Fantasy Football Week 14 Recap: 14 Things You Need To Know

Week 14 marked the final week of the regular season in most fantasy leagues. If you are anything like me, you probably needed a win here or there to make the playoffs. Byemageddon II had everybody down badly, but there was a bevy of new heroes to help haul us over the finish line. There were many notable moments this NFL Sunday, including the Chiefs capping off the night with their 12th win when their new kicker bounced the game-winning field goal in off the upright. Bijan Robinson scored “the octopus,” said the NFL Red Zone host after the Falcons’ back scored a touchdown and scored the two-point conversion. Brock Bowers set a new record for receptions by a rookie tight end when he caught his 87th pass of the year. Brian Bresee secured a win by jumping over the line to get his big hand on the football as Graham Gano attempted a field goal to tie the game. Caleb Williams has been sacked a league-leading 56 times. Unfortunately, the injury section is the largest one in today’s recap of the action. Come and jump right in.

Top Players

Sam Darnold wanted to be sure that he was the quarterback people were talking about after Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota. Darnold did just that. He set new career highs with 347 passing yards and five touchdowns as the Falcons doubled up the Vikings. This was the second time he has topped 300 yards this season.

Puka Nacua made one of the more spectacular catches of the season with an eye-popping, toe-dragging snag in the second quarter. It was just one of many plays he would make on the day. Nacua caught 12 balls, netting 162 yards with a touchdown. In an interesting twist, he also had five carries for 16 yards, reaching the end zone a second time. It is even more impressive considering he was seen grimacing on the sideline in the fourth quarter. A team trainer wrapped his calf, but Nacua played through it.

Josh Allen led all fantasy scorers on Sunday. His Bills played in a slugfest against the Rams. Allen put up 342 passing yards and led the team with 82 rushing yards. He scored six total touchdowns, a new career-high. He is the first player in NFL history with three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in one game.

Josh Allen is the only man who is allowed an MVP vote outside of Saquon

— Joe Pepe (@jpep20) December 8, 2024

Pop Players

Jordan Addison went freak mode on Sunday. The second-year wide receiver scored three touchdowns for the first time in his career. 133 yards was his second-highest total to date. He caught eight of his team-leading 12 targets and left fantasy managers smiling ear to ear.

Rachaad White had a big afternoon against the Raiders. Backfield mate, Bucky Irving, missed the majority of the contest, opening the door for White to take the heavy load. White carried 17 times for 90 yards and a score. He also caught two passes for 19 yards and a second touchdown.

Jalen McMillan put on a breakout performance in the Buccaneers’ victory. He caught four passes, converting them into a career-high 59 yards and two receiving touchdowns. The rookie led the team with seven targets.

Zach Charbonnet got the call in place of the injured Kenneth Walker. To say he answered, would be an understatement. Charbonnet eviscerated Arizona, turning 22 carries into 124 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, he caught all seven targets aimed in his direction and gained 59 receiving yards.

Flop Players

Kyle Pitts continues to be among the most frustrating fantasy players to roster. Despite Kirk Cousins looking his way six times, Pitts only came down with one grab for 14 yards. If your admission to the playoffs was contingent on Pitts, in any way, we’ll see you next year.

Can we all agree to close the book on Kyle Pitts now?

— Ryan Kennedy (@RyanKennedy_22) September 29, 2024

James Cook failed to contribute much to the offensive outburst by the Buffalo Bills. In a wild score-a-thon, the Bills put up 42 points on the Rams, but, inexplicably, Cook was not a part of it. He carried the ball six times, amassing 20 yards along the way. He caught two of Allen’s passes for nine yards. It was his worst fantasy day of what has otherwise been a good season for him.

Drop? Players

Jonathon Brooks was carted off after suffering a right knee injury. It was a non-contact injury sustained when he attempted to make a cut on a first-quarter run.

Bucky Irving exited the Buccaneers’ victory over Las Vegas in the first quarter. He had five touches before the team reported he had re-aggravated a back injury he had been dealing with during the week. Irving did not return to the game.

Aidan O’Connell left the Raiders’ loss on a cart with his left leg in an air cast. He was reported to have suffered a knee injury. The team fears it will end the quarterback’s season. Desmond Ridder figures to be the starter going forward with Gardner Minshew currently on injured reserve.

Derek Carr injured his non-throwing hand on a rushing play when he tried to dive over a group of players to gain a first down. The team is concerned that he may have fractured the hand. He was not moving his left arm as he left the field.

Derek Carr dying for a first down* for the 4-8 Saints. He wouldn't want to go out any other way.

*Didn't get it.

— Jack Mac (@JackMacCFB) December 8, 2024

Isaac Guerrendo walked to the locker room during the fourth quarter after injuring his foot. The rookie had a wonderful game as the new starting running back in San Francisco. He rushed 15 times for 78 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Guerrendo also caught both of his targets for an additional 50 yards. X-rays were negative and he will undergo an MRI on Monday.