Welcome to Week 14, friends. As always, we’re here to provide you with some fantasy football Quick Grades (or Start/Sit Grades, if you prefer) for the week.

We tapped into our consensus projections and rankings and Derek Brown’s weekly Primer to generate this week’s Quick Grades. See below for the results and accompanying notes.

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Week 14 Quarterback Start/Sit Grades

Tua Tagovailoa (QB)

Since his Week 8 return, Tagovailoa has played good football. Among 31 qualifying quarterbacks, he has ranked 14th in yards per attempt, fourth in passing touchdowns, first in passer rating, and eighth in CPOE. Among that sample, he has ranked 15th in fantasy points per dropback and eighth in fantasy points per game. Tagovailoa will be tested this week against a Jets’ pass defense that has bounced back in recent weeks. Since Week 8, they have given up the 12th-lowest passer rating and CPOE and the seventh-lowest success rate per dropback.

Aaron Rodgers (QB)

Since Week 8, for the most part, Rodgers has looked lost. He hasn’t passed for more than 233 yards in any game and finished with more than 18 fantasy points only once. Among 31 qualifying quarterbacks in that span, he has the fourth-fewest passing yards per game, the second-lowest yards per attempt, and the second-lowest CPOE. It hasn’t been pretty. He faces a Miami pass defense that hasn’t been a scary matchup lately. Since Week 8, they have allowed the seventh-most passing touchdowns, the sixth-most passing yards per game and ranked 16th in EPA per dropback. I don’t know if Rodgers can take advantage of a good matchup these days, much less excel against a middle-of-the-road one.

Sam Darnold (QB)

Darnold is the QB10 in fantasy points per game as he continues to defy logic with Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback magic. Among 42 qualifying quarterbacks, Darnold ranks fifth in yards per attempt, seventh in passer rating, second in CPOE, and 12th in fantasy points per dropback. He should shred Atlanta’s wretched pass defense. Since Week 8, Atlanta has allowed the tenth-most passing yards per game, the fourth-most passing touchdowns, the third-highest passer rating, and the tenth-highest CPOE.

Kirk Cousins (QB)

Cousins has been playing terribly. The team has stated that he remains the starter, but it’s in play that if he comes out and stinks it up in any game moving forward, I wouldn’t be surprised if Atlanta yanks him and puts in Michael Penix. Outside of his games against the Bucs, Cousins hasn’t finished as a QB1 since Week 2 of the season. He hasn’t thrown for a touchdown since Week 9. I’m not plugging Cousins into any lineup this week. Especially not if your fantasy playoffs have already started. The risk is too great that he might not finish the game.

Bryce Young (QB)

Young has looked like a serviceable NFL quarterback since Week 8 despite still only performing as the QB25 in fantasy points per game during that time. He did finish as the QB7 in fantasy last week, but he can thank a rushing score and the Buc’s pitiful pass defense for that. Since Week 8, among 31 qualifying quarterbacks, he has ranked 25th in yards per attempt, 26th in passer rating, 24th in CPOE, and 25th in highly accurate throw rate. Young will have a tough time this week against an elite Philly pass defense. Since Week 8, they have allowed the fewest yards per attempt, the third-fewest passer rating, and the fourth-fewest CPOE and success rate per dropback.

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Week 14 Wide Receiver Start/Sit Grades

DeVonta Smith (WR)

Smith will be back this week. He has practiced in full all week and doesn’t carry an injury designation this week. Smith has fallen to WR32 in fantasy points per game as Philly has moved toward a lower-volume passing offense. With the decreased passing volume, Smith has been incredibly volatile for fantasy football. Across his last five games played, Smith has finished as a top 24 wide receiver in weekly scoring twice (WR7, WR13), but he has also finished outside the top 50 fantasy wideouts three times (WR102, WR71, WR54). Since Week 7, Smith has had a 21.1% target share (4.6 targets per game), 1.70 YPRR (42.6 receiving yards per game), and a 30.4% first-read share. During that span, he has only two red zone targets. Since Week 8, Carolina has allowed the 13th-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers while also holding them to the fifth-fewest PPR points per target. Smith could return decent numbers this week, but the range of outcomes for his Week 14 performance is wide.

Xavier Legette (WR)

Since Week 8, with Bryce Young under center, Legette has had a 17.6% target share, a 28.5% air-yard share, 1.38 YPRR, and a 20.8% first-read share. He has been the WR48 in fantasy points per game during this stretch, eclipsing 13 PPR fantasy points twice. Since Week 7, Philly has held perimeter wide receivers to the lowest fantasy points per game and PPR points per target. Legette will be flex-worthy in the upcoming weeks, but Week 14 isn’t one of them.

Adam Thielen (WR)

Since his return to the huddle, Thielen has had a 17.3% target share, 2.33 YPRR, and a 21.1% first-read share. He has one red zone target over the last two games. He crushed as the WR5 in PPR scoring last week, but he unfortunately doesn’t get to face the Bucs’ pitiful secondary weekly. Sit Thielen this week against a tough Philly secondary that, since Week 7, has held slot receivers to the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game and the second-fewest PPR points per target.

Brian Thomas Jr. (WR)

Thomas Jr. is the WR24 in fantasy points per game, ranking 12th in deep targets among wideouts. Since Week 10, he has only seen one red zone target. Overall, he has seen a 19.1% target share and 22.8% first-read share, producing 2.36 YPRR and 63.8 receiving yards per game. Since Week 9, Tennessee has utilized two high at the seventh-highest rate (55.8%). Against two high, Thomas Jr. has seen his target share fall to 17.2% with 1.87 YPRR and a 21.2% first-read share. The reduction in volume and efficiency is notable, but this secondary has been dreadful against perimeter wide receivers over the last few weeks. I don’t know if it matters that much. Since Week 8, Tennessee has allowed the 14th-most fantasy points per game and the sixth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Calvin Ridley (WR)

Ridley is the WR41 in fantasy points per game with five WR3 or higher outings this season. Four of those performances have occurred since Week 8. He is third in deep targets among wide receivers and has seen two red zone targets in his last four games. Since Levis has returned, he has had a 23.3% target share, a 46.4% air-yard share, and a 28.9% first-read share with 2.24 YPRR. Over the last two games, Jacksonville has moved back to featuring single-high coverage at the sixth-highest rate (65.8%). This is fantastic news for Ridley. Since Week 10, against single-high, Ridley has seen his target share rise to 25.5% with 2.80 YPRR and a 29.7% first-read share. He should torch his former team this week. Since Week 8, Jacksonville has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards per game and the ninth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (WR)

Good lawd…he can’t keep doing this…can he? Across his last eight games, he has eight receiving touchdowns. 40% of his receptions in that span have been converted into touchdowns. That is absolutely insane. He has four weekly finishes as a top-24 wide receiver. Since Week 10, Westbrook-Ikhine has had a 17.2% target share with 2.04 YPRR and a 22.9% first-read share with only one red zone target. Over the last two games, Jacksonville has moved back to featuring single-high coverage at the sixth-highest rate (65.8%). This is fantastic news for Ridley. Since Week 10, against single-high, Westbrook-Ikhine has had a 17.6% target share with 0.98 YPRR and a 21.6% first-read share. The efficiency drop-off is notable, but against this dumpster fire secondary in Jacksonville, it might not matter this week. Since Week 8, Jacksonville has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards per game and the ninth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Jakobi Meyers (WR)

Since Week 4, Meyers has been the WR18 in fantasy points per game, soaking up a 25.1% target share with 2.02 YPRR (74.9 receiving yards per game) and a 32.9% first-read share. I know everyone loves Brock Bowers. I get it, but Meyers deserves your admiration and respect, too. Across his last seven games, he has seven red zone targets (only one score). Meyers should crush again this week. Since Week 8, the Bucs have allowed the 11th-most receiving yards per game and the fifth-most fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Sterling Shepard (WR)

Since Mike Evans‘ return, Shepard has had a 21.9% target share, 1.26 YPRR (29 receiving yards per game), and a 27.1% first-read share. He has finished as the WR54 in weekly fantasy scoring in each game. I know I’ll sound crazy here, but he is primed for a strong game this week. He has four red zone targets over the last two weeks and hasn’t scored a touchdown, so there’s some baked-in touchdown regression that’s due to hit here. Also, the Raiders have been dreadful at defending the slot. Since Week 8, Las Vegas has allowed the third-most receiving yards per game, the most fantasy points per game, and the fourth-most PPR points per target to slot receivers.

George Pickens (WR)

Pickens is the WR33 in fantasy points per game, ranking third in deep targets and fifth in red zone targets among wide receivers. Pickens has a 25.1% target share, 2.54 YPRR, and a 34.4% first-read share. Since Week 6, Cleveland has moved back to more single high (54.1%). Against single-high, Pickens has gobbled up volume with a 32% target share, 3.40 YPRR, and a 42.1% first-read share. Since Week 8, the Browns have been vulnerable to perimeter wide receivers, allowing the ninth-most receiving yards per game and the seventh-most PPR points per target. Pickens popped up on the injury report on Friday with a hamstring issue and has been listed as questionable.

Jerry Jeudy (WR)

The last time the Browns played the Steelers, Jeudy only saw Joey Porter Jr. on 36% of his routes, so I’m not projecting him to shadow Jeudy this week. I could easily be wrong here, so factor the possibility of Porter Jr. following him into his range of outcomes this week. Since Week 8, Jeudy has been on fire as the WR3 in fantasy points per game, seeing a 21.9% target share with 2.84 YPRR and a 24.1% first-read share. Pittsburgh utilizes single high at the highest rate in the NFL (70.8%). Against single high, since Week 8, Jeudy has had a 24.5% target share with 3.33 YPRR and a 27.5% first-read share. Jeudy should slay again this week. Since Week 8, Pittsburgh has allowed the second-most receiving yards per game and the 13th-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Week 14 Running Back Start/Sit Grades

Nick Chubb (RB)

Chubb saw his snaps drop back into the 30% range last week as he finished with 34% of the snaps played with 11 touches and 45 total yards. In four of his six games played this season, he has played 30-36% of the snaps. Overall, he has averaged 14.5 touches and 45.7 total yards per game. He has continued to look like a shell of his former self on a per-touch basis. Among 57 qualifying backs, he ranks 54th in explosive run rate, 50th in missed tackle rate, and 52nd in yards after contact per attempt. Since Week 8, Pittsburgh has ranked 19th in rushing yards per game allowed while also giving up the 11th-lowest missed tackle rate and yards after contact per attempt. Chubb needs to get into the end zone this week to pay off in fantasy.

James Conner (RB)

Conner is the RB17 in fantasy points per game, ranking 15th in snap share, 13th in weighted opportunities and red zone touches, and 17th in opportunity share. He has averaged 18 touches and 89.5 total yards. Among 57 qualifying backs, Conner ranks 18th in explosive run rate, first in missed tackle rate, and 14th in yards after contact per attempt. At first glance, this looks like a tough rushing matchup for Conner, but if Arizona stays committed to the run, Conner should have a nice day in Week 14. The last time he faced this defense, Arizona abandoned the run and only gave him seven carries. Since Week 8, Seattle has allowed the lowest explosive run rate and the 13th-fewest rushing yards per game, but in the same sample, they have also given up the 12th-highest yards per carry and the sixth-highest rushing success rate to gap runs (Conner 71% gap). This isn’t a case of small sample variance either. Seattle has struggled against gap runs all season, logging the third-lowest stuff rate, the fourth-highest yards after contact per attempt, and the third-highest success rate allowed.

Zach Charbonnet (RB)

With Kenneth Walker out this week, Charbonnet is in the RB2 mix for Week 14. Charbonnet has two starts this season. In those games, he averaged a 90% snap rate with 20 touches and 88 total yards with weekly finishes as RB7 and RB8. In limited work this season, Charbonnet has had a 23% missed tackle rate, with 2.53 yards after contact per attempt. Charbonnet will have a tough matchup to overcome this week. Since Week 8, Arizona has allowed the third-lowest explosive run rate, the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game, and the seventh-lowest yards after contact per attempt.

Isaac Guerendo (RB)

With Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason out, Guerendo will take over as the 49ers’ starting tailback. He’s only had 42 carries in backup duty this season, but when he has gotten work, he’s been pretty good. He has a 9.5% explosive run rate, a 21% missed tackle rate, and 2.33 yards after contact per attempt. I liked Guerendo as a prospect coming out, as he tested like a beast with 4.33 speed. He also flashed impressive efficiency numbers during this final collegiate season. Among all FBS rushers with at least 100 carries, he was 14th in yards after contact per attempt and 18th in breakaway percentage. He also flashed in the passing game, ranking tenth in yards per route run (minimum 20 targets). He should see 15-20 touches this week and crush an exposed Chicago run defense. Since Week 8, Chicago has allowed the third-most rushing yards per game, the sixth-highest explosive run rate, the second-highest yards per carry to zone runs, and the seventh-highest rushing success rate to zone runs (Guerendo 76.2% zone).

Isiah Pacheco (RB)

Last week, Pacheco played 37% of the snaps and finished with eight touches and 49 total yards. He split the rushing play snaps evenly with Kareem Hunt (46.7%) while only seeing 25% of the red zone snaps. I expect him to get more work this week for the rushing snaps to tilt in his favor and for the red zone usage to also flip in his favor. Pacheco looked like a player returning from injury. Outside of his 14.3% explosive run rate, he didn’t force a missed tackle and had only 1.86 yards after contact per attempt. He could be a low-end RB2 this week if he gets into the end zone with the rushing matchup he is staring at. Since Week 8, the Chargers’ run defense has fallen apart as they have allowed the 12th-most rushing yards per game, the 11th-highest explosive run rate, and the second-highest yards after contact per attempt.

Gus Edwards (RB)

Last week, Edwards led the way for the backfield with a 52% snap rate while playing 64% of the rushing play snaps. What’s concerning for Edwards is that he didn’t see a snap inside the red zone. Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins each played 40% of the red zone snaps. Last week, Edwards had seven touches and 33 total yards. Edwards has been stuck in the mud all season, with only a 7% missed tackle rate and 2.16 yards after contact per attempt. I expect him to lead the backfield in touches again this week, but if you told me that Kimani Vidal took over as the lead back this week, I wouldn’t be shocked at all. Edwards is a must-sit this week. Since Week 8, the Chiefs have continued to field an elite run defense, allowing the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game, the fourth-lowest explosive run rate, and the fifth-lowest yards after contact per attempt.

Kareem Hunt (RB)

Last week, Hunt’s grip on this backfield loosened. He played only 38% of the snaps, with nine touches and 15 total yards. He split the rushing down snaps evenly with Isiah Pacheco (46.7% each) while holding a lead in the red zone (50% of the snaps). I expect Pacheco to eat into Hunt’s workload further this week as he reclaims the backfield. That makes Hunt a volatile flex play at best. The entire thesis behind Hunt’s value has been volume and not efficiency. With the volume drying up quickly, his fantasy value could quickly go to zero as soon as this week. At least working in his favor this week is that he has a wonderful matchup on the ground. Since Week 8, the Chargers’ run defense has fallen apart as they have allowed the 12th-most rushing yards per game, the 11th-highest explosive run rate, and the second-highest yards after contact per attempt.

Week 14 Tight End Start/Sit Grades

Jake Ferguson (TE)

Ferguson will be back in the huddle this week. In his one game played with Rush, Ferguson had a 13.8% target share, 1.04 YPRR (24 receiving yards), and a 17.4% first-read share. He should compete with Cooks for the number two spot in the target pecking order this week. Overall, Ferguson is the TE17 in fantasy points per game, ranking 22nd among tight ends in red zone targets. Cincy has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards per game and the second-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Jonnu Smith (TE)

Since Week 8, Smith has been the TE5 in fantasy points per game, soaking up a 20.8% target share with 2.53 YPRR and a 25.7% first-read share. He has had three end zone targets in this span and scored three times. Since Week 8, Smith has run 46.6% of his routes from the slot. Since Week 8, the Jets have held slot receivers to the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game while ranking 15th in PPR points per target allowed. Smith should continue to get volume this week while keeping him in the TE1 good graces, but don’t expect a smash game.

Kyle Pitts (TE)

Pitts is coming off a week where he played a season-low 41% of the snaps and saw only two targets. The sad thing is I don’t know if his usage gets any better this week. It’s another terrible schematic matchup for him. Minnesota has utilized two high at the highest rate in the NFL (65.2%). Against two high, Pitts has disappeared with a 13.3% target share, 0.95 YPRR, and an 11.5% first-read share. The Vikings have limited tight ends to the 12th-fewest fantasy points per game and the eighth-fewest yards per reception.

Grant Calcaterra (TE)

With Dallas Goedert back on the shelf, Calcaterra reenters the streaming tight-end conversation for Week 14. During his four-game run earlier this season as the team’s starter, he had one TE1 weekly finish and one red zone target. During that span, he had an 82.5% route share, a 15.5% target share, 1.88 yards per route run, and a 12.7% first-read share. Calcaterra couldn’t ask for a better matchup this week. Carolina has allowed the eighth-most receiving yards and the most fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Evan Engram (TE)

Since Week 10, Engram has had a 24.7% target share, 1.28 YPRR, and a 24% first-read share. Since Week 9, Tennessee has utilized two high at the seventh-highest rate (55.8%). Since Week 10, against two high, Engram has had a 29.3% target share with 1.87 YPRR and a 28.1% first-read share. It’s a perfect schematic matchup for Engram. The big question is if Mac Jones can play well enough to support any high-end fantasy options this week. Across their last five games, Tennessee has ranked 17th in schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game allowed to tight ends.

Cade Otton (TE)

Otton is the TE7 in fantasy points per game, ranking third at the position in red zone targets. Since Mike Evans‘ return, though, it hasn’t been pretty with back-to-back TE28 weekly finishes. He has had two red zone targets over the last two games. Since Week 12, he’s had a 15.6% target share, 25 receiving yards per game (1.02 YPRR), and a 10.4% first-read share. The good thing for Otton is that he has a wonderful matchup this week and could be headed for a bounce-back game. The Raiders have allowed the second-most receiving yards per game, the tenth-highest yards per reception, and the third-most fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Week 14 Defense / Special Teams Start/Sit Grades

Week 14 Kicker Start/Sit Grades