormick has shown promise with 97 yards on 17 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. With Alexander Mattison and Zamir White sidelined, McCormick could carve out a role even when the other backs return to health.
Who are the best fantasy RB sleepers for Week 14?
Breece Hall is a name to watch closely this week. Despite dealing with a knee injury, he managed to play in Week 13 against the Seahawks. Although he left early for halftime, he continued to see action in the second half. If he’s not at 100%, Braelon Allen could capitalize on this and provide some standalone value, especially against a Dolphins defense vulnerable to the run.
Tyrone Tracy has taken over as the starter for the Giants, but don’t count out Devin Singletary just yet. Tracy has struggled with fumbling issues, and Singletary is still a favorite of head coach Brian Daboll. If Tracy’s usage declines, Singletary could emerge as a sneaky play against the Saints.
Week 14 fantasy football rankings
As you prepare for the upcoming week, here are the top running back rankings based on PPR scoring. These rankings will be updated throughout the week, so be sure to check back often.
RANK | PLAYER NAME | TEAM | OPPONENT |
1 | Saquon Barkley | PHI | vs CAR |
2 | Josh Jacobs | GB | at DET |
3 | De’Von Achane | MIA | vs NYJ |
4 | Alvin Kamara | NO | at NYG |
5 | Kyren Williams | LAR | vs BUF |
6 | James Cook | BUF | at LAR |
7 | Chase Brown | CIN | at DAL |
8 | Jahmyr Gibbs | DET | vs GB |
9 | Bijan Robinson | ATL | at MIN |
10 | David Montgomery | DET | vs GB |
As we gear up for another exciting week of NFL action, keep these insights in mind to make informed decisions for your fantasy lineup. The stakes are high, and every point counts as we inch closer to the playoffs!